Botanical Forms in Felt

Explore a variety of techniques to create sturdy, seamless botanical forms using just wool, water, soap, and elbow grease (plus a few tools). Participants will start by making several small projects, feeling the alchemy of fibers transforming into fabric under their hands. Use of both flat resists and needle felting for shaping will be covered by the instructor. Participants will then have time to design and create their own forms, gathering inspiration from the landscape around Sitka Center, and their own imaginations. Participants will be able to add a layer of texture to finished felt pieces with stitching if desired.

Tasha Miller Griffith grew up in a family of makers and tinkerers, and has been drawn to textiles of all kinds since she was very small. She is driven by the belief that making things by hand empowers people to live more joyfully and thoughtfully. In her classes, she works to build deep understanding through hands-on experimentation in a warm and inspiring environment. Tasha teaches at folk schools and fiber arts events nationally, and writes for magazines including Taproot and PLY. She also shares free tutorials on her website.

Clothes and shoes which can get wet

Two old towels

Notebook and camera or phone for recording design ideas

Optional:

Any wool that you would like to try felting

Any threads or other materials that you would like to incorporate into your projects

Any preferred felting tools that you have already

All wool needed for student projects

Thread and other materials which can be added to projects

Resist materials

Handouts and resources covering techniques learned

I will also bring various felting tools which everyone can use in class