Some felt books...

I had dinner with my father last night, and made a classic Freudian slip. I meant to say, "Please pass the salt," but it came out, "you prick, you ruined my childhood."   Jonathan Katz

Don't you hate when that happens?

Thanks for all the kind comments. I know I bated for them but it is nice anyway.

I thought I'd post about books today. I cleared out recently, selling off a lot of books that I didn't look at much and exchanging them for ones I really wanted. I was particularly looking out for books on dying, shibori, felting and pattern making fit.

I now have almost every felting book out there. There's a lot of repetition in both techniques (which you'd expect) and examples.

Anyway, I'll review the ones that I think are best here.

My favourite, of course, is Lizzie Houghton's , which I've mentioned before.

It isn't filled with projects, (I don't want to make other peoples projects and I'm bored with the repetition amongst felting books) but is filled with inspiring samples and good ideas.

I also recommend anything written by Chad Alice Hagen and Jorie Johnson who really know their craft and are innovative with it. These are two of my favourite:

Click on the covers to go to the Amazon link. Okay, they are project based but they also provide a lot of insight into the way the felt makers are working. I feel particularly fond of Chad Alice Hagen as she looks like a lot of fun in all her photos. And you know that counts for a lot with me.

My next post will have some more felting books and on to some of my other favourite book finds.

Today's inspiration: Sara Lechner's blog The Fabric of Meditation

Likes: Wooly Fabulous is making some interesting felt brooches over at Flickr.

Comments

[Art Tea Life]

Well I laughed outLOUD at the Katz quote - my goodness thanks for that !!! I wont ever forget it.

And I am really tickled to find your felting recommendations ! I just tried needle felting and really would love to find more information or a workshop...I was a little lost.

I have not been to your blog in ages and what a Great Place it is !

Love, S

[Kate]

I think you should post an anonymous review, since it's so difficult to know how good a book will be, and often one can't find a copy in a bookstore to check out before ordering on line. I think quite a few craft books are woefully inadequate, with confusing and/or incomplete instructions, and wish reviewers would be more honest. The anonymous bit would allow you to still be pleasant to this person if you happened to meet her or him, and the author could also decide that some ignoramus wrote the review--less grief.

And I too love the funny quotations--thanks.

Kate

[d wolff]

i believe it is sara lechner

[Tiffani]

this site is beautiful! I would love to learn how to felt...
maybe I will!

tg

I'm a new blogger (just started this month) - visit sometime.

[angeljoy]

I am fascinated with felting, but haven't dived in...yet. So many crafts and artist expressions, so little time!!

[Steffi]

Hello! I found your beautiful blog as I was looking after Oilily fabrics!I love Oilily and fabrics too.
Have a nice day!

[Kel]

Oh I'm going to so regret stepping into this luscious world of felting! Zenia has already made me a multi-strand necklace to thank me for giving her my place on your course. Luscious! And yes - what happened in Canada 18 years ago to make all the cool artists leave? ;-)

[Miss*Laurence]

Juju,
thanks for the recommendations. I found that good felting books were difficult to find - I loved doing 3D in felt, but the explanations for sturdy results with steaming consistently are very hazy. ( I must sadly say that having been a member of the Felmakers Association, I realised that feltmakers were in fact not very keen on passing on knowledge)
Loved your banner and the colour combinations you use in your pieces.

[Vicki]

I laugh out loud at your quotes. Please never stop! Great blog.

[Valerina]

Thanks for the book reviews, I'm looking forward reading more!

[calamity kim]

hey! speaking of books- Have you ever read any of Janet Bolton's? I Googled her and there was a link to your Blog- pardon me while I burst in and say hello and rudely jump to my topic!! I am searching for as much info as I can get on her lovely folk art quilts... thanks...calamity kim

[robyn]

i have actually said that to my dad!oops!
young people with big mouths are scary.

[christine rose elle]

Ha ha ha! I totally laughed out loud, funny cuz I can absolutely relate!
hee hee! I love what you are doing! Keep up the amazing work!
xoxo
Dollybelle

[Cambria]

I just had to tell you how much I love your blog!! You have so many great articles and pictures. I'm 12 and I just started a site on ETSY for my handmade jewelry and a blog about my work. Thanks for inspiring me. Someday, I want my blog to look as good as yours!! Cambria