14 August 2009

Book Review - Nuno Felt


Nuno Felt by Liz Clay is one of those books that you just have to own, even if it just sits on the coffee table and gets its pages flicked for inspiration occasionally. But if you are into more than just caressing the cover, the techniques explained are brilliant. If you have been to a craft show recently, you can’t have missed the felt making workshops. Felting is tactile, satisfying, elemental, an art form. The nuno technique takes wool fibres and combines them with woven fabrics like chiffon, muslin, and organza to produce flexible, lightweight material. There is something very wholesome and creative about meshing fibres to create heat and friction, and seeing a transformation occur. The feel and the smell of the fibres are surprisingly attractive and comforting. This book gives great lessons in the creation of scarves, throws, and assorted home interior pieces. There are terrific photos and instructions, and information on adding embellishments and using cutwork and shibori. The basic essentials to get started are; bubble wrap, net curtain fabric, sponge, olive oil soap, rubber mat, towels, reed blind or mat, plastic piping, plastic bowl and rubber gloves. Preferred textiles include merino wool, muslin, silk, and organza, but the possibilities are endless.

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