Wool felt carders

My friend B and I went to the excellent 'Living Crafts' exhibition at Hatfield House and while there we took part in a wool felting workshop.  Long skeins of coloured wool called 'wool tops' are used (see my friends blip https://www.blipfoto.com/entry/2043423441511514461)
 These 'carders' are used for combing through the required amount of wool, and to blend different coloured wools together prior to the felting process, then other coloured wool can be added to make a design which is 'fluffy' at this stage (see extra photo).
Then a calico cloth is laid carefully over the design which is then soaked in water to flatten the wool, then soap is added and the whole thing is massaged to matt and tangle the wool.  The final result is the 'matted' looking version (also in extra pictures).
Some really artistic looking effects can be achieved (unlike mine!) and this can then be used to make brooches, clothes, bags, wall hangings etc.  West Dean College hold courses on wool felting.
www.westdean.org.uk