Enjoy a creative afternoon of fiber at Shepherd’s Gate Artisan Fiber Mill in Youngsville, NC.

First tour the mill and see how we turn sheep’s wool (and Alpaca fiber) into beautiful roving, felt and yarn. We will have a quick demonstration of how it was processed in “Olden Days” and then see how we process commercially now in small custom batches.

During the tour you will have the opportunity to use our machines and help card some wool from our sheep to use in the felting workshop.

Next, we will have a Fun Felted Soap Workshop where you will learn how to wet felt a bar of soap with wool, alpaca and other fibers to create your very own functional, beautiful, handmade product. We will felt two bars of soap – one to take home and one to share as a gift.

Making felted soap is a perfect introduction to the art of wet felting. The elements are simple: wool, soap, hot water, and agitation. But the transformation of the fibers as they bind together into a solid fabric is quite magical. As fibers shift and adhere, the results may not always be predictable, but the final product is so lovely. 

If time permits, we will also learn basic needle felting techniques and use them to make a felted pendant or brooch or to decorate our newly wet-felted soap.

This will be a hands-on fun process. Wear comfortable clothing you can get a little wet and soapy and bring your creative energy! Feel free to bring a snack.

All materials will be provided, however if you have allergies and need special soap, or would prefer a favorite scent, please feel free to bring two bars of your choosing.

Also, if possible please bring a towel to cover your workspace.

This class is appropriate for almost any age and skill level. You will leave with the skills and knowledge to repeat these projects again at home.