Daily News

Wistariahurst Presents Workshop on Felt Making

HOLYOKE — On Saturday, Nov. 8, at 10 a.m., Wistariahurst Museum will host a workshop with local felt maker Sue McFarland. In this workshop, called “Painting with Wool: An Introduction to Felt Making,” participants will learn to make flat felt, beads, and ropes. The workshop will include a short history of felt making and a display of objects illustrating the different felt-making techniques.

A hand weaver since 1982, McFarland has expanded her fiber repertoire to include both two-dimensional and three-dimensional felt work. In 2004, she apprenticed with felt maker Christine White, author of Uniquely Felt. McFarland has sold her work at retail fairs and galleries in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Vermont, and conducts workshops incorporating the fiber arts for K-12 students, adults, and educators. She has been published in the Interweave Press journal Hand-woven for her chenille tapestry scarves and her design for felted and needle-woven Temari (Japanese thread ball) ornaments. Her goal is to create aesthetically intriguing objects that are also functional.

The workshop is for adults and children over 12. Materials and equipment will be provided. The cost is $20, and registration is required, as space is limited. To register, call Wistariahurst at (413) 322-5660 or visit wistariahurst.org.