Detail of re felted Pateh 
Contemporary Pateh Design 
Small pieces incorporated into new designs
The Pateh is 100% wool and really hard to keep .It very often get washed and the colours bleed into each other and it shrinks . Or it is eaten by moths and becomes unusable .I have retrieved several pieces from small markets and friends ,cut them up and reused them in pieces of work . It is so so satisfying!
go-round project being passed between my colleague and myself …. each of us has 15 minutes maximum work on each piece , then pass it back!
Caring for Woolen Crafts
To keep wool , woolen garments and woolen craft pieces free from moths you can either keep them in an air tight vacuum pack but remember to air them often , bring then out into the sun in order to stop the deterioration of the woolen fibres . You can also pack them in a box and dab essential oils such as cloves, lemon , eucalyptus and mint in each corner of the box . Pepper and peppercorns are also a great prevention agains moths and their larvae. I have used strong scented bars of soap for years mixed in with my woolen yarns and also lavender bags . The advantage of the oils , lavender and soap is that the wool keeps a fresh smell . Precious pieces of woolen handiwork I keep hanging on an open rail on coat hangers. I hang grated soap bags or lavender bags in between the pieces and cover with a sheet . This way they are protected but also are getting some air.
Sometimes damage is un preventable…. but do not fret too much , get out your needle and thread and darning mushroom , and darn away ….. It can bring so much charm to pieces that are otherwise would be thrown away!
Dzignpatch 