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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 |
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. |
Nuno Felt Fabric |
I currently reside half of each year in Upstate New York
and the other half 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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