This is the latest title in P&S's excellent series on handicrafts and hobbies, this time the making of artefacts etc., with felt. From the images on the front cover you can see just how brilliant the results can be, and the book is written by an expert. Really, really superb.

Books Monthly

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Felting by Lynn Huggins-Cooper is an interesting new book out through Pen & Sword Books on the history of the felting practice. This title will be of particular interest to contemporary and theatrical milliners/hatters working in the medium. There are several chapters devoted to the technological process and shift in methods/purposes for felting throughout history.

Other aspects of interest: there's a lengthy section of interviews with artisans working with the process/medium, and helpful "how-to" chapters concerning the difference between wet felting and needle felting. There's also a helpful directory of suppliers.

NetGalley, Rachel Pollock

Felting is something I always wanted to learn to do and now this excellent book explains it in detail (and historically) and it is actually easy to do! The instructions are clear and concise and in no time flat, and at not a huge cost, you, too can felt your way through crafts and maybe even make yourself a hat!

NetGalley, Janet Pole Cousineau

This book provides a great history of and introduction to the craft of felting, describing the tools used and the craftsmen that use them to create fantastical things.

NetGalley, Markey Olson

If you are interested in the history of felting then this book is definitely for you. It has been very well researched and full of facts about this amazing craft. The section of interviews I found very inspiring, and then there is a brief how to for wet felting and needle felting. I thought the book flowed really well as after reading all about it, I just wanted to make something myself so having a directory of suppliers near the end is a very good touch. The felting glossary is also very useful. I enjoyed reading this very interesting book and recommend it.

NetGalley, Tammy Muir

This is a good, accessible, clearly written introduction to felting materials and technique. The series as a whole would be superlative for library acquisition, maker's groups, homesteaders, historical re-enactors, and similar uses.

NetGalley, Annie Buchanan

Felt has probably been around as long as there have been sheep on God’s green earth. Reading this book I discovered that plant fibers such as rose, nettle, and sea cell can also be used to create felt. It’s older than spinning and weaving. Felt caps have been found and dated back 3500 years to the Bronze Age. Pompeii had felt glove and hat workshops. Huggins-Cooper relates the history of felt, the different types of felt, and includes short bio’s of leading artisans. I had not even heard of needle felting until 2017, but I have found it to be a fascinating craft that uses wool as a sculpting medium. As a knitter I was aware of felting knitted garments to create a thicker, warmer fabric, but the craft can be expanded for even greater artistic expression.
Recommended for crafters who are interested in the history and diversity of felting.

NetGalley, Mary Vernau

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I haven't done as much felting as I'd have liked, but my daughter has created some really cute things felting! I enjoyed reading this book and learning about the history of the art form. I knew some hats were felted, but never really gave to much thought to other items that were also felted through the ages! Interesting book and does include some instruction for the craft.

NetGalley, Catherine Hankins

When I think of felting, I imagine cute bunnies and foxes made by an indulgent grandmother. It turns out that felting has a long and storied history, beginning in the dark ages, when felted objects often had religious significance. Readers will trace the craft from ancient time up to today, with explanations of the difference between dry and wet felting and even a felting project they can create. An interesting and informative book.

NetGalley, Rosemary Smith

This book covers the history of felting from its ancient beginnings to today.
It's a lovely read for people with an interest in history, crafts, and how time has changed the process. I really enjoyed the artisan interviews, what a lovely insight into such creative people.

There are a couple of 'how-to' guides and lots of links on where to access more guides and supplies.
There are also some beautiful photos of felt creations, and they are incredible.

NetGalley, Jenny Lodge