Introduction to Needle Felting – Elise Campbell

Maximum participants: 12

This introductory workshop will allow you to begin needle felting with an understanding beyond the basics of poking a needle into wool. Elise will explain the differences and uses of the many shapes and sizes of felting needles -students will test various needles to get a feel for how they work and their purposes. Participants will receive wool fibre in various presentations (prefelt, batting, roving, top, locks) to learn about the benefits and uses of each in needle felting. Students will also be provided wool from different breeds of sheep, including commercially produced wool and regionally sourced. Elise will host an in depth discussion about breed suitability for felting and provide opportunities for questions.

Although this workshop will not result in a completed project, Elise will teach participants basic techniques for 2D and 3D needle felting. Students will learn how to form a strong core and create multiple shapes. Guidance will include: creating clean lines, needle angles and ways to attach 3D felted pieces together. If you have ever wondered why someone would take a perfectly good fleece and felt it, this class is for you!