Another Great Morning with Dorothy!

It was a chilly but pleasant day last day of winter and 25 of us gathered at the village hall in Hillsborough for some felting fun! This month, our own Dorothy Dinsmore was showing us how to make ropes and spikes. The ever inspirational Dorothy brought in many beautiful samples to show us the techniques. But first the Show and Tell.

Many members of the group attended Gail's recent lattice scarf workshop so there were some lovely examples to show everyone.Those who did not attend the workshop were so impressed that there were several requests for Gail to do this workshop again! Other items for the show and tell included Sarah's lovely spun wool from Portland breed that is unsuitable for felting, but spins beautifully.

Barbara's scarf from Gail's workshop!

There was also a silk hanky scarf made by Dympna. Ann McCullough modelled a scarf made by Dorothy. Gail also showed us the pieces that she made at an eco dying workshop in Dublin recently.

                                   Lots of talent on display!

Dorothy gave us a demonstration of how to make cords and spikes and we all set to work using our favourite colours and wools. The end result was a variety of items from long cords that could be used as necklaces to spiky samples. Everyone enjoyed themselves and I am sure they were inspired to add spikes and cords to their future work.

Elaine spoke briefly about the session next month, which will involve a knitted substrate. We are all intrigued to find out more.
Jane Fox.

Thank you Jane for doing the write up on the Felt in I was very sorry to have missed it! 
The application forms are now out for the Liz Clay workshop in July, so if you didn't receive one and would like one email at feltmakersnorth@gmail.

Cute wee local sheep and lambs!

Although this Mum was a bit cross with me and was stamping her foot, I think she was camera shy!

Finally we got a mention on the famous nuno felting website Nuno felted designs by Nancy E Schwab, which was lovely I love her blog too, packed with information and great tips! 

See you all at April felt in and remember this is your last chance to enter our Sheep photographic competition, the finalist photographs will be used on the blog in the coming months. 

Happy Felting!
Fiona Harvey

Lattice Nuno Scarf!

This colourful workshop was taken by our very own Gail Cooke, and here are some of her beautiful samples!

Gail explaining the lattice scarf technique.

Explaining the importance of planning spacing of silk.

Gail explaining how to work out the width of lattice effect.

Laying of wool lattice enclosing silk.

                                 Concentration!!!!

Tina helping Leah with her layout.

Deirdre working on her design.

Helen and Dorothy hard at work.

Will I or won't I??? Decision time for Sharon.

Gail and Bronwen checking layout.

Happy girls- Dympna and Jayne.

Barbara happy with her choice of colours!

Sarah completing her lay.

Gail demonstrating the gentle rubbing needed to start the felting process.

Bronwen working on her scarf.

Sharon smiling as she works!

Working on tassel/fringes.

Example of tassels and use of silk to finish end of scarf.

Incorporation of silk into lattice.

Dympna with lovely scarf.

Dorothy looks pleased with her scarf.

Ann Mc Cullough 

I would like to thank Ann Mc Cullough for her pictures and comments on Gail's workshop, which looks as if it was great fun with fabulous results! I look forward to seeing some of these scarves at the next felt in. Talking of which the next felt in is Saturday 19th March starts with coffee at 10.15, Dorothy will be out tutor and its a surprise Felt in, so just bring your usual felting kit!

Mother's love,

Have a good week end. Fiona Harvey