Using the black wool in the studio (washed and carded from raw fleece) I have been investigating its properties for felting, making some simple bowls with the black wool on the inside and wool dyed with rhubarb root and with lichen, which I brought from home, on the outside. Black inside the bowls is very effective contrasting well with the outer surface colour.
There may be a chance to use Icelandic plants for natural dyeing by the end of the month but it depends on how the Spring progresses. The wild lupins (introduced into Iceland in the first half of the 20th century to counter erosion) are in bud and growing fast. In the almost constant daylight and with temperatures forecast to reach the low to mid teens over the next week or two they may well be ready to use.
With Icelandic yarn bought in the local supermarkets I have also been felting some knitted pieces producing quite a different texture.
I am beginning to create samples of textured felting for a potential work which is in the very early stages of development. Hopefully I’ll be able to report on this at a later time.
Delia Salter
