www.feltgoodfeltfine.comNUNO FELTING from ‘Felt to Stitch’ by Sheila Smith

MATERIALS YOU NEED :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 SolutionFill 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.

Choose felt in the colours you like – Merino wool tops (about 250 g) the fibre used needs to be as fine as possible.Lightweight open weave fabric made from natural fibres e.g. cotton, silk

Method

Cover the area needed with the sheet, then bubble wrap bubble side up. Remember to allow for shrinkage when you think about sizing (about 1/3).

1. Lay chosen fabric onto bubblewrap.2. Place wool fibres on fabric in the required design and cover with net.3. Sprinkle cool felting solution over net.4. Press solution through the package and rub until fibres and fabric are wet,

and then remove net.5. Carry out the felting process, rolling in the usual way until it is possible to

feel the wool fibres on the underside of the fabric, showing that they have penetrated through.

6. Throw the package gently on the table, approximately 20 – 30 times.7. Open package and re-fold, with the folds in a different position. Repeat the

throwing process. The wool will begin to shrink, due to vibrations caused by throwing the fabric.

8. Continue throwing until the wool begins to shrink. Once shrinking begins, dipping and massaging the felt in hot water can speed up the process.

9. Continue until you are really satisfied with the results.10. Rinse thoroughly and dry.

Have fun!MATERIALShttp://www.winghamwoolwork.co.ukALI’S BLOG http://feltgoodfeltfine.com/wordpress/

ⒸCopyright 2011: A Rabjohns. All rights reserved.