Experimenting with surface texture.

I just can't resist fabric that has an interesting texture and so I decided to experiment with felt textures. I wanted to get a 3D effect so I used an antique lace piece. As I sell antique lace I have plenty of oddments to use so I wondered what effect felting would give. I used just two layers of Merino wool and placed the lace on top. It took a long time for the fibres to come through the lace and even longer to full. I ended up throwing it in the sink many times to shock the fibres into shrinking and pulling the lace together. I think you will agree that the result is very pleasing. It looks like barnacles on a rock and although the scanner does not show the 3D effect very well it is very bumpy.

The reverse is plain and very thick so has many uses, I've just got to think of one so it will go in my box awaiting an idea. All suggestions gratefully received.

Xmas presents all complete

As Christmas is officially over I can now show you the table mats. I finally managed to finish them the day before I went off to visit my daughter. The colours were chosen by Jay and her husband. The mats were made using merino wools and I covered them all with 1940's black hat veils. The first one was easy but trying to get the others to match in size and pattern was rather a challenge. I was so pleased on Christmas day to hear that they loved them and were very suprised that the mats were so professionally made.

I made a number of bowls for the rest of the family and in my rush to get them sent I forgot to photograph them, never mind I'm sure I'll make some more.
My next project is to experiment with different textures and as I have large pieces of antique lace I think I'll start with those and see what happens.
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and are looking forward to the New Year.

The salt marshes of Morecambe Bay

My attempt at a large bowl which flopped so was made into a dish but which is still a bit floppy so I may just flatten it or frame it as it is.

It took absolutely ages to make but I learnt a lot about what I could and couldn't do with the fibres. I twisted and pulled the rocks up and placed old thimbles under some to keep the shape. I think the closeup shows a little more detail as these pictures are rather small.

My first bowl.

I made a small bowl the day before yesterday. I didn't really know what I was doing but the result was very pleasing. I'm not too sure when to block bowls but I did it after the rolling stage to make this one.
My new books arrived today - Felt without seams by Sheila Smith and Complete feltmaking by Gillian Harris. I've not had time to read them yet as I've been felt making all day today but will post a comment on them tomorrow. If anyone else has read these books perhaps you'd like to tell me your thoughts or tips.


A big thank you goes out to Ann and Una for welcoming me to the Felting and Needle Felting Forum, I know that I will learn many things from them all who subscribe to the forum and make new friends along the way.

My first attempt at Felting

Hi everyone, a few months ago I went on a fantastic course on making wet felt. I was so inspired that I have taken it up as my hobby. I'm going to show a few of my pieces so far. Please remember that these are first attempts but I am learning all of the time.

The picture above is my first attempt produced at the 1 day course. It was made using marino wool tops with additions of pre- felts and knitting wools of different textures.

The second picture shows the other piece made at the course. This was just a test sampler finding out what happened to a variety of fabrics when laid on top of the wool. I think it made a lovely effect.
I find felting really very relaxing. I've now ordered some of my own wools and a book to help me to be a little more ambitious. I would really like to hear from other felt makers. I'm still getting used to blogger so will post again tomorrow.