AussieFeltmakers : Messages : 3113-3142 of 3380

Hello everyone

We just returned from Alice Springs, 5800 kilometers round trip from here. Put a few miles on the new car.

It was some sight to see 6000 beanies for sale and hundreds of buyers.

The competition beanies were awe inspiring. They were so impressed with Sandy O"Neil's beanie that they set up a new category for it and acquired it for there permanent collection.

Do you have a picture Sandy that you can post? We weren't allowed to take pictures of competition beanies because of copyright.

I taught 3 classes and most students were so pleased to take a finished needle felted hat home after just 2 hours.

Now it is back to work, catching up on orders.

Pat M.

www.highlandfelting.com

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#3141

From: "azure_unicorn" <azure_unicorn@...>
Date: Sat Jul 4, 2009 12:54 am
Subject:: wall hangings

azure_unicorn

Offline

I've recently become interested in giving some of these a try. I haven't been
able to find a lot of direction though - some websites suggest using felted
jumpers/sweaters (when is the last time you saw a real wool jumper in a
secondhand shop?) Others say t use pre-felt, others suggest using wool quilt
batting and needlefelting on top.

Any suggestions?

Ruth

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#3140

From: "Laura Heap" <laura.heap@...>
Date: Mon Jun 22, 2009 5:03 am
Subject:: down in the Goulburn Valley

laura.heap

Offline

Hello, it's ages since I remembered to check in.  have been busy starting an
art/craft group centered on the little village I live in in northern Victoria. 
It's called Art MOOveau Inc. (we are in dairy and fruit country), and you can
see we had to become incorporated.  Because of insurance issues we meet either
in the bistro of the local pub even when it is not open for business, or pay the
pub.liab. insurance charge on top of the hall hire charge.  It is expensive when
you start something new.  We held an Introduction to Felting day in May as our
first official workshop, had 14 participants and knocked some back.  We will
follow up with Int. Felting, working with resists at a separate workshop in
September.  These have a cost involved and we supply tuition and a kit.  Pat
Miller helped me out with express postage for materials for our first workshop
and her merino batting was a big success, except that I had to stop the spinners
appropriating it to spin!  I think we will be ready to create a sub-group of
feltmakers in 2010.  My main interest is hats, and the group seems to be eager
to do them.  I've sent some to sell at Beaniefest.  I am at the Girgarre Market
each month as Mad Hatters of Merrigum, and Colleen Arnold is just along from me,
so we get to chat.  Colleen was a great help at each of our workshops held so
far.  Will see if I can post some new photos, if I remember how.....

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#3139

From: "Joan" <jokirton@...>
Date: Wed Jun 10, 2009 12:00 am
Subject:: Re:felting hats with children - help!

nature.flow

Offline

I have recently made a hat over a bowl and when it had reduced down to the required circumference size I shaped it directly on my head (this is after the soapy stage, but still wet). It is one of the most comfortable hats I have as it fits snuggly around my ears in cold weather. Any bowl or plant pot will suffice to reduce the hat enough for final shaping. The children could wear shower caps and work on each others hats.

If I find that my hat is floppy and want to shape it further I brush on a 50/50 mixture of Matisse acrylic varnish in the areas I want to shape then prop the treated area up until it dries. I use this method when shaping a brim with the sides slightly turned up and the front turned down.

Just a reminder to all those in Brisbane and the near region that the Toowoomba Spinners, Weavers and Dyers are having their OPEN DAY on Sunday 28 June at the Toowoomba Show Grounds. They have a very active felters group who are turning out some wonderful work - including wearable art. Well worth having a look. Perhaps I will see some of you there.

Cheers Jo

#3138

From: "lavendillyhouse" <lavendillyhouse@...>
Date: Tue Jun 9, 2009 2:46 am
Subject:: Re: felting hats with children - help!

lavendillyhouse

Offline

oh my goodness - can you imagine! 30 eight-year olds with wet soapy balls! The
temptation would be too strong for them .

Yes...I had thought of working with balls too, but then Id need to get 30 balls!
And balloons was an idea to try - but I was hoping it wouldn't come to that! i
will get some balloons on my way in today.

#3137

From: "Pat & Ken MIller" <pkmiller@...>
Date: Tue Jun 9, 2009 2:23 am
Subject:: Re: felting hats with children - help!

crafters3

Offline

Hello Jennifer

Not sure if this would work for you but you can make hats over balls. Small beach balls work well. They can be set in a bowl to keep them stable, also a balloon filled with water but I can see problems with that if they burst.

