complete feltmaking

Inside...
Gillian Harris' complete feltmaking/ easy techniques and 25 great projects begins with a marvelous and succinct account of what real handmade or hand rolled felt begins as and what catalyzes wool fleece to link each fiber of wool to move and link together to "full". Fulled or felted wool becomes dense, hardened and shrinks the wool giving us a fire retardant, water repellent, warm and insulating, soft and cozy, breathable protective, pliable, colorful, non-fraying medium with which to create fiber art.

This book is a how-to resource and Harris passes along the tips and tricks she has collected and also encourages the reader to experiment and discover different ways of doing things for yourself. A range of projects is included to instruct and inspire and launch the reader into feltmaking with original ideas.

Recently, felted items seem to be showing some popularity in my favorite clothing catalogs (slippers, moccasins, purses, hats, garments), so taking this book out for a spin may help you refine your creative vision for it just a little ahead of the current trend. Aside from trends, fulling or felting has an ancient history that Harris reviews so you can regard it as one of the all time classics in fiber material processes.

Projects included are marked with skill level ranging from beginner through advanced techniques. Includes 3-D projects.

The Yarn...
for Flat Felting:
Wool fleece--wool tops or roving - Fine Wool
merino wool tops
Merino, Blue Faced Leicester, Jacob, Shetland
Grades: Micron, Bradford Count, Blood Count
for Knitted Felting:
at least 70% wool and NOT superwash wool - it will not shrink if it is superwash
100% wool works best

sample project knitted felting "Flirty Flower" page 78
Yarn: 1 ball South West Trading Company Karaoke wool--50% silk/50% wool; approx 110 yd. (101m) per 50 g ball, 1 ball Noro Kureyon approx 110 yd. (101 m) per 50 g ball (100% wool)
Needles: 1 pair of US 10 1/2 (6.5mm) needles
Shrinkage rate: approx. 25-30%

The Book...


Contents: introduction--history--wool fleece--equipment--SIMPLE FLAT FELT: petal play--paper chase--full bloom--ewe and me--heartfelt rug--3-D SHAPES: highly strung--dotty spotty--cute booties--tea time cozy--dapper flapper--KNITTED FELTING: flirty flower--icy stripes--carousel cushion--patchwork perfect--I love you--NEEDLE FELTING: tooth fairy pouch--heart to hearts--under cover--jingle bell--pouting trout--ADVANCED TECHNIQUES: cobweb cool--nuno felt shawl--blooming slippers--bowl over ball--field of poppies--templates--glossary--resources--acknowledgments