Science and medicine have long treated men’s bodies as the default, leaving women’s health chronically underfunded and under-researched. This gap affects not just physical wellbeing but mental and emotional health too.
At my Felt & Fanny workshops, we address this imbalance by fostering awareness, mindfulness, and self-care practices that empower women to connect with their bodies, understand their health, and prioritize their wellbeing. Through creative expression and intentional practice, participants gain tools to navigate stress, tune into their needs, and cultivate lasting resilience.
It’s time to shift the narrative: women’s health matters, and wellbeing is not optional. Join us in reclaiming space for care, awareness, and mindful living—because when women thrive, communities thrive.
Central Asia is widely recognized as the birthplace of felting. Nomadic peoples in regions like Turkey, Mongolia, and Siberia used wet felting to create garments, rugs, and yurts—valued for insulation and waterproofing EBSCOSweet Pea DollsSpelling Bee HinterWikipediatextile-en.techinfus.com.
Archaeological finds, notably from Pazyryk burials in the Altai Mountains (Siberia), include intricately designed felt clothing and saddle covers dating back to as early as the 4th century BC textile-en.techinfus.comSweet Pea Dolls.
The process involved wet-felting—combining wool with water, heat, soap, and agitation (e.g., trampling, rolling) to bind fibers into solid, durable material EBSCOThe Silk Purse GuildWikipedia.
2. Transition to Industrial Felting (Needle or Dry Felting)
These industrial needles were designed to efficiently create insulative and structural felt for commercial use—like insulation, automotive parts, and textiles.
3. Birth of Artistic Needle Felting (1980s)
Needle felting as a craft—the dry, sculptural technique familiar to artists and hobbyists—only emerged in the mid-to-late 20th century.
In the 1980s, American fiber artists David and Eleanor Stanwood were pivotal in adapting industrial felting needles for handmade, sculptural purposes—essentially creating needle felting as an art form Felter’s FlockArt Works! StudioEBSCOSweet Pea Dollsyarningwools.com.
In 2000s Japan, figures like Sachiko Susa elevated needle felting with highly refined, character-based creations that garnered global attention Spelling Bee Hinter.
Its rise was aided by the craft’s accessibility (few materials needed), versatility (2D and 3D works), and the therapeutic, meditative nature of needling Art Works! Studioyarningwools.comSpelling Bee Hinter.
Today, needle felting is widespread in workshops, online tutorials, craft fairs, and even therapeutic and educational settings.
If you’ve ever wondered about the origins of that fluffy woolen fabric we call felt, you’re not alone. Felt is one of the oldest known textiles, with a history that predates even knitting and weaving. Unlike most fabrics, felt isn’t woven but created by compressing and matting fibres. The process involves heat, moisture, and, bien sĂ»r, a bit of elbow grease. The result is a dense fabric formed from permanently interlocked fibres.
Types of Felt:
The most common form of felt is “pressed” felt, which utilises wool fibres or a blend of wool and synthetic fibres. The fibres are compressed using heat and moisture. “Needled” felt and “woven” felt are also prevalent, produced with varying techniques and densities. The choice of felt type can often depend on its intended use, whether it be for home decor or wearable crafts.
A Walk Through History:
Felt’s origins are shrouded in mystery. Nomadic tribes in Asia have been creating felt for millennia for a myriad of uses, including tents, rugs, and yurts. The lore goes that medieval men lined their sandals with wool for comfort. The fibres would then felt naturally due to moisture and pressure from walking. As we take this promenade through felt history, we see a craft that has adapted and thrived through countless cultures and eras.
The Magic of Stephanie’s ‘Felt a Fanny’ Workshops:
In Brighton, where art meets activism, Stephanie Crechriou offers a feast for the senses and the soul with her ‘Felt a Fanny’ workshops. Here, felting is not just an activity; it’s an experience. Participants, regardless of their artistic prowess, feel an innate connection with the age-old craft, made even more special by Stephanie’s passionate guidance.
The Mindfulness of Crafting:
Felting is an inherently mindful activity. The repetitive motion of the barbed needle piercing the fibres offers a meditative experience. But don’t worry; it’s not a solemn event. Stephanie’s workshops are filled with laughter, casual conversation, and that irresistible French charm she naturally exudes. It’s an environment where mindfulness coexists with gaiety, creating a harmonious balance that makes the experience all the more enriching.
