RECAP: Fine Felt Workshop 2026 with Annika Berglund

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
A group of 20 women standing in a large hall, all holding paintbrushes and jars of paint, smiling at the camera, with a variety of clothing styles and colours.
Group photo of Annika and many of the students at the end of the day.

On Sunday, the 11th of October, 18 students gathered around longtime guild member and artist, Annika Berglund, to explore how to make fine felt. We learned about the importance of using “gentle hands” and how to create “compact versus scrunchy felt”.

The workshop was divided into two parts, with Annika demonstrating each step along the way. In the morning, we created a flat square of black, white and grey felt, learning how careful handling of the wool fibres influences the finished material.

Editor’s favourite takeaway: Feltmaking transforms loose wool fibres into a new material, much like baking transforms butter, flour, sugar and eggs into a cake. Once these transformations have taken place, the original ingredients cannot simply be separated out and returned to their former state.

In the afternoon, students learned how to create a three-dimensional felt piece using a resist. Annika encouraged anyone new to the technique to “have faith” in the process, which is a reassuring reminder that sometimes you need to trust the felting.

The group included longtime members, newer members and even non-members. This mix sparked interesting conversations as students shared their textile interests and experiences.

Annika Demonstrating

A crafting workshop scene where a woman demonstrates a felting technique to an attentive audience. The table is covered with various materials, including felt pieces, bubble wrap, and tools, while participants observe and engage in the process.
A woman with purple hair focuses on her work while holding a piece of wool, wearing a blue cardigan with a necklace made of large beads. She is in a group setting, with other blurred people around her.
A woman with short purple hair demonstrates a crafting technique at a table, surrounded by an attentive audience. She is rolling a material wrapped in bubble wrap on a green cloth, with various crafting supplies and instructions visible on the table.
A craft workshop scene with a woman demonstrating a felting technique, surrounded by attentive participants observing the process. Materials such as bubble wrap and fabric are set up on a table.
A person carefully unpacking an item wrapped in bubble wrap on a table, with several people observing in the background.

Some photos of Annika demonstrating to the students.

The Busy Hall

A busy arts and crafts workshop in a community hall, with numerous tables occupied by participants engaged in creative activities. Various materials and tools are spread out, while attendees chat and work on their projects.
A group of people engaged in a workshop or class in a community hall, with a speaker gesturing in front of them. Attendees are seated at tables, some are working on various materials. The environment appears casual and collaborative.
A group of women attentively listening to a speaker during a workshop or meeting in a community hall setting.

The room was full of tables arranged in a chevron pattern, and students gathered in twos and threes.

Hands Working

A close-up of hands pressing down on bubble wrap, showcasing pink and red nail polish. The background suggests a crafting or creative activity.
Close-up of a person wearing a blue sweater, working on a black fluffy circular material placed on a yellow surface covered with bubble wrap.

Always nice to have photos of hands working!

Appreciation Time

Interior of CIE Hall Inchicore, showcasing the bar area with seating and a prominent wall sign displaying the club's name and establishment year.
A table displaying various food items including baked goods, biscuits, a bottle of milk, and a box of cookies. There are labels and notes providing information about the items.

Many thanks to Annika Berglund for taking the time to share her knowledge and lead the workshop! Additional thanks to the volunteers, Siobhán, Lorna, Irina, Fiona, Helena, Loli, Sam, and Juliane, who helped to set up the room and assist the students. Thank you to everyone who brought yummy treats to share, too!

Lastly, we were delighted that the filmmaking happening simultaneously in the adjacent room had limited impact on our workshop. (We were told there would be a rave scene with loud music!) Thanks again for everyone’s patience as we wove through the maze of interesting rooms to get to the big hall at the back of the CIE Sports Hall.

Our regular Sunday Session will be on the 18th of October, when longtime member and textile artist Mel Bradley will share her Textile Journey. No need to book. For more information, see this blog post: https://feltmakersireland.com/2026/09/29/sunday-session-mel-bradleys-textile-journey-18th-of-october/

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