|
Post by sierrabravo on Mar 14, 2015 0:42:40 GMT
Hi everyone! I'm brand new to felting, so new I haven't even started yet I'm a pretty crafty person and have been fascinated by felting for awhile. I found a local shop where I can get some supplies so I thought I might go pick a few things up tomorrow and try some wet felting. Any suggestions on what to start with? I'm really interested in trying Nuno felting! I'd love to make a beautiful shawl to wear at my wedding this summer. So I thought I'd start playing around with fibre to see what I can make. Glad to be here!
|
|
|
Post by MTRuth on Mar 14, 2015 0:52:13 GMT
Welcome! Glad you joined us. One of the easiest and most accessible fibers is merino. You can usually find it in a variety of colors too. We'd love to see photos of what you create and feel free to ask questions.
|
|
|
Post by Pandagirl on Mar 14, 2015 3:37:33 GMT
Welcome! If you're interested in Nuno felting take a look at this tutorial at Www.feltinglessons.com. It's a good place to start and check out our nuno felting section. By all means ask questions. As Ruth said merino is ideal and an open weave 5mm silk gauze or chiffon make a perfect combination. Www.Dharmatrading.com carries a nice variety of silks, but they need to be dyed unless you want black. I look forward to seeing your Nuno project and hearing your questions..
|
|
|
Post by zed on Mar 14, 2015 9:30:59 GMT
|
|
|
Post by luvswool and dyestuff on Mar 14, 2015 12:58:17 GMT
Welcome to the Forum! You’ve come to the right place for tips, expert knowledge and conversation about all things fiber. All of the above links and suggestions are worthy of your consideration, and I will add one more: if you want to nuno-felt, first begin by making several samples of flat felt, several layers of merino wool--no fabric. Once you understand the properties of sheep’s wool and how it felts (and sometimes doesn’t!), you will be ready to try something more adventurous.
|
|
|
Post by koffipot on Mar 14, 2015 16:54:42 GMT
Hello and welcome. As Cathy has said, start with just wool before progressing to nuno felting. When you do start to make nuno felt, you could start with a fine openweave cotton, such as cheesecloth to practice your skills and save your silk pennies/cents for later.
|
|
|
Post by lyn on Mar 14, 2015 22:49:46 GMT
Hello and welcome! What a lovely idea to nuno felt a shawl for your wedding.
I think Cathy's suggestion to make a piece of flat felt for your very first piece is good advice - you'll learn a lot from doing that and it doesn't take long.
|
|
|
Post by elizabeth on Mar 14, 2015 22:51:35 GMT
SB- This forum is awesome. Give it a try, post your results, ask questions. You'll get great answers. We're all learning from each other (some more than others:-) )
|
|
|
Post by sierrabravo on Mar 15, 2015 13:58:36 GMT
Thank you for the warm welcome! I will definitely try a lot of flat felting before I try my had a nuno. Yesterday I found out we have a local fibre shop just south of the city called Shuttleworks (http://www.shuttleworks.com). I was so happy to go there and see things in person rather than buying online, at least for the first time, and the owners of the shop were great. I picked up a few packages of merino, as recommended, and now I just nee to collect a few more supplies before I can get started. Shuttleworks had wool for all sorts of different types of sheep and animals, but most of it was undyed - it looks like learning to dye might be in my future as well I also picked up a book called Uniquely Felt and I have really enjoyed reading the introduction section, it's given me lots of information on why different tools are used and what to consider when selecting them. Does anyone have any other book recommendations for newbies? I love learning new things, and I feel a bit like I've uncovered a new world
|
|
|
Post by elizabeth on Mar 15, 2015 14:46:23 GMT
SB, That book is very good. I just checked it out from the library again and I think I'll soon have to get my own copy!. There is a thread on the Tips & Techniques theme of the Felting board that talks about the tolls we've all used. Each of us has our own preferences. Sometimes it's just something that's easy to find locally. Ruth's book is great, too - The Complete Photo Guide to felting.
BTW, my first felting foray was a nuno scarf, so it's not difficult. I did take a class, but the silk and wool fibers are so pretty that they look beautiful together no matter what! I would be surprised if a store that carried merino did not provide classes, too. Maybe you need to learn quickly and offer some!!
|
|
|
Post by zed on Mar 15, 2015 15:50:48 GMT
I don't usually indulge in shameless self promotion, but I have an e-book called 'Beyond Nuno' which is about using all sorts of fabrics for nuno, why they felt the way they do and techniques to control it. There aren't any projects it's all how and why stuff: feltbyzed.blogspot.co.uk/p/e-books.htmlI'd also definitely recommend Ruth's book That does have everything about felting.
|
|
|
Post by sierrabravo on Mar 15, 2015 22:04:55 GMT
I love shameless self promotion - so thank you for your book recommendation, Zed! I will also check out the Complete Photo Guide to Felting. I haven't found any felting classes in the city yet, but between youtube and a few books I will fake it until I make it. I was able to find everything (?) I think I need to give this a shot. I think I will start by making a square... ambitious, I know Thanks for such a warm welcome!
|
|
|
Post by elizabeth on Mar 15, 2015 22:19:56 GMT
I'll help Zed with her self-promotion.. I loved her e-book and it helped me get out of the nuno-merino box.
Nother thought for you, SB, If you're wanting to make your own wedding veil, then white silk and merino are easy to find. You can also easily felt with a tulle instead of a nuno. One thing to remember, though, is that as the fibers felt they will shrink, so the fabric will be somewhat bunched. I have no idea what you're thinking about, but this is a great place to bounce ideas.
|
|
|
Post by Pandagirl on Mar 15, 2015 22:45:51 GMT
Sierra many of us never took a class just lesrned by watching, listening and experimenting with an open mind. I'm sure you'll learn what you need to get the results you want. If you have an idea or have seen something you like, you can always post it here and we can help walk you thru it. Just have fun!
|
|