Wearable Art

Wearable Art

Felting is incredibly versatile. Depending on the type of wool and the method of felting used, a huge range of projects can be created; from soft flowing scarves to firm, structural vessels, bags, and boots. Wool is a sustainable natural resource and is also breathable, insulating, resistant to water, dust and dirt and is incredibly strong once felted. It is therefore ideal for wearables.

The wool trade used to be a thriving industry in the UK but has declined rapidly since the 1950s and many sheep farmers are now forced to discard their fleeces because they cannot sell them. Like many felt makers, I started out using merino wool, but since learning about the plight of UK sheep farmers, I have made the decision to start using British wool as much as possible. British wool is often quite coarse because of the climate and when felted it becomes extremely strong, so is ideal for structural forms such as bags and boots. Wool is also naturally water resistant, stain resistant and hardwearing.