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tarnuf Dec 1, 2005

Hi I have just brought a needlefelting kit. Early christmas pressie for me   How ever I know nothing about this craft. Any hints or suggestions would help  :pray: Anything to make the job easier  :doh: . I am really looking forward to having a go 

patsylakebears Dec 1, 2005

Like you I got into needlefelting and having no idea what to do ........ I just got in and had a go ..... I really wasn't happy with the results ........ but now I know I was doing it all wrong... I was trying to to do a bear in one piece but that is not the way to go you do each piece seperate and felt them together I still not sure how they joint them but I guess I will find that out when I am happy with the results of the felting sorry I am not much help.......but good luck

kbonsall Dec 1, 2005

http://www.purelyneysa.com/felting/inst … ooklet.pdf

Neysa has directions on her website... these helped me when I started...

gotobedbears Dec 1, 2005

Yeah ditto what Kim has said Patsy - once you get into it you'll really enjoy it. Also play around with it too, don't worry about getting everything perfect at first - like everything, you get better the more you do it.

Have fun with it Patsy - let us see the results when you're done (we are SOOO nosy)  :dance:

Penny 

Dilu Dec 1, 2005

Did no book come with your kit? 

Here's what you do

1.  take a small amount of fluff and squish it really tight in your hand....think about the first piece you want to make.  Is the squished up fluff about the right size?

2.  separate it by pulling it apart-and turn the parts in opposite directions.

3.  put the wad of fluff on your foam pillow

4. start poking.....have you ever made bread?  it's similar to kneading bread.

poke-turn-poke-turn-poke-turn...keep rolling it around too

5. you don't want to create a flat piece....you turn the piece as you poke and turn and ROLL .  When it gets tighter and harder you will need to switch to other needles.

6.  you want it to be quite stiff

7.  it takes thousands of pokes

8.  PAY ATTENTION DARLIN!!!

9.  have bandaids handy...

10.  after you have a piece resembling what you want you repeat for the other shapes.

I find it easier to start with the body- because all the other pieces are in proportion to my body.  Then I do the head, legs,arms.

The key, for me, is to be thinking, while I am poking, about world peace.  Opps, nope that was the movie I was watching, Miss Congeniality. 

Think about what you think you want your critter to look like. 

In my case I envision Disney-cute and get Goofy.....can't get Bambi cute or Thumper or even the cute little mousies in Cinderella, nope- I get Goofy.
                  

It is addicting.  And you can feel like Michelangelo-because you are sculpting out of a wad of fluff something no one has ever seen before.

http://www.mielkesfarm.com/flt_ndls.htm#needles

http://www.cobwebcottage.co.nz/BearsAvailable.html

I would recommend the Barbara Allen book, at cobweb cottage or Edinburgh

it is very basic but assures success....which is important if you are starting something new.

good luck

Judi Dec 1, 2005

AAAHHH I could not have said it better myself ladies.   

Also keep in mind that needle felting takes a lot of time....hours and hours, depending on how large your project is, to achieve the desired results.

' Tarnuf' let us know how things work out for you.   :hug:

tarnuf Dec 4, 2005

  Thankyou so much for all your advice and links. The kit has arrived  :clap:  I have looked through it and got the needlefelting book from the library. It just dosnt seem possible  :doh:  Kids are at school today so going to sit down and have a go. I was lucky enough to go to our local bear show and met Barbara Allen in person. She is such a loverly lady and very talented. Will post pics when I have finished if he actually turns out ok 

Judi Dec 5, 2005

Best of luck.  It is really really fun!  Let us know how it works out for you and be sure to post some photos.
Hugs, Judi

Dilu Dec 5, 2005

Hey Tarnuf, how'er you doing?  Fingers all bandaged?  Blood on the rovings?  Way to go....

YAY.!!!!  CAN HARDLY WAIT TO SEE WHAT YOU COME UP WITH!