Pat M.

www.highlandfelting.com

#3136

From: "lavendillyhouse" <lavendillyhouse@...>
Date: Tue Jun 9, 2009 2:11 am
Subject:: felting hats with children - help!

lavendillyhouse

Offline

Hi everyone, I am currently working with a class of 30 eight-year olds, making hats. It has taken us three weeks now to lay out the fleece, and get it to a stage where it can be felted without too many enormous holes in it :) I have been drying out the hats in between our sessions and needlefelting any repairs that need to be made. My problem now is - how to shape them? I am used to using a bowl for shaping hats. A hat block is ideal I know. But with 30 children ... well lets say the selection of bowls that came in weren't going to make great looking hats. Do you think it will be possible just to shape them with hands? That is what I am going for at this stage: brimless hats .... at worst they make wonderful bags!! I would appreciate any ideas on how to continue from here. Buying a class set of hat blocks isn't in the budget!

cheers, Jennifer

p.s. My website is moving to a new address. You can find me at www.lavendillyfibrearts.com�except the site is new and has no products in it yet :)

All depends upon when I get these hats finished!!

#3135

From: "Pat & Ken MIller" <pkmiller@...>
Date: Tue Jun 9, 2009 1:22 am
Subject:: Alice Springs.

crafters3

Offline

Hello All

It has turned cold here and one's thoughts turn to warm hats & slippers.

Got a few hats on the go. They are samples to take to Alice Springs for the Beanie Feasible where I am teaching needle felted hats . We will drive from here as I am looking forward to some time away.

Also working on new hat kits for reversible hats. They well contain 2 different colours. The one I made last night was Eggplant & Lichen, also have done Deep Red and Moss, and Grey and Hibiscus.

This morning I carded some batts, 50/50 black baby Alpaca and superfine black hand dyed fine Merino. I want to try making a scarf. The batts feel very soft and silky, hope the felt will be the same. If they are successful I will have 5 or 6 for sale.

Forecasting snow for tomorrow. Hope it doesn't happen.

Pat M.

www.highlandfelting.com

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#3134

From: "Sandken" <gordon1963@...>
Date: Sat May 16, 2009 9:05 am
Subject:: RE: Expression machine

midgetmum

Offline

Hi Janine

Sorry to hear you broke a needle, I think you did amazing to only break one in 18 months!!!

My Craft fair mag arrived today and was delighted to see that you are teaching. Will you be working on the Unique Stitching stand as well?? I usually take Mum and thought I might pop in and say hi!

Sandie J

_,_._,___

#3133

From: Janine Matthews <loonies1@...>
Date: Sat May 16, 2009 5:54 am
Subject:: Re: Expression machine

janine_matthews

Offline

Maureen I was told by my dealer (someone I know) quoting the serial
no on the back, that it should be able to come out but I thought the
early ones weren't able, I got this machine before she became a
dealer so I'm not sure if she really knows or just quoting info.
Yeah I know the fast slow bit but I think I just wasn't holding my
tongue the right way - though I was going through a silk rod
anyway thanks, now back to looking for a pink bead on the speckled lino

cheers

>Janine
>It sounds as though your Xpression is one of the older ones like mine.
>When I broke my first needle a few years back,I was advised to try
>cutting the broken needle out and using the remaining ones.
>
>Remember though the old rule "FAST feet,SLOW hands" particularly if
>you have a thick or bulky/bumpy piece.

--
Janine Matthews
in Dapto, Wollongong NSW Australia
http://www.j-9designs.com
http://www.janinesmagichappens.blogspot.com
http://www.leapingloonies.com.au/

#3132

From: Maureen Curlewis <broomegal@...>
Date: Sat May 16, 2009 4:55 am
Subject:: Re: Expression machine

broomegal

Offline

Janine

It sounds as though your Xpression is one of the older ones like mine.

When I broke my first needle a few years back,I was advised to try cutting the broken needle out and using the remaining ones.

Remember though the old rule "FAST feet,SLOW hands" particularly if you have a thick or bulky/bumpy piece.

