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My name is Polly Blakney
Stirling. I am a professional textile designer and freelance tutor known
for my contemporary approach to the medium of handmade felt. I have
a diverse background as an, interior designer in Boston,
fashion designer's mannequin in London,
and leather worker and weaver in Australia.
All these experiences have contributed to my creative development as a
Designer/Feltmaker.
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Butterfly
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In 1990 I became entranced by the myriad of
transformations of the rich and ancient textile called felt. I spent most
of the ensuing decade seeing what new forms could evolve, as appropriate for
the subtropics of Australia
where I had lived for nearly 20 years. The techniques I developed for
making lightweight felts soon led to experiments combining other materials,
and in 1994 my assistant Sachiko Kotaka and I developed the technique we
termed "Nuno Felt." By manipulating a minimum amount of wool
fiber through a fine base weave we could make a felted fabric with
characteristics quite different from traditional felt.
Nuno felt is lightweight with drape and flexibility. There are many
possibilities for transparency, exciting texture, conglomerate layering of
materials with diverse characteristics, and thus great multi dimensions.
Invitations to teach internationally have allowed me to advance the
appreciation of Nuno Felt in England,
Norway, Denmark,
New Zealand,
and Japan.
Also in the May 1999 issue of Threads Magazine, my article on
"Featherweight Felt That Drapes" can be referenced for further
information on Nuno felt.
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Nuno Felt Fabric
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I currently reside in Upstate New York and in Australia
teaching extensively. If you would like further information regarding
the organization of workshops, click on "Workshop Possibilities".
If you are interested in viewing pieces of work, click on "Hats",
"Wearable Art
Gallery", or "Felt
Fabric Gallery".
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If you have any questions, you can reach me using the
information provided below.
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Wild Turkey Felt Makers
To Contact Us
e-mail: pollyfelt@earthlink.net
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