Ashford Handicrafts

ashford.co.nz

Ashford has been making textile equipment in Ashburton, New Zealand since 1934, so felting kits sit next to spinning wheels and looms rather than next to toys. The needle felting kits use Ashford Corriedale sliver, a springy medium wool that beginners find forgiving, and each pack holds the fibre, a felting needle and illustrated instructions. Themes lean local, including a New Zealand wildlife series, and free Learn to Needle Felt booklets are published in several languages.

Worth choosing for anyone who cares about wool quality and plans to move on to spinning or wet felting later, since the same fibres are sold by the bag. Two practical notes: the felting foam is usually not part of the kit and has to be added to the basket, and Ashford sells mainly through distributors, so local pricing and availability depend on the shop.