Join Sue Flanders for a day of creating a warm and woolly Skinnfell sheepskin hat.  Skinnfell is the Norwegian folk art of sewing and embellishing a tanned sheepskin into a wearable object through stitched and finished edges, printed with wooden block stamps.  Sue recently returned from taking an advanced class in Skinnfell techniques at the Rauland Academy in the Telemark region of Norway. 

Students will enjoy this traditional Norwegian Folk craft while making a custom fit hat.  The students will learn how to cut sheepskin, whip stitch, make a covered seam and finish the hem for their unique hat. Most of the stitching will be done during class, but some students may want to finish the final stitching at home. This class offers a broad overview of this craft, which includes many decorative and useful applications for future projects!

Please note that to complete this project, students need some hand strength and flexibility, as sewing leather is more difficult than cloth. A $40 materials fee covers tanned sheepskin for one hat, leather cutter's needle, thread, hat pattern, instructional handout, use of wood blocks and textile paint, and other necessary supplies. 

Students should bring a good pair of scissors for cutting sheepskin, a leather thimble (if you have one) and jewelry pliers, if possible, as these are helpful for sewing leather.  Students should also be aware that the textile paint used is permanent, and cannot be washed off clothing.  Although the application process is not messy, there is always a chance of getting some on clothing, so dress accordingly.