The Lisburn ladies helping to revive an ancient craft

They have started Felt Makers North, a group that meets once a month to share skills, show each other what they have made and exchange ideas.

“Making felt is not new, but like many crafts of the past, it has been forgotten,” explained Fiona Harvey. “It is now very much on the rise again and Felt Makers North has now joined International Feltmakers which includes groups from the South of Ireland, England, Scotland and the Continent.

“The Wool Initiatve Competiton is very keen we become involved as we use only natural fibres. Most of us start using Marino wool from Australia as it is the easiest to work with but The Wool Initiative is encouraging us to use wool from local rare breeds of sheep such as Wensleydale, Corriedale or Shetland.”

Four times a year an expert is invited to spend a day with them at the Island Art Centre in Lisburn.

At the last meeting, Dorothy Dinsmore, who is an expert on needle felting, demonstrated how to make teddy bears.

“We really enjoy what we are doing,” said Fiona, “and are also extremely grateful to the Lisburn Arts Advisory Committee for their support in providing funds for tutorials such as this that have enabled us to bring Felt Makers North into the international arena.”

For further information on the group, log onto www.feltmakersnorth.blogspot.com.