Fleece Dog: A Little Bit of Magic Created With Raw Wool and a Special Needle

This book was my first step into needle felting. I was enamored by the adorable critters and beautiful photography. After reading the book I went to the author's website to order the kit for a few specific breeds. The dacshund was my first one and the results were better than I expected (see photo) ! I also did the husky from the author's kit with outstanding results. I then wanted to try my own project. I purchased wool from a local yarn store, glass eyes from ebay, and used pipe cleaners for the "skeleton". I used my poodle mix as a model and the results were fantastic. (again, see photo). I have since done reproductions of many of my friend and family's pets. I enjoy this craft immensely as it has quick results (the first one i did took about 7 hours....and I got much much faster as I grew experienced.) This book was the springboard into other felting activities and projects from other books. But none are as impressive as the Fleece Dogs. They are consistently beautiful. The best thing about this book is the "actual size" diagrams of the body shape. It is very helpful in achieving semi-realistic forms and proportions (especially for individual breeds). The worst part of this book is the description of the needed materials. It is easy to get intimidated by the very specific type of wire and cotton sleeve the author uses. However it is fairly easy to work around those suggestions with a little creativity and some time spent in a craft shop. If you are even the least bit intrigued by this book....try it!

I thought this was a great book! I have never done felting before and I found the instructions easy. I'm a beginner but my pups are turning out pretty well, with some practice they will be great. Great thing to try out!

I hadn't done ANY needle felting when I accidentally happened upon this wonderful little book. In addition, the first printing of this book was completely in Japanese! In spite of that, I was able to look at the pictures and diagrams and create my first needle felted pup! I love dogs and that's what drew me to it... The negative review about the book is misleading. If you have any kind of craft or art ability, you can do do this! As far as finding supplies, if you have access to a computer and the internet, you can find everything you need. Ebay is an excellent source for fiber and felting needles, and even JoAnn.com offers supplies. Needle felting is a wonderful, portable craft that will delight you and the friends and family you choose to share it with. Give it a try, but remember...those needles are sharp! Don't look up while poking the wool! :)

Very clear instructional book, it gets you hooked quickly! I have really enjoyed teaching myself and others miniature felting.

I have a little experience in needle felting and wet felting, but I've never attempted anything 3-D like this before. I'm happy to say I just completed my first little fleece dog today, and I think the instructions are just incredible. Not only does the author include step-by-step photos and instructions, but she includes actual-size "diagrams", similar to blueprints, for each dog in the book. The only material I cannot find locally are the eyes, so I made do with ball-tipped sewing pins. I can't wait to make a little companion for my first pup! I love this book. The photography and book design is modern and appealing, also.