Wool Felt
What Is It?
Wool fibers have a natural tendency to bind together and shrink when rubbed against each other in hot water and soap. You remember the sweater that accidentally went through the wash and came out Size 3? I imitate that accident in my workroom to make wool felt. It's a controlled process using natural and colored wools along with other fibers such as silk and angora.This process was known by earliest nomadic tribes who saw the felting that often happens right on the sheep during long, wet winters. When a wet sheep rubs against another sheep for warmth or hugs the lee of a windy hillside, a heavy cap of felt forms in the fleece that repels water, cold, and briars. Conveniently, the following Spring, the matted and felted winter wool drops away to reveal a soft, light layer of fluff coming in underneath.