The Start of A New "Qui-Felt" Piece

"Qui-Felt" is my newly coined name for the process I love to do - quilting on felts. This is the beginning of a new project. Last summer at the County Fair I happily acquired three fleece. One of the fleece was cream colored - shorn before my eyes in the 'sheep to shawl' demonstration. The other two were a dreamy mocha color & a nearly black brown - both thanks to "Our Lady Of The Rock" monastery. The fleece were truly 'off the sheep' & needed cleaning. Since I did not feel qualified to do the job, I sent them off to 13 Mile Lamb & Wool Complany in Montana. Some weeks later a box arrived containing clean, beautiful, soft, rovings - all ready to spin or felt. 13 Mile Lamb & Wool does such a good job , plus they're wonderful to work with. They conduct their business the way it used to be (and should be) done. They sent back my fleece with a bill - trusting that it would be paid. I just sent off another fleece that was given to me last week!

I challenged myself to make something to enter in the Fair this year that was made from the fleece that I acquired last year. I decided that a large knitting bag would be appropriate. Since these very neutral colors are not what I am used to working with , I decided to give myself a bit of leeway to add a bit of color here & there - but any additional colors also had to be 'natural' looking rather than bright & clear. These photos are the beginning of my new knitting bag. Once it is fully needle felted I will wash it, add a lining ,and then free motion quilt it...... I love the entire process - no one part is more enjoyable than another - a perfect project! The photo below shows some of the roving in place to begin needle felting