Description: This thick and structured fabric would be ideal for a coat or a sculptural piece that requires a lot of structure.

Textile/Material: A stiffer, slightly hairy material with bright sprouts of orange fibers coming through a smooth layer of flax. On the back, a similar formation with opposite colors. The texture of the flax sprouts is significantly stiffer and more evident than the orange.

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: 15% LI, 85% WO
• Raw Materials: Wool, Merino Wool, Flax
• Coloration: Piece dyed, Fiber dyed
• Sourcing: UAL 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 and flax 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: A couple of thin layers of orange merino wool fiber were laid in one direction on the wool base fabric. Using a mechanical needle punching machine, this was passed through the machine once. A couple of thin layers of flax were then placed on the other side of the fabric and passed through the needle punch machine. The fabric was then passed through another three times, flipping the material each time, resulting in orange and white sprouts coming through both sides.