Shop Facade - Feltmaker

As you stroll down the bustling street, Via dell' Abbondanza, you see a feltmaker's shop with an impressive doorway picturing six gods. You may want to stop and take a closer look at the doorway

Since you don't know any feltmakers yourself, you may wonder what made this industry so important in ancient Rome. Felt is made by cutting slices of carded and clean wool and laying them first vertically, then horizontally and a third time vertically. Then using heat, water, and pressure, the fibers interlock. Felt was used for making blankets, floor mats, coverings for tables, perhaps simple clothing. And it had some distinctive qualities. Since it is the only fabric made without weaving or knitting, it is a time saver. And wool felt is especially good at retaining heat and wicking moisture. And felt is flame retardant, especially helpful given how frequent fires were in Rome. And since felt could be made from different colors of dyed wool, felt product could spruce up a room or apartment.