Descriptions of Workshops (Feltmaking)

• General Feltmaking Course (5 days covering all aspects of feltmaking)

This is the best way to gain a thorough understanding of the various methods, historical and contemporary applications of feltmaking. Several ways of making felt by hand are introduced in this workshop, including methods of making both flat and dimensional felts. Each method is applicable to various types of fleece and will create felt textiles which look and function differently. In addition, ways to control the design motifs, textures, colors, etc. will be covered. Participants will complete several sample pieces, two or three flat works, and at least two 3-D works (such as boots, hats, mittens, etc.). The group will also learn the nomadic process of creating a large piece of felt. (Course for all levels.)

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• Basic Concepts in Feltmaking (1 day)

This is a 1-day workshop for people who have never felted before. Learn why wool felts, how to test fleece to see if it will felt, and controlled sampling methods for hand felting various types of fleece. The samples can be compiled into a notebook for reference when making future projects. The fleece type influences the handling properties of the felt fabric, and the felter should be able to choose the correct fleece for the proposed project. (Course for all levels)

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• The Very Image of a Feltmaker! (5 days)

In this workshop, Pat will be emphasizing the various ways to make controlled designs (images) in handmade felt. Feltmakers call this process, inlay and Pat will be covering many different inlay techniques in the class. We will be working with the techniques using various materials and adapting them for these materials. These include: inlay on coarse wool like that used by the peoples of Central Asia to make their saddle blankets and carpets; inlay on fine wool using for Pat’s special technique “Water-Color Inlay”. Come join Pat for this fun week of making your “mark” in felt.

• Color and Imagery in Feltmaking  (5 days) (Can also be taught in an abbreviated form as a 2-3 day workshop, without the dyeing and watercolor techniques.)
  

• Felting Needle Watercolor Inlay Technique (3 - 5 days)

This is a new workshop developed by Pat to teach her Watercolor Felt Technique. Pat has developed new methods to help even non-drawers make quite realistic images.  By doing a series of samplers, students are lead through these methods and on the last day will begin (and possibly finish) their own design with confidence.  The methods have been so successful with students that Pat has even written a book about it: The Watercolor Felt Workbook. This technique can be likened to using wool to paint the felt like we use watercolors to work on paper. With this method of inlaid design, the design elements are added after the background is partially made, using a felting needle.  After the designs are applied, the felt is then finished by the normal, wet method so that the fabric is strong and the surface is secure.   This class is for all levels, but knowledge of hand carding is helpful.  (Course for all levels.) NOTE: In the 5 day version we spend time learning Pat's special multicolor dyeing techniques for the merino top we use in the workshop.

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• An Overview of Pictorial Feltmaking Using Inlay Techniques (3 days)

 The emphasis in this workshop is on making flat sheets of felt which are decorated with inlaid motifs. Inlaid means that the design is part of the felt itself, and is not applied after the felt is made. We will use wet and dry inlay, negative/positive inlay, jig-saw puzzle inlay and other variations of this method. We will also be using felting needles for needle punch inlay techniques. Slides will be shown of the work of historical and contemporary artists. We will use Central Asian nomadic techniques to make the felt. Participants will complete samples, and at least three flat pieces (Course for all levels.)

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• Motif Control Through Prefelt Inlay Methods (2 days)

The emphasis in this workshop is on making flat sheets of felt which are decorated with inlaid motifs. Inlaid means that the design is part of the felt itself, and is not applied after the felt is made. This workshop will emphasize the inlay methods that require the use of pre-felts, such as Negative/Positive Technique and Zig-Saw Puzzle Technique. In addition, slides will be shown of the work of historical and contemporary artists. We will use both traditional (Central Asian) and new techniques (sanders and felting needles) to make the felt. Participants will complete samples, and at least two flat pieces (Course for all levels.)
 

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• Wet, Dry,  and Other Assorted Inlay Techniques (1 day)

Wet inlay is a wonderful method of producing pictorial-type designs in felt. In addition, there are several other inlay methods which can create this type of realistic design, as well as geometric or abstract ones. The flat felts, with their inlaid designs will be felted using the methods of the people of Central Asia. Participants will make a samples. (Course for all levels.)

