Zanza DIY Handmade Needle Felting Craft Totoro Wool Felt Kit Tutorial

Sarah Brown from Needle Felting UK about Needle Felting

If you missed my last newsletter, here is what the fabulous Sarah Brown from Needle Felting UK and Felting with Nature has to say..!

1. What are your favourite needles to use?

Definitely my 38 and 40 gauge triangle! They are such great "all-rounders!" I use my 38 to start with and then move into my 40 as my project begins to firm up.

2. What is your favourite type of wool to work with?

Easy question, I love, love, love NZ carded batts!! I use them for 90% of my beginner's workshops. It's so easy and quick felting and firms up really nicely.

3. What is the worst piece of  advice you keep hearing for needle felters?

When people ask where to get their wool from they are directed to the cheapest materials and places to shop. After nearly 6 years of felting, I'm a true believer that you get what you pay for!! Yes you can buy cheap man-made fibres to Needle Felt with, but they do not Needle Felt as beautifully as the wools you will find from independent traders. You can not trace cheap wool back to it source and know it is ethical or even if it is truly wool.

I will always direct people to the quality wool providers, even if it's not "cheap," as I guarantee you won't be throwing it in the bin. For me it's definitely quality over quantity when it comes to wool.

4. What common mistakes do people make when they start out?

Getting supplies from huge stores or giant online retailers. These companies are not specialists in Needle Felted and supply beginners with producers that often put people off felting again. Stabbing acrylic wool, with a giant needle into a polystyrene base is enough to put anyone off, surely?

5. What is the one thing a beginner could learn today that would  make a difference to their work?

Don't try to be like everyone else? Just be yourself and make what inspires you. I see so many people try to recreate realistic works of art. We're all different and some can do realistic, others can't! It's not a failure. You'll find what you are good at and you'll enjoy it. Don't stress and try to copy. Needle felting is a wonderful hobby so just enjoy and don't get hung up with what everyone else is making.

About Me:

I created and have been running the Facebook group Needle Felting UK for almost 6 years. I have been Needle Felting for nearly 6 years, I'm a member of The International Feltmakers Association, and I have been teaching needle felting for over two and a half years. I have written articles and reviews for British Fibre Art Magazine, as well as the Foreward for Steffi Sterns latest book, “Making Simple Needle Felts.” I also has a regular column, "Ask Sarah, in the new Needle Felting Magazine.

You'll find me running the Needle Felting UK Facebook group or on my business page at Facebook feltingwithnature

or feel free to contact me at feltingwithnature@yahoo.co.uk

You can subscribe to The Felt box newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/dNw2jA

You can find previous Q & A here

Felt Box Carded Wool Review

What is our carded wool really like?

'Midnight Hare' by Flippity Felts

For an in depth review read this fabulous article by Gabby at Flippity Felts. Wool can be hard to review but we think Gabby has put it through it's paces!

The article looks at some important areas we often wonder about when purchasing wool. How well does it cover? Is it good for detailing, blending and constructing models? 

Thank you Gabby for taking time to review our carded wool! 

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