Good March everyone!

I have been quite remiss in posting on this blog for the past few months-my only excuse is that my new job (started in December) is proving to be a “GROWNUP” type job, and between that nd studying for my licensing exam in April, well, I’ve been a very busy girl!

So you can imagine how excited I am to have a FUN morning planned for this Saturday-Nuno Felted Scarf-101, from 9am to Noon on March 9th. We will be at the Potwin Presbyterian Church located at 5th & Washburn right here in Topeka. So far, we have 4 or 5 planning to come, and I’m hoping that another couple might decide to give this a try! 

We will go over the basics of nuno felting, each person will create a lightweight scarf, perfect for spring through fall, and will have an assortment of colors from which to choose! The cost is $50 per person for the 3 hour class, and all supplies are included, as are the tools needed during class. I certainly hope that you will take a look at your schedule and try to come to class Saturday-you won’t regret it, and you’ll be armed with information to continue creating nuno style when you leave!

A question has come to mind for my spinner friends: many of you know that I am also a beader, though I am now using the beads as embellishment in my felted projects. It occurred to me that some of you may be interested in pre-beaded thread to use for plying, and I thought I would check to see if any of you would be interested in such an item, and, if so, what you would be looking for regarding weight of thread, lengths needed, and the cost you would be willing to pay for such an item.

Let me know if this is of interest or if you want to come to class Saturday!

Anna W.
annasplaceofholding@gmail.com

Catie, Cheyenne and Ivy joined me today for the Bag-on-a-Block class and we had a great time! See for yourself:

I think Catie’s bag could function as a hat-what do you think?

Next class on the schedule is a Nuno Felt Scarf-head over to http://www.potwinfiberartisans.org and click on the calendar for March 9th for all the details! Until then, go felt something!

First, I apologize for the lack of attention to the blog. I promise to do better.

The next three classes I have planned are as follows and will be held at the Potwin Presbyterian Church located at 5th & Washburn in Topeka:

Needle Felt a Bag-on-a-Block class-January 19-9am to Noon Fee: $30

Materials: Bring 2oz of base wool & 2oz dyed roving, top or art batt (no superwash). Felting needles and block are included. Using a closed cell foam block as the base, we will build a bag around the block using needle felting techniques. No need for a lining, the base wool will provide the lining, and you will needle felt your dyed roving/top/art batt directly to the base wool. During the session we will take some of the dyed roving/top/art batt you brought to wet felt a sturdy cord to utilize as the strap for your bag, and will begin the needle felting of the bag on the block. You will be shown ideas for embellishment and how to attach the cord/strap for your bag.

NUNO Felted Scarf Class-Sat. March 9, 9am to Noon

Fee: $50

 Learn the amazing technique of nuno felting using a base of cotton Harem cloth, a lightweight gauze. The texture you acheive as a result of thin, wispy layers of wool fibers wet felted with the gauze is unique every single time. All supplies are included for this class: Harem cloth scarf blank, natural creamy white wool fibers for one side, assorted fiber batts to choose from for the design side, as well as the pool noodle, plastic sheeting, pool cover and soap needed for the wet felting process. Wear comfortable clothes that can get wet, and bring several old towels.

Wet Felted Painting Class-Sat. April 27, 9am to Noon

Fee: $40

 With a base of core wool, you will use beautifully colored fibers to “paint” a picture which, after wet felting, will be a 9” by 12” painting, ready for you to mount on a canvas board. Wet felting produces an effect rather like watercolors, and your imagination is the only limit of what you can create. All supplies are included for this class: core wool, assorted colors of fibers,  as well as the pool noodle, plastic sheeting, pool cover and soap needed for the wet felting process. Wear comfortable clothes that can get wet, and bring several old towels.  Bring along a picture or photo for inspiration!

To take any or all of these classes, rsvp to me via Twitter: @FELTit OR via email: annasplaceofholding@gmail.com 

Hope to see you in class! Until then, go FELT SOMETHING!

Anna

It’s coming……

So you think you want to learn to needle felt? Well, here are my basic instructions. All you need is some wool fiber, a needle felting needle or two, and a foam base upon which to felt. Give it a try-you might like it!

Needle Felting Basic Instructions:

Loosen your fibers by gently pulling apart between your fingers. (You must pull the locks apart to open them up to dispel any veggie matter contained in them.) Arrange your fibers in a pleasing design on the foam base. Holding the top of the needle firmly between your thumb and fingers of your dominate hand, use a straight up and down pouncing/jabbing motion to work the fibers together. You MUST pull the needle out of the foam & fibers in the same direction as you inserted the needle or you risk bending or breaking off the needle tip,rendering it unusable.  The goal is to hear a faint “squink-squink” as just the tip of the needle penetrates the foam base; the goal is NOT to firmly pierce the foam base.  When the fibers appear evenly compacted, gently remove the prefelt from the foam and flip over. Continue to work the needle on this side, and repeat from one side to the other until you can no longer pull fibers apart. Finish your felt as desired, adding beads or stitching.

If you are using an armature, be certain to know where your armature is in relation to the felting needle. The needle is fragile and will break if you strike it against wire, or another immovable object.

Always know where your non-dominate hand is in relation to the needle-the tip of the needle and the barbs on the needle are very sharp and will draw blood

Always “park” your needle in the foam base when not in use-this protects you from injury and the needle from breakage.

Remember to use your elbow as the fulcrum to move the needle through the fibers, NOT your wrist.  Take frequent stretching breaks to avoid fatigue.

Most important of all-HAVE FUN STABBING SOMETHING INTO EXISTENSE! Until next time, go FELT SOMETHING!

I apologize for the late evening posting-my son & daughter-in-law had an emergency need for Granna to sit with young master Ezra for a spell. All is well, and I got to see my grandson-good news all around.

So, Tuesdays will be Tips and Tricks day, and today’s tip is to seek out opportunities to learn more about your craft! I was fortunate to discover the Harveyville Project and FELT SCHOOL about 4 months after I taught myself how to needlefelt. Here are pictures of me creating my very first cobweb wet felted scarf:

If I hadn’t begun to search for felt schools, felt classes, felt anything, I would not be where I am today, an artisan preparing to jump her art to the next level. (And I get to go to FELT SCHOOL http://harveyvilleproject.com/?page_id=41 again in about 12 days to get some ‘refresher’ courses!)

Until tomorrow, Wordless Wednesday, go FELT SOMETHING!

Anna