Best wishes

Maureen in Redcliffe,Q
--- On Sat, 16/5/09, Janine Matthews <loonies1@...> wrote:

From: Janine Matthews <loonies1@...>
Subject: [AussieFeltmakers] Expression machine
To: AussieFeltmakers@...
Received: Saturday, 16 May, 2009, 2:21 PM

is there anyone out there with a Janome Expressions machine, I just
broke my first needle, which I think is pretty good as I've had the
machine 18mths,
my question is, am I able to take out the broken needle so I can
just keep working with the 4 needles and if so how do I get it out?
surely it comes out as you can buy replacement needles.
If I have to wait for the whole new unit it won't arrive at the
dealer till possibly the end of the week grrrrrrr
hope someone can help
cheers
--
Janine Matthews
in Dapto, Wollongong NSW Australia
http://www.j-9designs.com
http://www.janinesmagichappens.blogspot.com
http://www.leapingloonies.com.au/

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#3131

From: Janine Matthews <loonies1@...>
Date: Sat May 16, 2009 4:21 am
Subject:: Expression machine

janine_matthews

Offline

is there anyone out there with a Janome Expressions machine, I just
broke my first needle, which I think is pretty good as I've had the
machine 18mths,
my question is, am I able to take out the broken needle so I  can
just keep working with the 4 needles and if so how do I get it out?
surely it comes out as you can buy replacement needles.
If I have to wait for the whole new unit it won't arrive at the
dealer till possibly the end of the week grrrrrrr
hope someone can help
cheers
--
Janine Matthews
in Dapto, Wollongong NSW Australia
http://www.j-9designs.com
http://www.janinesmagichappens.blogspot.com
http://www.leapingloonies.com.au/

#3130

From: Janine Matthews <loonies1@...>
Date: Tue May 12, 2009 5:59 am
Subject:: Re: tree stump

janine_matthews

Offline

thanks Suzanne, hopefully I can get stuck into it some more detailing tomorrow,
have spent the past 2 days in the sculpture studio at TAFE, about to
put this weeks work on the blog

>Looking good Janine, great colours.
>
>Love & Hugs
>Suzanne in Sawtell
>http://www.flickr.com/photos/polyart/
>http://www.flickr.com/photos/polyart1/
>

--
Janine Matthews
in Dapto, Wollongong NSW Australia
http://www.j-9designs.com
http://www.janinesmagichappens.blogspot.com
http://www.leapingloonies.com.au/

#3129

From: "Sandken" <gordon1963@...>
Date: Tue May 12, 2009 5:55 am
Subject:: website

midgetmum

Offline

http://www.feltunited.com/

Couldn’t remember if someone had already posted this info or not!

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#3128

From: Suzanne Tainsh <suzanne.tainsh@...>
Date: Mon May 11, 2009 9:52 pm
Subject:: Re: tree stump

suzanne.tainsh

Offline

Looking good Janine, great colours.

Love & Hugs
Suzanne in Sawtell
http://www.flickr.com/photos/polyart/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/polyart1/

--- On Sun, 10/5/09, Janine Matthews <loonies1@...> wrote:

From: Janine Matthews <loonies1@...>
Subject: [AussieFeltmakers] tree stump
To: AussieFeltmakers@...
Received: Sunday, 10 May, 2009, 12:11 PM

Chat right from the comfort of your inbox. Show me how..

#3127

From: "Pat & Ken MIller" <pkmiller@...>
Date: Mon May 11, 2009 8:17 am
Subject:: New web site.

crafters3

Offline

Thanks to everyone who took a look at the new site. Some omission were point out that we missed. Your comments have been very helpful.

The gateway that allows us to take credit cards was activated today.

We will add a postage page to give you an idea of postage but exact postage will be calculated at check out according to your postal code and weight of purchase. We are using e-Parcel so they are tracked.

Package weights for natural tops will be fixed up tonight, they are 1 kilo packs, also eights for the silk and mohair.

Janie, I spent a happy half hour on your blog. Tree stump is coming along, What are its dimensions, it look pretty big. and will it be home to any forest dwellers?

Pat M.

www.highlandfelting.com

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#3126

From: Janine Matthews <loonies1@...>
Date: Sun May 10, 2009 9:52 pm
Subject:: RE: tree stump

janine_matthews

Offline

thanks Sandie, glad I was able to kick start those creative juices and get you back on track,

off to the sculpture studio at TAFE shortly but better have some breakfast first

cheers --- Janine - not stumped anymore!!!!!!

Looking great Janine! Can't wait to see the finished piece!

