Our ‘felt ins’ take place on the 3rd Saturday of the month at Hillsborough Village Centre 10.00am – 12.30pm. Each session we learn and share new techniques (check calendar for more details).
Felt in sessions are free to members, non members can join a session for £20.
What to Bring to a Felt-In
Getting Started
Don’t worry if this list looks long! Most items can be found around your house, and we’re always happy to help newcomers get started. The only thing you’ll definitely need to buy is wool fibres – and we have these available for purchase at every monthly meeting.
First time joining us? Just bring yourself and maybe a towel – we can help you figure out what else you need as you go!
Wet Felting Supplies
Must-Have Items:
- Bubble wrap (small bubbles work best)
- Rolling bar – pool noodle, pipe insulation from hardware stores, or old broom handle cut to size
- Soap – olive oil soap is gentlest on hands, but any mild soap works
- Towels – old hand towels for small projects, large bath towels for bigger pieces
- Sponge or cloth – for mopping up water
- Net curtain or mosquito netting – plain weave works best
- Water-tight bag – to safely transport your wet work home
- Water sprayer – bulb baster is ideal, or make your own with a milk container (pierce small holes in the lid)
- Large container – needs to hold about 2 litres of water
- Wool fibres (available to purchase at Feltmakers North)
Handy to Have:
- Marker pen, scissors & measuring tape – useful for planning projects
- Fine plastic sheeting – builders’ protective plastic works well
- Bamboo rolling mat – great for advanced projects
Dry Felting/Needle Felting Supplies
Essential Kit:
- Dense foam block – provides a stable work surface
- Felting needles – various gauges for different effects
- Needle holder or cork – protects your fingers and keeps needles organised
- Wool fibres (available to purchase at Feltmakers North)
- Basic sewing kit – needles, thread, pins
- Sharp scissors – for trimming and shaping
Where to Get Your Materials
Available at Feltmakers North:
- High-quality wool fibres in various colours
- Basic felting supplies
- Expert advice on what works best
Find Online:
Check our home page for recommended suppliers of:
- Specialty wool fibres
- Silk fibres
- Felting soaps
- Professional-grade tools and sundries
Money-Saving Tips
DIY Alternatives:
- Water sprayer: Repurpose a clean milk container
- Rolling bar: Pool noodles from discount stores work perfectly
- Work surface: Large plastic tablecloth instead of specialized sheeting
- Net curtain: Check charity shops for inexpensive options
Start Small:
Begin with a basic kit and add specialized tools as your skills develop. Every felter builds their personal “bag of tricks” over time!
First-Timer Checklist ✓
Absolute essentials for your first visit:
- A couple of old towels
- Soap (any mild soap will do)
- Enthusiasm and willingness to get a bit messy!
- Small container for water
- Something to carry wet work home in
We can help you with everything else, including:
- Wool fibres to get started
- Guidance on technique
- Sharing of tools and materials
- Advice on building your own kit
Questions about materials? Don’t hesitate to ask! Contact us before your first visit and we’ll make sure you’re properly prepared. Remember – everyone started somewhere, and we’re here to help you begin your felting journey.