Marilyn Hughes, who completed her City & Guilds Diploma in Feltmaking with ArtyBird Carnforth School for Art & Textiles, has been awarded a Medal for Excellence by City & Guilds.

IFA member Kate Horner is Marilyn's tutor and says "This is a real achievement. We are only allowed to nominate one student per year in a subject area. Marilyn was included in the Constructed Textile category so she was alongside other disciplines. There is only one medal for this area in the whole country so it is a huge honour. Marilyn’s work is delightful. She combines her passions for embroidery and fashion into her felt. A gallery of her work can be seen at www.artybirdcarnforth.co.uk."

Marilyn, who lives in Kendal, is going to be put forward for the People’s Award, which will go onto the City & Guilds website next month. We would ask you to get behind her and vote. We will find out on June 6th whether or not she has been successful when we go to London for the Lion Awards.

The Country Living Show runs from 20 - 24th March and we are pleased to announce a 25% discount on tickets and a chance to free of tickets. The discount and competition is for IFA members only so you will need to visit the members only area.

6th-8th August in Kyrgyzstan

A report by IFA member, Rosalind Johansson:

Public Fund "Min-Kiyal", with the support of Christensen Fund, realized the annual festival  - "Kiyiz  Duino" . The festival took place on the southern shore of  Issyk-Kul lake in Kyzyl-Tuu village, Ton region. Kyzyl-Tuu is home of yurtmakers.

The festival was opened by the ex-President of Kyrgyzstan Otunbayeva  Roza Isakovna. The festival "Kiyiz Duino" attended by all residents of the village, as well as more than 500 guests from other regions of Kyrgyzstan and other countries.

Read more...

Another Membership Benefit!

Were you featured in Felt Matters - did you like a particular issue - maybe you have just joined and want a few back issues? No problems: additional copies of Felt Matters are available to members for as little as £9 including postage & packing to all destinations. Visit our online shop.

The successful international exhibition The Climate Is Changing has now finished its tour and we are offering the opportunity to pick up a copy of the catalogue for £15 including postage to all destinations.

Visit our online shop.

There are a small number of Felt Matters from September 2012 (issue 108) available for purchase from our online shop. The prices include postage to all addresses.

• Find out how you can contribute to the IFA’s latest travelling exhibition, ‘Leaving Your Mark!’, and see some of the contributions that were on show at the IFA’s AGM in Bath.
• Enjoy reviews of the latest Feltrosa meeting in northern Italy, an exciting felt symposium in Lenzen, Germany, and a stunning fashion show at Scythia 9 in the Ukraine.
• Members in Scotland write about the visit of HRH Prince Charles to the Scotsheep event in Ayrshire, and there are updates from regions across the UK.

Starting in September 2012, Sheila Smith is holding regular mentoring sessions for CiFT portfolio candidates.

Location - Thirsk

Contact - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The IFA is pleased to announce a massive 50% discount for its members who want to use the Snowy Creek Roller Felting machine at Wingham Wool Work. Also included in the hire is the use of the flat bed felting machine. Basic instruction in the use of the machines will be given.

Members may view the discount code used to receive the discount (you might have to login). Those who are not members may join the IFA online and receive instant access to this membership benefit.

The listings for UK regional workshops (grouped by region) have just been updated. Contact your regional coordinator for further information.

IFA members only

Please remember to complete our survey and have your say in the future direction of the IFA. You will be able to access the survey between 1st June and 30th June 2012. The results will be published in Felt Matters and on the website.

You will need to login to access the link to the survey. If you have trouble logging in please contact the webmaster.