Description: This soft and malleable material could be applied to a garment that requires less stiffness and structure, such as a jumper, blazer, or trench coat.

Textile/Material: A double-sided hairy material with contrasting colors piercing through in a gridded formation on either side of the fabric. The thin, slightly stripy layer of blue fibers lets through small sprouts of bright orange fibers.

Impact on Planet/People/Animals: The black wool base fabric was leftover from a previous project. Merino wool is one of the most sustainable wools produced. This particular one is produced in the EU, sourced from a small-scale farm that follows organic production principles, guarantees a mulesing-free process, and prioritizes animal welfare.

Construction:

• Composition: 100% WO
• Raw Materials: Wool, Merino Wool
• Coloration: Yarn dyed, Fiber dyed
• Sourcing: AMFI and Meaningful Crafts
• Weave: Weave + Non Woven

Circularity: The great thing about needle punching as a technique is that fibers and fabrics can be reused over again. The wool can be removed and repurposed from this sample. Its soft quality will have diminished, but in any case, needle punch felting is extremely flexible and versatile, and recycled wool can add an extra element and quality that may not be achieved with new wool. It is something that can be explored and appreciated in its own way.

Recipe: Three thin layers of wool fiber were laid out on the inside of the wool fabric. Using an industrial needle punching machine at studio Boldwool, I passed the fabric twice through the machine. I ensured to keep the blue side facing up towards the needles so that they would punch the fibers downwards through the wool base. To create the tunnels, I pinched the fabric in different curves and formations, then pinned and sewed them shut using a sewing machine.