Brilliant, thanks for such fascinating information! But darn it, now I have to follow up and learn more!
I've often wondered about weaving, and have come to believe that it may have been inspired by how leaves of grass can become loosely interconnected as they get stirred in a breeze. Or maybe from the way hair can get tangled.
Now I'm starting to wonder how far back felt goes . . .
a quick search led me here:
https://fashion-history.lovetoknow.com/fabrics-fibers/felt
"The origin of felt is unknown but is believed to date back to prehistoric times in Central Asia. Felt may have been discovered when wool, shed from wild sheep, was used to soften sleeping areas, and it formed a cohesive fabric, or when the wool on skins used for clothing became matted.
Felt is a good insulator. It is windproof and rain will run off it. It can be cut and will not fray because it has no yarns to unravel. Dense felt is remarkably strong and cannot be pierced by arrows. This property was appreciated by many warriors in the past, who used felt for lightweight shields and armor."
I had no idea it had such protective qualities.