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• Inlay Techniques for Felt Carpets (2 or 3 days)

The emphasis in this workshop is on making flat sheets of felt which are decorated with inlaid motifs. Inlaid means that the design is part of the felt itself, and is not applied after the felt is made. We will use many different types of inlay methods. I was recently in the Republic of Georgia, where I was able to study the inlay techniques currently being done by the traditional people of the Caucasus Mountains. In addition, I taught other inlay techniques to contemporary felt artists and art students. It was wonderful to see how the various inlay techniques I have used over the years, could be adapted to the coarse rug wool from the Tusheti sheep. I was enthralled with the possibilities of using this type of fiber to make carpets, pillows, seat cushions, saddle blankets, etc. While the same techniques can be used to make wearable art when using fine fleece, the coarse fleece adds a wonderful stiffness and sturdiness to the felt. Come discover the wonderful designing methods of the traditional, nomadic felters and make small carpets, seat cushions or pillows.  (Course for all levels.)

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• Color Exercises for the Feltmaker ( 2 days)

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• Optical Color Blending for Feltmakers and Spinners (3 hours or 1 day)

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• 3-D Feltmaking: Scandinavian Techniques ( 2 or 3 days)

Basic feltmaking techniques with an emphasis on the 3-dimensional processes which are used by the peoples of Sweden and Norway. I will cover the subtle differences between the Swedish Open Template and Norwegian Closed Template methods, with American adaptations and discussion on when to use which method. In the 2-day workshop participants will make at least 2 simple objects such as pouches or purses and may have time for a third. In the 3-day workshop, participants will make a sample piece to learn the basic procedures of feltmaking, and then will make 3-4 objects such as hats, mittens, boots, etc. Lectures include some history of Scandinavian feltmaking and many slide examples from the Nordic countries and North America are shown. (Course for all levels.)

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• 3-D Feltmaking: Functional Felt Accessories (2 or 3 days)

The 2-day version of this workshop concentrates on how to make hats, boots, mittens, etc. using Ms. Spark's method of creating three-dimensional objects without sewn seams. Participants will also learn the method of making individualized pattern templates. The 3 day workshop includes a special lecture on the aspects of feltmaking which will help the accessories to functional well, such as choice of fleece and finishing techniques. Slide examples of completed projects from all over the world are shown. (Course for all levels.)

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• 3-D Feltmaking: Felting for Sculptural Forms (2 days)

In the 2-day workshop, participants learn three methods of making dimensional felt objects. The methods include: building up the felt to make solid forms, molding the felt over forms, and making felt objects with no sewn seams, just felted ones. Possible projects include beads, bracelets, bowls, tea cozies, sculptures and toys; as well as accessories such as hats, mittens and boots. In the 3-day workshop, participants will be able to make more objects and try more techniques such as felt sculpture over a soft, fleece core and/or over a foam rubber core. (Course for all levels.)

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• Flexible Felt for Garment Weight Fabrics (2 or 3 days)

Sometimes the felt used for garments is quite bulky and inflexible. However, by using the techniques I have developed to laminate fine fleece onto a thin fabric base, participants will make a delicate, pliable yardage which can be used for a vest or as the body of a jacket. This technique is good for Merino, Rambouillet, and Corriedale fleece as well as for blends such as angora/merino or llama/merino. For the 3 day workshop, the participants will complete a scarf as well as the yardage for the front of a vest. (Course best for people with some experience working with (i.e. spinning or felting) wool fiber.))

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• Flexible Felt Neck Scarves (Cotton/Wool Combination)(1 day)

Using felt lamination techniques, it is possible to make a felt flexible enough to be able to be used for neck scarves or shawls. No more do we need to make the thick, stiff felt that could stand up on its own. With this technique, our felt can rival knitting and other fiber techniques for their flexibility. The resulting fabric is warm, without being too bulky.

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• Flexible Felt Neck Scarves (Silk/Wool Combination) 1 day)

Fine silk is a beautiful fabric to use with merino wool to create a uniquely textured scarf with felt lamination technique (the technique where wool fibers are felted onto a woven or knitted fabric).   We will be working with white wool on white silk and then dyeing it if there is time. 