Thanks for the inspiration, been a bit deflated lately about my work, too many other interruptions and distractions!

Have had a concept in my head for the past few weeks, but kept putting it on the backburner, your work inspired me to get started last night.

What I am working on is nothing like what you are doing, it's a figure but seeing your work got the creative juices flowing, I always find it's the same after I have returned from an exhibition. Our move a few years ago has made it too challenging to get to the textile group I belonged to and now I still find myself isolated, but your work was great inspiration!

Anyone else find themselves a bit deflated and isolated sometimes??

Cheers

Sandie - Who would much rather be staying home to work on her sculpture than going to work!

.

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--

Janine Matthews
in Dapto, Wollongong NSW Australia
http://www.j-9designs.com
http://www.janinesmagichappens.blogspot.com
http://www.leapingloonies.com.au/

#3125

From: "Sandken" <gordon1963@...>
Date: Sun May 10, 2009 9:33 pm
Subject:: RE: tree stump

midgetmum

Offline

Looking great Janine! Can’t wait to see the finished piece!

Thanks for the inspiration, been a bit deflated lately about my work, too many other interruptions and distractions!

Have had a concept in my head for the past few weeks, but kept putting it on the backburner, your work inspired me to get started last night.

What I am working on is nothing like what you are doing, it’s a figure but seeing your work got the creative juices flowing, I always find it’s the same after I have returned from an exhibition. Our move a few years ago has made it too challenging to get to the textile group I belonged to and now I still find myself isolated, but your work was great inspiration!

Anyone else find themselves a bit deflated and isolated sometimes??

Cheers

Sandie - Who would much rather be staying home to work on her sculpture than going to work!

#3124

From: Janine Matthews <loonies1@...>
Date: Sun May 10, 2009 12:11 pm
Subject:: tree stump

janine_matthews

Offline

have just posted some progress photos of my needle felted tree stump on my blog

I've had a busy weekend so I think it's time for bed
--
Janine Matthews
in Dapto, Wollongong NSW Australia
http://www.j-9designs.com
http://www.janinesmagichappens.blogspot.com
http://www.leapingloonies.com.au/

#3123

From: Barb Mewburn <barbam@...>
Date: Sat May 9, 2009 1:39 am
Subject:: Re: New web site

barbam51

Offline

Hi Pat,
I love the new website. It makes me feel creative again. I haven't been
felting for ages, but have been doing some spinning. Winter's coming on,
the other excuses are settled, so it's head down & bums up.

I hope that you are continuing to feel well.

Warm  regards, Barb Mewburn

#3122

From: "Pat & Ken MIller" <pkmiller@...>
Date: Sat May 9, 2009 1:12 am
Subject:: RE: New web site

crafters3

Offline

Hi Sandie

I've learned how to straighten bent needles. Using pliers, hold the needle over a flame (candle) until hot then use pliers to gently straighten them. It works most of the time, just don't touch needles with bare hands while they are hot.

Thanks for the comments on the new web site. Couldn't have done it without my daughter's help. We will have a gallery page up soon.

Pat M.

www.highlandfelting.com

#3121

From: "Sandken" <gordon1963@...>
Date: Sat May 9, 2009 12:55 am
Subject:: RE: New web site

midgetmum

Offline

Hi Janine

Looking forward to more progress pictures of your sculpture, will check out your blog in the coming week!

Sculpture is where my heart lies, its always interesting to see how another sculptor creates their work, we all work very differently.

Know what you mean about wire, there is a knack to working with it and unfortunately I think it is trial and error!

Don’t break the needles on the wire anymore, just bend them! Just as bad, it’s not easy to use bent needles!

Let us know when the exhibition is on!

Sandie J

#3120

From: Janine Matthews <loonies1@...>
Date: Sat May 9, 2009 12:26 am
Subject:: Re: New web site

janine_matthews

Offline

thanks Pat that's good to know.

