Fiber Art

There is something incredibly enticing about the process of combining silk and wool to create a completely new fabric, called Nuno. This isn’t an ancient craft but it has an exciting future because it is such a beautiful and practical material for creating wearable items. Students will learn the basics of nuno felting by making one flat piece, a scarf, and one three-dimensional piece, using the seamless resist method, to make your hat. Make a matching set or experiment with a variety of silks and merino wool. The scarves and hats are great for winter, yet could be light enough for year-round use. Students will also learn how to make silk pre-felt, which is a really fun method of playing with shapes and collage in the nuno process. No artistic skill is needed, just patience with the nuno process and a willingness to accept the unpredictable. Wear comfortable shoes for long days on your feet. Some wet felting experience is helpful but not required. White silk for the scarves can be purchased in class, but you are welcome to bring your own dyed or patterned silk to work with. 

Required Tools

• Two large towels
• Spray bottle or a ball brause 
• Plastic bag to carry your things home
• Scissors
• Notebook and pencil
• Measuring tape

Optional

• Waterproof apron  
• Merino wool roving of your favorite color
• You may bring your own silk. This could be silk gauze, tissue silk, habotai/china silk/paj/ponge (5 momme). You can use several pieces to create one larger piece but an average size of silk for a scarf is 12” by 90”.  Smaller pieces of silk or other fine fibers for decorations can be really fun to play with!