Feltmaking

Workshop Objectives

The movement and texture of a fabric is the foundation to any garment design. The objective of this workshop is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the concepts and techniques of constructing fabrics using the felt making method.  Felting is a method by which wool fibers are matted together through the process of agitation and the addition of some water. Participants will learn 2D and 3D felting by making samples of each. As a final output, they will choose between the construction of a hand bag or a hat.

Instructor Short Biography 

With a teaching career of over 20 years, Guitta Melki has held positions at Notre Dame University as the Chair of the Visual Arts, as faculty member at University of North Carolina, Charlotte, and most recently at the Lebanese American University. After completing a Master of Fine Arts at The Savannah College of Art and Design, Guitta practiced textile design in the USA for over 12 years, designing rugs, jacquards, friezes and dobby fabrics.

Among some of her professional awards, Guitta won the CITDA First Place (Computer Integrated Textile Design association), and the American Rug Craftsmen and Amoco Fibers and Fabrics awards. Guitta’s also co-founded the Heart Works Arts and Crafts Studio and her brand The MelkiWay, under which she designs and executes wearable accessories. As a long term ceramist, her art has been shown at MACAM, Cairo Biennale, Salon d’Automne Sursock Museum, US Clayworks and The Boulevard. Guitta has been a regular exhibitor at the Bkerzay Pottery Fair and Ras Beirut Cultural Center 'Ceramic Days' shows.

Workshop Outline

Session 1: The first session will include an introduction and brief history of feltmaking, discussions of related fibers and materials, and demonstrations of 2D felting. The demonstration will include layering the wool, laminating and embellishing, making flaps, layers and pockets with resists, and making tassels or spikes. 

Session 2: This session will see participants start a sample by layering the wool and felting by hand using soap and water. Participants will also review hand bag and hat ideas.

Session 3: This session will revolve around preparation for the creation of the hand bag or hat. Participants will prepare resists, prepare pre-felts if necessary, and set up for layering the wool. 

Session 4: The last session will complete the felting process and see the results of a handbag or hat. 

Materials & Tools 

Wool (100 – 150 grams)
Felting needle
Sewing kit (needles, threads, pins, etc.)
Scissors
Scraps of light fabrics and trims (lace & silk)
Assorted yarns (mohair or lambswool content)
Measuring ruler or tape
Olive oil soap bar (balade) or shampoo
Old large towel
Thin sheeting 50/50 poly/cotton or kham 2 (30x40)
Nylon organza or polyester mesh 50x100
Thin plastic sheets
Bubble wrap (40 x 60)
Swimming noodle
Sushi mat or cane blind 
Empty plastic bottle
Large dish pan or bowl (2 liter)

Where to find

Melki “La Garniture”, Karout Mall