Felting is one of the oldest ways of making fabric; it is thought to have been around for about 8,000 years. It was probably discovered when wool was placed inside foot coverings to help insulate them. Vigorous agitation from walking soon matted the wool into a strong, warm fiber that could be cut and sewn into various other garments. It was even used as armor because of its strength and density.

If you’d like to try your own hand at this venerable craft, simply sign up for the Steffen Thomas Museum of Art’s next Arts Outreach Family Workshop – Have Fun with Felt -scheduled for Saturday, October 2nd from 10 AM to noon. You’ll learn how felt is made from scratch by creating your own felt bag plus a pet toy.

The session will be taught by felt-making and spinning workshop teacher, Jennif Chandler. “From fiber to fabric, felting truly seems like magic,” Jennif explained. “Felting happens because every strand of wool is covered by tiny scales. As the individual hairs get rubbed together, the scales catch on to each other, and the whole fabric shrinks to make a mat. Agitation, usually in a washing machine with soapy water, hastens the process.”

Jennif teaches fiber crafts in a variety of venues including the Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair and the Georgia Organic Conference.

Besides teaching, Jennif has over 25 years experience raising sheep at her farm in Madison County. “I believe it’s important for workshop participants, especially children, to experience the source of the project,” Jennif said. “So as a special treat, I’m brining two of my sheep and my border collie, Jessie, to the workshop. My animals are a very special breed – Bluefaced Leicester. Their wool is uniquely suited to felting: soft, curly, with a lovely silky sheen and color. There’re truly art in sheep’s clothing.”

This workshop is one in a series to draw its inspiration from a very special source: the hooked rug designed by Steffen Thomas for the National Youth Administration (NYA) in 1939. The NYA was part of the Works Project Administration (WPA) initiated by President Franklin Roosevelt during the Great Depression of the 1930’s which employed millions to carry out public works. As Arts Supervisor for the NYA, Thomas designed the 12 foot wide by 16 foot long rug, which was created by students of Habersham College in Clarksville, GA. A recurring theme in the design is the strength and nobility of ordinary men and women and the dignity of labor.

The NYA rug will be on display during the workshop. It is scheduled for restoration sometime this year. Museum visitors will be invited to watch the process.

The museum’s workshop fees are $10 for adults, $8 for children; STMA members receive a $2 discount. Those in financial need may attend free of charge. Reservations are required. Please call (706) 342-7557.

The STMA Arts Outreach Program provides family workshops for art enthusiasts of all ages one Saturday a month at the museum. All sessions are scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon.

The Steffen Thomas Museum of Art, located at 4200 Bethany Road, Buckhead, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information and directions, please visit www.steffenthomas.org or call (706) 342-7557.