In the Studio with Felter Christa Fischer

Christa Fischer has a story like many others here on the Island. She started out as a summer girl and then, as soon as she could, moved here full time and ever looked back. For Fischer, that day was more than 30 years ago. Since then, she married an Island man, raised three kids and now has a sheep farm, a grandson and a true addiction to felting—one that includes going all the way to a Felt Festival in Hungary and attending the Felters Fling that happens every two years. "I think it's great for anyone who has a passion for a particular craft to attend conferences of these kinds," said Fischer. "It's just such a great way to meet other people who have the same passions as you, and you can sit around all day and just talk about your craft."

For the unknowing, felting is not pasting little pieces of felt onto other pieces of felt and bringing it home from craft class for Mother's Day. It is a complex craft that generally consists of wetting wool, causing the fibers to open up, at which point it can be manipulated into 3-D or 2-D shapes or sculptures. Fischer will be teaching this spring at . Participants will explore using a special felting needle and wool roving to create a small 3-D sculpture and/or a flat design.

We caught up with Fischer, called "the go-to girl for felting" by folks in the know, to find out a little more about this amazing craft.

How long have you been felting?

Twelve  years

What is the most complicated piece you’ve ever made?

Really large wet felted pieces are hard, physically hard, so probably a very large pillow. And the Pan I did, because it has so much detail.

What draws you to felting as an art form?

It’s terribly varied, so it sort of fills whatever need I have. If I want to work with color, I can do that. Or if I feel like sculpting, I can do that. Also, I live on a sheep farm, so it fits right into my life.

Do you do other types of art as well?

I also do watercolors when I have time and needlework and knitting.

What are you most looking forward to about spring on Martha’s Vineyard?

All the energy that it brings to everyone and the smile it brings to all the faces.

Is there a particular Island spot that you go to when you need inspiration?

I go for a long walk every day around the Great Pond. While I walk, I think of all sorts of projects I want to do. I like decorative things, but I want to make useful things, as well.

What’s the best part about being a teacher at Featherstone?

I love to see what people create. It’s so inspiring to see them get excited about their own projects and ideas.

Who are some of your favorite Island artists?

Allen Whiting, of course, and I like Beldan Radcliffe’s work. It’s so great to see what Max Decker is doing. I also really like Jules Worthington, Thaw Mallon, Doug Kent. I probably forgot somebody. I’m inspired by all of them!

Why do you think felting is gaining in popularity among crafters?

Crafts like felting and knitting that are passed down from one generation to the next are so warm and nice. I think it’s the wisdom-of-the-grandmothers kind of thing.

Feltmaking: Needle Felting with Christa Fischer will take place Wednesday, March 23, from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Barn Studio at Featherstone Center for the Arts. The class costs $45, plus a $5 materials fee.