As many of you know, the
HeartFelt Silks studio hosts a wide range of one-on-one and small group feltmaking and dyeing workshops throughout the year. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at a recent Ruana Shawl wet felting workshop. Not only were gorgeous shawls made by all of the participants but a fabulous time was had by all!
To find out about upcoming workshops with Robbin Firth, visit our website, or get in touch with us directly to inquire about private and group classes. We also invite you to join our mailing list to receive updates about future events.
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| Ruana Shawl designed and made by Robbin Firth - Hand-dyed silk, we felted. |
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| Ruana Shawl designed and made by Robbin Firth - Hand-dyed silk, wet felted. |
The
Ruana Shawl workshop is one of the longest classes I offer -- the latest class took place over a 3-day weekend in February. Several lovely ladies gathered in the cozy
HeartFelt Silks studio, and we were off to step #1 -- the layout.
My hand-dyed silk fabrics formed the base for the Ruana Shawls.
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| Hand-dyed silk by artist Robbin Firth |
Each of the students gets to select a color palette for their Ruana Shawl in consultation with me.
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| Ruana Shawl feltmaking workshop with artist Robbin Firth |
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| Ruana Shawl Feltmaking Workshop with artist Robbin Firth |
The layout for this large-scale garment is time-consuming and labor-intensive but the results will be very rewarding!
Now we are ready to create a unique design with more hand-dyed silks (from
HeartFelt Silks) and other color-coordinated luxurious embellishing fibers.
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| Feltmaking Workshop - Ruana Shawl - in the HeartfeltSilks Studio |
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| Feltmaking Workshop - Ruana Shawl - in the HeartfeltSilks Studio |
No two shawls will be alike -- each student gets to put her own creative touches on their Ruana Shawl, as we talk about color, drape, and texture.
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| Feltmaking Workshop - Ruana Shawl - in the HeartfeltSilks Studio |
Once in a while, we stop to admire our progress, take a break, and catch a little afternoon sun.
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| Feltmaking Workshop - Ruana Shawl - in the HeartfeltSilks Studio |
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| Feltmaking Workshop - Ruana Shawl - in the HeartfeltSilks Studio |
We take our time and make our layout as intricate and beautiful as we like. Before long, we'll roll up our sleeves and move on to felting these beauties!
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| Feltmaking Workshop - Ruana Shawl - with instructor Robbin Firth |
When it's time to add hot water and soap, our trusty
Palm Washboard felting tools come out!
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| Wet Felting with Palm Washboard felting tools during a Ruana Shawl workshop |
The
Palm Washboards speed up the felting process and make it easier on our bodies.
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| Ruana Shawl Felting Workshop -- using Palm Washboard Felting tools |
Here we are, not far from the finish line, working on our edges, making sure things are even, uniform, and gorgeous.
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| Feltmaking Workshop - Ruana Shawl - in the HeartfeltSilks Studio |
Ta-da! All four Ruana Shawls are finished, and it's time for a modeling session! A great weekend was had by all, each of these ladies completed a stunning wool & silk garment, strengthening their feltmaking and design skills in the process! Thank you, Linda, Nancy, Silvana, and Susan, for joining me!
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| Finished Ruana Shawls in feltmaking workshop with instructor Robbin Firth |
To find out about upcoming workshops in wet felting, nuno-felting, and textile dyeing, with Robbin Firth, visit our website, or get in touch with us directly to inquire about private and group classes. Palm Washboard felting tools (original, patent-pending designs handcrafted by Harry Firth for HeartFelt Silks) are available HERE.
