Felting and craft exhibition destined for Paeroa

Paeroa Arts Centre is opening its doors this season with the Dot and Friends exhibition featuring Dot Wildman's felting. Photo / Rebecca Mauger

No rules.

That's the sort of craft that Dot Wildman likes and she is addicted to felting.

''It's one of those things where you can make a start and it might not really turn out how you imagined but it always comes to something.''

Dot uses the example of pot holders and other bits and bobs she has created from the ancient craft into useful, funky items. Most of Dot's items turn out perfectly — even if some are surprises — she has made countless handbags, flowers, scarves, wraps, brooches, intricate necklaces, phone and glasses cases using the art of felt.

Dot, from Waihi, loves the surprise of the end result. She's been felting for 20 years and is also a member of Waihi Spinners & Weavers.

The public can check out her work at the Dot and Friends exhibition along with three others who specialise in knitting, weaving and craft. The four are kicking off Paeroa Society of Artists' reopening after a Paeroa Arts Centre building revamp.

Creating felt requires wool, hot water, soap and some friction to bring it all together.

''I lay it out on bubble wrap and use Lux flakes to soap it up. The wool fibres have scales on them and they grab together,'' Dot says.

She often introduces silk into the procedure.

Felt from wool is considered to be the oldest known textile whose origins can be found in central Asia.

Dot and Friends are having a ''soft reopening'' on October 24 before the gallery's grand reopening celebration and members exhibition on November 17.

Paeroa Arts Centre underwent refurbishment during Covid-19 disruptions. The old red carpet has been removed and wooden floors have been repolished. Painting and new hanging systems have been installed.

■ Dot and Friends at Paeroa Arts Centre, Normanby Rd, from October 24-November 13.