Elynn Bernstein's Gallery

Teal Nuno Felted jacket and Felted Hat
Photo By: photo by Sandra Macklem

About this Gallery:

The technique that I employ to make my jackets and coats is called Nuno Felting.

Nuno felting is somewhat similar to traditional wet felting but produces very different results.  By manipulating a minimum amount of wool through a fine base weave fabric, often silk, a felted fabric with characteristics quite different from traditional felt occurs.  Nuno felt is lightweight with drape and flexibility. It can be a highly textured piece of fabric with many exciting variations. Nuno felt lends itself perfectly for making fine garments. 

All the wool and silks that I use I hand dye. I employ several dyeing techniques, but the one that is the most like painting that i am used to is where I literally paint a design on the silk, using thickened dyes. This technique gives me the most control over of the color. However the element of surprise is always present. (It's a good thing).  Depending on the look that and weight of the garment that i want , I will either use one or two layers of wool on top of the silk . Another variable that i play with is how much of the silk fabric do I want to show though. 

These garments all start out as sketches in which I work out many of the details before hand, however, that being said- many decisions are left to when I am in the moment, the time when the design itself calls out for what is needed. The embellishing of the garment is a very exciting moment. It can bring the piece to a wonderful climax.