Felt Making

To generate sampling and experiment with different aspects of Textiles I decided to create pieces of felt through the process of Felt Making. This was generated through my independent study and the sampling explored colour scheme and the technique which will be progressed further into the project to create needle-felting samples. The method has been previously used and the task allowed me to work independently to reinforce these samples and processes. With the method being generated through my independent study it has allowed me to problem solve and reinforce techniques used alone to gain confidence with instructions and rules generated. To connect the process towards my project, I decided to experiment with colour scheme and the combination of harmonious colours gained from research towards the Strike Movement and the development process.  I believed when creating the design that it did connect to my project as the textured surface design was a strong material that would be used in the Textiles industry and worked back into tapestry works. Also, the task connected to my project as it is a traditional process in which uses natural sheep fibres woven together by hand to create a strong structure of mesh to create a final outcome with the combination of different water temperatures. These pieces can be also mass produced through machinery within industry and emphasises the importance of the fabric generated through different sizes and amounts. The task has allowed me to use practical skills in order to create further experimentation within the Textiles studio to identify areas I am going to incorporate and develop further into my project. Also, the task has allowed me to problem solve theoretically but also manually to work independently within the Textile studio to produce two outcomes within the time given. Finally, the task has allowed me to identify methods within the Textiles studio that can be progressed and developed further into my project outcomes and development.

To start the task, I developed a basic felt outcome using the traditional wool of white which I am going to be developing further into needle-felting. The basic layout will allow me to create patterns within the surface of the design and also work back into them to create development and progress. Throughout the task, health and safety instructions were maintain in order to avoid the risk of injury. Firstly, gloves were worn throughout the task to avoid the risk of allergic reactions when in contact with skin. The process was completed in a safe environment as excess water would be placed onto the floor causing slipping hazards and trips. Also, towels were used on the surface of the table to avoid the excess water running onto the table and damaging others work. These rules were maintained throughout the task to avoid the risk of injury to myself and others within the studio. To create piece bubble wrap was placed on the bottom of the towel as it would create friction and develop the surface of the design when rubbed together within the process. Then the sheep fibres were placed onto the design with layered textures. The pieces within the design must be separated into fine fibres which were placed horizontally and vertically. This was generated in order to capture a strong structure within the fibres that would join together through the process to create one final piece. Once the piece was layered, mesh was placed on top of the design and coated in washing up liquid and luke warm water to allow the fibres to react and join together. Once the outcome was generated, the piece was wrapped into a roll and rubbed together for 4 minutes. Once the time was completed the piece was unrevealed, turned and repeated again within the same amount of time. This piece was repeated four times to reveal the outcome of a completed design. A problem I faced when completing the design was that a large amount of excess water was removed from the work allowing the design to become dry which could impact the design. To solve the problem, I repeated the process again with adding further water to create an effective outcome and result. The outcome is presented below.

Bubble Wrap Surface

Sheep Fibres Textured



Final Textured piece

Water and Bubble Wrap surface

Black sheep fibres layered

Layered colours

Rotating Bubble wrap

Final Outcomes Of Both Pieces, the coloured and textured piece was less effective

Next, I focused creating another sample exploring my colour scheme and conneting the outcome further towards my project. The background layer was the colour back which repeated the same process previously used in the last sample. This colour was chosen to emphasise the coal-mining and the colours generated throughout my research into industry. Once the piece was repeated I experimented with sampling further and incorporated further colours and layers towards my design. This included the combination colours of red, yellow and orange. As these colours complement each other well they were placed into the layers through the layered cross-hatching technique. Also, these colours were chosen as it connects to the scheme generated through the strike movement which were engaging throughout the campaigns and slogans. Once the piece was layered, it was repeated using the same process and technique of rolling. A problem I faced within the design was that the outcome was breaking apart through the process causing damage and create holes within the surface of the design. As the piece was generated I couldn’t improve the design which had an impact overall of the surface. To improve the layout next time I would include more layered textures of sheep fibres to create a more sustainable piece which would not cause damage and the outlook of the design. The outcome of the piece is presented below.

Overall, I am pleased with the outcome of the design as it allowed me to gain confidence with the technique independently to produce samples. It has demonstrated my understanding of colour scheme and the progress I have made which has gave me inspiration and understanding of the project I have completed. This technique was a fun process to make and I enjoyed incorporating further colours towards the design. To solve the problem next, time I will include further layers of sheep fibres to capture a strong texture and outcome.