Although I do not own this book, Making Felted Friends by Sue Pearl, but it looks like a fun addition to a felter’s library. Her site is called “Felt Better” and it is filled with fun ides and more about Sue. There is a gallery of her work and where to buy her sweet creations. I found Sue’s web site and here is a little about her. Be sure to pay Sue a visit and say “Hi” from Craft Gossip!
Sue tells a little about herself.
My first degree was in Interior design which I studied in London. I had a practice there working with architects and planners both in the commercial and residential fields. I always loved textiles and had a great interest in them and I began to use a spinning wheel as a means of relaxation from the hectic world of design.
In the early 90’s I had a change of direction and decided to study textiles properly first taking a City and Guilds course in Constructed textiles and then working towards a diploma in weaving, spinning and dyeing from Bradford University. I wanted to research more and so I studied for an MA at London Guildhall University which I was awarded in 1997 with a Distinction.
Looking at other textile forms I became very interested in felt, its historical and cultural associations and its design potential. I love the way the visual impact is so immediate and I liken it to painting with wool.
In 2001 I moved to the Cotswolds and became involved in running felt making sessions for children in the schools in Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire as well as local museums and special needs schools. This has expanded to adult learning centres in Oxfordshire, feltmaking parties for children and running adult workshops from my studio in my lovely 500 year old farmhouse home in the Cotswolds. I also make one off original pieces which are sold through various outlets.
I have work on permanent exhibition in the Contemporary Craft Collection in the Museum of Oxfordshire, Abingdon as well as having exhibited at the Cirencester Brewery Arts Centre,, The Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham and The Oxfordshire Museum at Woodstock.
I have also exhibited in a juried exhibition in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania in the USA. My work is in private collections throughout the world.
In 2001 I moved to the Cotswolds and became involved in running felt making sessions for children in the schools in Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire as well as local museums and special needs schools. This has expanded to adult learning centres in Oxfordshire, feltmaking parties for children and running adult workshops from my studio in my lovely 500 year old farmhouse home in the Cotswolds. I also make one off original pieces which are sold through various outlets.