Felt is matted together rather than just shrunken - you can do the same with animal fur. Brush the animal and peel the 'leavings' off the brush. Rub them together in a circular motion between your hands and you get felt.

Carding is the process in which the fibres are straightened ready for weaving - two metal brushes (short spikes rather than bristles) comb the wool out. See here for all you ever needed to know about wool production but were too afraid to ask!

LTS