Felting projects you won’t be able to resist by Shalana Frisby

We’ve gotten very into sewing and fiber arts at my library recently, and while I’ve very firmly refused to do any felting in the past (handing my library kids needles and telling them to stab things just seems like asking for trouble) this book is making me rethink that stance.

The book begins with an introduction to the most familiar kinds of felt; synthetic felt, which is what most people are familiar with, and stiffened felt, which can be made with the application of glue or purchased in that form. There are several decorative crafts with these items, including a box and owl pillow. Then the book introduces real wool, or wool roving. This is the loose fibers which can be felted together, using either wet or needle felting techniques. Wool felt is also introduced, although it is, like roving, much more expensive than synthetic felt. The techinique of wet felting is introduced, and here I felt was the one area of the book lacking as pictures of the process are shown, but no actual, step-by-step instructions are given, except for a general description. Needle felting is introduced in the same manner.

The projects for wet and needle felting include more specific instructions and readers who want to try these more complicated techniques will learn to make wool balls, bracelets, a game board, and several other items. A couple additional titles are included and a short author bio.

This series also includes titles on crocheting, knitting, and sewing.

Verdict: This is a new title and has excellent content, except for the rather vague introduction to the wet and needle felting process. Definitely worth adding if you want to expand your fiber arts section and I look forward to using this series in maker workshops.

ISBN: 9781515774488; Published 2018 by Capstone; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library