Felting
Workshops
Felt is an amazing and versatile textile. Felt-making begins with soft wool fibres, and these are magically turned into an arty fabric by adding water, soap and friction. The possibilities are endless and the Mahoe Hills studio is full of inspiring examples.
Marion's workshops are tailored to the interests and experience of the participants. The felting techniques on offer include using resists for 3D effects, nuno-felting with silk fabrics, using prefelts, making cords and incorporating needle felting.
You can create a practical item such as a bag, pouch, bowl or scarf, or you can learn different techniques and make samples.
Half day workshop
In a half day (3 hours) you can learn the basics of wet felting and make a little bag, bowl or table mat.
The cost is $85 per person including materials, for one to three people.
For groups of four and more the cost is $70 per person.
Full day workshop
During a six hour workshop you can make a shoulder bag, a hat or a scarf.
The cost is $140 per person including materials, for one to three people.
For groups of four and more the cost is $110 per person.
How felting works
Eight steps, from a pile of soft wool fibres to a finished piece you will treasure. Marion will demonstrate every step. No prior experience is needed and all materials are provided.
Choose what you will make
A bag, a pouch, a bowl, a scarf or a set of samples. Marion helps you choose a project that suits your timeframe and your experience.
Pick your wool and colours
We mainly use merino tops for our workshops and we have lots of different colours to choose from
Lay out the fibres
Pull fine, even wisps of wool and lay them down in thin layers, each one crossing the one before. This is what gives felt its strength and even texture.
Add silks and surface details
Silk fabric for nuno-felting, threads, yarns and pre-felt shapes are all options you can add to your felt.
Wet it down with warm soapy water
Warm water and olive oil soap are worked gently through the layers until every fibre is soaked and starts to hold hands with adjoining fibres
Rub and roll
Gentle rubbing tangles the fibres together. Rolling the bundle in a mat, turning it as you go, transforms loose wool into a fabric.
Full and shape your piece
Throwing, rolling and kneeding will shrink the felt and firms it. You can shape and mould into different shapes like a hat.
Rinse, dry and finish
A rinse in clean water, a final shape, spin and iron and your felt is ready.
Felting Showcases
A closer look at pieces made in the Mahoe Hills studio.
Enquire about the Workshops
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