Feltmaking is one of the oldest textile crafts in the world, used in nomadic cultures for centuries as a way to make carpets, boots, clothes and portable homes known as yurts. Today it is also a popular textile craft that allows you to create unique practical and artistic items from 2D art to sumptuous wearables.
In this workshop you will learn how to make a 2D wet felted memory sampler to create your own unique reminder of a significant life event, special holiday or another treasured memory. For example, the sampler could capture the colours of the landscape after a once-in-a-lifetime trip, or mark a wedding or anniversary.
The workshop fee includes a box frame, wool fibres, silk fibres and other materials but you are encouraged to bring something of your own to incorporate, such as fabric scraps, a piece of lace, knitting yarns or even buttons. It could be a piece of a favourite item of clothing that you no longer wear e.g scarf, jumper, blouse; a piece of a wedding dress or baby’s first outfit; or the buttons or trimming off a loved but now unworn item of clothing. Almost any fabric can be used, but natural fabrics such as silk, linen, wool or cotton work best. As the sampler will shrink as it is felted it is best to bring pieces that are A5 – A4 size that you don’t mind cutting up.
During the workshop you will learn how to:
• blend and lay out wool fibres,
• how to apply fabrics, lace, knitting yarns etc
• how to manipulate the wool and other items into a finished piece using the wet felting technique
• how to further embellish and mount your sampler into a box frame that will be supplied as part of the workshop fee.
Lesley will demonstrate each step and give students individual help and advice.
Things Students Should Bring
• scraps of fabric: natural fabrics such as linen, silk, muslin, cheesecloth, woollen, cotton etc work best, but dress net, lace, loosely woven or lightweight synthetic fabrics can be used too. The tutor will bring some fabric scraps too for purchase on the day (£2) if necessary.
• Old towel; a large hand towel or small bath towel is ideal.
• Small plastic jug or bowl (big enough to hold a litre of water in & to put your work in)
• Bar of soap, either olive oil or glycerine, not a type that is very creamy as it will produce too much lather. Olive oil soap can be bought at most health food shops.
• Plastic bag to take wet work home.
• Apron – optional
• Notebook & pen or pencil to make notes – optional
About The Tutor
Lesley has been making handmade felt for over 20 years using the wet feltmaking technique. She has sold and exhibited her work at fairs and exhibitions and also in an independent craft shop. She is a long-standing member of the International Feltmakers Association, a worldwide organisation with 1000+ members, and was a committee member for a number of years, eventually becoming Chair.
She has taught feltmaking in both the UK and France.
