A couple of weeks ago, at a workshop with Mandy Nash, I was introduced to Bergschaf wool. Since taking up felting I’ve been used to working with Merino and wasn’t too sure if I would take to the coarser, hairier Bergschaf but I love it! Not only does it felt very quickly but, being supplied as carded batts, it makes laying out a lot quicker too. Having previously made a vessel with it, this weekend I thought I would try using Bergschaf to make a felted wall hanging. I’ve revamped a design I did a couple of years ago, making it larger and adding grasses. The new version of Yellow Poppies is approximately 20″ x 15″.
My original Yellow Poppies felted picture
Laying out the new design
New version of Yellow Poppies.
The poppies and smaller flowers were made with Merino, the stalks are knitting wool and the detail was added with free machine stitching. The black backing fabric is garden membrane which is great to use as it doesn’t tear or fray.
Reverse side of Yellow Poppies
Lincs In Stitches 
Beautifully done. It’s a good concept, to re-do an original design to see what else it can become.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Laura. It’s something I like to, exploring a design or a theme to get the most from it.
LikeLike
This is so pretty! But it seems to me that everything in the UK is called something different than here in the US…could you please interpret for me what “garden membrane” is? Also, what is “vilene”, I have no idea, sorry!
LikeLike
Hi Laura. I believe Vilene is a trade name for what you know as Pellon, an interlining which is available in various weights, either as “sew in” or “iron on” depending on what you are using it for. In this case I was using it as stabiliser, on the back of my work, for my machine embroidery. I also use it a lot for applique as it doesn’t fray and it accepts paint really well so you can get really creative with it. The garden membrane is available from garden centre’s and is used as a weed suppressant http://www.groundcoversolutions.co.uk/collections/weed-control-fabric It’s cheap, durable and easy to sew onto so makes an ideal backing for textile art.
LikeLike
Do you use the interfacing during the wet felting process? I wouldn’t think that would work properly, I’m assuming you add later, after the felting is done? Sent from my iPad
>
LikeLike
When the felt has dried I pin a soft, lightweight interfacing to the back of it to stabilise the free machine stitching. I find that the stitches are less likely to disappear into the felt if I use a stabiliser. It also helps to stop too much “fluff” going into the bobbin casing of my machine.
LikeLike
Thanks! That all makes sense, I use a pretty heavy interfacing when doing thread sketching, but never thought to use it for stitching on felted pieces, too. I’ve only done a handful of wet felted pieces, my favorite thing is to make vessels. To me, it’s the most amazing process! Hardly anyone where I live has even heard of it, not a very popular craft here.
Sent from my iPad
>
LikeLike
If no one else around you is felting that makes you pretty unique, which has to be a good thing! I’ve just been looking at your blog and I love your work.
LikeLike
Beautiful Karen! Isn’t it fun experimenting with new fiber? i love the idea of using the garden screen as a backing. I will have to try that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It occurred to me that black vilene would have looked neater as a backing for this piece, rather than the white vilene I had started out with. As I didn’t have any black vilene to hand the garden membrane seemed the ideal substitute. Do give it a try Marilyn, it’s now been added to my list of favourite fabrics to work with!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such beautiful composition and skilful restraint of colour, I am in awe!
LikeLike
Thanks Teri, thats very encouraging and very kind of you.
LikeLike
It’s beautiful!
LikeLike
Thank you, it’s a lovely wool to work with.
LikeLike
Love them , xxxx
>
LikeLike
Your very kind, thanks Annette xx
LikeLike
Pingback: Around the Web | feltingandfiberstudio
Pingback: New version of Yellow Poppies….. — Lincs In Stitches – lisascraftjourney
What shades do you get, I wonder how it needle felts?
LikeLike
The colour range is limited compared to Merino but you can get some good effects as the colours migrate and blend nicely. The largest choice of colours I’ve found was with Diewollfabrik. Not yet tried needle felting with it but it’s got a short staple and apparently it works really well. I can see you creating some fabulous work with it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love it!
LikeLike
Thanks Susan, glad you like it!
LikeLike