The New York State

Dutchess County Fairgrounds • Rhinebeck, NY

October 17-18, 2026

NYS Sheep & Wool Workshop

Registration Opens Sunday, July 26th, 12:00 PM EDT
Needle Felted Sweater Bear
Date: Sunday (10/18)
Time: 10:00 AM-
1:00 PM
Fee: $75.00
Duration: Half Day
Skill Level: Beginner
Category: Felting
Sold Out

In this workshop, Erin will introduce participants to the wonderfully satisfying process of needle felting as they are guided step-by-step in creating an adorable sculpted bear all dressed for autumn in a cozy (Rhinebeck!) sweater! When it comes time to needle felt the sweater onto the bear, participants will have the opportunity to either follow along with Erin’s sweater design, or create their own!

Needle felting is a very forgiving and relaxing art form that involves using a special barbed needle to make repeated pokes into fluffy wool fiber. This action causes the fibers to tangle and mat together, forming felt. Sculptural projects like this bear are worked up in layers, adding new colors and details with the felting needle. It’s truly a magical process!

Needle Felted Sweater Bear
Erin Gardner
Erin
Gardner
Grey Fox Felting

Erin Gardner is the founder and co-owner of Grey Fox Felting where she has taught thousands of students to needle felt through her in-person and online classes and kits. She has exhibited her finished work at galleries and fine art fairs throughout New England and has been featured in Handmade Art: Explorations in Contemporary Craft and in Making Magazine. Erin works primarily in the medium of needle felted wool, creating sculptural and relief-style works that draw inspiration from nature and explore relationships between our internal and external landscapes.

All Workshops By This Instructor

Workshop TitleCategoryDateStart TimeFeeDetails
Needle Felted Sweater BearFeltingSun (10/18)10:00 AM$75.00
Material fee
$20
fee includes
Wool in several colors, set of felting needles, foam mat, as well as use of finger guards and wood felting handles
Payment instructions
Cash, check, venmo, and paypal - collected prior to workshop or upon arrival
prerequisites
Ability to hold felting needle and make repeated pokes that require the wrist to move up and down for several hours.
Homework
None
Items to bring
Students may want to bring battery operated portable lighting.

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