Herdwick sheep needle felting

I can really understand the concept of craft therapy. The idea of taking feelings and turning them into something tangible. Using your hands, to manipulate a craft material, is a way to change the mood. The hand’s touch feeds up to the brain and back again, turning feelings into communication, which needs no words. Allowing the moment to be lived in.

Last night, I was cross. I don’t often get cross, but when I do, the feeling rumbles on. Instinctively, I knew that once I’d done everything I could to sort out the problem, I needed to make something. The repetitive action of crocheting, knitting or concentrating on tiny stitches, calms me. A form of meditation, that settles my breathing and stills my mind. Last night my choice was needle felting. Amazing how quickly my head cleared and I could think clearly again.

I used the bits of fleece that we picked up on our walking holiday in the Lake District this summer. We walked on hillsides scattered with Herdwick sheep. After washing and combing it, the fleece is surprisingly springy. I’m used to felting merino or Jacobs which felts beautifully. With the Herdwick fleece, the body and head felted fine, but I found the legs difficult to thin down. They kept on springing back. I could have wrapped pipecleaners with it, or I wonder if wet felting might be a route. Maybe something to try next time.

I’m pleased with the face. Herdwicks have a teddy bear face. Makes you want to go up and hug them. Although of course, that would be a Herdwick’s cue to head for it’s beloved hills.

The best part is that I turned my rumbling disquiet into something I love. Crafting at its best.

The sheep that roars.

Roar!

Linking up with Sara’s Craft Schooling Sunday