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Felt originated from Genghis Khan's Mongolia in the 13th century. To these
nomadic warriors felt was extremely robust, warm and waterproof. They used it
to make shoes, blankets, cloths and yurts (tents) which could be rolled up and
transported.
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It is they who discovered the process of rubbing fibres of wool together, layer
upon layer. As you rub wool fibre the minute follicles on each strand interlock to
eventually become matted and dense. The process has been mechanized to
produce sheets of felt but hand felting is still widely practiced and continues to
be a popular and skilled home craft.
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Ronel has perfected the process using wool of the highest quality.
It arrives at her workshop from Port Elizabeth in large bales. Slithers of raw wool
are carded and dyed in dyeing baths. Once it has dried it is again carded and
only then is it ready to be felted.
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The finest strands are laid on a flat surface. Biodegradable soap is rubbed over
the fibre to open the follicles. As further layers of wool are added and rubbed.
Hot water shrinks the wool causing the follicle to cling together.
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Strands of different colors are added to create marbleized effects. Other natural
fibres can also be added, like cotton and silk for color and texture.
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Ronel has designed individual shapes that her felters replicate; leaves, petals,
rocks, webbed shawls and throws, which she later snips, cuts, shapes and sews
together.
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Like a painter with her pallet, Ronel mixes her own dye colors and invents
descriptive names for her colors.
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