What I have learned...

As suspected, like all traumatic events that have a favourable outcome, I look back and think, "That wasn't so bad". Will I make another raw fleece rug? Likely. Will I remember to keep my mouth closed while fulling and poopy water is airborne? Definitely. Another tip: If your finger hits a particularly sharp bit of veggie matter, resist the reflex to put finger in mouth. A hazmat suit would also be helpful.

Seriously though, I do not want to dissuade you from giving it a try, if I have not already done so! I made one before in a Romney and it took a very long time to felt but this Tunis felted very fast. So...

1. Before going big, do a wee sample. Yes, I know. I used to think sampling was for sissy's but in this case it is just smart.

2. If you have a choice of raw fleece, pick one on the cleaner side that is sheered in a nice sheet with all the cut ends neat.

3.  You can use a base of a different breed wool that you can depend on that is suitable for rugs. If you think it may be a stubborn felter (you will know because of your sample, right?), toss in a layer of mayonnaise merino.

4. Lots 'o layers makes a nice rug with a substantial base.

5. Work outside.

6. Be prepared to get messy, but take your time and have fun. It's the journey, not the destination. I think the blogging was as much work as the rug (see I am forgetting already)...and there is a lovely brown lamb fleece in the garage :o))). You know I will keep you posted.

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

The saga continues...

It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. A tale of one kitty...and a rug.

Don't even think about working outside again today. We work in the stuuuudio, remember? Don't cross this line or...I'll think of something later.

The beast and I reunited. Was not carried off by raccoons in the night.

tossing, rolling...you feltmakers know!

Ack, back spasm!

Is it getting smaller! I fulled for a couple of hours.n

Tried to rinse well. It is so heavy when filled with water and sucks it all up. Difficult to get the dirty water out and fresh water in.Using so much water...a precious resource!

After one good rinse. Rolled up and left to drain a bit so I could lift it. Time for mechanical means and better use of water.

Whaaaat is thaaaat? You are not bringing that in the house are you? Is thaaat what you have been working on without me? Sheesh.

 ..into to mouth of the great rinsing/spinning device...and going to check now....

Ohhhh, that was the ticket!

looking (smelling) way better. Lets do that again...

round deux

TAH DAH!

detail...

Just now...

The review of the raw fleece (local Tunis). This stinky fleece cannot come into the house, so must be felted outside!

Hmm, I appear to have a table issue. Remedy entails moving dye kitchen. This is not going to happen. Guess we are working square!

Ohhh, the lovely Tunis batt that I had washed and carded locally. I only had to wait 4 months and pay a small fortune. I'm thinking "worth it", at this moment!

Layout begins. This is 2 layers where I split the batt and laid out strips. I then decided to move to shingles to make it more uniform. It also fluffs up the fibres a bit more allowing everyone to get friendly. Garage door partly down to protect from the breeze.

4th layer is  layer of natural fine merino. "Why?", you ask? Merino will be my little insurance policy assisting in the wet out. I am putting it in the middle. It's my condiment. Everyone loves a good condiment. Merino is my mayonnaise, if you will

.

Another layer of Tunis over the Merino

...and another. That's 6 layers total so far.

A pat down that would make Homeland Security proud.

 Then I took a break for coffee and to create this post. The layout only took about 1.5 hours. Not bad. I can actually layout shingles better, quicker and more evenly than I can split the batt. Much better for me. Okay. I have another hour before I have to hit the shower to get ready to head out with the family for a bit. I would like to be ready to wet out before we go. you know I will keep you posted.

...I'm baaaack. I have determined a raw fleece rug is like childbirth. I must have forgotten the trauma from the last one a few years ago and, in spite of no good reason, decided to do it again. The poop was ridiculous. Just like childbirth also followed by whining, tantrums and more poop.

Laying the raw fleece on top took minutes. Unrolled it, voila! added a silvery circle.

Icelandic detail

Wet out begins

after some felting (rolling)

It is so heavy that I cannot drag it towards me as I roll it up requiring me to climb on the table. My effort to stay poop free in vain.

Oh, so amused. Standing in rivers of sheep shit. Rivulets running down my legs. Nice. 

Progress. Brought to you by the letter "O".

friggin' heavy

Fulling

My shadow is now very long and my energy short. Time to leave this where it is and pick it up again tomorrow.

