Design and Construct a custom fit felt garment! Project suggestions include making a vest, tunic or dress. You will learn how to use measurements to draft a resist to any size, plus layout and felting for shaping. This piece can be fully fitted or flared for a flattering, comfortable fit by using one of the three variations- resist extensions, godets or box pleats.
We look at everything you need to know to make a custom fit felt garment:
- wool layout styles and shrinkage rates
- measuring for fit
- resist construction from basic measurements
- resist additions to create aline shapes, asymmetrical styling, collars, pockets, longer length pieces
- seamless felt garment construction
- fulling methods to sculpt and shape you felt
- finishing techniques to produce the highest quality of felt
- methods to achieve drape and shaping in felt pieces.
- design- placement and types of design that work well in garments.
You can choose what type of garment you make. Suggested projects include fitted vests, long or short, vests with drape and flow, skirts, tunics and dresses. We’ll be focused on sleeveless construction in this class, due to the class length.
Dear Fiona,I can’t believe that our wonderful felting time and warm interaction between people from all over the world is coming to an end. I can’t find enough words to thank you, not only for the excellent course, your dedication and extra things you so generously showed us but also for this “family”atmosphere YOU created between us creating relations that will carry on after the class is over.I highly appreciate your imaginative genius! C.Countas
This is a beginner/intermediate level garment making workshop. You do need to have experience in working with a resist-if you’ve made a vessel or two, you’ll be set! And you need to have made one large layout- if you take my Versatile Vest or Felt Capelet class you’ll be all set! The layouts for garments are quite large, so I want you to be prepared for that when you start this class.
It is heartwarming to be part of an online class where everyone shares a common passion! The spirit of the class is supportive, providing not only the opportunity to learn from our gifted teacher but also from each other. I appreciate so much, all of the beautiful felting that has been shared during our journey here. Thank you, Fiona, Thank you, all! S.Mcleod
The workshop is delivered in prerecorded video, clear informative text and lots of images on the online classroom workpages, plus downloadable PDF’s. There are discussion pages where you can post pictures and ask questions- it is easy to use! This session will also include two zoom Q and A’s ( to be scheduled). These will be recorded so you can benefit from them from your own time zone.
I have learned an incredible amount because of your problem solving skills as you overcame obstacles. I wish I could have all of you in my back pocket as I try future projects. Your design choices have inspired me to be more creative in my own, I feel encouraged to attempt new designs and to keep learning. Thank you Fiona. Your willingness to share your knowledge, inspire and guide and always be there is truly phenomenal. I have learned so much from each course I take from you. You always go above and beyond and offer so much. I know it will take time to digest the many offerings of this course and apply new skills to projects. I leave this class with many ideas and look forward to another class in the future. C.Weighill
We don’t specifically cover surface design techniques in this class-but we can talk about any ideas you have- lots always come up through the class sessions! I can help you achieve the look you want in your finished piece. If you’ve taken some of my other classes, I encourage you to employ any aspects of Surface Design, Felting Over the Edge or Ink on Cloth in this garment. Your piece will look stunning!
The workshop is four weeks long, so you have lots of time to complete your project, without feeling rushed. You can decide when you work on your project. You can roll up your project at any stage after you have wetted it out, and set it aside if you need more time to complete it. The felt project will be fine stored damp, or dry.
I will carry this experience in my heart for a very long time and continue to garner encouragement, strength and inspiration from the stories you have shared and the beautiful work you have done. And Fiona, your generous, kind, wise support is what has really allowed this group to come into full fruit! I can’t thank you enough for the richness you have brought to this experience. From you I have learned about bringing gentle patience to my process, about persistence in the face of challenge, both of which have brought new levels of richness to my felting. G. Kerr
If you have any questions about how these online classes work, try reading through the FAQ’s here.
Please do email Fiona if you have any questions about the class.