Beginners Guide to Feltmaking

Beginner’s Guide to Feltmaking
By Shirley Ascher & Jane Bateman
Published by Search Press
ISBN 1 84448 004 6
Price £9-99
Reviewed by Jenny Lewis

Felt is the oldest fabric known to man, yet is easy to make, and provides an exciting medium for creating traditional, funky, comforting or artistic items.

Unlike the small, flat squares found in craft shops, handmade felt has a lovely soft springy texture. This lends itself to being made into various thicknesses and designs, whilst looking great in beautiful vibrant colours.

‘The Beginner’s Guide to Feltmaking’ is indispensable for anyone working in the world of art, gifts or textiles. It is illustrated in chapters using an easy to follow picture format, describing in stages how raw wool is turned into that most versatile of fabrics called ‘felt’.

The materials for feltmaking are very basic and apart from merino wool and calico, the equipment can be found in most kitchens. The only work as such, involves 15 minutes of hard hand-rubbing which causes the fibres and layers of wool to felt and blend, and finally bond into felted material.

After a chapter explaining the importance of complimentary colour and the effective use of the colour wheel, several super projects follow. These include ‘Meadow’ – with glorious flowers, ‘Waterlilies’, ‘Roses’, ‘Underwater’, ‘Lollipop Flowers’ and ‘Mini-Makes’. These quirky pieces will provide inspiration for your own creations.

There is no end to the use to which felt can be put, and it has even been made into 3-dimensional artwork. Like any other medium you will extend your creative horizons whilst being pleasantly surprised by the results of your first felting experience. This is an excellent book.

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