WIP: introduction to felting

The week before last, I travelled to the lovely little town of Gimli Manitoba, to take a class at the newly opened Leidsla shop with Cathy from Nepenthe Studio. Cathy taught me how to felt wool.

I've read about how to felt dozens of times, but had never actually attempted it until last week. We started with selection of colours of merino wool roving...

merino wool roving

about 2 inch lengths; second layer

With about 2 inch long lengths of roving, we layered. And layered.

the final layer; before beginning the felting process

Then we began the several-stage wet agitation process. More quickly than I had imagined, I had a piece of felt!

Once the wet process was complete, we tried some needle-felting. If you look closely, you can see the tiny holes left from my needle.

after some needle punching

I will wet this piece again... to close the needle holes. I think I will frame this one.

Below are images from my second attempt. 

I'm not exactly sure what I will do with this piece. 

The class was excellent. The process is tactile... therapeutic and calming.