Q: What would you say to other needle felters who maybe thought this was too difficult for them?
A:” I’d say don’t be put off — I didn’t have any trouble following along or understanding what to do. The course is really well laid out, and the step-by-step guidance makes it all feel doable, even if it looks a bit tricky at first. I never thought my Elsie would turn out so well, but she did — and I felt really proud of her in the end. If you take it bit by bit, like with the weekly lessons, you’ll surprise yourself with what you can create.”
"I've loved the course. I've seen Elsie from a far for a while and always thought, I'd love to do one of those. So, it was really, really exciting when you said you were doing the course."
— Susan McQuay
The Aunties Sheep Collection-“Elsie”
Elsie is part of a collection I am creating to celebrate UK wool in collaboration with Flock and Skein. Chris's wool has been such a joy to work with, and his ethos that includes sustainable practices from farm to yarn makes an ideal collaborator.
Elsie is part of a collection called "The Aunties", based on my lovely "Morris" aunts and a celebration of my Grandmother Elizabeth, a hand-lace maker who came from a family of Calico and Silk Designers and Printers. Elsie knitted us jumpers and loved to walk. I walked miles with her growing up as we didn't have a car. She was a joy to create!
Elsie stands 28cm high without the plinth and is a true celebration of UK sustainable wool practices.
Is This Course For Me?
Whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your skills and explore new techniques, this course offers a welcoming space to grow your confidence and creativity.
Worried it’s not for you?
You’re not alone — but I promise, you absolutely can do this. Whether you’re brand new to needle felting or have some experience under your belt, the Elsie course is designed to meet you where you are.
It’s flexible, beginner-friendly, and filled with support so you can grow your skills with confidence and joy. Here's why you can do this:
✅ You get lifetime access, so there’s no pressure — learn at your own pace, on your schedule.
✅ All live sessions are recorded, so you can watch and rewatch anytime that works for you.
✅ You’ll have clear, step-by-step guidance to help you build your sculpture piece by piece — no guessing!
✅ You’ll be supported by a friendly Facebook community where you can ask questions and share your progress.
✅ You’ll gain hands-on experience with wool, wire, yarn, and clay — even if you’ve never tried mixed media before.
Can You Relate to any of These?
- I’m eager to advance my needle felting skills, whether a beginner or ready to take on more detailed projects.
- I want to learn how to incorporate techniques like wire armatures and blending materials (fabric, clay, etc.) to enhance my creations.
- I’m looking to improve my sculpting abilities, add new techniques, and find fresh inspiration for my own creative work.
- I’d love to work in a supportive group setting, collaborating on a fun and engaging project.
- I’m excited to create a finished piece full of personality that I can proudly display or gift.
- I want a hands-on, creative experience that I can progress at my own pace while learning from an experienced instructor.
Please don't be put off by the knitting, before creating the aunties I was pretty much a knitting squares or long oblongs person, and there have been plenty of new knitters on previous courses. You’ll be amazed at what you can create when you give yourself the space to try.
Feedback on the Course from Marion Beardall
"The combination of the video lessons, the lives, the physical handbook, and the ability to ask questions in the community has made the whole learning process so smooth and supportive. I really appreciate how thoughtfully you've designed the teaching."
"Sally, the way you've structured the course by drip-feeding the content is brilliant. It doesn't feel overwhelming, you can just take it step-by-step at your own pace."
"The videos are done so clearly and you can just keep going back to them - it's so easy to follow, even if you've only done a little bit of needle felting before. Just go for it!"
"I've got the portal open with all the videos and I can just dip in and out as I'm working on the different parts. Everything is laid out so well, you can't get lost. It's been a really great learning experience."
What I include in this course:
Support and Community – You’ll never be alone in your creative journey! I’ve designed this course to offer comprehensive guidance through video tutorials and live sessions, all available on a dedicated, easy-access learning platform. Each lesson includes a feature for asking questions, and the platform supports self-paced learning.
