It takes a lot of discipline and dedication for all of us as independent designers. We are very good at multi tasking, draping a muslin while talking on the phone to the sewer or grading a flat pattern while on the phone to the fabric supplier. Now imagine that supplier is actually living in a barn in your backyard. For Sarah Brundage, owner and designer of Thistle Downs Wool Designs, feeding her supplier, the sheep she gets some of her wool from, every morning is part of her multi tasking chores. The best part, she describes it as the most peaceful part of her day. Being a part of this lifestyle is in her blood and has been part of the family for over 1/2 a century. I am jealous, I love fiber. I love farms. I could almost smell the lanolin on my fingers as she describes her process. If you have never worked with a fleece that has just been shorn from the sheep, you are missing out. It is so amazing to work with raw fiber. It is after all the very beginning. Fiber is what we make all of our designs out of whether natural or man made.

SD: What inspired you to pursue the art of felting?
SB: I grew up in the Litchfield hills of CT. My family has raised purebred sheep for over 50 years, so it seems natural to me to work with wool. My grandmothers and my mother have always sewn, knitted and created great pieces; socks, sweaters, hats, mittens, you name it. I worked as a graphic artist for a number of years. I’ve always been drawn to color combinations, shapes and design. I especially love texture in fabric, clothes and accessories. I have to be able to feel it! There are so many types of raw wool fiber to work with and felting just takes it to another level.
SD: Can You describe for us your process for felting? and where did you learn it?
SB: The first process is a wet felt process. My scarves and jewelry are created this way. The wool/fiber is laid out onto bamboo, rolled up and basically agitated for a very long period of time slowly adding hot,soapy water. A great workout! My wool used in the Jewelry pieces is also done by hand, but it’s a quicker process. The handbags are all knit by hand, then washed over and over, again with hot soapy water finally felting, fulling or shrinking to the desired size. Needle felting is a dry process. I basically learned by doing.
SD: How did you turn your love of wool felting into a line of women’s accessories?
SB: I wanted a strong handbag for myself that really looked like a piece of thick wool fabric. And, it had to be unlike anything else out there. Many felted bags are less structured and too floppy for my taste. So I created a pattern that worked for me using an Icelandic wool. Friends urged me to “go public”.
SD: Tell us the story behind the name of your line?
SB: Our Southdown sheep are registered under the farm name,Thistledowns. Corny, but it’s named after the wooly girls I guess.
SD: Where do you turn for inspiration for your designs?
SB: Lately I have been drawn to oriental rugs of all things. I love the colors. Rich and really warm. Sometimes it’s the outdoors. My flower gardens are a great inspiration in the fall when they go to seed. I find great shapes there. I Studied art history in college and still find myself looking in books at tapestries and such. And other times it’s just looking at color and remembering something from another time.
SD: What does your average day entail?
SB: Early, early mornings. I usually wake up around 4AM ready to go. I’d get straight to my designs but it’s feed the husband and the kids first, then troubleshoot before school, (2 teenage daughters), then more feeding (dogs and sheep). Believe it or not, early time for me in the barn is pretty peaceful. Then to the loft studio, where I try to work on pieces early, before the day gets away from me. When I’m wet felting I have to be sure to have enough tome to complete the project. I really can’t stop in the middle.Simple, classic, not too fussy. I love basic pieces and neutral colors; black, brown and camel. Then I accessorize. I love large necklaces of any kind. I’ve always been drawn to really unique pieces. Am crazy about scarves, wraps, shoes and handbags. Give me jeans, a white T and an awesome handbag and I’m happy.
SD: Describe your personal style?
SB: Simple, classic, not too fussy. I love basic pieces and neutral colors; black, brown and camel. Then I accessorize. I love large necklaces of any kind. I’ve always been drawn to really unique pieces. I Am crazy about scarves, wraps, shoes and handbags. Give me jeans, a white T and an awesome handbag and I’m happy.
SD: Who are your fashion icons (past or present)? Do you think they influenced your personal style?
SB: Audrey Hepburn. Something about the way she wore her clothes on screen or off. And I am an SJP fan. There is something about the way she carries herself.
SD: Do you have any current fashion obsessions?
SB: Handbags, always.
SD: What advice would you give someone just starting in your field?
SB: Get on Smashing Darling. A great venue for featuring your product. My one and only! I’m so thankful for all they do. Also, ask questions, all the time. I’ve learned alot from other designers and artisans. Get out to shows, promote yourself.
SD: Do you have any events you are getting ready for in the near future?
SB: I am working on pieces for the Westport Creative Arts Festival, Westport, CT, Nov. 16-18 and am waiting to hear about the Hadlyme Holiday Homecoming, Hadlyme, CT, Nov. 23-25. I also have a couple private home events nearer to the holidays.
SD: Is there anyone in the Smashing Darling community you have a question or comment for?
SB: Someday soon I hope to get to the city to see Punkin NYC. I’d love to see her gorgeous designs up close.