SUE PEARL
email: sue.pearl@btopenworld.com
http://www.feltbetter.com

Felt is the oldest textile known to man. Its manufacture dates back approximately 8000 years and has formed a very important part in the culture of many nations. It is a completely natural non-woven fabric being made from wool, hand dyed. Using hot water and soap to encourage the wool fibres to shrink and matt together the items are fashioned using the hands to mould and sculpt them into shape.

Sue’s first degree was in Interior Design which she studied in London. She had a practise there for many years working with architects and planners in both commercial and residential fields. She always had a great interest in textiles and began to spin wool and silk as well as weave as a means of relaxation from the hectic world of design.

In 1991 she had a change of direction and began to study textiles first taking a City and Guilds course and then obtaining a diploma from Bradford University and after that an MA from London Guildhall University. Looking at other textile forms Sue became very interested in felt, its historical associations and its design possibilities. She moved to the Cotswolds in 2001 and as well as making felt pieces for sale Sue also runs feltmaking workshops for children and adults in schools and adult learning centres