Wet felting a raw fleece to make a sheep-friendly "sheepskin" rug workshop

Description

Do you love sheep and making things with wool? My workshops are the perfect treat for sheep lovers who are interested in making something useful, beautiful and unusual from raw wool. You'll spend a full day on our smallholding in rural Dumfries & Galloway where I'll show you how to make your very own sheep-friendly, "sheepskin" rug. This is a very special kind of rug which looks just like a sheepskin rug, but is in fact made from 100% wool. You'll get a creamy, curly woolled, Scotch Mule fleece to work with straight from this year's clip. It will be a hog fleece which is extra special as it still contains lamb's wool. You will spend the day transforming your raw fleece into a fabulous rug. This is a practical workshop and physically demanding so come prepared for a workout. You'll be using your back and arm muscles to get the fleece felted using the rolling method. This is hard work but lots of fun and messy so wear your oldest clothes. You will get splashed with lanolin, hot and sweaty! The workshops will comprise just two participants per session. We will cover: How to prepare your fleece (unfurling, skirting and removing unwanted wool). How to shape your fleece (using my special method to make a beautifully shaped rug). How to lay out the carded batts (which will form the base of the rug). How to water and soap your fleece (getting the wool so it's just right for optimal felting). How to roll your fleece (using our muscle power to get the wool felted). There will be breaks along the way and plenty of time to chat and natter. Please note, I only run these workshops during the summer months because wet felting is very tricky to do in cold weather. Dates listed are on request only so please send me a message to check availability before booking. If you would like to attend a workshop on a date other than those listed please contact me.

What's included in the price?

All the materials needed for you to make your rug. A flashdrive containing detailed, written instructions of what we cover in the workshop and more. Refreshments (we provide tea, coffee & biscuits but please bring your own packed lunch).

Cancellation policy

Easy - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts

Maker

Auchenstroan Wool

with Craft Courses since 2022

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