New Directions Finally Emerging!

Wow, thanks so much to all of you patient people who have been waiting for me to release my first nuno pattern. I finished the paper pattern months ago, but found it a little overwhelming to write directions that I felt anyone could follow, no matter what your felting level. I have been working on a video so you can see how I felt. Guess what? It is finally done! I am so excited. The video will be released on Vimeo around the first of June. In the video I teach you how to make a nuno scarf, but you will see how to lay out wool and use the sander, both of which you will need to know to make a garment.

Now that I have some video footage for you to review, I will focus on packaging up the pattern so it can go out in the world. I've taught the class several times and had some wonderful results (photos above). I hope to develop other pattern styles as well...

And, on another note, I am doing a little experimenting with the fabulous Kathyanne White. Kathyanne is known for her fabulous and fearless printing on alternative surfaces. Guess what? She wants to try printing on felt. Stay tuned for more on that topic. And please go and check out her work at http://www.digitalalternativesurfaces.com. Those of you who want to make a thin supple felt to print on could also watch the video to learn to felt.

Blessings to all!

Nuno Patterns are Coming Soon!

I am developing a line of patterns for making nuno garments. My first pattern will be done soon, I am working on the instructions. Exciting!

Nuno Shawls using Silk Habotai

I taught a workshop this weekend -- we made nuno shawls on silk habotai. We started by laying out the silk, then added some texture on top of the silk but under the wool -- makes an interesting finish on the silk side. We then added wool, decorated the wool and sanded. The pieces all came out beautifully. Some of the prettiest textures and colors I have seen! My hat is off to you guys, great work!!! 

How to Nuno Felt

I know there are lots of you out there that are trying to figure out how to nuno felt. It is similar to regular wet felting with a few important exceptions. There are many ways to nuno felt, but I have figured out some pretty easy ways to do it and have taught many people. There are free instructions on my website which is my name, www.suzannemorgan.com -- go to the instructions tab. These instructions will teach you how to add fabrics in a collage style to prefelts. (you could also lay out your wool and add the fabrics). I also provide instructions for nuno felting a scarf for free with any purchase. I will answer any questions that you may have by email or phone. Or, you can just read through this blog and get lots of insights!!!! The most common problem I hear about with people trying to learn whose projects did not work is that they were using the wrong materials.

Cheers and happy felting and please leave comments here! I just checked my blog count and almost 20,000 people have visited my blog. Speak up you guys!!! Thanks for all of your support over the years. Running a small business is not easy!!!

Inspired by Chihuly

I am so excited about what is new in my life. I took an online class and learned to make 3d felts. We made a little pod or star wars type character, but the techniques can be used to make all sorts of 3d shapes. I also had the pleasure of teaching at the Dallas Arboretum on the day the Dale Chihuly glass exhibit opened. I taught a nuno scarf class and decided to make some silk in the bright colors that Chihuly uses in his work. The scarves were playful and fun!!! But the real inspiration that I got from looking at Chihuly's work and learning to do the 3d felting is -- I want to make felted pieces inspired by his work. I am so excited by this prospect! Life is so interesting sometimes! Here are photos of the scarves and Chihuly's work and my first Chihuly inspired pod. Fun!!!

Shibori, Indigo and Friends

Wanted to share some photos of what is coming next for me. I am learning to dye with indigo and will offer indigo dyed silk and cheesecloth. These are some of my first pieces. The day was even more special because I was learning with friends! Special thanks to Connie Akers for leading the day! The last photo is one of her pieces tied, dyed and unfolded. She is a master of shibori!

Nuno Felting Classes

Wow, it has been a busy month! I taught some wonderful classes and wanted to share some photos of the work.

This was a really fun class at the Creative Arts Center -- we made scarves using  habotai silk and sanded them instead of rolling. (The fabric colors from the left are tide pools, golden rust, patina, firey red, canyon, tide pools and firey red). What a talented group! I will also be teaching a shawl class on habotai using the sander in May. Here are some additional pics of the pieces in process. The students were very proud of their work (and so was I!)

I also taught mosaic style felting at the Texas Federation of Fiber Arts Conference in Kerrville. Loved this group!!! They were so much fun!!!

I also taught the felted flowers class at the Dallas Arboretum. Ooops, I gotta go retrieve those pics! It was a great group as well. Thanks to all of you!!! If you are looking for classes, check out the upcoming classes page on my website. I am hoping to have online classes soon. Email me and let me know what you are looking for!