Now that the temperatures outside are slowly dropping, it's time to think warm clothing. Like felt. To make sure you build in some color with warmth, I'm pleased to show the work of a relatively new felt artist, Barbara Poole, who started B. Felt in 2009.
Poole has a background in fine art and worked as a figurative painter before starting B.Felt. Once she tried felting, she fell in love with the flexibility and creativity it offers and is now focusing her energies on building her business creating felt wearable art clothing, including hats, long gloves, coats, and wraps.
Poole uses a combination of felting techniques to create the wide range of textures and patterns you see here. She even uses hand stitching and beading to add even more pizzazz.
The wrap below is striking not only because of the contrast created by use of black, red, and white but also because the cut out holes reflect the textured holes in the pattern.
Poole also makes what she calls "Personal Item Carriers" like the sculptural bag with layers and textured straps, below.
Poole's creations are painterly, combining gorgeous colors, textures, and patterns. Her fine art background really shines through.
You can see more of Poole's wearable art at the Paridise City Arts Festival in Northampton (MA) from October 8-10 or at B.Felt.com.
Dawn -- It's easy to see why you're such a big fan of Barbara's; her work is so inventive! Thanks very much for your feedback.
Posted by: Sandi | October 02, 2011 at 07:54 PM
I've been a huge fan of Barbara's work for quite some time, and she's just as nice as she is talented. Bravo Barbara!!!!!
Posted by: Dawn Edwards | September 30, 2011 at 12:06 PM
Mary - thanks so much - I'm thrilled that you like the blog. It's a labor of love and it makes my day when another wearable art fan gets some enjoyment from it.
Posted by: Sandi | September 22, 2011 at 09:29 AM
Just discovered this great blog.
Looked back on all the archives - what a fantastic collection of talent.
Love wearable art - love textiles.
I make fabric jewellery - also have etsy shop - and I could spend hours just in awe of the talent that is around.
Congrats on a beautiful blog.
Posted by: Mary | September 22, 2011 at 07:17 AM
Hi Eryka -- I agree, it's incredible work, and very wearable, too. Felt is really magnificent that way -- lots of possibilities for experimentation!
Posted by: Sandi | September 20, 2011 at 06:21 AM
I am a big fan of wearable art, but lets be honest it has to be WEARABLE. The wrap and bag is so wearable, they are devine. The felt outfits, with toned down accessories, would also work. So yes well done Barbara.
Posted by: Eryka Garbutt | September 19, 2011 at 05:19 PM