[Cheviot]

Hi,
Usually some of my Christmas pressies are in the form of cash, so hopefully this year will be the same  , so I thought I might try needle felting, I've had a look on the web, and as usual I 'm confused, should I go for a kit that has about 6 needles in it of different sizes, along with a foam block and some sort of needle holder, or would I be better to buy everything individually, only problem is I don't know what sort of needles I will need, I quite fancy having a go at making some animals  , so can anyone advise please.
Regards
Sue

[Bionic]

Sue, I've only done a bit of needle felting and started with the kit. The advantage of the needles in it is that they are encased in a plastic tube so it isn't as easy to stab yourself.
Then I did a short course where the teacher sold us a needle. I think I only paid about 35p for it so defo cheaper than the kit form. I used the sponge from the kit with it but you could use any old piece of sponge.
To be honest I don't think there is much to choose between the it and the single needle from the perspective of the actual felting although the individual needle might be easier for shaping something like animals.

[Lesley Silvester]

I have recently taken up needle felting and love it. I looked at kits but decided to buy the things separately. I bought a needle holder with three needles and some spare needles from Wingham Wools and some wool tops and foam pads from Sara Texture Yarns. I use the holder for larger areas but a single needle for fine work. There is advice on the site for choosing which needles you need.


I haven't tried animals yet but have made flower brooches and some Toothfairy plaques.


http://s1061.photobucket.com/user/Lesleykays/media/002-1.jpg.html?state=replace

[Cheviot]

Thankyou ladies,
I will get a few needles and holder, and a pad to start with and see how it goes.
MGM your brooches and plaques are wonderful, so pretty and colourful.
Regards
Sue

[Lesley Silvester]

Thanks, Sue. Enjoy it when you get started.

[Spinningfishwife]

I have three needles which I picked up separately at workshops and I use a cheap car sponge as a base. Total cost about £2.50. You don't need to invest much in kit to start with. The multiple needle holders are good if you're doing large areas or coarse work but for detail one needle held in your fingers gives more control.