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Across the Fence:  Felting a wool blanket - Update  |
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Linder
True Blue Farmgirl
592 Posts
Linda
Lake Forest
IL
USA
592 Posts |
 Posted - Feb 05 2008 : 08:39:38 AM
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Good Morning Ladies!
I have posted on the stitching site but wanted to pop in here too and ask if any of you have experience with felting large peices of wool. I have a few old wool cutter blankets that I'd like to felt and I'm not sure how to do it.
Help!
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk to blossom |
Edited by - Linder on Feb 12 2008 1:55:30 PM |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Feb 05 2008 : 09:06:21 AM
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Can they fit in your washing machine?
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
Please come visit Nora and I our our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
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KYgurlsrbest
True Blue Farmgirl
4853 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4853 Posts |
Posted - Feb 05 2008 : 09:07:47 AM
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I would think so, like Alee said, if they fit. Lots of agitation and heat should do it.
Farmgirl Sister #80, thanks to a very special farmgirl from the Bluegrass..."She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian.
http://www.buyhandmade.org/ |
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Linder
True Blue Farmgirl
592 Posts
Linda
Lake Forest
IL
USA
592 Posts |
Posted - Feb 05 2008 : 09:32:43 AM
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Yes, one would fit in my washer. I read that I should wash them in some kind of lingerie bag because of the lint it produces. Is that true? Is there a process I should use for this in conjunction to the washer?
You know I just had this thought that this may be very simple and I'm turning it into brain surgery! LOL! Sheesh.
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk to blossom |
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KYgurlsrbest
True Blue Farmgirl
4853 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4853 Posts |
Posted - Feb 05 2008 : 09:38:57 AM
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Well, I don't know about Alee, but when I felt wool sweaters from the thrift store, I simply toss em in, put it on heavy duty, put some soap in and turn it on warm and let em go. Sometimes I dry them, too.
The point is the agitation, and I don't think you're going to get that in a lingerie bag....Also, I never have a lint problem....so....I dunno. Don't overthink it, though.
Farmgirl Sister #80, thanks to a very special farmgirl from the Bluegrass..."She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian.
http://www.buyhandmade.org/ |
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Linder
True Blue Farmgirl
592 Posts
Linda
Lake Forest
IL
USA
592 Posts |
Posted - Feb 05 2008 : 09:41:29 AM
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OK, I'll try it, got nothing to lose, right? Oh geez this is exciting! Thanks for the help girls and please feel free to share any of your tricks!
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk to blossom |
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Linder
True Blue Farmgirl
592 Posts
Linda
Lake Forest
IL
USA
592 Posts |
Posted - Feb 05 2008 : 10:03:48 AM
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OK, one more question...
Is sewing felted fabric difficult? Do I need a thicker needle on my machine or is it all good, nothing to worry about?
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk to blossom |
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abbasgurl
True Blue Farmgirl
1262 Posts
Rhonda
USA
1262 Posts |
Posted - Feb 05 2008 : 8:57:06 PM
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I felt wool all the time in my machine. As everyone said, VERY simple. I've done a number of blankets...no problem! I've never had any trouble with lint either. If I wash raw wool (unwoven, unspun like a fleece), I do use garment bags.
You might use a heavier aggitation for the blankets because they are thick. Also I would use a heavy duty needle on my sewing machine. It will just make things go easier for you.
Blanket weight wool is usually too heavy for rug hooking or wool applique. I have used it for a backing or foundation for applique, and that works nicely. It's great for "stuffy" type projects!
Hope that helps. 
Rhonda
I will sing at the top of my lungs, and I will dance even if I'm the only one...
http://www.kattywhompus.etsy.com |
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Linder
True Blue Farmgirl
592 Posts
Linda
Lake Forest
IL
USA
592 Posts |
Posted - Feb 06 2008 : 08:23:45 AM
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Thanks Rhonda~ I washed 2 of my blankets last night but I have a front loading machine. Think I'm going to have to jog down to the laundrymat and throw 'em in the machine down there...better agitator. They're in the dryer now and the amount of lint coming off of them is mammoth! I just keep checking on it and cleaning the trap, so no worries there. We'll see how they come out. This is really great fun!
Does anyone have any great felting books with patterns they can recommend?
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk to blossom |
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joyfulmama
True Blue Farmgirl
1175 Posts
Debra
Silver Springs
NV
USA
1175 Posts |
Posted - Feb 06 2008 : 08:25:41 AM
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don't do it in the front loader- takes forever- go to the laundry mat. What do you plan on using them for- I would suggest handsewing.
Blessings, Debra
Psalms 23:1 "The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want."
http://myvintagehome.blogspot.com
http://woolieacres.net |
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Linder
True Blue Farmgirl
592 Posts
Linda
Lake Forest
IL
USA
592 Posts |
Posted - Feb 06 2008 : 08:29:03 AM
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hats, scarfs, mittens, quilts and slippers. At least that's what I'm thinking at this point!