I will keep you posted!

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

While on webcam...

 A quick vessel in a beautiful colour blend that I made while on-line by webcam with Kitty (Hi, Kitty!). So nice that I think I will make another! This one is about 16 inches tip to tip ($100 for anyone interested)

 My wonderful repeat webclass student and I made a little bag. Across the shoulder strap (I am waiting on my oval gate rings- better than the round for this bag) Nothing fancy, but very functional with a pocket inside and just the right size for change purse, passport and cell phone. Once the rings arrive, This will head out to a gallery...or maybe I'll keep it (I always say that!)

...and the back side.

The weather has been amazing! I have a huge case of spring fever and am looking forward to kids being done with school and spending long, uninterrupted days in the studio (No driving!). I have a few raw fleece and it could not be a better time to make some raw fleece rugs. If I do, I will be sure to document the process for you. I have a little one that needs to go to the mall (the absolute LAST place I want to be any day of the week!)  and perhaps on my return, the layout will begin! I have a carded batt of Tunis and a raw Tunis for the top. This I think will be the first. Oh, Now I am excited!! I'll keep you posted. Enjoy this fab weekend!

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Ahead...

Tonight I will attend the opening of the Kingston Arts Council annual juried arts Salon (I have a piece in). Will be nice to hang with my artist peeps for a spell.

As this week is quickly coming to an end, I find myself preparing for the next. Saturday I will be at a local fair for the Waldorf School just selling some wool felting fibre. I do not retail wool anymore expect at this venue. My children began there as wee ones and it feels like I am connecting to family when I am there. I love seeing familiar faces and also the new families with their sweet babies just discovering the magic of the school and the community. Selling wool is much easier than my former retail of books and heavy wooden toys, so I am pretty relaxed!

The beginning of the week, I will be teaching for 3 days at a public school. Mornings with the grade 4's, afternoons with 7/8's. The school received a grant to bring some artists in and I am looking forward to sharing the magic of feltmaking. The schedule is a bit here and a bit there, and the classes are big, so the pacing is a bit of a shot in the dark, but all I can do is keep them on task and go with the flow! Next week ends with a 2 day web bags class with a repeat offender...I mean student ;o)...which will be fun to continue our time together. Even by web cam, I feel a nice connection to my one-on-one students. With work done in the studio and a rare couple of hours to spare, I think I will put my feet up, pop some popcorn and read a book...or a feltmaking magazine. Thanks for checking in with me and I will update you more soon!

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

What I've been doin'...

Hey All,

 

"Stanley" by Susan Farber with piece made by me.

A revealing moment...

I had a wonderful couple of workshops over the weekend. I taught a one day vessels and a quicky-one-day PODS workshop. A very kind fellow fibre artist and friend organized them both and took care of all the painfull details, for which I an grateful! The students were fun and fabulous and made great things and I hope learned lots of exciting techniques. The weekend was followed by 2 days on the webcam with a student from California. Today I MUST make a couple of commission scarves as I have a full schedule ahead. A local school received a grant for me and a few other artists to come and teach and I will be with them for 3 days the beginning of the week. This is followed by a 2 day bags web class. Off I go, after I procrastinate just a bit more, to the studio. Oh, I really feel like a nap!

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

This week...

Attachiamenta- Part of the Kingston Arts Council Juried Arts Salon. Opening Thursday May 10th at 7:00 p.m.

Monday I toodled up to Toronto with my mother to keep me company. We went to the OCC Guild Shop to pick up some of my work that has either been there a while or was more winter season stuff. I still really like the work and have other places to shuffle things to, fortunately. Tuesday I completed a proposal for a public gallery in the hopes they might include me in their line up for the coming year with either a solo exhibition, installation or to be part of a group show. I also cleaned my neglected house after a few weeks of just trying to keep it all functioning! It feels good to be devoid of dust bunnies and sticky things and piles of things to put away. Tomorrow will be spent, in part, preparing for 2 weekend workshops nearby. I have been spoiled teaching by home and by webcam and not having to pack up materials, so need to get back in the game! Looking forward to having a big crowd, feeling the energy and seeing what they all create! I'll keep you posted...
TodayVisit my site www.andrea-graham.com