You don't need a washing machine to create felted wool, which is a good thing, because the art of creating dense, waterproof fabric from natural fibers goes back to 6,500 B.C.

For Walla Walla fiber artist Linnea Keatts, all she needs is some hot, soapy water; a flat surface; a rolling pin; and some elbow grease. Oh, and the wool item to be felted.

"Heavier fleece is used to make 3D pieces such as purses, vessels, vase holders, bowls, and so on," Keatts, who has been felting for more than 35 years, explains. Lighter weight felting, which incorporates silk fibers in with fine merino wool flee...