YOUNG Embroiderers had a splendid morning at their October meeting when Debbie Lucas from Great Asby showed them how to make felt. There was such interest in this that only regular Young Embroiderers were able to take part.

Debbie Lucas showed the children various pictures which she had made and then demonstrated how to make a picture. She suggested that they make a flower or an animal. They used white woollen fibres to make the background, laying the fibres carefully in one direction on a piece of bubblewrap. The background was built up with another layer using beautiful, soft, brightly coloured, woollen fibres laid at right angles to the first white layer. The flower pattern was then placed on top. This was made from fibres or cut pieces of previously made felt. All this was covered with a piece of net and then the fun began.

Warm soapy water was dribbled onto the net to moisten the fibres. The rolling process could then start. The layers of fabric and wool were placed on a piece of bamboo blind and carefully rolled up. The children then co-operated to roll the bamboo 50 times. This started the process whereby the fibres began to felt together as the scales on the individual fibres intermixed. The bamboo was unrolled and the felting was turned through 90 degrees. The rolling process was then repeated. The felt, half ready, was removed and the bubblewrap and the net were removed. The immature felt had shrunk and was re-rolled 100 times.

The finished felt was then rinsed and squeezed out well. The results were most pleasing and very colourful. Everyone had something to be proud of to take home. Debbie was thanked for a most enjoyable and productive morning.

Young Embroiderers next meeting is on November 6 when they will be making items for Christmas.