Raw Fleece to…Living Fleece Rug: Making Rugs & Throws with Sheep Fleece
A day working with raw sheep fleece to make a natural, sheep friendly and sustainable rug. The felted fleeces make a beautiful feature in any home and can be used as rugs, stunning wall hangings, or as cosy chair or bench throws, keeping your warm & comfortable, especially in the winter months.
This is a great introduction to learning how to work with raw fleece. The bonus is you will be helping to support British farmers by making use of their sheeps' sheared fleeces, the sheep enjoy their annual hair cut, you learn news skills and take home a beautiful work of art!
During the day you will learn how to;
- Prepare the raw fleece - skirting, dagging & removing vegetable matter
- Layout a backing
- Bind the fleece together using soap, water & elbow grease
- Scour and wash out the lanolin and field dirt
- Dry & Finish the Fleece
We’ll discuss which different breeds fleeces felt readily, the fibres suitable for backings and two ways to finish your living fleece.
By the close of the workshop you will have felted and rinsed your felted fleece rug. You will go home with a damp felted fleece rug. Once home you may need to rinse your work further (dependng on how far you have completed your rug) and lay out the rug to dry before selecting your chosen finishing process. We will discuss this during the workshop and I offer online post workshop consultations to help you with these aspects as part of the workshop.
We will work with Mule fleeces, (cross breed of 2+ sheep breeds), a white - ivory colour. The raw fleece and fibres are included in the workshop fee.
We can offer alternative breeds of fleece to work with on request. If you would like to work with a specific breed or bring your own fleece, please let me know.
Requests for specific breed fleeces: Need to be made no later than 3 weeks before the workshop and are dependent on suppliers stocks & therefore requests can not be guaranteed. Requests for other fleece breeds attracts an additional fee, cost is dependant on the breed and availability. Alternative breed fleece choices include Jacobs (+£20), Hebridean (+£20), Icelandic (+£30) or Gotland (+£40). An invoice for the fleece will be made on confirmation of availability.
The Sheep fleeces are natural products and therefore no two fleeces are identical - colour and patterning of the fleeces can vary.
The workshop is restricted to 2 people on the dates advertised. If you would like a private workshop for your group or a 1-2-1 session and wish to arrange an alternative date please contact me to discuss your requirements and suitable date.
You will need to bring with you; 2 old towels, a large waterproof bag or bucket (to carry you damp fleece home in), a camera, notebook and a packed lunch.
Please be Aware:
This is a physically demanding process. You will need some strength, patience and fitness as you will be standing for long periods of time, rolling and lifting the fleece, which is heavy when wet. The workshop will be outdoors and working with raw fleece is a dirty, wet and messy activity - please dress appropriately in old clothes and comfortable footwear. The session is paced to ensure you have plenty of rest breaks, we stop for lunch and you are kept going throughout the day will lots of drinks and light refreshments!
Because the workshop takes place outdoors, under gazebos, we reserve the right to postpone and/or cancel the session if threatened by unseasonable or adversely inclement weather (thinking monsoon rains / gales / or tornadoes & yes we had one in 2005, I kid you not!) A substitute workshop date or refund (minus a fee of £50) will be given in the unlikely event we have to cancel. Please see Terms & Condition menu for full details
Please note: This workshop is not suitable for anyone with a lanolin allergy. Gloves can be provided but we cannot guarantee you will not come into contact with the lanolin.
This is a full day workshop: 10am - 4:30pm. The workshop is scheduled to end at 4:30pm however I have factored in a half hour flexibility built in case we over run/depending on ability of group and to ensure your work gets to a suitable stage to take home to finish (rinse, dry & use chosen finishing method).. Participants are asked to arrive at 9:45am for a 10am start.
Please read the Workshop Terms & Conditions carefully before booking to familiarise yourself with our Refund Policy, Use of Handouts & Designs, Photography & Recordings. By booking a place on our workshops you are agreeing to our Workshop Terms & Conditions. Thank you.
Raw Fleece to Living Sheep Rug
Do I need to be able to felt to attend this workshop?
Some previous felting experience is required, if you are unsure please contact me to discuss the sutability of this course for you. All abilities are welcomed but please note, this is a very physical workshop.
Fleece rug making is a physically demanding process. You will need some strength, patience and fitness as you will be standing for long periods of time, rolling and lifting the fleece, which is heavy when wet.
The session is paced to ensure you have plenty of rest breaks, we stop for lunch and you are kept going throughout the day will lots of drinks and light refreshments!
What is provided in the workshop?
Tea, coffee, refreshments and a light lunch.
All materials and equipment are provided; we will work with Mule fleeces (a cross breed of 2+ sheep breeds), which are a white to ivory colour. The raw fleece and fibres are included in the workshop fee.
We can offer alternative breeds of fleece to work with on request. Requests for a specifc fleece type needs to be made no less than 3 weeks before the workshop. Requests for other fleece breeds attracts an additional fee, cost is dependant on the breed and availability. Avaiablity of alternative fleeces is dependent on suppliers stocks, & therefore requests can not be guaranteed.
Alternative breeds fleece choices include; Jacobs (+£20), Hebridean (+£20), Icelandic (+£30) or Gotland (+£40). An invoice for the fleece will be made on confirmation of availability.
Please be aware that fleeces are a natural product and from living sheep - therefore no two fleeces are identical, and as such colour and patterning will vary.
Illustrated handouts notes are offered to enable you to continue to practice what you learn during the workshop. We suggest you bring along a camera / camera phone to help your record the your work during the workshop.
Do I need to bring anything?
Packed Lunch. Wear suitable clothing. Bring 2 old towels, a large waterproof bag or bucket (to carry you damp fleece home in), a camera and a notebook.
Should I wear specific types of clothing?
The workshop will be outdoors and working with raw fleece is a dirty, wet and messy activity - please dress appropriately in old clothes and comfortable footwear. We do have a selection of fabric aprons for your use.
How long is the workshop?
This is a full day workshop: 10am - 4:30ish. The workshop is schduled to end at 4:30pm however I have an additional half hour flexibility built in case we over run/depending on ability of group and to ensure your rug id felted to a suitable stage to take home to finish (rinse, dry & use chosen finishing method).
Participants are asked to arrive at 9:45am for a 10am start.
Do you cater for dietary restrictions?
Light refreshments are provided during all our workshops. We offer a selection of light refreshments that include traditional, herbal & fruit teas, coffee (de/caffeinated), squash and water to drink alongside sweet snacks (e.g. biscuits, flapjack, cake or seasonal fruit).
If you have any special dietary requirements please let us know in advance, and we will make adjustments to cater for your need.
