Oh My Word! I did not know that there was a machine for "felting" wool. It looks like a sewing machine. It is made by 'Simplicity' It's called the "Simplicity Delux Felting Machine" 12 barbed needles mesh fabric together to create new colors & textures. Requires no threading or sewing. Removable needles & foot pedal for speedy, precise results. I spotted this in the recent Joanns Christmas magazine. Has anyone seen or does anyone use this machine for wool felting?
>^..^< Happiness is being a katmom and Glamping Diva!
I've experimented with the felting needle and block of foam... it didn't quit make me jump up, hoot -n- holler! but I can certainly see that this (the machine)would be less tedious!
>^..^< Happiness is being a katmom and Glamping Diva!
That would be interesting to see. I have also experimented with felting needle and block and found it to be tedious. Anything that would speed up the process would be wonderful.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ I cannot master those things that I have not tried.
I experimented with similar types of embellishing machines made by Husqvarna/Viking, Janome and Babylock at a sewing machine shop a few years ago. They are great for very large flat items but useless for anything small or 3-dimensional. (Imagine using your existing sewing machine with 7-12 needles.....)
For the time being I have settled on a needle felting brush and a handheld needle holder that works with one or multiple needles since most of my felting projects are small in size. Clover makes them both and they are really fun to use. The brush is smoother to punch into and doesn't wear out immediately like the foam pads do. If I were ever to venture into larger scale projects I would definitely consider an embellishing machine.
Different manufacturers have different features so be sure to do your research first if you decide to buy. Most of the major sewing machine manufacturers now offer embellish/felting machines. Some of the inflexible safety features on the more inexpensive models seemed like they would really hinder productivity. I also recall that the ease of controlling the punching speed/intensity varied alot across the machines I tried.
There are also universal needle felting attachment/conversion kits available for some sewing machine models, but unfortunately mine is not one of them.
I find the act of felting to be very relaxing after a stressful day at work. Only wish I had more time to enjoy this craft.
Wool Felting Machine...
Posted - Nov 05 2012 : 3:32:24 PM
