| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Merryday |
Posted - Jul 11 2006 : 1:22:39 PM
Anyone know how to felt wool? I've read you can just throw an old sweater into the washing machine, but that worries me a bit. How do you get it to the right consistency?
"As you travel through life, remember your goal, keep your eye on the doughnut, and not on the hole" - something my Pop used to say |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Kathigene |
Posted - Jul 24 2006 : 4:21:27 PM
Check out this web site for some beautiful felted pieces. http://www.spiralworksfelt.com/gallery.htm I've never been that interested in felting but I have to admit this web site changed my mind.
Kathy
Dogs make such good friends because they wag their tails rather then their tongues. |
| rosebud74a |
Posted - Jul 18 2006 : 01:08:01 AM
I hav had so much fun going to thift stores an finding wool sweaters to shrinnk. I am still in the process of cutting out the squares for the blanket that I am going to make. I have found it more difficult to find sweaters in the summer, I can't believe I am wishing for colder weather just so i can buy sweaters at the thift sores...haha. I found a couple of websites/blogs that illistrate what you can make afer you find and wash the sweaters. I have researched this alot, although I have little of the actual crafting.
http://www.betzwhite.com/blog/betzblog.html
I have more websites on my home computer that I will try to post tomorrow
Happy Felting!!
Stacy
No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
Eleanor Roosevelt, 'This Is My Story,' 1937
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| sunshine |
Posted - Jul 17 2006 : 4:06:40 PM
the problem with washed wool isthat it does not stay washed. Dirty wool does attrack moths so once you make a wool rug out of washed wool you put it on the floor and walk on it and make it dirty. So vaccum often and keep your rugs clean or you wasted your time
have a lovely day and may God bless you and keep you safe
http://sunshinescreations.blogspot.com/
http://sunshine.harbaugh.googlepages.com/home |
| Audrey D Abbott |
Posted - Jul 17 2006 : 3:40:55 PM
Ann, I was always told that washed wool won't attract moths, too, and by some ladies who had lots of wool and wool rugs. |
| Phils Ann |
Posted - Jul 17 2006 : 1:21:00 PM
Rhonda, that IS neat. You made out great. I bought my first frame with the wirey strips to grab the backing just recently, and with that tension, it's so much easier on my hands than the wooden hoop. I don't have a cutter, but mostly use my quilt mat and rotary cutter, as well as a pair of spring loaded fiskars-- also easy on the hands compared to regular sissors. I've been told (and read) that washed wool doesn't get moth eaten. Does anyone know differently? I use lavender sachets throughout the woolens to repel, but would be very happy to know for sure they're safe because washed.
Ann
There is a Redeemer. |
| Shirley |
Posted - Jul 17 2006 : 12:04:18 AM
WOW Rhonda, What a good deal you got. and the wool is already cut into strips. Thats so much work to do all that. I bet your excited to get started hooking.(oh a month sorry, it will go fast) Fall would be a good time to start anyway :)
congrats |
| abbasgurl |
Posted - Jul 16 2006 : 10:41:50 PM
Well, I met with the "rug lady" over the weekend. We made a nice exchange. I got a rug hooking frame, backing, binding & about $200 in rug wool-already felted & cut and she got cash and a one of a kind doll made to her specifications. We both went home happy & each made a new friend!
The wool looks (and smells) beautiful, but I have it in the deep freeze because it has been stored for about a year. The worst part is I have to wait a month to start hooking!
There were so many nice dark primitive colors-just my cup of tea! How fun to meet someone new that loves the same thing you do!
Blessings All,
Rhonda
...and I will sing at the top of my lungs, and I will dance, even if I'm the only one! |
| Bluewrenn |
Posted - Jul 16 2006 : 1:57:37 PM
I felt a lot but from crocheted or knit pieces that I have done, rather than from old sweaters.
Crochet or knit using 100% wool preferably - Less than 100% wool works if the piece is at least 50% wool, but it has to be used in tandem with the non-wool parts... ie. use one strand 100% wool with one that isn't.
Make your piece at least 1/3 larger than you want it to be once felted.
You just need lots of hot water, soap and agitation. You really don't need to use the dryer unless you want to really shrink it down, but it's a personal preference, I think. For me, using just the washer helps me regulate how much shrinkage occurs.
Also if you have a laundry bag, pillowcase or small mesh lingerie bag, it not only keeps the wool lint from getting all over your washing machine but it also keeps the machine from tearing holes in your wool piece. And if you are doing a purse or something with a strap, the strap may get caught around the hub in the center of your machine (if the piece is not in a bag.) I recommend using a bag as it really does protect both the machine and the felted piece.
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| katiedid |
Posted - Jul 15 2006 : 6:50:07 PM
OK, this is something I could really get into....I love those quilts.
Anyone have felted wool projects to post?
I would love to see them...
