Tracie Ironside from Fairytale felts by Tracie about Needle Felting

          

  If you missed the last newsletter, here is what the fabulous Sarah Cousins about Needle Felting has to say..!

1. How did you discover needle felting, what inspired you to have a go, and what was the first thing you made?

I have always had a passion for crafting, you name it I have probably tried it.

I am quite new to needle felting. Although I have seen it around for a few years now I doubted my ability to be any good at it. Finally, in November 2022, I bought my first needle felting kit and I have not looked back since! I felt most days now, I fell in love with the whole process.

I am now working on my own designs some fun and quirky but I am enjoying felting birds and trying to make them as life like as possible.

2. Do you have a favourite needle felting artist whose work you follow?

I have not discovered a favourite needle felter, but I'm in awe of many! So many talented people out there.

3. Which projects do you find the trickiest and what has been the hardest thing to learn?

I find the whole 3D aspect of needle felting a challenge.

Inspiration for my robin was mostly through photographs, so turning that into a 3D sculpture was fun! But I do like a challenge!

4. What are your favourite needles to use?

I like to use a spiral needle for most of my work.

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

My favourite and now only wool I use is from The Felt Box. Carded wool felt batting.

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

I've not really had any bad advice yet, all advice is welcomed. I will give it all a try and see what works best for me.

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

I think a common mistake, and one I've made many times, is rushing! Not stabbing the work enough, or over stabbing, there's a beautiful spot right in-between.

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

Always take your time, study your subjects, keep checking your felting from all angles, Learn from your mistakes, keep practicing, don't give up, but mostly enjoy the process.

About the artist:

You can find Tracie Ironside and her works on her Instagram account @Fairytale_felts

You can find previous Q & A here

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