Hybrid Workshop with International Tutor
On October 6, 2024, eighteen members of Feltmakers Ireland came together at the CIE Sports Hall in Inchicore, Dublin, for an innovative hybrid workshop. Taught remotely by renowned Hungarian artist and tutor Judit Pócs via Zoom, this innovative course blended the advantages of group learning with international expertise. The project, a wet-felted eyeglass case with intricate embellishment options, challenged participants to develop their advanced felting skills.
Students introduce themselves to tutor Judit Pocs – via Zoom
For the workshop, students could use deliciously coloured Merino wool kits from Feltmakers Ireland and Design and Crafts Council (DCCI) member Leiko Uchiyama (https://www.leikofelt.com/shop/) or fibre from their own stashes.
Students working away at the CIE Sport Hall and Social Club
As the projects were small, we shared tables. 
Everyone could see the projector where the Zoom was cast. 
Some students opted to wear gloves. 
Fulling a section of the project.
We organised the CIE Sports Hall’s tables in three rows, with a ‘U’- shape of tables surrounding it. We wanted to ensure all the students could see the projector screen AND be able to get up and walk around the room.
Students show their work to Judit via the Zoom connection
With the class structured as a hybrid—our teacher, Judit, in Hungary, and the students gathered together in Dublin, Ireland—we had to adapt creatively. If we had been taking the class individually, each of us would have worked in front of our own computers and shared our work directly. With our hybrid session, we interacted differently since we used only one laptop to communicate with our teacher. Consequently, we took turns lining up to share our progress with Judit. Special thanks to committee member (and fellow student) Suzanne Phelan for her excellent expertise in using Zoom and for kindly loaning us her hardware – her laptop, projector, and screen. THANK YOU!!!
Some of the finished eyeglass cases
Felted Eyeglass Case by Hélène Dooley. 
Felted Eyeglass Case by Maria McGarry. 
Felted Eyeglass Case by Breda Fay. 
Felted Eyeglass Case by Siobhan Ryan 
Felted Eyeglass Case by Sam Fagan. 
Felted eyeglass case by Zivile Zeniauskaite. 
Finished case by Elizabeth Redding. 
Finished case by Clodagh Mac Donagh. 
Felted Eyeglass Case by Helen Kiersey.
Each student used creative decision-making to ornament the outside of her case, and each one came out uniquely!
We sincerely apologise if you attended our class in October and we missed the photo of your felted eyeglasses case. Please email your photo to us, and we’ll happily add it to the slideshow above.
Conclusion
Our class with Judit Pocs was a rewarding experience. Students enjoyed the process and significantly advanced their feltmaking skills. Completing intricate eyeglass cases showcased their ability to master advanced techniques such as shaping three-dimensional felt, attaching gradient cords, using prefelt for patterning, and devising sturdy closures.
We can’t wait to see how they bring these newly acquired skills into their future creations, pushing the boundaries of their artistry even further!
Judit has several pre-recorded classes available to purchase from her website, along with live ones. For more information, visit her website – https://pocsjuditstudio.hu/workshop/
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