Weekly Zoom Live sessions: Sessions are held weekly throughout the course. They are a great way of connecting with myself and others on the course, to ask questions and to share progress. Sessions are recorded to enable re-watching /watching if you cannot attend. I include two bonus sessions, one at the start of the course and one the week after the course finishes.
Private Facebook Community: You will have access to a community of women during the course. This is a great way of you connecting with like minded women; to share your progress, and encourage each other. You can also use this space to ask me questions, and gain feedback.
Support from me:
Throughout the duration of the course you can ask questions ahead of our online sessions using our private course Facebook Community , our Learning Portal or e mail me!
Access to Course Materials- All information, links etc are provided to you throughout the course for you to keep, and will be available to access for as long as it's available on line.
Course Structure:
New sessions will be sent out every Friday throughout the duration of the course.
We will meet as a group once a week via Zoom to share progress and to ask/answer any questions. Days and times will be shared with you during the course. Sessions are recorded to enable re-watching/watching if you are unable to attend.
You can find how the course is structured below.
Course Curriculum
Course Curriculum: Creating Elsie
Pre-Course Preparation
- Getting ready for the journey ahead
- Navigating the learning portal
- Gathering your materials
- Beginning work on Elsie’s jumper and bustle
Week 1: Foundation Building – Part 1
Creating Elsie’s Basic Form
- Sculpting Elsie’s initial shape
- Combining yarn, knitting, and felting techniques to form her outer skin
Week 2: Foundation Building – Part 2
Bringing Elsie to Life
- Creating wire armatures for structure
- Introducing needle felting to shape arms and legs
Week 3: Creative Additions
Adding Character and Charm
- Sculpting walking boots using clay techniques
- Continuing to shape and refine Elsie’s form
Week 4: Crafting Elsie’s Head
Expression and Detail
- Sculpting the head using fibre and sculptural methods
- Creating realistic fur textures with fibre
- Crafting and attaching ears
- Attaching eyes to bring Elsie to life
Week 5: Final Touches and Display
Bringing It All Together
- Final finishing techniques
- Assembling and preparing Elsie for display
- Tips on photographing your piece
- Exploring ways to personalise Elsie with your own creative voice
Materials and Tools:
Materials and Tools are not included in the cost of the course. A full resource list for materials and tools will be available for you to access in the course portal on enrolment to the course. Bespoke Wool Kits are available to purchase from Flock and Skein, information is also available in the resource list.
Join The Next Course
Three Easy Payment Options Available starting from £50 incl VAT.
This 7 module course is delivered as guided learning, with live Q&A sessions via Zoom to support you along the way.
The next course begins May 2025, and enrolment is now open.
So if you'd like to join, be sure to secure your spot.
You can find more information about the course — including what’s included, along with payment options below.
Want to Book your place now? Click on your preferred option below!
Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me using this Contact Link
Choose a Pricing Plan
One Time Purchase "Elsie" Incl. VAT
£140
Full payment taken at time of booking.
Enrolment access closes 30th April 2025
Purchase of digital items cannot be refunded and is not covered by Paypal Protection.
Enrolment access closes 30th April 2025
Purchase of digital items cannot be refunded and is not covered by Paypal Protection.
Payment Plan 2 Elsie incl VAT
£75
per month for 2 months
First Payment due on booking; second payment will be taken the following month.
Enrolment access closes 30th April 2025
Purchase of digital items cannot be refunded and is not covered by Paypal Protection.
Enrolment access closes 30th April 2025
Purchase of digital items cannot be refunded and is not covered by Paypal Protection.
Payment Plan 3 Elsie incl VAT
£50
per month for 3 months
First Payment due on booking; second payment will be taken the following month, 3rd before the completion of the course.
Enrolment access closes 30th April 2025
Purchase of digital items cannot be refunded and is not covered by Paypal Protection.
Enrolment access closes 30th April 2025
Purchase of digital items cannot be refunded and is not covered by Paypal Protection.
