An Introduction to Needle Felting
Linda Calver
March 30, 2022
White Owl
Blurb:
The introduction to the book will cover a brief history of felting and felting/wool terms. It will also list what items you need to purchase to make yourself a starter Needle felting kit and then for each chapter subject, the wool and anything else you will need to complete that project. There will also be a suppliers list from which you can purchase anything you will need.
There will then follow 6 subject chapters, a 7th chapter introducing wet felting and Needle felting combined, chapter 8 will be some seasonal creations with chapter 9 showing you how all these things can be made into gifts for your family and friends or simply something lovely to keep for yourself. Each subject will be fully supported with both diagrams and photographs of how to achieve each item with suggestions and tips along the way.
The subjects covered start from basic simple shapes and how to build on these shapes and will advance in difficulty as you go through the book but everything covered is suitable for a complete novice or someone who wants to try some different ideas.
Purchase Links:
Amazon | Shop your local indie bookstore
A couple of months ago a friend of a friend on Facebook (you know how that goes 😉 ) showed a picture of needle felted dogs that was so adorable that the technique has intrigued me ever since. My only knowledge of felting is knitting an object in real wool, throwing it in the washer then dryer (which in normal life would be a big no-no resulting in bye-bye hat, sweater, etc. or, you know, giving it to a little child for their Barbie) and have the resulting object being stiffly joined together as the fibers seem to melt into each other. When I saw An Introduction to Needle Felting by Linda Calver as a Wish for It on Netgalley, I did and my wish was granted. Thank you!
An Introduction to Needle Felting is indeed an excellent introduction, providing the newbie with a brief history and terms used. As well, a list of the instruments, wool, and other accessories needed in order to undertake beginning needle felting projects is presented as well as a description of what different needles do and what you should expect (needles breaking and how to avoid that and avoid poking yourself with the needles(!)) and why you should use certain instruments over others.
Instructions are given to complete objects from the very simple like hearts and an easy flower to more complex like cats, owls, a delightfully cute mouse, penguins, fairies and so many more. The instructions also have colorful pictures that offer guidance. I love all of the designs and can easily see myself wanting to do each one.
The list of resources is for UK markets because this is a British book, but the needles and wool can probably be found in craft and knitting shops locally and online wherever your location.
I highly recommend An Introduction to Needle Felting for any budding needle felter, such as myself. It’s a great resource.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
rating:
5 out of 5 butterflies