A Quirky Yet Empowering Journey:
Attendees receive pre-felted vulva shapes, a sponge, a felting needle, and a bag filled with wool pieces in every colour of the rainbow. As they get engrossed in their art, the room hums with the empowering energy of creation. The workshop transforms from a felting session into an empowering ritual, where everyone feels seen, heard, and genuinely themselves.
An Unforgettable Keepsake:
The art doesn’t just remain in the workshop. Participants can choose to transform their crafted felt pieces into keyrings, brooches, or hair clips. It’s not just a whimsical accessory; it’s a symbol of a transformative experience, a reminder of empowerment and community.
When you think of the art of felt making, your first thoughts may drift towards the creation of warm scarves, adorable toys, or perhaps even intricate wall art. However, Stephanie Crechriou’s workshops in Brighton offer something far more profound—a transformative experience that goes beyond mere crafting to touch the realms of personal empowerment, mindfulness, and community bonding. Intrigued? Keep reading to discover how these workshops, amusingly coined as “Felt a Fanny,” are changing the way we perceive the art of felt making and the role it plays in modern-day self-expression and well-being.
The Woman Behind the Magic
Stephanie Crechriou is no ordinary artist; she’s an Impactivist, a term she uses to embody her role as a positive change-maker. A native of both France and Greece, she has called Brighton home for the last 18 years. Her journey in the world of felt-making started in 2012, but her workshops are not just about crafting; they are about impact.
Stephanie has a flair for integrating mindfulness, empowering her students to tap into their creativity confidently. Workshop attendees describe her as a welcoming, funny, and incredibly knowledgeable instructor. It’s hardly a surprise that her sessions often turn into platforms for open dialogue and laughter, allowing people to genuinely connect with each other.
More Than Just Crafting
The Felt a Fanny workshops are about celebrating feminine energy and the power of creativity. The sessions last for around two to two-and-a-half hours and are tailored to suit people of all skill levels. Attendees have the opportunity to make unique felt items, from keyrings to brooches, under Stephanie’s expert guidance.
To Stephanie, needle felting is not just a craft; it’s a form of therapy. And the numerous testimonies from her students corroborate this idea. Descriptions of their experiences range from “magical” to “mindful,” with many praising the workshops’ laid-back atmosphere and Stephanie’s approachable teaching style.
Testimonials and Impact
Participant feedback does more than just endorse Stephanie’s workshops; it paints a picture of their transformative power. From birthday parties to hen dos, her workshops have become an unforgettable part of people’s lives. One participant described the session as “a memorable experience for the whole group,” while another called it “fanny-tastic!”
With Stephanie’s workshops, you’re not just crafting; you’re building a community. Whether it’s gathering around the table to choose from an array of 80 colours of high-quality Merino wool or sharing stories and jokes, every moment is an opportunity for personal growth and connection.
The Sustainable Approach
Stephanie Crechriou doesn’t just teach art; she teaches responsible art. Mindful of the planet’s welfare, Stephanie ensures that her workshops use sustainable materials. She opts for the highest quality of Merino wool, which is renowned for its eco-friendly properties, ensuring that her students both create and learn responsibly.
A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity
What makes Stephanie’s workshops exceptionally captivating is her ability to blend traditional crafting techniques with modern sensibilities. She covers everything, from the history of needle felting to the safety protocols involved, creating a well-rounded educational experience. The result? An enriching workshop that goes beyond the conventional crafting class, offering participants a historical, ethical, and, most importantly, personal context to their creations.
A Tailored Experience
Stephanie prides herself on making her workshops as inclusive as possible. With participants ranging from native English speakers to those who are not fluent, she creates an environment where everyone feels welcomed. In one instance, a participant from South Korea felt reassured when Stephanie kindly informed her that she was also from France, bridging the gap between languages and cultures.
Lasting Impact
Stephanie’s workshops are more than a fleeting experience; they are a lasting memory. Many participants, whether they attend a hen party or a simple weekend class, go home with more than just a handmade item. They go home with the feeling of accomplishment, a new skill, and, most importantly, the joy derived from being part of a community that celebrates creativity and empowerment.
Stephanie Crechriou’s Felt a Fanny workshops are a tapestry of art, culture, empowerment, and community woven together by the threads of creativity and mindfulness. Whether you’re an experienced crafter or a complete novice, these workshops offer a unique avenue to explore your creative capabilities while also engaging in a communal celebration of self-expression. If you find yourself in Brighton, don’t miss this golden opportunity to be part of something truly transformative. Your journey towards empowerment, mindfulness, and community building starts here.
Felt a Fanny 