Felt Atelier in “The Wild Farm”

Residents and guests of Gorno Pole (Eastern Rhodopes) participated in the first ever Felt atelier organized from 6 to 8 May in the guesthouse "Wild Farm", member of New Thracian Gold network.

Cecile Boesten (The Netherlands) and Nadezhda Philipova (Bulgaria) – both very experienced in felting – demonstrated to the local people and tourists what you can be made from wool and especially, from Karakachan wool: jewelry, bags, hats and all kind of decorations...

In 2006, after having been a costume designer for fifteen years, Cecile fell under the spell of the ancient art of feltmaking. “I soon discovered that this technique allows unlimited freedom in the creative process”, Cecile explains. Recently, she has discovered a new challenge: the work with Karakachan wool. The wool of the Karakachan sheep is coarse, but according to Cecile offers new artistical and technical possibilities. A full-time translator and editor, Nadia is totally obsessed with wool and felt. She can’t stop talking about the versatility of the material and the technology: equally good for rugs, bags, placemats, fine wear and jewelry. Nadya says anybody will get hooked when they see for themselves how simple and close to nature the felting is.

This happened at the Felt atelier. The participants were different age, but equally keen on the idea of crafting their first felt products. The results were impressive - handbags, flowers, bracelets, tablecloths ...

It was not easy to the jury to determine the first three awards. All participants received a certificate and a pack of wool to continue with their new hobby. Anyone can do it: all one needs is wool, hot water and soap, strong hands and perseverance.

Within the Atelier, the coordinator on wilderness in NTG project Hristo Hristov gave a lecture on the rare breeds, one of which is the Karakachan sheep. The owner of a model organic frm Krasimir Arabadziev shared his experience on dying Karakachan wool with natural dyes.

See here photos

See here the photos story in Vesti.bg

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