FELTWORK

THOSE WHO LIVE IN AUSTRALIA MIGHT REMEMBER THIS ADVERTISEMENT APPEARING IN MAGAZINES SUCH AS
NEW IDEA OR AUSTRALIAN WOMENS WEEKLY
IN THE SIXTIES AND SEVENTIES. I WONDER HOW MANY
OF YOU HAVE A SOFT TOY MADE FROM A DAFEL FELT
KIT.

Dafel was a shop in the Block Arcade in Melbourne. I had visited this shop many times during my childhood on special trips to the city with my Mum. During the eighties, when I was collecting teddy bears, I visited the shop again. The dear elderly owner of the business Dafel Felt was all in a muddle when I was purchasing a felt kit of The Three Bears but I was delighted to be able
to take home the kit and start my little set of felt bears. I wish I could remember
her name, and I wish that I had spoken to her about the shop. Dafel Felt would have been in business for many, many years up till then.
I do remember that there were other customers at the time so I couldn't have
chatted to her if I had wanted to anyway. I also remember the marvellous toys
that were sitting up on the shelf (perhaps gathering a little dust) that had
been the models for the kits and advertisements.

October 18th - I am thrilled and delighted to say that I have been contacted by Kim Wilson, the now owner of Dafel who will be mailing me more information regarding the history of Dafel. I will do another post on Dafel as soon as the information comes to hand.

Well, here is Papa Bear made in the eighties, and I still have to make Mama Bear and Baby Bear. Yes, I still have the pattern and pieces for making them.

Felt is great to work with, it is SEW easy, and therefore lends itself to many creations.
Vintage sewing items are to be found in abundance, probably given as gifts or maybe purchased at a fete or bazaar. Needlebooks are perhaps the most common items to be found and still as popular to make today.

Below is a vintage house needlebook.

Below is FELT-WORK by Gwen E. Thornton published in 1931. In this book you will find patterns for such goodies as tea-cosies, bags, slippers, dolls, dolls' clothes, writing cases, and book covers, beret and scarf, etc.

And here is FELTWORK by Rosemary Brinley from 1951 with projects for needlebooks, pincushions, dutch dolls, pencil cases, gloves, brooches, belts, greeting cards, knitting bag, clothing, etc. There aren't any photos in the book, just many line drawn patterns, so you will have to be content with the picture on the cover.

Here are Dryad Leaflets with more projects. This time I have included actual patterns for you if you would like to make your own needlebook and pincushion. Just click for larger image. Have fun!