Part 1 of 10, Wet felted fleece rug, living fleece rug (vegetarian sheepskin)

Welcome to session one of the wet felted fleece rug course! In this lesson, we will delve into the foundational aspects of wet felting as we embark on our journey to create a beautiful fleece rug. At its core, wet felting is a process that involves entangling and matting wool fibres together to form a sturdy and cohesive fabric. It is a versatile and ancient craft that allows for endless creativity and expression. By the end of this session, you will have a solid understanding of the essential materials and techniques required to kickstart your wet felting adventure.

Before we dive into the felting process, let's first explore the key supplies you will need for this project. The basic felting supplies include raw wool fleece, a waterproof surface for felting, bubble wrap (or similar), warm water, soap (preferably olive oil-based soap or liquid soap), and an old sheet. Additionally, you may want to consider using a pool noodle or a rolling mat for rolling and agitating the fibres during the felting process. These supplies are essential for ensuring successful felting and creating a durable rug that will stand the test of time.

Next, let's talk about fleece preparation, which is a crucial step in the felting process. If possible it is ideal to obtain a fleece that has been rolled in cloth when it was shorn for your project. A rolled and carefully handled fleece will save a lot of time during the preparation stage as the cut side will stay together and avoid the fleece tangling and felting to itself.

In the following video we use a fleece that was not rolled in order to demonstrate the process of preparation of a torn and tangled fleece.

Proper fleece preparation sets the foundation for a successful felting project and ultimately determines the quality of the finished piece. With the right supplies and fleece preparation techniques in hand, you are now ready to embark on the wet felting journey and create a cosy and personalized fleece rug!