FAQs

How are the Wee Woollies made?

Are you familiar with felted hats and bags? Needle felting is the same type of process just with special, barbed needles. Wool is made up of fibers that have microscopic scales all along them and the agitation of the fibers locks these scales together. The tiny barbs along the needles grabs the fibers and pushes them together. I am able to make shapes, add more wool on top and sculpt using these needles like a person would with clay. There is no glue involved, it is all felted wool!

Are the Woollies made from your own wool?

Yes, although not completely. I have been raising sheep for years now and I have been incorporating the wool from my sheep into the Woollies. If the wool isn’t from my sheep, I try to incorporate as much locally produced/processed/dyed fiber as possible into my creations. I am lucky to live in an area rich in local producers and fiber enthusiasts!

How do I care for my Woollie?

The best thing about these is they are made from wool, so they do not break when dropped! That being said, keep them out of reach of pets. I have heard numerous stories of customers losing their Wee Woollie to their fluffy companion, even ones who normally leave décor alone. Also, keep them dusted and do not wash them! It will only felt them more and they will loose their cute shape. If it is a seasonal Woollie you are storing for most of the year, seal them in a container or bag to keep bugs, critters and moisture away from them.

Do you do custom work?

Yes and no. I do custom colors, hair and designs for themed figures all the time. However, I am very selective of new creations/designs due to time. I do not do custom dogs, cats, horses or other pet portraits but there are other fiber artists that will. I would love to be able to make every special request that comes my way, it just is not possible at this time. But you are always welcome to ask if there is something you really want, some of my best products came from enough people asking for them. I always love customer input! Feel free to send an email to weewoolliesfiberarts@gmail.com

My pet got a hold of the Woollie, can it be fixed?

It depends on what state the Woollie is in. Some cats and dogs REALLY like wool and will do anything to get their claws and teeth on them. Repairs are case by case. Some figures just need a couple of quick pokes of the needle to fix, others are best just created over again. If your Wee Woollie had a run-in with your fur baby, best to send me a photo to see what I can do to help. Repairs range from free to a few dollars depending on the severity.

Where do I find the Wee Woollies in person?

Currently, some Wee Woollies are in one retail location. You can shop seasonal Woollies and exclusive knitting ladies at Wild Knits yarn shop in Salem, Oregon.

I also attend several fiber festivals and craft fairs in the Willamette Valley area during the holiday season and those are usually the best place to see them in person. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and sign up for our newsletter to keep up-to-date on where I will be vending. There is also an Events page on this website where a complete list can be found.

Can I order Christmas items year-round?

YES! I actually love when my customers place seasonal orders ahead of time. As much as I try to please everyone and have lots of inventory on hand during the holiday season, there are some items that I always run out of. For example, I can only make so many nativity sets in November/December and I try my best to have some in stock to sell at the craft fairs but they sell out fast. However, I make them year-round and you are welcome to contact me and order one at any point! Given enough notice, this guarantees I will have the item done for you.

Do you teach classes?

I do teach the occasional beginners class but not on a regular schedule. To learn about these and other events, make sure to sign up for our newsletter and follow the Wee Woollies on Facebook and Instagram. I love teaching others how to needle felt and look forward to adding more classes in the future!

What is with all the gnomes?

The gnome, (or wizard, old-fashioned Santa, Father Time, Gandalf), was my very first design ever created. Through the years they have evolved but the basic look is still the same. I love the curly beards and eyes peeking out from underneath the floppy hat. As someone of Irish decent, I like to think I am very in tune with my whimsical, folk and mythical side. This is probably why I always photograph the gnomes in a garden setting: to me that is where they belong.