New Web Ring for Felters!

I've just created a ring on ringsurf for felters. If you're a felt-aholic, please join Felt-aholics ring! Great way to find each other and get your blog or website noticed! There are lots of fiber arts groups, and some for just needle felters, but not so many for all felters. I decided we should have a place to share our sites. It's pretty bare right now, but I'm sure it will grow, and I'll get to adding photos soon.

Did you know needle felting can be used for repairs?

One of my very first major projects in wet felting was a large purse, with two pockets, a nice sized flap with two felted buttonholes and felted buttons on the purse, and a braided felted rope strap. I lined it also. I've been carrying this purse non-stop since I finished it, and it was beginning to show "wear." Portions of the purse started to wear through, and the braids on the strap started fraying a bit. So a few weeks back I took time to repair it with needle felting. Luckily I still had spare wool in the same colors I used on the purse. Now it looks like new! You can add wool to an item, and needle felt it to fix holes or worn spots, and to firm up anything that may have become weak. There are other repairs you can do with needle felting as well, such as repairing holes in socks (I would rather needle felt than sew any day!), and if you complete a wet felting project only to find an area that is not thick enough, or has a hole, you can needle felt to fix that also. Repair holes in sweaters, coats and blankets and needle felt designs over large areas that are in need of repair, so it would add flair and fix at the same time. Have a hole in an item of clothing? You can needle felt designs on other some non-wool fabrics too to repair holes or worn areas. Test a hidden spot, and if it works, you're in business. Revive and update! Try needle felting to repair a child's favorite stuffed animal that has worn spots or holes or to seal torn seams. If you make a nuno felt project, a 40 gauge felting needle can be used to fix up edges or add more design. Doll makers can use needle felting to repair dreadlocks (will even repair human dreadlocks, or make loops in dreadlocks. Just don't needle your head!), or some other cloth doll parts. In some cases, depending on the item, you can fold your wool or pinch it together with your fingers, and then needle felt to repair. What I've found with felting is the more you play with it, the more ways you find to use it and do it! Happy Felting!

NFEST

A couple of days ago, I joined the Etsy NFEST team (Needle Felt Etsy Street Team). Although I have been needle felting for quite a while, I held back on joining this team, because I thought I had too many other things I was involved in and dealing with. I reconsidered recently, as there are quite a few NFEST members who are my friends on Facebook, and whose felted works I see as an inspiration to me. There's tremendous talent amongst this group, and I decided I wanted to be part of it, and I hope to share and learn, support and receive support for the wonderful craft of needle felting! Since things in my schedule are about to change drastically as of next week, I put aside my large upcycled sweater project, and I'm working on a smaller Christmas project, then I'll be on to trying to get as many Christmas cookies baked as possible before Monday. I love the baking, eating, and sharing my cookies!

Yesterday I visited my 82 yr old mom, my youngest son, Joe, and my sister Judy and her clan. We had a nice visit and it may be the only family gathering I'll be able to attend until after Christmas, so I cherished the time with them. I'm hopeful that I'll have one day between Christmas and New Years to visit again at my mom's and see other family and especially my daughter, Veronica, who will be in from Florida, and my other son, Damon, and his family (with my two wonderful granddaughters, and another grandchild on the way.) Life has changed so much, and we all struggle with responsibilities while trying to stay connected and see each other as much as we can. I hope everyone else has time to share with their families too!

Found a great blog for needle felters!

If you're into needle felting (and I certainly am), this is a great site to visit for inspiration. Perhaps one day I'll be able to create characters like Karen's! If you are unfamiliar with needle felting, it is a fairly recent (1980's) addition to felting methods, and involves intermingling wool fibers with barbed needles, creating one-of-a-kind sculptures or felted fiber. If you try it, you'll likely be "hooked" almost immediately. A great way to spend time while you're listening to music, riding a bus, sitting with a friend, etc. You'll be amazed at once at what a fluff of loose wool fiber and a barbed needle can do while in your hands!

Have a look at Karen's works: http://www.karensfeltworks.blogspot.com/