Rich in Fiber

The magical qualities of fabric and yarns have always called to Nicole Chazaud Telaar.

Previously, as a commercial textile artist, Nicole was a bit removed from the process of fabric creation. Her pattern sketches were printed or woven in mills in the South. But discovering how wool can be manipulated with hot water changed how she thought of the medium.

Felting is a hands-on process. From picking dirt out of raw wool to hand dying to “agitating” the final piece, she is now in total control. Better yet, she is able to directly impose her bold and bright designs on fabric without screen printing or painting.

Wool is the perfect choice for the home “apparel” she creates with the help of her husband, Tom Telaar. At “Festive Fibers” in Alstead, they create rugs, wall hangings and upholstery materials emblazoned with Nicole’s bold, graphic styles. Wool is naturally stain repellent and the felting process makes it even more durable. The luster and “hand” of the raw wool she chooses makes it pleasing to work with and the finished products are lightfast, soft and durable. And eye-popping pretty, too.

— Susan Laughlin

Nicole Chazaud Telaar and Tom Telaar
www.festivefibers.com
P.O. Box 626 Alstead, NH 03602
(603) 835-2247