Some pics

This is one of the Intro to felting class projects. A simple hat, a cloche design, which is easy to make for a first project. The wool is brown Finn with merino and gold yarn in swirls on the outside and on the inside (it's also reversible - see the third photo), a more subtle yarn swirl pattern and kid merino curls. (the first cut of baby goat fleece - VERY soft). As a bonus, this hat is packable - it folds up and resumes its shape when unpacked. The only caution would be if it got wet. Not a crisis, but you would need to re-block it to shape over a bowl or similar head shape.

First Milestones - Studio done & Frst class held

I have to admit, it wouldn't have gotten done without a deadline.

My search for studio space turned up just a few places convenient to South Tampa, and they were all too much for too little, and most importantly, none had running hot water, so necessary to felting. I asked myself why, when suitability for studio was my first criteria for a place to live, was I ignoring the apartment? Oh yea, I want to hold classes but the place is too small. Hmmm, maybe not.

So, I went ahead and committed myself to my mother-in-law and a woman I met at Mermaids Slipper in Ybor City. I set a date for a free (I'm practicing on them!) Intro to felt class and then I HAD to be ready both for the class and to finish the studio setup. I just squeezed by, but yes! the class went fine, both of the participants made something nice and the space worked out pretty well. I will post some pictures when I get my camera charged.

I don't think I can possibly have more than 4 people here, and only for classes making small things like hats, purses or jewelry ( a jacket or vest can take a full 4x8 table to make) I had some other feedback as well, all good so that I can be more effective with my first paid course at Spruill, coming up in about 2 1/2 weeks ( March 31 - April 1).

I have also made a great connection with the woman who runs the Hyde Park Art Studio, which is run by the city of Tampa Parks and Recreation Dept. They have a ceramics room, and a smaller classroom in a trailer, not ideal for felting but at least they have running water. We've scheduled a 2 day workshop, April 7 & 14th, and a one day class in mid-May. I also signed up to teach a teen class and a middle school class in the summer, goddess help me! But I think it might be fun - accessories for the teens and funny hats for the middle schoolers. I am thinking of doing a costume class later, but need to do more work on that.

So right now I'm giving myself a break. I'm going over to Dunedin tomorrow, to visit a fiber shop (Uncommon Threads) and to GO TO THE BEACH (ya!)