Wet Felted Ruffle Scarf

Hello!  Emma here today.  I've been intrigued by all of the felted-ruffle scarves roaming around the internet.  Ones like this and this and this one too.  We also get a lot of questions in the shop about this sort of ruffled scarf so I decided I better get to it and give it a try.  Both Mom and Auntie Carin gave it a crack a while back, both with success, but neither of them were very infatuated with the technique.  So, based loosely on two tutorials that I purchased off the internet, Melissa Arnold's felting technique and my own ideas on how it should work I made this scarf:

I used Auntie's hand painted, superfine merino rovings for this one - color name is Sante Fe.  This scarf is the result of what I would call an "organic" process.  I didn't really have a goal in mind other than wanting to have the end result be a ruffle of some sort.  I'm pleased with the result and I definitely see where I could change things to get different looks and have more control over the end result.  I also steam-ironed the entire scarf once it was almost dried and that made a huge difference in making the ruffles more distinct. The next one I make I will definitely make the center, unruffled part less wide and make the ruffle part longer.  

Thanks for tuning in!  Are you joining us for the Winter Felted Fashion Show this Saturday?

So Much Fun!

Marie and I met up again a few weeks ago and spent ANOTHER whole day photographing our inventory and, this time, some shots of the shop (we'll show you those in another post)!  Above is just a sampling of what we did - you'll see more and more show up on the website as I get 'em uploaded.  I showed up the day of this shoot thinking we were just going to be doing vessels, sculptures and the shop but as we looked around we realized that we had missed a TON of scarves last time, so once again, I ended up in front of the camera.  No makeup.  No hair do.  Thank goodness for photoshop! I asked Marie if she could just photoshop me every morning.... she smirked at me.  My unpreparedness aside, I really do enjoy working with Marie.  She makes me feel at ease and encourages me to be myself but also gives great directions on body positioning to produce the best image for what we are trying to convey.  Lots of talents that girl has.....and she always makes me laugh!  

I really can't thank Marie enough for taking such beautiful photos!  My family's things that they make are so beautiful it's SO NICE to have beautiful photographs of it all!  The next shoot is going to be Mom's, Hannah's and my handmade wardrobe - excited!  :-)

Woven

Hello everyone! It's Hannah writing to you today. Mom's been a busy little bee (as usual!), and has been creating new felted pieces for classes. She's been particularly enjoying woven wet felt techniques.

We call this one the "Prairie Wrap". I love the plaid look, it's so cozy!

In the process of making it.

These are woven table mats. I think they'd be perfect for Christmas time. 

Mom also whipped up this adorable vessel. Lisa thinks it looks like a sea anemone, I just love the purple, magenta and green color combo. 

As always, visit our classes page for upcoming class dates and details! We will have classes on the vessel, table mat and Prairie Wrap coming up!

A Photoshoot and the New Website!

Hello!  Emma here today.  A while back we had the pleasure of working with my dear friend Marie, of Permanent Glimpse Photography, and our beautiful models, Dylann and Kimberlee.  The day with the Marie was the first of many scheduled days to try and document all of the work of the mass producing artists I find myself surrounded by (I say with a grin).  Below are just a few samplings of the day.  If you want to see the ENTIRE shoot you will have to check out the NEW WEBSITE (WWWWWWOOOOOHHHHHHHOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!) that has been a long time coming!  Here's the link to see those photo galleries:  LINK.

Espadrilles!

Look at these cute little wet felted slippers that Mom whipped up. Not only are they adorable, but they're super comfortable and are made specifically to fit your foot. She's teaching a class on how to make these little babies tomorrow. Give us a call at 916-652-2134 if you're interested in signing up!

Reflections

April 7th was the anniversary of an AMAZING 6 years in business for The Little Thimble That Could.  We celebrated with our yearly tradition (since we moved to High Hand) of a Student Art Show and Reception.  It has been such a blessing to have the space to hold this event every year!  We love to see our students/customers/friends/family/patrons admiring the work that is created in and out of our classroom.  We are humbled that our small efforts to teach and share our love of fiber arts culminate in an art show so full of talent and beauty every year. It has been such a fantastic experience to be a part of so many people's creative lives for the last 6 years.  From the bottom of our hearts, Thank You.

Nuno Felted Scarf by Kim

Wet Felted Vessel by Julie

Wet Felted Purse by Ardith

Sharon and Julie

Nika, Lisa, Julie and Ardith

Judy, Emma and Pat

Felt Covered Lamp by Nika

Nuno Felted Scarves

Nuno Felted Adornment by Leslie

Wet and Needle Felted Wall Hanging by Lisa

Nuno Felted Bolero by Denuta

Wet Felted Vessel by Judy

Wet Felted Table Mats by Gail, Jean and Pam

You can view the entire gallery of this year's Student Art Show HERE.

Lisa's Adventures with Irit Dulman and Vilte

Hello,

This time it is Lisa writing to you.

In January, I went to my first out of town workshop all by myself.   I loaded my jeep with all my felting and  dyeing supplies and set off to the Monterey Peninsula.  The workshop was with Irit Dulman and Vilte Kazlauskaite.  Both of these great ladies I had admired on the Internet for sometime and could not believe they were traveling the world together teaching.  

I had tried to sign up for the workshop and found out it was full!!  I was so bummed!  By some chance, one of our students who came for another class turned out to be the coordinator for the workshop.  Victoria was sweet enough to take my name in case of a cancellation or the chance of more classes being added.  In December, Victoria came in to let me know I had a spot!!  I could not believe it was really happening!  

The workshop was so inspiring!  I had a goal, for the upcoming year, to create more garments and I was very interested in learning how to create amazing seamless garments like Viltes' . We were taught many methods of creating texture and how to construct a seamless garment.   This workshop was the perfect place to learn.  I had a few moments of fear with the dreaded math of it all, but I took a few deep breaths (wishing my math sister, Emma, was there) and set to work.  The classroom was filled with other felt makers who were willing to share their thoughts, methods and suppliers for other fabulous fibers and fabrics.  It truly was a perfect learning environment.

I loved the split day of felting and spending the afternoon dying.  It was exciting to know once we were done felting the fun continued!  Irit was so generous with her knowledge and gentle tutelage.  With boiling pots and piles of foliage we were set free to experiment.  We were like anxious children on Christmas morning waiting to open our special gifts.  I could not open my bundles fast enough to see the results!  It was like magic to see the imprints of the plants we had chosen.  

Needless to say, I came home very inspired and thankful for all of Victoria's hardworking, coordinating abilities; Irit and Viltes' willing to share; and my fellow felt makers comradery and friendship.  

I am very excited to see what creations come to me after this amazing workshop. I don't think I will ever drive again without my hand pruners!!

Thanks for reading!!

Lisa