Foundations of Felting

This course will run on Thursday Mornings from 31st July to 11th September at 10:00am to 1:00pm.

With these wintry mornings, there's no better time to gather around the creative warmth of wool! Discover the magic of transforming wool into three-dimensional art in Foundations of Felting: A 7-Week Felting Journey.

In this hands-on course, you'll explore the techniques of needle felting and wet felting to create expressive, tactile sculptures, from abstract forms to whimsical creatures. Each week builds on the last, guiding you through the fundamentals of shaping, layering, and finishing your wool creations. Whether you're new to felting or looking to deepen your skills, this workshop offers a supportive space to experiment and bring soft sculpture to life.

Felting is a meditative, satisfying process that brings both your hands and imagination to life. Come in from the cold, connect with fellow makers, and leave with a collection of felted artworks that are as unique and textured as the season itself.

What You'll Learn:

🔹 The history and techniques behind wet felting
🔹 Introduction to merino wool and its properties
🔹 How to use a resist technique to create a three-dimensional form
🔹 Exploring textures and surface designs for added depth
🔹 Step-by-step wet felting process, from fibre layout to final shaping
🔹 Tips for finishing and strengthening your felted piece
🔹 Inspiration and guidance on how to continue felting at home

Tutor Bio: Birgit Moffatt

Birgit is a textile artist with a passion for natural fibres and sustainable living. 

Born in East Berlin, Birgit studied textiles and later expanded her expertise by studying raranga (weaving) and harakeke (flax weaving) after emigrating to New Zealand in 2011. Now living on the Kapiti Coast, she draws inspiration from the native New Zealand bush, infusing her work with the essence of te ngahere (the forest). 

As a popular teacher of environmental art, Birgit is known for her deep connection to the whenua (land) and her ability to guide students in expressing their own connection to nature through art. She has also been teaching felting in Paraparaumu for more than five years.

"For me, making art is not about creating a product. it’s an expression of how I feel connected to the whenua, and how my work ties in with the idea of sustainable living." – Birgit Moffatt

What will I take away at the end of the course?

By the end of the workshop, you’ll take home multiple handmade felted vessels. These are one-of-a-kind pieces that truely reflect your creativity! Plus you will have the knowledge on how to continue your new creative skills at home.

What are the benefits of doing this course?

• Felt making has health benefits such as stress reduction and relaxation
• Creative stimulation
• Learning about the ancient history of felt making
• Learning from each other
• Prepared to experiment further at home
• Understanding of how to make three dimensional forms
• Knowledge of how to manipulate felt to create textured surfaces
• Will receive a .pdf handout with more information about feltmaking
  
  

What to Bring:

• Large towel for drying felt
• Thick sewing needles & strong polyester string
• Sharp scissors (large & small if possible)
• Empty container (e.g., large yogurt tub)
• Small plastic water bottle (squeezable, no spray bottles)
• Apron to protect clothing
  
  

Merino Starter Kits

Birgit will have $30 merino wool starter kits (including wool, soap and bubble wrap) available for purchase throughout the course and can also provide information on suppliers of good quality wool.