Patty Salo Downs

Patty’s life-long interest in fiber arts began at age 6, when her mother taught her how to sew, and her aunt taught her how to knit. In 2002, she fell in love with felting, knitting, and designing one-of-a-kind felted handbags. Several years later she discovered the joy of Nuno felting: a process of coaxing wool fibers into silk fabric using soapy water and a gentle agitation to create a durable, lightweight fabric. Learning this technique launched Patty into a new direction, creating wearable art: one-of-a-kind felted scarves, wraps, and clothing. She enjoys sharing her love of Nuno felting with others by teaching classes both in person or via Skype.

Patty’s designs are inspired by nature, and summer is her favorite time of year to felt. The abundant blooms of her flower gardens and the energetic activity of the many wild birds that she feeds in her backyard inspire her muse and create the perfect setting for creating beautiful things for people to wear. “It is a time when my soul is at total peace.”

Patty lives in Duluth, Minnesota with her husband George. Her creative furry companions include a black lab and an orange tabby cat.