WORKSHOP 

Discover how to use resists in wet felting to make hollow shapes and 3D embellishments. In this workshop we will be making small bags that can be as practical or ornamental as you choose.

Using different types of resist materials and placement, we will look at how to make a basic bag shape, decorate the surface, add a pocket, and add cutouts, a wooden handle and flowers or other pop out shapes. We will experiment with combining Merino wool, yarn, plant fibre and fine fabrics to give different textures and effects.

The tutor will help you to design your bag to suit your level of experience which can range from beginner to more experienced. As well as making your own piece, you will see and learn from others experimenting. Here are some examples but your bag will be unique.

OUR TUTOR

Jennie Curtis began making felt in 2008 after joining the Canberra Region Feltmakers. Master of many felting techniques, several times Felting Champion at Canberra Show, former editor of Felt Magazine and always experimenting, she loves sharing wet feltmaking techniques along with dyeing and printing on felt.

OTHER INFORMATION

Equipment

(Beginners can borrow this equipment on the day.)

• piece of bubble wrap approx 150 x 50 cm
• piece of grip mat approx 100 x 50cm
• piece of netting approx 100 x 50cm eg. stretch tulle, old synthetic sheer curtain
• sprinkler water bottle
  

• permanent marker eg. Sharpie pen
• small piece of bubble wrap approx 20 x 20cm
• cake of soap eg olive oil
• towel or large absorbent chamois
• plastic bowl, container for water
• scissors for cutting plastic resist material and felt
• sewing pins, needle and thread
• carding combs or pet flicker brush (used for grooming cats) - only if you have them
• any felting tools that you like to use

Materials

Resist materials will be provided by tutor.

Essential (included in optional beginners wool pack available on the day):

• 100g fine Merino wool tops (19 micron) in base colour
• 50g fine Merino wool tops in colours of your choice to complement base colour

Please note that wool tops are wool fibre that has been cleaned and carded reading for spinning or felt making. This is different from wool yarn.

Example of optional beginners wool pack ($18 on the day):

Nice to have:

• 10g Viscose, silk or other plant-based fibre tops in one or more colours
• scraps of fine silk fabric or soft tulle (if you can blow through it, it will probably work)
• piece of wooden dowel approx 15cm long or a rustic stick for handle
• 3-4m of woollen yarn that isn't wool wash treated (eg handspun yarn or some boutique yarns). 

Example of handspun yarn available on the day ($2.60 for one):

SKILL LEVEL

Beginners - intermediate but all levels welcome

CANCELLATIONS

See Workshop Terms and Conditions.