Using Hebridean sheep fleece for needle felting is a fantastic choice! Hebridean wool has a naturally rich, dark color and a slightly coarse texture, which is perfect for adding depth to felted pieces or creating rustic, earthy tones. Here’s a guide to prepping your Hebridean fleece from start to finish.
Step 1: Skirting the Fleece
Skirting is the process of removing the unusable parts of the fleece, such as matted areas, dirtier sections, and vegetable matter. This is an essential step for creating clean, high-quality felt.
1. Lay Out the Fleece: Spread your fleece out on a large, clean surface, like a table or a tarp, ideally outside or in a well-ventilated area.
2. Remove the Edges: Pull off any parts of the fleece that are heavily soiled or matted, especially from the belly, legs, and edges. These sections can be discarded or composted.
3. Pick Out Debris: Remove any visible pieces of vegetation, dirt, or large clumps of lanolin.
By skirting, you ensure only the best parts of the fleece make it into your felting projects, which keeps your felting process smoother and more enjoyable.
Step 2: Washing the Fleece
Since Hebridean fleece has a natural oil, lanolin, and may have dirt and debris, washing is important for making it easier to work with.
1. Prepare a Basin with Warm Water: Fill a large tub or basin with warm (not hot) water. Add a wool-friendly detergent or dish soap, which helps break down the lanolin.
2. Soak the Fleece: Submerge the fleece gently, letting it soak for 20–30 minutes. Avoid agitation, as it can start the felting process prematurely.
3. Drain and Refill: Gently press out the water, then refill the basin with fresh, warm water. Repeat until the water is mostly clear.
4. Rinse the Fleece: Finally, rinse the fleece with plain water to remove any leftover soap. Gently press the fleece to release the water without wringing it.
Step 3: Drying the Fleece
Proper drying is crucial to prevent odors and mildew from developing in your fleece.
1. Lay Out on a Drying Rack: Spread the fleece out on a towel or mesh drying rack. A wire rack or screen also works well, as it allows airflow from both sides.
2. Fluff Regularly: Gently fluff the fleece every few hours to help it dry evenly and prevent clumping.
3. Avoid Direct Sunlight: Place your fleece in a shaded area with good airflow, as direct sun can damage the fibers and make them brittle.
Drying can take a day or more, depending on humidity and airflow, so be patient during this step.
Step 4: Carding the Fleece
Carding your Hebridean fleece aligns the fibers and makes it easier to work with. This step is especially useful for achieving an even texture in needle felting.
• With Hand Carders: For small batches, place a section of wool on one carder and brush the Awww second carder across it until the fibers align.
• With a Drum Carder: If you have a larger batch of fleece, a drum carder is faster. Place the wool on the drum and turn the handle to align and blend the fibers.
After carding, you’ll have “batts” (large, flat sheets) or “rolags” (rolled bundles), which are perfect for needle felting. Carding makes the wool easier to sculpt and blend, giving you a more consistent base for your project.
Step 5: Storing Your Fleece
Once your fleece is prepped, store it properly to keep it fresh and free of pests.
• Store in a Breathable Bag: Use a cotton or linen bag, or a plastic container with ventilation holes. This allows airflow while keeping dust and pests away.
• Label Your Wool: If you have different fleece types or stages (raw, washed, carded), labeling keeps everything organized and easy to access.
Needle Felting Tips for Hebridean Fleece
Hebridean wool is versatile and has a unique texture that’s fantastic for adding dimension and natural tones to your work. Here are a few final tips:
• Layer with Other Wools: Hebridean fleece blends well with finer wools (like Merino) if you need contrasting textures.
• Experiment with Structure: The coarser texture provides a solid base, so it’s great for forming the inner layers of larger 3D projects.
• Embrace the Natural Color: Hebridean fleece has a beautiful natural color that’s ideal for earthy, rustic designs without dyeing.
Following these steps, you’ll have beautifully prepped Hebridean wool ready for needle felting. Enjoy the process!
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