One challenge last week at the Creative Felt Gathering...
...was to make an 'Elis-style' scarf with lots of 'dreads' (spiky fringes)...and felted very hard!
Each of us started with some sketches...
...and it's remarkable to me how much a concept can develop in just a few minutes' time!!
My 'scarf concept' had a very long, narrow profile...
...but I got a little carried away, and it ended up being nearly three times longer than it needs to be!! Ulp!!!
Since we started with pre-felt instead of roving...
...the 'laying out' process was mostly cutting and needle-felting.
We used an interlocking foam floor mat as our needle-felting mat...
...and as a textured surface for making the dreads.
These mats are truly amazing...
...and if I hadn't tried it for myself, I would have been certain that a felting needle would just break right off in the hard foam!! (They don't!!)
I added some orange Heidi Greb-type-tube closures for fun (you know how much I lurve these!)
...and a few orange dots and spikes to enliven my grey and white scarf base.
Making nice, firm dreads is hard work...
...and I still have two blisters on my fingers to prove it!!
I spent a looong day felting this 'puppy'...
...and I think you can see the relief and exhaustion on both Elis' and my face when it was finally done!!
13 comments:
Excellent stuff! I didnt know you were taking a workshop with Ellis! I love her work.
The scarf is fantastic!
Wow realy long!
Very nice, you're lucky felting with Elis Vermeulen!
Enjoy your weekend.
Trudis
Thanks, all!!
I FEEL lucky to have taken classes with Elis. She is quite a remarkable teacher and a person with great passion and 'life force'!!
If you ever get a chance to spend time with her, 'drop everything' and go! You won't be disappointed!!
I've followed you to the wilds of Michigan.... and will follow you everywhere and anywhere. It's about time I start following you here too.
Your Jan
Heather, I think your scarf was fantastic. Great pics! Elis is an incredible force, soft and strong...kinda like felt huh?
Lots of hugs,
Suzanne
It was certainly worth the effort, its lovely.
Love the color combo. The 3D orange pieces really make this look fabulous! Lucky, lucky you to have had such a wonderful experience with other felters! Thanks for sharing!! :)
Hugs and thanks to you all!
Some great felting photos here, thanks for sharing your experience. I have just looked around at your blog for the first time after finding your comment on my blog (thanks!). Nice work and what fun classes you have been taking. Keep it up!
What a great scarf. The colours and design are so stylish! Lots of great tips on your blog. I'm happy to be a new follower : )
Thanks, Aileen, and WELCOME!!
That scarf is really cool! So nice to see new designs and get some inspiration.
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