Hello,

Has anyone tried a brushed surface treatment on woven cloth?  Specifically, I am interested in hearing about the use of teasels (the plant) as a finishing technique.   Secondarily, I'd like to know if anyone the right kind of cultivated fuller's teasel or knows where to get it in the US.

Thank you so much.

Lara

Comments

Mon, 10/21/2013 - 05:19

laurafry

I've used them, but they are very difficult to find now.  You can get good results using a dog brush.  Check my You Tube channel  for a video clip

http://tiny.cc/vbofyw

cheers,

Laura

Mon, 10/21/2013 - 22:59

sandra.eberhar…

I live in Western Michigan, and I see them growing on highway medians and entrance ramps all over the place.  I have seen pictures of cards made of teasel heads cut in half and fixed to the cards, but I have always used a short napped pet brush.

Mon, 10/21/2013 - 23:40

rosearbor (not verified)

They grow wild on the side of the road in the Mid-Atlantic region too, and probably many other places in N America.  They are a bit hard to grasp, a pet brush is a lot easier on your hands!  I've just used a regular hairbrush.

Wed, 10/23/2013 - 01:23

Bonnie Inouye (not verified)

I have a teasel brush which I think came from Williamsburg, VA, some years ago. Several teasel heads with stems, dried, are held in a simple wooden frame with a handle. I have it hanging in the studio. For brushing, I use a metal brush with fine metal teeth, rather like a puppy brush, which I bought from a woman who used to own a fabric brushing service in the USA. I also have a large old brush made for fabric, purchased in an antique store. That one has a cuved surface and it works pretty well, too, but is heavier.

Bonnie Inouye

Wed, 10/23/2013 - 01:47

Weavingholiday

You may need to find a young person to preem your teasels, too :)

http://www.dmm.org.uk/books/coy21.htm

http://themeaningsofthings.org/wordpress/?p=125