| Felting is the compression and matting of wool or other fibers. Our ancestors felted wool over 8,000 years ago. Felting predates spinning, weaving or knitting. Early felted material was made by mechanically pounding or rubbing wool. The resulting fabric was used for basic human needs such as footwear, rugs, clothing, blankets, and tents (yurts). Wool felt protects against heat and cold and can be cut without fraying. Today, artisans felt by applying warm water and soap to fibers. Then, they create friction by rubbing the wool against bamboo rugs or bubble wrap, or putting in washing machines. All of this speeds up the felting process but the basic principle of wet felting is the same as the felting done by our forbears.
My sculptures are felted with a newer invention called felting needles. The needles have barbs which when pushed into wool, tangle the fibers producing felt. Felting needles were first invented during the 1950s’ for industrial purposes. Large machines with thousands of needles were used for making non woven fiber such as car carpets and tennis ball covers. Individuals started using these industrial needles for artistic endeavors during the 1980s’. There are many types of felting needles. Thicker ones have barbs on four sides for fast felting. Some have barbs on only one side for felting lines. There are even some very fine needles for delicate work. With my work, I start with thicker, faster needles for general shaping. Then I proceed to finer needles for adding color and details. All of my sculptures are made with washed wool. Most of the wool comes from my own flock of Cotswold Sheep. After the wool is washed, there are several ways to use it. It can be combed and carded so all of the fibers run in the same direction. This is called roving. Usually, I use roving as the base of a sculpture. Roving can be tightly wrapped to reduce felting time and makes an excellent core for my animal forms. The insides of all of my sculptures are solid wool. For thin legged animals such as birds, dogs, moose, and giraffes, pipe cleaners are used to support the legs. Wool is very versatile. Washed fibers that have not been carded make excellent hair and beards. Felting these fibers gives sculptures a slightly more lustrous effect. By using different felting techniques combined with the unique properties of wool, almost any object can be a subject of wool sculpturing. Because of my love of nature and animals, I prefer to create birds and animals, but the possibilities are unlimited. If you are interested in learning the techniques of this fascinating craft, I have developed several Do-It Yourself Felting Kits that include a needle, instructions and all of the wool in the proper colors. For individuals who prefer hands-on instructions, contact me to inquire about needle felting classes |
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 Needle with handle |
 Barbs along side of needle |
 Red Felting Needle |