December 18, 2008

Adventures in Felting

I have wanted to try felting for some time. I've been inspired by the magic of felted bowls, bags and hats on Flickr. When it snowed the other day, I realized that I do not have a warm winter hat so immediately started planning my first felting project. I was scared about the shrinkage especially since I was using two different yarns! I used Bernat felting wool for the main part which said it would shrink to 80% in width and 95% in height. I tend to be one who just uses my eye for things instead of following patterns so I just decided to go for it... without making test swatches! I knew if it shrunk too much then I could just turn it into a bowl!




I put it in a lingerie bag and threw it in the washing machine with a towel on the longest hot water cycle. It was still too big when it came out so I threw it in again... it came out a bit tight the second time but I managed to stretch it out slightly so that it would fit. It's a good thing I have a small head!



As you can see from the photo it shrunk much more than 5% in height! Thank goodness I added an extra stripe! For the most part I am happy with the way it turned out. The grey wool that I used for the stripes did not felt as well as expected but i like the texture. The felting wool lost its intensity. Overall I think I prefered the non-felted look and feel of the yarn.



It was an exciting project and reminded me of my pottery days because of the suspense and magic of chance! I think all my hat needs now is a fabric button flower :o)


Enjoy your afternoon tea & quilted crafts :o)

11 comments :

  1. Oooh Laurraine, and you knit too ?!! My, you're amazing !!! The hat is so cute & you can be proud !!!
    I hope yoy're enjoying these last days before Christmas xoxoxoxo lots of hugs to you & C !! xoxox

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  2. The hat looks good and I think a fabric flower will finish it off nicely.

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  3. Чудесные работы! ))))

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  4. Dear Laurraine: the way it turned out is the way I'd like to make one for myself. Also, congratulations for all the inspiration. Betsy Munroe - Canada

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  5. Great job!
    How wonderful!!
    Congratulation, kisses from Chile,
    Titi

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  6. Your hat turned out very nicely. I like it felted. I sure you have learned some things from your first experience in felting that will make your next project just the way you want it.

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  7. ooh, it came out so nice!! I'm working on a new scarf for me tomorrow as a christmas gift to myself, hehe :D

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  8. C'est très joli ! J'aime bien ce que vous faites !

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  9. Very Good Idea Frend!!! you´re very smart. in Brazil we say "Você é muito inteligente!!". Kisses

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