Liz Mitchell MNZM is New Zealand’s leading bespoke fashion designer. Her love of wool has extended from fashion into the development of homewares using New Zealand strong wool. Felting is the oldest textile-making technique in the world, utilising just wool, soap, and water. As a strong advocate for sustainability and NZ strong wool, Liz has been exploring the processes of both wet felting and needle felting, using wool as her medium.

The passion Liz has for the different ways in which wool could be utilised has seen her create beautiful items that are approachable for everyday use. This includes a collection of pet pods and vessels, rugs, wall hangings, lightshades and living fleeces.

Wool has always been a part of my life, from jumpers, hats and scarves, blankets, duvet inners & pillows to sheepskin rugs.  Recently I was gifted several fleeces to work with, and I had no idea what to do with them until I found the ancient art of peg looming, which hails back to before the Vikings.  When sticks were used for the loom and twine for the warp to weave raw fleece, for blankest, mats, saddle rugs etc, this technique caught my interest.  It seemed the perfect match!  After completing many rugs that are now out in the world, I am delighted to be able to share what I have learnt by trial and error with those who are also interested or excited at the prospect of using fleece to insulate your home with wall hangings and rugs, provide luxury to sit on for you, and your pets. 

Fibre artistry, created from nature.

Drawing inspiration from the breathtaking beauty of Aotearoa New Zealand, my home, I am an artist who creates unique framed works using natural fibres such as wool and bamboo.

As an advocate for sustainable art practices and non-toxic creativity, I turned to these materials after the toxicity of traditional acrylic and oil paints started affecting my health.

Working with a natural medium brings me immense joy. I love experimenting with blending fibres to create unique effects and colours that defy ordinary paint.

Over the years I have explored a variety of mediums from ceramics to wicker sculpture but my enduring love is the magical and amazingly versatile world of wool felt.

For me, using natural materials, in particular wool fibre is a cathartic experience. Using millennia-old techniques provides a connection to the past and simpler ways of living, while finding new ways of using these ancient materials and pushing the boundaries of what can be made with wool and other materials provides stimulation for the technical side of my brain.

Felt-making is good for the soul on so many different levels!