Beginner's Guide to Feltmaking (Beginner's Guide to Needlecrafts) - Softcover

Ascher, Shirley

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1844480046 ISBN 13: 9781844480043

Publisher: Search Press, 2006

Synopsis

Using step-by-step photographs which show how to magically transform wool fibres into fabric, the authors present a series of easy-to-follow projects which range from simple panels to more adventurous shaped pieces. They explain how different colours of wool can be mixed to achieve a painterly effect and how silks and yarns can be incorporated to create amazing textures.This book is brimming with ideas and packed with inspiration Felt is a joy to work with - it is hard-wearing, practical, wonderfully soft to touch and a pleasure to work with; once you have learnt the basic techniques and become familiar with the material, you can go on to create your own unique designs.

About this title

Review

No. 74

Felting is once again growing in popularity and fits in with the trend towards natural fibres and ethnic designs. The authors of this book take the reader through every stage of felting beginning with the basics of the equipment and materials required and details of how to create your fabric. They then go on to present a range of ideas for working with the material showing how it can be incorporated into any number of designs. All the instructions are in step-by-step format with clear photography accompanying the text and templates are included where needed. Pick up this book and you will soon be felting like an expert!

, Classic Stitches

Sept 06

"May I thank you and Search Press for the wonderful book I won from the 'Giveaways' called Beginner's Guide to Feltmaking. I was lacking ideas for ways to encourage my grandchildren to sew and this has been perfect as felt is so easy to work with. The projects are excellent, simple but effective. I look forward to your monthly publication and read avidly from cover to cover".

, Customer

Workshop On The Web, Jun 06

This is a fun book with lively, colourful illustrations. It takes the beginner on a felting journey, starting with the basics: which fibres (the book recommends dyed merino tops) and has a good page on fleece, complete with cute little felted sheep. The equipment list has been held to the basics and readers shouldn't need to buy a lot. Methods are described clearly: carding, pre-felting, inlays etc. and the projects are useful to see how to make use of the techniques. Some are a little twee but others are great. The authors are strong on colour and colour mixing and the book offers good value for money if you're new to felting.

, Workshop On The Web

Oct/Nov 06

Felt is a wonderful and inspiring material, as this book demonstrates by showing how you can transform wool fibres into felt. Using clear step-by-step instructions and colourful and exciting projects, this book explains everything from basic starting up to creating beautiful objects. Felting is a real joy and in no time you will be experimenting with your own unique and wonderful felt projects.

, Stitch

No. 82, 2006

This book is a very good introduction for first time felters, going over the basics such as which wool will do what when felted, equipment you will need and tips on choosing which colours to use together. After a step-by-step guide showing how to felt and how to create certain effects, such as marbling, there are 12 projects ranging from cushion covers and tea cosies to wallhangings.

, Textile Fibre Forum (Australia)

2006

Modern crafters are rediscovering the wonderful world of felt-making, a practical craft with a rich and diverse history going back thousands of years. Requiring only unspun wool fibres, some soap and water, felt is a textile that can be worked flat, moulded and embellished in many ways.

This expansive reference book contains great information about the different types of wools that can be used along with the necessary equipment, how to colour wool fibres and how to make the felt. There are also some inspiring projects to make such as an embellished tea cosy, a waterlilies wall-hanging, felted fruit and a warm, snugly felted scarf.

, Machine Embroidery (Australia)

Apr 06

This is a colourful, inviting and inspirational introduction to feltmaking, which apparently dates back to the Iron Age. Handmade felt is a versatile, easy to handle material - you can create anything from sumptuous wallhangings to shaped or sculpted practical items for the home. The step-by-step photography and text show a simple process requiring wool, hot water, soap flakes and friction. They explain how different colours of wool can be mixed with silk and yarns to create amazing textures, It's brimming with ideas and projects, providing a basis from which you can develop your own unique designs with minimum materials, whilst having endless fun.

, Sew Today

Iss 101, Jun 06

Handmade felt is a wonderfully versatile material. We can create anything from sumptuous wall hangings and cushions to shaped and sculpted items - and all from a kitchen sink!..The book is brimming with ideas and packed with inspiration. Felt is hard-wearing, practical, wonderfully soft to touch and a pleasure to work with. Once you have learnt the basic techniques and become familiar with the material, you can go on to create your own unique designs.

, Machine Knitting Monthly

Apr 06

...The cover of this book just makes you want to look inside and wow, all the brilliant projects you can make and they all look very professional. I have tried several of the pictures and used ideas to create my own scenes. It tells you all the equipment you need, the types of wool available, dyeing the wool, making the felt and using it for projects. A brilliant book.

(Sarah, aged 13)

, Education Otherwise

Issue 41

...This book is brimming with ideas and is packed with inspiration for you to enjoy making your own unique designs. Try incorporating some small appliquéd felt designs into your next quilt.

, Fabrications

About the Author

Shirley Ascher studied Art and Design at St. Albans School of Art. Jane Bateman's background is in journalism, and she spent a number of years designing handmade cards for her local tourist information office and the National Trust. They first started making felt together in 2001 after being inspired by a visit to the Chelsea Crafts Fair in London. Feltmaking soon became their passion, and a year later they were invited to display their work at a flower and craft festival in St. Albans Cathedral. Since then, they have written a number of articles for leading craft magazines and give regular feltmaking demonstrations throughout the UK.

Edition details

• Publisher: Search Press
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 1844480046
• ISBN 13: 9781844480043
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 80