Meet Lilly from In The Wool, a Madison-based felted wool artist who transforms new and scrap wool into one-of-a-kind handmade treasures. Join us on Saturday, August 2nd from 11am to 3pm for a special sidewalk pop-up where you can discover her unique creations firsthand. We chatted with Lilly to learn more about her passion for felting and her commitment to sustainable artistry.
How did In the Wool get started?
I was 21 when I moved from Northern Michigan to Northern California to pursue an unknown path, and right around that same time I met Jessica Green Switzer. Jessica is a fiber artist in Sonoma County. She was my gateway into the world of wool, a wonderful artist who is the founder and owner of JG Switzer. Jessica has played a huge role in mentoring me, and allowing my love for fiber to grow organically. She taught me her flowing techniques of "Painting With Wool", and thus sparked a flame between me and the wool, I was hooked. I went on to be her production artist for nearly a year, until I moved to New York City to pursue a modeling career, where I quickly learned that I missed working with wool.
I have since moved back to the Midwest, to get back to what I love--felting. I decided that it was my time to make my own pieces, as a fiber artist. I began with going through my old art supplies, as I do when I move, and finding a few scraps from my production design job in California. I decided to play a bit, and created a scrap bag with the leftover wool. I immediately knew I needed to continue where I left off. I would wear the bag every single day and eventually it had sparked the interest of the right folks and I began to actually sell my art! I have since made an instagram and currently working on a website for In The Wool. As for the name, wool takes up quite a bit of space in my life (and my 400 square foot apartment) when I get to work, I am often buried in it, thus, In The Wool was born.
Why is sustainability important to you?
Sustainability is immensely important to me, and I have always believed we have a responsibility to care for our planet and the people who live on it. Our choices--what we buy, how we live, and what we create--have real impacts on ecosystems, communities, and future generations. I believe sustainable practices can be more than doing less harm; it's about finding innovative, and thoughtful ways to live and work. Whether that means choosing materials that regenerate rather than deplete, supporting ethical labor practices, or reducing waste, sustainability feels like a path toward both creativity and accountability. I believe sustainability is creative in its own sense, but also necessary. I am a strong believer in zero waste living, and it can look different for each individual. In my art sustainability helps me to consume less and create more. Anyone can make a change to their lifestyle, even in the smallest ways, and that can make an impact in numbers.
How do you source materials for your products?
I have been working with wool fiber for 5 years now, and still learning so much about my artistic process. Since the beginning of In The Wool, I knew I wanted to learn the entire process that wool goes through before it gets to me.
So I set off to find my own sheep! I wanted to source my wool locally, and luckily, Wisconsin is plentiful with nice folks who have more wool than they know what to do with. I found a family-owned farm in Blue Mounds, WI that has been a wonderful source of wool for me, as well as a great place to visit the animals. I love to see the ewes that provide the wool that I have the honor of creating with.
As for my pre-made fiber, I made my first 'Scrap Bag' with scraps from JG Switzer that I had left over. I immediately loved it, and so did a few other people! Which was just my cup of tea, I have since made several custom scrap bags, with wool scraps from my old production design job, and we work together to create an exchange despite our long distance.
What's something you wish more people knew about working with wool?
I suppose I wish more people understood that wool, when sourced and processed responsibly, is one of the most sustainable and high-performing materials we have. It's biodegradable, renewable, and naturally-insulating--yet it's also breathable, water-resistant, and antibacterial. In felting, you get to see the magic of the fiber transforming at your fingertips! Raw fleece becomes fabric without the need for harsh chemicals or synthetic binders. There's something alchemical about the ancient process. People often associate wool with being scratchy or stiff, but differing breeds of sheep yield different textures. Some are buttery soft, others are coarse and strong. Wool isn't just an ancient, or old fashion fiber; it's an incredibly modern one when used thoughtfully.
Where do you look for inspiration?
Mother Nature baby! My inspiration is found in the sky, along the running rivers, whether it's a pop of color, or the way the sky or plants move. I am immensely inspired by the beauty and intensity of Mother Earth, I have no doubt that won't change about my work. I am also inspired by the wool itself, sometimes I will have a preconceived idea about a new project, and a totally different piece comes to life.
Do you like listening to anything while you work on mending projects?
Yes! It really depends on what I'm doing, but finding my flow is when I feel most at home. I tend to listen to music that brings the energy that I want to immerse into my work. A couple artists I particularly enjoy for this are Hermanos Gutierrez, or La Lom, both make me feel as though I am creating a story with my art. But if I'm outside, it's just me, the birds and occasionally an F-35 Lightning jet flying overhead.
What project(s) are you working on right now?
I am working on quite a lot at the moment, but stepping away from fashion a bit, and creating some sustainable decor is one thing that I love to make, vase covers, dining table runners, pillows, coasters, I am workshopping a bit more with wet felting and experimenting new ideas, that I will be very excited to have with me come August!
Where can people find your work?
You can always find my work on Instagram at
@inthewool, I often post-behind-the-scenes processing of the wool, felting, and finished pieces!