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk to blossom |
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joyfulmama
True Blue Farmgirl
1175 Posts
Debra
Silver Springs
NV
USA
1175 Posts |
Posted - Feb 06 2008 : 08:31:41 AM
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A blanket stitch will work for what you want to do- use a thicker needle and several strands of embroidery thread.
Blessings, Debra
Psalms 23:1 "The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want."
http://myvintagehome.blogspot.com
http://woolieacres.net |
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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
Posted - Feb 06 2008 : 08:36:58 AM
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i just got an olde martha stewart magazine with the instructions and DARLING 'mittens' to make from felted sweaters .. if you want me to copy and send them to you jus' let me know. but it does sound like all the gurlfrenz have given you what she said. to make the mittens .. you simply trace around the hand the mittens are intended for .. and sew. xo
True Friends * Frannie
HEAR MY STORIES
come, visit my:
"GATHERING ROOM" ..
http://freedomvalleyfarm.blogspot.com
adopt a 'rag-chile'
http://sistermercysfoundlinhome.blogspot.com
treasures .. new and olde .. up for adoption:
http://mudpiemanormercantile.blogspot.com
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Linder
True Blue Farmgirl
592 Posts
Linda
Lake Forest
IL
USA
592 Posts |
Posted - Feb 06 2008 : 08:40:52 AM
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Hi Frannie, I would LOVE a copy of that article! What's the easiest way to get my address to you?
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk to blossom |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Feb 06 2008 : 09:04:12 AM
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Linda-
Click on Frannie's forum name (CabinCreek-Kentucky) and it will have a "Email User" link
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
Please come visit Nora and I our our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
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Linder
True Blue Farmgirl
592 Posts
Linda
Lake Forest
IL
USA
592 Posts |
Posted - Feb 06 2008 : 09:09:52 AM
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Done. Thank you Alee!
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk to blossom |
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abbasgurl
True Blue Farmgirl
1262 Posts
Rhonda
USA
1262 Posts |
Posted - Feb 06 2008 : 11:14:39 AM
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Oooops! Linda I didn't even think of the front loading machines! You're right, laundry mat would be best for you!
I do as Debra said and blanket stitch a lot by hand. If you do something like a purse you might want to machine stitch as it will give you more strength.
Rhonda
I will sing at the top of my lungs, and I will dance even if I'm the only one...
http://www.kattywhompus.etsy.com |
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Linder
True Blue Farmgirl
592 Posts
Linda
Lake Forest
IL
USA
592 Posts |
Posted - Feb 06 2008 : 11:47:40 AM
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I think I'm going to go buy a few books to get ideas and patterns. I looked online but the majority of the patterns were knitted/felted items. Hey, I figure it's all an adventure and I'm having a ball!
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk to blossom |
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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
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Linder
True Blue Farmgirl
592 Posts
Linda
Lake Forest
IL
USA
592 Posts |
Posted - Feb 07 2008 : 09:57:58 AM
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I sent you a note with my e-mail address yesterday Frannie, did you get it? If not, I'm happy to send again. No worries on the time frame, I'm just happy to get it!
Thank you again!
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk to blossom |
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Linder
True Blue Farmgirl
592 Posts
Linda
Lake Forest
IL
USA
592 Posts |
Posted - Feb 12 2008 : 1:59:38 PM
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Hey all!
So my adventure in felting has begun and I have to whine for just a moment here and tell you gals how lucky you are to have thrift stores that sell "by the bag". They don't do that here in L.A. and I was so stinking mad when I went into a Goodwill to buy wool sweaters today and they wanted to charge $5.49 ea. for them. Ugh. I did buy a couple of HUGE ones that I can use for quite a lot. But still...so pricey.
I'm attempting mittens tonight. I'm making a pair for me and Dan for Valentines Day.
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk to blossom |
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abbasgurl
True Blue Farmgirl
1262 Posts
Rhonda
USA
1262 Posts |
Posted - Feb 12 2008 : 2:11:05 PM
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That stinks Linda... Our Goodwill has half price days & also a "Friends of Goodwill" coupon booklet ($5). Maybe check on those things?
Rhonda
I will sing at the top of my lungs, and I will dance even if I'm the only one...
http://www.kattywhompus.etsy.com |
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Linder
True Blue Farmgirl
592 Posts
Linda
Lake Forest
IL
USA
592 Posts |
Posted - Feb 12 2008 : 2:15:10 PM
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Thanks for the tip Rhonda, I'll check it out! I think I'll keep an eye out at garage sales and estate sales too.
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk to blossom |
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Across the Fence: Felting a wool blanket - Update |
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Felting a wool blanket - Update
