Showing posts with label wool. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wool. Show all posts

Friday, May 23, 2008

New to Felted Style!

Felted Wall & Table Art
Mix-and-match versatility to create your own one of a kind grouping! New items are being added weekly.


Tuesday, May 6, 2008

MAKING FELT YARDAGE

FELTING STAGE:

This is the beginning stage of felting where the fibers become entangled, but do not completely lock down. Shrinkage has not occurred at this point.

Step 1: Layout the wool roving on the pool cover and place muslin fabric in the middle layer (optional). When fabric is incorporated into felt it allows you to make stronger, thinner felt.
Step 2: Next sprinkle wool with soapy water made from olive oil soap.

Step 3: Place the swim noodle on the end, roll it up tightly and then secure with rope.Roll back and forth and from time to time unroll and reposition the felt so it is rolled in every direction.

Here is a picture of felt at the end of the felting stage. The fibers have become entangled but the felt is too fragile to be functional.



FULLING STAGE:
This is the final stage of felting where shrinking occurs. The felt becomes dense and the fibers are permanently locked in place.


How do I full my felt? I simply remove it from the pool cover and roll it directly on the table using a kneading action with my hands. I am also sure to roll in all directions. This is my favorite part of the process. I love feeling with my hands the soft felt gradually progress into firm felt.


Design: After my yardage is made, I needle felt on a design using wool roving and yarn. These dry wool fibers are poked with a barbed needle until they are pushed down, matted and locked.

Friday, May 2, 2008

About Felt

History
Felting is one of the world’s oldest forms of textile design. Felting is a nonwoven cloth made from matted wool fibers. Archaeological finds date skillful application of this technology to at least 600 B.C.

What is Wet Felting?
Wool fiber is covered with scales and hot water causes the scales to open. When the scales rub together they become tangled and lock. Agitation, pressure and soap speeds up the felting process. This is why your wool sweater shrinks when you mistakenly put it in a hot wash cycle.

Environmentally Friendly
Wool is a sustainable source and a 100% biodegradable. Felt is essentially made with wool, soap, water and a lot of elbow grease.Every piece of felt is made in a manner that is environmentally friendly and I utilize only phosphate free soap during the felting process.