I always enjoy creating a display using my felt and myriad textiles and this year was no exception. I love how my textiles blend so well with the other inhabitants of the Great Glasshouse......:-)
Here's an article all about it click here
Showing posts with label felt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label felt. Show all posts
Saturday, 21 October 2017
Fun with felt fungi
Last Sunday I took part in Wales Fungus Day at the National Botanic Garden of Wales at Llanarthne near Carmarthen.
I always enjoy creating a display using my felt and myriad textiles and this year was no exception. I love how my textiles blend so well with the other inhabitants of the Great Glasshouse......:-)
Here's an article all about it click here
I always enjoy creating a display using my felt and myriad textiles and this year was no exception. I love how my textiles blend so well with the other inhabitants of the Great Glasshouse......:-)
Here's an article all about it click here
Tuesday, 6 June 2017
Events coming up.....
On Sunday 25th June the National Botanic Garden of Wales near Carmarthen is celebrating Wales Wildflower Day (more info here). I will be there making a felt wild flower, amongst other wild flower inspired artists.....
Coming up in July is the Tywi Valley Open Studios Arts Trail. This year 37 artists and craftspeople are opening their studios and homes to the public, free of charge during the last week of July.
You can download a copy of the Arts Trail brochure here
This year, I will be sharing the studio space of fellow felter Jane Evans up at Cilycwm near Llandovery. Jane is a gifted feltmaker who has become besotted with the art since she attended a workshop only last year! She is a real inspiration to anyone thinking of taking up felting. (Jane's website)
Jane & Sarah's Studio Opening Times
July 2017Saturday 22nd 10am - 5pm
Sunday 23rd 10am - 5pm
Monday 24th CLOSED
Tuesday 25th CLOSED
Wednesday 26th CLOSED
Thursday 27th 10am - 5pm
Friday 28th 10am - 5pm
Saturday 29th 10am - 5pm
Sunday 30th 10am - 5pm
There will be drop-in
felt workshops every day that we are open.....
Get creative with wool in the idyllic surrounds of a rural cottage garden. £10 inc materials, all equipment provided.
felt workshops every day that we are open.....
Get creative with wool in the idyllic surrounds of a rural cottage garden. £10 inc materials, all equipment provided.
Monday, 27 February 2017
Exhibition of art & photography by local artists - part of the St David's Festival week, Llandeilo
This week I am submitting some pieces for an exhibition of art & photography by local artists - part of the St David's Festival week, in Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire. (Horeb Chapel)
This is a detail of a mixed media collage inspired by the early medieval history of Dinefwr, Llandeilo.
 |
| Felt textile |
Tuesday, 27 September 2016
It's time to Dye........
After a busy season of shows and workshops, stocks of felting texture goodies were running low at Calonwlân Felt HQ.
The best parts of the fleece for my purposes are the curliest and softest. This is the shoulder and back area of the sheep, towards the rear the curls tend to be matted or part-felted from all the friction they receive from the sheep lying about in the grass:-) I avoid using these bits.
Washing the fleece:
I divided up the best bits into portions, enough to each fit in a washing-up bowl or bucket. First, each bowl was filled with very hot water with a splash of gentle detergent, I find washing up liquid is more than adequate. A portion of fleece was gently lowered into the hot soapy water. Wearing rubber gloves or using tongs, the wool was pushed down so it was completely covered, with minimum agitation, to avoid felting the wool fibres. Normally I try my hardest to get fleece to felt when I am making a textile but during the washing/dyeing process I am trying my utmost to avoid any felting!
It was soaked for around 15 - 20 minutes. This de-greases the fibres. During this time the dirt also separates away from the fibres. If the water gets cold the grease will re-attach to the fibres. The fibres were removed (carefully) while the water was still warm. The dirty water was tipped away and the bowl filled with fresh water which was as close to the temperature the fibres were when they were removed from the dirty water.
Note: A contrast of water temperature at this point will cause the fibres to felt!
The fibres were gently submerged in the rinse water and were allowed to sit for a minute or two. This was repeated until the water became clear. The fibres were placed in a net laundry bag and the top secured. The bags were put through the spin cycle in the washing machine to remove excess water.
Dyeing:
The fleece was dyed while it was damp to allow the dyes to be taken up by the fibres more evenly.
Acid dyes are used to dye protein fibres (wool). The brands Landscape and Gaywool are my preferred dyes, with a fixative already integrated in the powder. Additionally, heat is required to fix the dyes. I use an old tea urn. The urn is half filled with cool to tepid water.
A dye stock was mixed and applied to the fleece. Minimal amounts were used, otherwise there would be much rinsing of un-absorbed, excess dye to do later. Once the fibres were completely covered in dye solution they were placed in a plastic bag and once the bag was sealed it was placed on the surface of the water in the urn.
The water (together with the wool packages) was slowly brought up to near boiling point and then the wool packages were left to simmer for 30-40 minutes. Note again: A contrast of water temperature at this point will cause the fibres to felt. The bags of fibre were left in situ to cool slowly overnight.
The fibre was then rinsed gently in cool water (same method as when washing the fleece earlier) until the water was clear. Remember, any contrasting temperature would cause the fibres to felt. Moving the fibres about when hot may cause felting also. The dyed fibre was put in net bags again and put through the spin cycle in the washing machine. The fibres were left out to dry in the net bags on the washing line.
