The Illawarra Feltmakers are returning to Kiama with their much-anticipated annual exhibition, and this year’s event promises to be a woolly delight for all ages.

‘Felt into Nature’ will take place on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June, from 10am to 4pm each day, at the Kiama Masonic Hall, 46 Collins Street.

Entry is free, and visitors are invited to roll up their sleeves and dive into the tactile world of wool and feltmaking.

For two days, the historic hall will be transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity, showcasing handmade felt art, items for sale, live demonstrations, and interactive workshops. There’s even a “funny hat” station, where visitors can try on wild and whimsical wool creations in front of a mirror, a sure hit with children and adults alike.

“Our group is passionate about sharing what felt is and how it’s made,” says Christine Sloan, one of the group’s key organisers. “So many people have never seen the process of turning wool into fabric without glue. It’s soap, warm water, and a bit of elbow grease.”

The simple but fascinating technique will be on full display, with demonstrations showing how raw wool is carded, shaped, and transformed into either wearable pieces or sculptural art. One particularly captivating process visitors will get to see is Nuno felting, where silk and wool are combined to create lightweight, reversible garments, a perfect fit for our coastal climate.

“Kids and adults love rolling felt balls and seeing how soft fluff becomes something solid. It's a bit like magic,” Christine adds.

The show also celebrates the achievements of local and national feltmakers. Jamberoo-based artist Anita Larkin, founder of the Illawarra Feltmakers, is a nationally recognised textile artist whose sculptural works are held in the Australian War Memorial and Wollongong City Gallery, where she was formerly Artist in Residence. Around 15 of Anita’s pieces will be on display during the exhibition.

The event also honours the memory of the late Barbara Wyles, an accomplished fibre artist known for her fine lacework and knitted shawls, which earned top awards at the Royal Easter Show.

Expect the entrance to the Masonic Hall to be decked out in colourful wool-themed decorations, designed to draw the community in. “No real sheep,” Christine jokes, “but plenty of felt ones. We’re wool-a-holics. And while we may only usually wear wool three months of the year on the coast, this show proves wool is for every season, every age, and every imagination.”

For those inspired to learn more, the Illawarra Feltmakers also run beginner-friendly workshops at the North Kiama Neighbourhood Centre on the first Saturday of each month. These small group sessions are an ideal way to pick up traditional skills in a warm and welcoming environment.

“Don’t miss this chance to see, touch, and learn about the world of felt,” Christine encourages. “And maybe leave with a woolly treasure of your own.”

Felt into Nature Exhibition

📍 Kiama Masonic Hall, 46 Collins Street

🗓 Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 June

⏰ 10am – 4pm

🎟 Free entry