HANDMADE felt is one of the most ancient textile arts in the world, probably originating in Sumeria, but it is described by Canberra Region Feltmakers as “the new favourite of the design world.”

Featured in the collections of Stella McCartney and Givenchy and has also been presented in European design fairs in a multitude of forms, they say.

And indeed, when I attended Elizabeth Dalman’s dance show “Fortuity” last week marking 50 years of the Australian Dance Theatre, I couldn’t help but notice the beautiful felt garment in which Dalman draped herself to present the history of her dance career to the audience – regal and imposing.

In a fetchingly-named exhibition, “Rapt in Felt,” which I had the pleasure of opening last night at The Q, Queanbeyan, 27 contemporary feltmakers from around this area ad exhibited their work in one of the most unusual exhibitions to be seen for a long time at the venue.

This is the 18th year the 100-strong group, established in 1994, has held this exhibition and the fashion show that goes along with it, regularly attracting over 500 people. This year’s fashion parade will take place at 11am this Saturday May 30.

Exhibition curator Lorraine Walter, who was on hand last night for the opening, says, “felt is an incredibly versatile textile, allowing for a range of possibilities combine innovative design superb craftsmanship to produce luxury of textiles, exclusive craft objects and eyepieces.”

At last night’s opening I was treated to a crash course in felting, and was introduced to the unusual combination of melding with other textiles in the Japanese “nuno” technique that creates a lighter, more summery product.

It’s a large-scale exhibition, with a shop that allows you to buy works (most of the exhibited works are on sale) for very reasonable prices, especially appealing as temperatures plummet. Also in the foyer are displays of wearable items, including beautiful capes and shawls.

The big surprises are to be seen inside the exhibition space with a range of felted works on show that can be described as ‘quirky’ at the very least. There’s a felt frilled-neck lizard, a sulphur-crested cockatoo, vases, necklaces, felt “paintings” (one pays tribute to the autumn season) and hats quite unlike anything your mum and ever wore.

“Rapt in Felt”, at The Q, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, May 27 – 6 June 6, open Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm, Saturday 10am – 3pm, closed Sunday. Fashion parade at The Q, 11am this Saturday May 30, all are welcome.