This is my Janome Xpression Needlefelting Machine! If you have ever wondered about the different methods for making wool Felt then you have come to the right place :o) I will be adding information and tutorials for machine felting in this area.  This is the ultimate machine for Free Form creation!  Of course, there is Free Motion sewing on your regular sewing machine also but Needlefelting is just completely different. You can combine your creation from the needlefelter with free motion sewing and wind up with the most layers of stitches and techniques known to anyone...LOL The following information will give you the features and specs for this machine. Use it as a comparison for the other Needlefelting machines that are on the market.    Stay Connected…Sign-up to read about the site updates, monthly design challenges (A drawing will reveal who receives a gift certificate to the catalog area), tutorials, articles related to many areas of design,  free patterns section,  and plus you really want to be the first to know about special promotions, don't you?   The Xpression is a needle felting machine - it does not sew, but uses barbed needles to mesh fabrics together. The fibers mingle to create new color and texture combinations that simply cannot be achieved with embroidery, applique, or any other kind of needlework. It doesn't require thread, a bobbin, or any previous sewing experience. What I have learned so far… 1.You can marry, merge and blend any of the following: 2.Roving (Unspun Wool)...Lay down a foundation of a few layers to many layers on a water soluble stabilizer called Vilene and produce a piece of Flat Felt. When you are satisfied with the look then go and dip it in water and watch the stabilizer disappear! You now have a flat piece of 100% Wool Felt that you can cut into shapes for appliques or to make a flower, etc. or you can continue building layers of different colors while manipulationg the roving into a design and create a work of art. 3.Fabric Foundation (You can start with a piece of Denim fabric as the foundation of your creation and then just keep building with all of the other fibers, yarns, ribbons, fabric strips, etc. 4.Fabric Strips (Silks and Sheer fabrics produce awesome results) 5.Yarns ( Natural fibers and Novelty yarns punched into a foundation of Wool Felt blend very well) 6.Fabric Scraps (You can turn fabric scraps into new new colors and texture...Make a Collage or Applique. Here are a few pictures of my Needlefelting This one is many different colors of wool roving, batts, etc. that I combined to create an abstract design...this can be used as a foundation to build upon or use it to cut out designs This next picture is a wool foundation that I created and then I added recycled Sari Silk pieces to create the flower design. Then I made a Beaded Fabric Bead for the flower center. Here is a closeup view of the Beaded Fabric Bead  Features of the Machine: Five-hole needle plate with five needle unit Single-hole needle plate Single needle unit Free arm capability Easy clean lint box See-through adjustable presser foot See-through finger guard Standard foot control Bright working light Durable construction Specifications Felting/Needle Punching Machine Free Arm/Flat Bed Convertible Skeleton Body Construction Retractable Carrying Handle Machine Size: W389 x H278 x D150 mm Machine Weight: 4.6 kg Variable within 200-900 spm Needle Block: Groz-Beckert felting needle #36 (0.60) x 5 pcs.; Fixed type (Needles are Glued to the Base) 5-hole Needle Plate (2mm x 5) Transparent Presser Foot with Finger Guard Presser Foot Height Adjustment Transparent and Position Adjustable Eye Guard Built-in Lint Catcher Incandescent Electric Lamp Warranty 25 year limited, mechanical  http://www.janome.com/index.cfm/Machines/Specialty/Xpression   Free counters provided by Andale.