Icelandic Fleece Making

Saturday 14 November, 12.30-4.30pm

On this satisfying one day workshop, Trish OMeara of Wormit Woolies will lead you through the ancient craft of wet felting to create your very own one-of-a-kind felted fleece rug from the fleece of a living sheep Icelandic Sheep.  Icelandic fleeces are particularly luxurious with long soft locks of varying colours and make gorgeous rugs/throws.  Iceland sheep are a hardy breed that display more variety of colour and pattern in their fleece than most other breeds.

Wet felting is the oldest form of textile making and has been recognised as a heritage craft in the UK since the 1100’s. It has a rich history in Scotland with something known as ‘Waulking’. Waulking, also known as fulling, is a traditional Scottish process of soaking the fabric in water, followed by rhythmic beating and kneading, typically accompanied by singing Gaelic songs. This process makes the felted fabric denser and more durable.

This is a practical workshop but you’ll also get loads of theory along the way. Come prepared for an upper body workout, wear comfortable clothes and appropriate footwear as felting can be physically demanding with part of the process taking place outside. You will be provided with a plastic apron along with everything else needed to create your very own felted fleece rug.