I am presently felting (with a single needle) a tree stump (aprox 2'
tall with a root span aprox 30"), it is an instillation piece for my
up coming exhibition but was started in sculpture class at TAFE so it
is also an assessment piece, the base is wood and wire for the shape
with hessian body covered with stretch denim that I'd machine felted
wool tops over, shaped around and attached to frame and now I'm
single needling more colours, silks, yarns who knows what all over
it, and for the past 6 months I've been crocheting and knitting up
fungi and leaf litter for this piece.
Have to duck into town and buy some el cheepo felting needles as I'm
breaking to many of them when I dance around the wire and wood to use
good ones and I plan to get this stage of the felting done this
weekend, will post some progress photos on my blog over the next few
days, the photos of the wire frame is on there if anyone is
interested.

cheers --- Janine

>Hello Janie
>Glad you like the web site.
>The star needle is star shape and has the barbs at the working end
>of the needle. It is used manly for sculpting, like facial features
>where you want more definition, around eyes, nose, mouth. It
>compacts the wool more.
>Triangular needle are triangle shape with the barbs spaced up the
>shaft.  They are a good all purpose needle.
>Pat M.
>www.highlandfelting.com

--
Janine Matthews
in Dapto, Wollongong NSW Australia
http://www.j-9designs.com
http://www.janinesmagichappens.blogspot.com
http://www.leapingloonies.com.au/

#3119

From: "Sandken" <gordon1963@...>
Date: Sat May 9, 2009 12:18 am
Subject:: Insurance

midgetmum

Offline

Hi all

Have a quick question, for those of you teaching how do you go with insurance???

I have been teaching for many years now and we have had public liability that covered me at trade shows and for teaching, it was very reasonably priced.

There were always limits to how many people I could teach etc and if I taught at any larger shows (Stitches & Craft etc) I had to obtain special permission to teach a larger number, but there have been some new changes and I will not be able to renew because of them. It is due to some of my products coming in from overseas. Have spoken with our broker and the only deal he can find me is about 3 times the amount I was paying, in fact out of 6 companies only 2 were willing to even give quotes.

Insurance to cover me for trade shows is not a problem I can still obtain that quite reasonably; it is the insurance for teaching.

Anyone got any suggestions, my only option at the moment is to not teach and return to doing shows! L

Sandie J

#3118

From: "Sandken" <gordon1963@...>
Date: Sat May 9, 2009 12:13 am
Subject:: RE: New web site

midgetmum

Offline

Hi Pat

Congratulations on the new web site it looks terrific!!! Well set out and accessible!! J And as usual terrific products! J

Takes a while to get it all sorted out doesn’t it, I don’t think a lot of people realise the thought and time that goes into working out what looks right and what info you want! We are in the middle of totally redoing our website, I can understand now why some people stay with the same one year in and out! J

Hope it brings you lots of new business and all is well at the moment!

Cheers

Sandie J

#3117

From: "Pat & Ken MIller" <pkmiller@...>
Date: Sat May 9, 2009 12:06 am
Subject:: Re: New web site

crafters3

Offline

Hello Janie

Glad you like the web site.

The star needle is star shape and has the barbs at the working end of the needle. It is used manly for sculpting, like facial features where you want more definition, around eyes, nose, mouth. It compacts the wool more.

Triangular needle are triangle shape with the barbs spaced up the shaft. They are a good all purpose needle.

Pat M.

www.highlandfelting.com

#3116

From: Janine Matthews <loonies1@...>
Date: Fri May 8, 2009 11:42 pm
Subject:: Re: New web site

janine_matthews

Offline

wow Pat the site looks fab, I lost half an hour there,
one question, what is the difference between the triangular and star
felting needles, I just thought there was one sort

cheers --- Janine

>At last, after weeks and weeks, our new web site is operational.
>Please take a look and let me know what you think. We would love
>your thoughts and comments.  Just a few thing to adjust, you can now
>use direct deposit, your credit card or trusty old PayPal.
>Pat M.
>http://www.highlandfelting.com

--
Janine Matthews
in Dapto, Wollongong NSW Australia
http://www.j-9designs.com
http://www.janinesmagichappens.blogspot.com
http://www.leapingloonies.com.au/

#3115

From: "Pat & Ken MIller" <pkmiller@...>
Date: Fri May 8, 2009 12:48 pm
Subject:: New web site

crafters3

Offline

At last, after weeks and weeks, our new web site is operational. Please take a look and let me know what you think. We would love your thoughts and comments. Just a few thing to adjust, you can now use direct deposit, your credit card or trusty old PayPal.

Pat M.

www.highlandfelting.com

#3114

From: "natalie" <nemcala@...>
Date: Wed Apr 29, 2009 11:05 am
Subject:: Fw: :-) The_2Es_PSP (-: Tiger in depression :)

nemcala2001au

Offline