When dry, the fibres were admired, weighed and packaged up, labels applied and phew, I then collapsed in a happy heap :-)
So it was time to dye..... truly a labour of love:
here's how this Blue-faced Leicester fleece
was transformed into this
First, I found a source of woolly loveliness: a local award winning farm, The Hope, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire.
The fleece was 'skirted', which means removing all the dirtiest parts. I laid it out on a plastic sheet on the lawn to do this.
The fleece was 'skirted', which means removing all the dirtiest parts. I laid it out on a plastic sheet on the lawn to do this.
The best parts of the fleece for my purposes are the curliest and softest. This is the shoulder and back area of the sheep, towards the rear the curls tend to be matted or part-felted from all the friction they receive from the sheep lying about in the grass:-) I avoid using these bits.
 |
| ooh it's sooo soft! |
Washing the fleece:
I divided up the best bits into portions, enough to each fit in a washing-up bowl or bucket. First, each bowl was filled with very hot water with a splash of gentle detergent, I find washing up liquid is more than adequate. A portion of fleece was gently lowered into the hot soapy water. Wearing rubber gloves or using tongs, the wool was pushed down so it was completely covered, with minimum agitation, to avoid felting the wool fibres. Normally I try my hardest to get fleece to felt when I am making a textile but during the washing/dyeing process I am trying my utmost to avoid any felting!
Note: A contrast of water temperature at this point will cause the fibres to felt!
The fibres were gently submerged in the rinse water and were allowed to sit for a minute or two. This was repeated until the water became clear. The fibres were placed in a net laundry bag and the top secured. The bags were put through the spin cycle in the washing machine to remove excess water.
Dyeing:
The fleece was dyed while it was damp to allow the dyes to be taken up by the fibres more evenly.
Acid dyes are used to dye protein fibres (wool). The brands Landscape and Gaywool are my preferred dyes, with a fixative already integrated in the powder. Additionally, heat is required to fix the dyes. I use an old tea urn. The urn is half filled with cool to tepid water.
A dye stock was mixed and applied to the fleece. Minimal amounts were used, otherwise there would be much rinsing of un-absorbed, excess dye to do later. Once the fibres were completely covered in dye solution they were placed in a plastic bag and once the bag was sealed it was placed on the surface of the water in the urn.
The water (together with the wool packages) was slowly brought up to near boiling point and then the wool packages were left to simmer for 30-40 minutes. Note again: A contrast of water temperature at this point will cause the fibres to felt. The bags of fibre were left in situ to cool slowly overnight.
The fibre was then rinsed gently in cool water (same method as when washing the fleece earlier) until the water was clear. Remember, any contrasting temperature would cause the fibres to felt. Moving the fibres about when hot may cause felting also. The dyed fibre was put in net bags again and put through the spin cycle in the washing machine. The fibres were left out to dry in the net bags on the washing line.
When dry, the fibres were admired, weighed and packaged up, labels applied and phew, I then collapsed in a happy heap :-)
sometimes I had some help with the packaging up.....
Happy days.........
Now comes the best bit,
what to do with all the lovely fibre goodies?
What are you waiting for?
Copyright Sarah Enoch 2016
Saturday, 13 August 2016
Thanks
Thanks to everyone who came along to a felt workshop or just to see my felt textiles as part of Tywi Valley Open Studios Arts Trail at the Foot Clinic, 27 Carmarthen St, Llandeilo. (which now ought to be re-named the Felt Clinic!)
There were so many beautiful creations
and so many lovely people........
It was a fabulous 9 days, I met some wonderful people - thanks everyone for coming to my little temporary studio.........
I thoroughly enjoyed my first foray into the
Tywi Valley Open Studios Arts Trail. See you again next year!
'musical' felt made by Katy from Canada
felt made by Sean
6ft felt textile, inspired by the ancient trees
of the medieval deer park at Dinefwr nearby
Wednesday, 13 July 2016
Tywi Valley Open Studios
For the duration of the Arts Trail I will be exhibiting felt textiles and mixed media creations at The Foot Clinic, 27 Carmarthen Street, Llandeilo, SA19 6AN
Directions:Turn off the A40 (Llandeilo by-pass) into Llandeilo and continue for approx half a mile. Then 200 yards after the entrance of Dinefwr Park, turn right into Carmarthen Street, you will see the Foot Clinic just past the Old Market Hall on your right next to Chinese take-away.
(NOT suitable for wheelchairs. Parking outside.)
I will be running mini FELT WORKSHOPS at the Foot Clinic:
‘Wool is wonderful!’ An introduction to traditional felt-making techniques (mini workshop). Have a go at making a small wall-hanging. Advance booking essential, maximum 2 people per session. £6
including materials. All equipment provided.
2pm – 4pm Sun 31st July & Wed 3rd until Sat 6th August
To book a workshop:
email: info@calonwlanfelt.co.uk
or tel: 07792 681844
I am incredibly grateful to Dominique Freeth (link to her website) (gentle, caring, wonderful Podiatrist & artist) who has very kindly lent me her clinic space for the 9 days of the Arts Trail.
For professional foot care services tel: 01558 824718
Wednesday, 1 June 2016
Wonderful Workshop Creations........
I can't resist sharing with you (no pun intended!) a small selection of the amazing wet felted creations that have come forth from workshops and Felt Sanctuary days over the last year or so.......... The first one is by Ann who won a free workshop. It was lovely that she brought her sister along who also made a fabulous shoulder bag just the other day..............Some of the work is shown still in progress.
Sorry, I can't give credit to all the creators individually by name.
Enjoy!
pic by H. Dundee
pic by D. Freeth
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