Most of us
have shared the experience of washing a favorite wool sweater, and having it
shrink to half its size. Wool is such an incredible fiber and can be shrunk, or
felted, on purpose for fun! Each strand of wool is covered with scales. When demonstrating
felting techniques I like to make the comparison to pine cones. With the right
type of friction, and sometimes water, the scales on wool will lock in
place. And you cannot undo the process.
Historical
specimens of felt date back 3,500 years. Some cultures have used felt for
ceremonial dress, blankets for trade and even yurts for housing. Perhaps the
first piece of felt was created by a shepherd filling his animal hide footwear
with wool for comfort, and noticing that it becomes solid piece of fabric with
heat and moisture.
Preschool
children can enjoy making wool balls using the wet felting technique. Children
can be encouraged by choosing wool colours and gently wrapping the wool roving
into a ball shape. Then using their hands to sprinkle slightly soapy water over
it, and gently rub the surface. Slowly, the ball begins to take shape. The more
they work with the ball and soapy water, the firmer the ball becomes. Once
these balls are dry, they will even bounce. Sometimes I put bells in the middle
of these balls and make cat toys. Of course the wet felting technique is just a
tool for the artist’s vision. Wet
felting over a resist to make a hat, vase, or fairy box is simple and
achievable by all. Another type of wet felting that has gained popularity is
knitting an item and shrinking it on purpose. I have made oodles of woolen
clogs this way, as well as tea cozies and market bags. The Complete Photo Guide to Felting is a wonderful
resource for felting techniques.
My personal
favorite technique is needle felting. The supplies you will need are simple and
include a square of foam or Styrofoam, several colours of wool (fleece or
roving) and a felting needle. Due to the popularity of this technique, many
fabric and craft stores now carry these supplies and you could also check with
local artisans. Using the felting needle and an up and down stroke, wool
becomes entangled without the use of soapy water. A beginner can create a
wonderful picture in less than an hour. I keep pieces that I am working on at
my kitchen table so that whenever I have a few minutes I can work on it. Wool
comes in many natural colours, but it is fun to have a palette of colours to
work with as well. Other natural fibers can also be needle felted with wool
such as alpaca, dog or even cat fur. Yarn may also be needle felted onto a
background. Embellishments can be made to items such as blankets or clothing. Artists
have used this technique to make three dimensional items such as life-size
dolls, theatrical masks, and miniature animals and fairies. There really are no
boundaries other than your imagination. Some books that I would recommend are Little Felted Animals, Wool Pets and Fast, Fun and Easy Needle Felting.
Recently I offered two needle felting workshops at the
Middleton library. The participants were all extremely eager to learn this new
art! Some of their work, pictured here, may inspire you too!
Wool …. ahhhhhh. It truly is
an incredible fiber. Ok, perhaps I am biased. I raise sheep because they grow
fabulous wool and I spin, knit and felt with it. There is a lot of fiber in my
diet! Sharing felting techniques with others has given me great pleasure
throughout the years, and I learn something new each time I do. Enjoy exploring
the resources that AVRL has in its collection on felting and experimenting with
this wonderful art form.
Wendy Kearnes, Outreach Services Manager
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