Kate |
| Phils Ann |
Posted - Jul 15 2006 : 07:59:18 AM
Love this topic! I have bought new wool fabric and dyed it. I use Cushing dyes. It does stink like wet dog times 10. Some folks use an old crockpot plugged in outside and keep their homes smelling good. I do it on the stove in a white enameled pot bought for that purpose... "they" say your dyeing equipment shouldn't be used for food, even after washing it.
I haven't bought a lot of used fabric, but when I do, it goes right into the washing machine when I get home, washed it hot water, then cold rinse, then the dryer on delicate. That will felt it. If I don't want it felted, i.e. clean or dyed for rug hooking, I use hot water, hot rinse and hot dryer, for a bit of shrinkage which keeps it from fraying later, but not super shrunk. Wool is so much fun to work with!
Ann
There is a Redeemer. |
| Mumof3 |
Posted - Jul 15 2006 : 05:41:32 AM
Kay- Those little pincushions are so darling! Love the idea of the quilts. I see a lot of wool projects in my future!
Karin |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Jul 14 2006 : 8:57:49 PM
Those are just beautiful Kay!! I only miss having cable tv when I miss shows like that!!
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Jul 14 2006 : 5:19:05 PM
Did anyone watch Simply Quilts on HGTV today? There was a lady on there making crazy quilts from felted wool. Then she showed how to make the cutest pin cushions from the wool scraps. I've got to make some of the pin cushions. Here's the link.
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/shows_qlt/article/0,1805,HGTV_3876_3190091,00.html
I choose faith not fear.
Lotion bars, linen water & more in my online shop! http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
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| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Jul 14 2006 : 5:03:53 PM
I didn't use it at all myself..was just dealing with someone else's using them...and they must have used too much! I did wash it over and over and used dryer sheets and hung it out for a week..every possible thing before I threw it out. I really wasn't useable...shame though...it was nice stuff. I am really sensitive to smells but this was BAD. I am glad it works for you.
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| sunshine |
Posted - Jul 14 2006 : 4:47:08 PM
takes about a month of airing for all the smell to go away. And yes it actually does kill the moths and their eggs it also gets rid of flees if you have them in your home not a problem in utah but can be in the south and in california. Another way of getting rid of it is to wash the wool again and run it through the dryer with dryer sheets if you are in a hurry to use it. Sad you through it out it probably could have been used.
it is interestring to me that so many have a distane for moth crystals. My great aunts swear by them and have been using them for 80 + years seriously. they have a house fool of wool rugs and I mean full about 20 of them. And they grew up in a time when everything was made of wool clothing wise almost and aphostery fabric and yarns about any hand work. And they have never had a moth out break even when neighbors did which means the months eggs would get brought into their home on peoples cloths and dropped and not servive. about ever 6 months my house gets a lite dose on moth crystals and the lingering smell is gone in about 1 to 1 1/2 weeks ( trust me I ask people when they come in to make sure that I have not gotten ammun to the smell). then it is gone maybe you ladies use to much. 1/2 jar amount was when the wool sat for 50 + years any thing new. Gets a moth cake 1 week and done and take outthe cake and store it in an air tight container for next time).
have a lovely day and may God bless you and keep you safe
http://sunshinescreations.blogspot.com/
http://sunshine.harbaugh.googlepages.com/home |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Jul 14 2006 : 2:23:45 PM
I wish there were some sort of moth balls or crystals without that awful smell..ugh! I had some wool that had been sealed in a big tin (more of a barrel) given to me once by a wonderful elderly lady for rug braiding. I could never stand to use it because I never could get the smell out enough. Maybe just a short time with it dosn't make it suck up the smell so bad? The stuff I had had been sealed in that tin for a long time. Sad too...I finally had to throw it out. I did try most everything first...even hanging it all on the line..for about a week if I remember right..and rewashing it ...all sorts of things.
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| Shirley |
Posted - Jul 14 2006 : 11:16:13 AM
moth crystal can be very toxic and the wool seems to suck up the smell and makes it hard to get out. how do you get the smell out?
Ive always heard that the moth balls dont really kill the moths ,just keeps them away because of the smell. Anyone else heard that? |
| sunshine |
Posted - Jul 14 2006 : 08:00:11 AM
I have so much wool in my house you would think I would at least own one sheep I have a braided rug I made 12 feet by 19 feet and one 4 feet round one 5 feet by 9 feet and one 4 feet by 13 feet hall runner. Plus about 300 lbs more in boxes waiting to be used. When I get new wool or used wool ( some I have was stored in my great aunts basement for 50 years and some from her friends basement for 60 years very dirty from sitting so long ). I go straight to the laundry mat I can get alot washed fast and it hurts their machine not mine ( probably dosen't hurt them as they are industrial machines and my house doesn't smell like wet dog either this way. I wash and dry it all there then sort straight en and fold it if it is yardage or clothes and put in plastic garbage bags with 1/2 bottle of moth crystal and leave for two weeks in basement to kill anything if the critters don't drowned in washing or back in drying then they are sure to either sufficate of die of fumes in the bag. The wool is not in the bag long enough to case damage tot he wool. Also keep the jars trhe moth crystals where in as you will still have some in the bag and you can save it for future use in the next time you get wool. I have never seen any thing survive that ritual and I also spread a little bit of moth crystal around my house when ever I get new wool. Then I try to leave for a few days so I don't have to be around the fumes. A great somevacation thing to do or if you visit famaily at christmas. Then it is a ll done when you get home.
