We are thrilled to announce that the third tutor to join us at the Knit Tea Retreat is Emma Bevan of Ffolky Ffelt! We spotted her stand at Wonderwool Wales earlier this year and we were blown away by her work. She was kind enough to answer some questions by email…
What’s your name and where do you come from / are you now?
I’m Emma, and I’m from the Brecon Beacons in Wales.. I spent 10 years in London but I’m back in my mountains now!
Could you give us a brief outline of how you started felting, and your yarny career to date?
I discovered felt making when I was having treatments for cancer, about 6 years ago. I had previously been drawing, printing and using photography, so using fibre was a first! I am very lucky to have suppliers who are also sheep farmers and I use both natural and hand -dyed wool. I soon fell in love with its tactile and therapeutic processes… as I grew more accomplished, and as I am a teacher, I was asked to run workshops and make commissions. This is now my new and much loved job!
Which design / FO are you most proud of and why?
I think it is my Swan, a piece I made for the ‘Refuge’ exhibition for the Brecon Womens’ Festival last year. I really pushed all my boundaries in confidence, technique and experimenting, and thankfully, it worked out! It is now in the home of a private collector.
What is your favourite drink to accompany your knitting?
I love a G&T… with lime!
What will you be teaching at The Knit Tea Retreat?
We will be making a little 2D needle felted picture – perhaps your favourite pet portrait, or a garden bird, or a cute hare, maybe a landscape that you love.
Jennie and I hope you are as excited as we are to have such a talented local fibre artist teaching at the retreat. You can find Emma on Instagram as @emmaffolkyffelt and her website at http://www.ffolkyffelt.com!
Next week we will be revealing the final tutor, and then we can get bookings started!
The Knit-Tea Retreat 