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• Patterned Scarves Using Silk Laminate Techniques (1 day)

For people who have had some experience making the fine felt scarves that combine wool and silk cloth. In this workshop we will use the properties of the wool itself to create various patterns on the scarves. Lattice, zig-zag, grids, spirals, etc. can be created on the scarves, combining areas of open silk with areas of silk/wool puckers.

• Lace Felt Scarves (1 day)

Some types of wool make a wonderful lacey felt without much effort involved.  We will use the unique felting properties of Wensleydale wool to create a beautiful but strong lace felt scarf.

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• Patterned Lace Felt Scarves (1 day)

With lacey wool it is possible to inlay pre-felts to create interesting motifs within the lace felt.

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• Fabric and Pre-Felt Inlay Scarves (1 day)

Using felting needles, people can add wool motifs to fine fabrics to create interesting fabric/wool combinations.

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• Making Faces

Use both wet and dry (needle) felting techniques to make felted faces on a felt base in this one-day workshop.  We will use wet felting techniques to make the “skin” of a shape, stuff it and then build the face on the shape using felting needles.  The face is designed to help the student learn the four basic strokes of needle felting.  (Course for all levels)

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• Beads, Bracelets, and other Small Items from Handmade Felt (1 day)

This class will feature new approaches to making handmade felt beads, necklaces, ornaments, and other small items suitable for gifts. (ATTN. Teachers: The techniques are especially suitable to being taught to children.)

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• Handmade Felt Caps, Cloches, Helmets and Tea Cozies (1 day)

These simple items are made using a 3-dimensional felting method which creates an object with no sewn seams! The caps and helmets can be made to fit all sizes. Each one can be designed with color and motifs to make it fit the personality of the person it is designed for. If you don't want to make a hat, how about keeping your teapot warm with a custom designed cozy?

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• Brimmed Felt Hats (1 day)

Nothing works better in the famous Northwest rain than a good wool felt hat with a brim. The raindrops roll right off the brim and away from your face (which is especially good if you wear glasses.) The colors can be bright and cheery, or subdued and natural, depending on how the rain makes you feel. When you make your own hat, you are in control! In this workshop, we use a traditional Scandinavian method to create the wool felt used in the hats

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• Handmade Felt Hand Coverings: Mittens and Puppets (1 day)

Handmade wool felt makes wonderful, warm coverings for hands. Explore the ancient Scandinavian method of making a non-woven cloth by subjecting upspun wool to water, soap, and agitation. Create wearable mittens or perhaps fanciful hand puppets with no sewn seams.

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• Boots and Slippers of Handmade Felt (Felt a Pair of Slippers in a Day) (1 day)

Here are some items to help you keep from "getting cold feet" this winter. Handmade felt boots and slippers are extremely warm and cozy. Because they are felted with no sewn seams, they are also comfortable. Each pair can be made with unique motifs and colors, so that they are truly custom-designed. Don't be kept "out-in-the-cold", join us for this "foot-warming" experience.

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• Handmade Felt Critters (Animals and Dolls) (1 day)

Using special felting methods, three-dimensional felt toys can be made. One of the animal types (triangle animals), is made with an ingenious Norwegian pattern which creates cute figures that stand on a pyramid-type base. Another type uses foam rubber as its core and is very flexible. In Scandinavia, people have made wonderful trolls and other fanciful creatures using these methods. Let your imagination soar and come join us to create your own version of "critters".

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• Fabulous Felting Needles (1 day)

Well-known to the textile industry for years, but newly discovered by the home-craft community; felting needles are a miracle tool for attaching hair to rag dolls, fixing felting mistakes, making "pre-felts", creating fiber sculpture and much more. Come and explore the potential of this marvelous tool.

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We will use both wet and dry felting techniques to sculpt these wonderful creatures. Based on a cone shape, the gnomes have terrific faces, guaranteed to make you laugh!

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SPECIALIZED 1/2-DAY (3 hours) FELTING WORKSHOPS