Product Description

This book presents new felting techniques ideal for textile artists. It covers the new dry felting techniques with the hand needle punch and the hugely popular new Embellisher machines. These mess-free techniques open up a range of felts ideal for textile artists. The book also covers the use of commercial needle punch felt for fashion and design. And of course, it provides a range of decorative stitching and dyeing methods that can be used to embellish the felt.Colourfully illustrated with inspirational textiles, plus clear step-by-step instructions, the book covers: dry needle felting - from hand needle punch, through Embellisher machine felt to ready-made commercial needle punch felt; felted fashion - covering felt mixed with fabric, nuno felt to make scarves and bags; stitching and felt - including smocking, beads and faux chenille; and basic felting techniques.It also covers the new dry-felt techniques, including the popular Embellisher machine. The book features new techniques that are much sought after in the textile world; fashion application for scarves and bags; and embellishment ideas for felt suitable for all textile artists.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #30942 in Books
• Published on: 2008-08-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 128 pages

About the Author
Sheila Smith is an experienced feltmaker who teaches in the UK and around the world, most recently in Australia and New Zealand. Former Chair of the International Feltmakers' Association, she writes regularly for textile and embroidery magazines, including World of Embroidery, Beautiful Stitches, Sewing World and Workbox. She is the author of the bestselling Felt to Stitch (ISBN 9780713490084). Sheila lives in Thirsk, North Yorkshire.

Customer Reviews

Easy dry felting
In this book, Sheila Smith explores the new dry-felting techniques by hand and by machine using an embellisher. Precise instructions are given for both methods and Sheila explores the pros and cons of buying an embellishing machine or using an attachment for an existing sewing machine. She shows how to combine needle punching with traditional wet felting techniques and also how to embellish by using embroidery stitches.
She gives a range of fabrics, explaining their qualities and encourages experimentation with a variety of fabrics, not just wool. She demonstrates materials, equipment, colour and dyeing to good effect. She shows how to make felt fabrics from scratch, how to build texture, how to incorporate tucks and tubes and work in 3-D. Learn the secrets of rapid dyeing and special effects.
The projects include step-by-step instructions for beginners and there are innovative ideas for experienced felters. I personally felt that the first project needed a traceable design or an easier method of transfer or perhaps a simpler project altogether. Some of the projects recycle old sweaters. The finished pieces are inspirational and will encourage you to further explore felt making to make unique items. I particularly like the felt vessels. The book covers could easily be transformed into bags or purses.
This is a practical and useful book with beautiful illustrations of finished work. There is a list of suppliers for materials used in the book.