Mac – Extreme Needle Felting – developing a needle felted character

Meet Mac! He is my crazy little Scotsman with a penchant for Irish Whiskey. Developing a needle felted character has its challenges. What I planned to create was a grumpy little man in a wool suit and what actually came to life is a Scotsman named Mac with a bit of attitude.

When I was ready to get Mac dressed, I decided to let him pick out his own outfit. So – it’s not my fault! Developing a needle felted character is a fun experience with many unexpected twist and turns.

As usual, I made the core body parts out of undyed wool, I covered him in layers of Norwegian C1 wool batting and used Merino roving for the surface detail. I must say that making his plaid kilt was my biggest challenge. The happy face t-shirt was easy but that plaid pattern involved some trial and error. I wound up using the reverse side of my flat felted piece for a more subtle plaid pattern from the fiber that pushed through while felting.

He is 100% needle felted wool. He stands on his own (with a little help from Bushmills) without the use of wire armatures.

It’s a full Scottish Moon!
It’s censored for the blog.
Here’s a link to see the the Real Mac

As you can probably guess, I had a blast creating Mac. When I teach needle felting, I stress the importance of relaxing and having fun! I certainly practiced what I preach when it came to my little Mac. Learn How to develop needle felted soft sculptures of your very own!