Needle Felting Raccoon - Handmade in Tellico Plains, TN

A NOTE FROM HANDMAIDEN TANASI

As a shepherd-girl caring for newborn Merino lambs in the hills

of New Zealand, surrounded by their cloud-like soft fluffy coats,

I found myself wondering what became of all that beautiful wool.

The local spinners and weavers soon answered my question,

opening the door to the world of needle felting.

Needle felting is a unique fiber art, blending the techniques of

painting and sculpting with colorful unspun wool. Using a

slender barbed needle countless careful jabs into the wool

interlocks the fibers creating strong detailed form,

taking a few hours to days to complete a sculpture.

I first honed my skills through classes at the Textile

Museum in Washington, D.C. Designed as collectibles

rather than toys, a gentle puff of air or a light spray from a

canned electronic duster will keep them looking their best.

Internal wire armatures allow flexible posing and playful expression.

My competition entries have been recognized with many colorful ribbons and awards,

but winning the “People’s Choice Award” at the Southeastern Fiber Festival remains a

“wild &amp wooly” highlight of my needle felting journey