A wide variety of materials can be used in feltmaking, but of course the most important is wool. Some artists felt with other animal fibers such as alpaca, angora rabbit, mohair, cashmere and others. No matter what material is used, it helps to know the characteristics of the fiber and experienced feltmakers are able to create exactly the right combination for the desired end product by knowing which fibers are shiny, coarse, springy, hairy, etc. These qualities are known collectively as materiality.

In addition to the base material, many different embellishments can be used to create unique surface design. Most any type of yarn can easily be used and dyed silk roving and fabric are very commonly used, especially on garments. Other fabrics, cotton, flax, paper, stringed beads, stones, natural plant material...all can be incorporated into felt with various degrees of difficulty.

The former fiber sales at Magpie are now offered through New England Felting Supply (www.feltingsupply.com). Norwegian felting batts, merino batts, merino roving, dyed silks, prefelts and other supplies are offered on line and at the Easthampton, Massachusetts retail store where the staff specializes in educating customers about the various felting properties, advantages and differences of various wools.

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