Sunday, September 24, 2006

Felting Workshop

Yesterday, Craftydramaqueen and I went to a wonderful felting workshop held by Durham Guild in Durham City. I was unsure of what to expect, but I shouldn`t have worried. What a lovely group of people! They were so friendly and all the members made us feel so welcome.
We started by making a simple flat piece of felt, and as the day progressed, we moved onto Nuno felting. This incorporates materials into the felt and as the wool shrinks, causes the material to 'ruche',leaving a wonderful texture to the felt. We also sampled felt bead making, and three dimensional felting, making bags with plastic templates.Photos soon !It was a really packed day!
I particularly enjoyed looking at some felt items which the members brought in. These ranged from hats,bags,containers and jewellery to slippers, waistcoats and even a teapot!! The quality of these items was fantastic. It was a real pleasure talking to all who attended, the Guild members were so experienced and gave us loads of hints and tips to help our felting. Can you tell I enjoyed it!?!:). They are going to let us know about next years programme of events, and I`m sure we`ll be back!!

My son had an unexpected return home on Friday. My husband was called to Newcastle General hospital to collect one concussed son, in full rugby regalia! He had to be observed for 24 hours and persuaded the doctor to let him come home as 'both parents are nurses'!! So home he came and returned to his flat the following day, laden with MORE food and a large box of beer! Just the essentials eh!
I`m having a lazy day today. I ache in places I didn`t know I had! The felt workshop should be renamed a felt workout!! Goodbye bingo wings after all that rolling! I think one of the Guild had the right idea. She used an electric sander in a plastic bag to 'roll' the felt. Noisy but very effective and much less wear and tear on the old body!!
I`ve started to write a list of things I need to make felt. Its an odd looking thing , as it includes items such as an Ikea bamboo blind and a broomshank!! The things us crafters need!!

4 comments:

Linger Longer said...

I would love to see photos of any of the Nuno felting. I have been felting only for a short while, and just went to a worksop myself this past weekend.

acrylik said...

So glad to hear you had a great day at the workshop, it sounds fascinating. I can't wait to see what you made!

Hope Tom is feeling much better now - sounds like it if he is back at uni with food and beer in tow ;)

See you soon xx

Craftydramaqueen said...

I'm still aching too!! Tom looks so much like his Dad!! I've been trying to get some washing soda today, haven't found any yet. i need to got to the charity shop for some net curtain!

artyfartykat said...

Thanks for your comments! I hope to have some photos soon, the problem at the moment is that our son has taken the camera to uni with him!!