have a lovely day and may God bless you and keep you safe
http://sunshinescreations.blogspot.com/
http://sunshine.harbaugh.googlepages.com/home |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Jul 14 2006 : 07:58:13 AM
I do rug hooking (with the wool strips) and LOVE having a strip cutter..it does make quite a difference. I don't do it as much as I used to but seem to do at least one project each year..usually around Christmas time. I am working on my first penny rug right now in colors for my coffee table in the living room ..it is a runner. I have had fun with it..but have so many different projects going that it is taking awhile to be top on the priority list..it is about 2/3 done though.
I love working with wool.
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| Shirley |
Posted - Jul 13 2006 : 11:55:17 PM
Ive done 2 penny rugs, but they were kits, and everything was in there. :)
Ive done a little rug hooking, but mostly Nantucket rug hooking with handspun wool yarn, you do it the same way as regular hooking only with yarn.I need a wool strip cutter and I would probably do more wool strips, but its hard doing it with the sissors. I bet you do some nice things. I love doing that kind of stuff,
shirley
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| abbasgurl |
Posted - Jul 13 2006 : 8:02:08 PM
Ohhhh sorry I wasn't clear on the "bringin' home critters" part! LOL I leave any used wool either outside or in the garage if I'm not ready to wash it imediately. Just don't bring it in and leave it laying around in the house. I try to wash it the day I bring it home.
I wash wool garments before I deconstruct them, mostly because of the smell & dust. But cutting outside would be an option too.
I would be happy to tell you what I use wool for. I am a primitive crafter and use felted wool in a variety of projects. I do OOAK handsculpted dolls-I use wool for their clothing. I do penny rugs & table runners, hooked pieces and a number of other stitchery pieces. I use wool stuffing in most of my dolls and also to fill pin-keeps. I just love the texture of wool mixed in with other mediums. It has a rustic homey look that you don't get from other fabrics.
I haven't dyed wool-yet. The woman I learned hooking from does a lot of dyeing so I can buy unusual wools from her. She also rents out her wool cutter to me. She tells me all hookers eventually end up being dyers though! :)
This weekend I am going to meet with a woman who is retiring from rug hooking. She is selling her supplies to me. I was advised to put all the cut wool into the freezer for a month because once cut it can't be washed (rug wool is cut into thin strips for hooking). I am pretty confident that a month in my deep freeze will do the trick.
I've never heard of the black plastic bag idea. I was told not to keep dirty unprocessed wool in plastic. A local farmer suggested I take off the plastc and unroll the fleece when I got it home, as it can start a fire. I did it-the gargage smelled like a barn. :)
Rhonda
...and I will sing at the top of my lungs, and I will dance, even if I'm the only one! |
| Shirley |
Posted - Jul 13 2006 : 6:45:43 PM
Black plastic bag may work to kill the wool moths but it wont kill the eggs, that will hatch out later.
What I would do is leave the wool things in the bag you bought them in and take them straight to the washer, take them outside if you are going to cut them up first.
Some people say to put them in the freezer for a week or so, , but they still may hatch eggs later after you take them out of the freezer. The eggs are very little pin point size kinda grayish eggs.
If you stick your hand into a fleece with moth eggs deep inside you can feel them pretty east, they feel gritty
I have never found them on Good Will wool clothes, but I suspose they could be there. maybe I have been lucky :)
shirley |
| lovejanet |
Posted - Jul 13 2006 : 6:45:02 PM
Hi Mary,
No, I didn't dye the wool myself. I bought the wool like that about 3 months ago, through a member on ebay.
It's funny how little critters are mentioned in this thread. As I was working with the wool it smelled like wet dog or cat. I had to remember where it came from:)
love, janet
http://www.lovejanet.typepad.com/ |
| brightmeadow |
Posted - Jul 13 2006 : 6:20:22 PM
I have a girlfriend (the one who works at Zeilinger's now) who recommended putting all purchased wool in a clear plastic bag on a sunny, hot day and leaving it on the driveway for several hours, preferably on top of a black garbage bag. The high temps inside the bag kill the critters. She was talking about roving/yarn but I am sure the same principle would apply to sweaters
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
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| Merryday |
Posted - Jul 13 2006 : 1:23:12 PM
Rhonda,
Thanks for the head's up about the little critters you could potentially bring in to your home... YUCK! How did you clean the wool before bringing it home? Dry cleaners? Could you just boil it?
"As you travel through life, remember your goal, keep your eye on the doughnut, and not on the hole" - something my Pop used to say |
