www.feltgoodfeltfine.com

CUSHION FELTING

MATERIALS YOU NEED :A piece of thick plastic or cardboard covered and taped with bubble wrap.Thin plastic – if you’re using the geometric shape design with prefelt or silk paper.Old Towel, sheet,Net (larger than the size of felt you want to make, bridal voile is best)ApronBubble WrapCotton ties/string for tying up the roll of felt.Soap, grater or liquid soap (ecover delicates) For Soap Solution

Fill jug with boiling water and 2/3 tablespoons of grated soap (stir to mix).Add this solution to the milk bottle and top up with cold water so that it’s hand hotJugOld plastic milk bottle with holes punched into the topBroom handle/rolling pin or pipe lagging tube.Felt in the colours you like.

Draw your design template or just play with the colours first. Allow for 1/3 shrinkage.

1.Lay out design first onto a shape cut out from bubble wrap. Weave in segments of merino wool together. If you are using silk paper, cut out your design and put it on now.

2.Think about what wools and silks you want on the top layer of your cushion. Bear in mind your cushion will be viewed from all directions.Pull out small lengths of combed tops and lay over the template so the wool overlaps by a few cm.

N.B – remember the first layer will be the outside of your bag and the last layer will be the inside. Have fun!MATERIALShttp://www.winghamwoolwork.co.ukALI’S BLOG http://feltgoodfeltfine.com/wordpress/

ⒸCopyright 2011: A Rabjohns. All rights reserved.

3. Cover the first layer with net. Wet down and turn over. Remove the net carefully. Fold the edges over onto the template and start the whole process again. You will eventually need 3 or 4 layers, folding the edges over each time. Each layer will be at 90 degrees to the last. The last layer will be the inside, remember to add a pocket now if you want, by cutting out a piece of bubble wrap to create a resist.

N.B to add more colour, use complementary colours.

4. Wet out fibres with soap solution. Rub gently for 10 minutes. , Paying special attention to the detailed areas in the centre – leaving the edges.

5. Gently remove the net and turn over, do the same process on the other side.

6. Slit the top with a pair of scissors.

7.Roll the wool in bamboo mat until you’re really satisfied with the result.

Open out the cushion cover carefully and allow to dry flat.

USEFUL LINKS:

http://www.catkin-collection.co.uk/products/464-octagon-tiles-felt-cushion-cover.aspx

MATERIALShttp://www.winghamwoolwork.co.uk

ALI’S BLOG

http://feltgoodfeltfine.blogspot.com/