I had originally wanted to make this flower out of a thrifted 100% wool sweater. One that I bought for fifty cents. When I tried to felt it, it wouldn’t felt. Two washes with hot water, a bit of soap and nothing. It’s probably a treated sweater that won’t felt. Is there anything else that might work?
Anyway, I used fabric and it turned out okay, i guess. Kinda shaggy. The whole purpose was to show-off these beautiful Toho Glass Seed Beads from Artbeads. These beads are very pretty, kinda irridescent, so they add a bit of sparkle, which I like. I also used them on my Valentine hearts.
That second picture above, makes me want to make a beaded headband. Wouldn’t that be pretty. Maybe on brown or gray fabric. Hmmm, something to think about.
Anyway, I machine stitched, beaded and then cut slits and rolled it up into a flower. Added a bit of craft felt on the back to secure it, some leaves and a pin. A bit tedious I know, but sometimes tedious is good.
So let me know about the non-felt-able wool sweater. Should I give up, do something else with it? Please give me some ideas.
Beautiful!
I think you need to call it quits with the sweater. It might just be superwash wool, the stuff that’s been treated so as to *not* felt and to allow for machine washing… sometimes technology isn’t helpful. :0)
Hello, I love the brooch it’s beautiful. Hope you don’t mind, I’ve linked to it on my latest blog, which is all about textile artists. I can remove it if you’d prefer. I’ve done a similar thing with wool jumpers, and they weren’t cheap either because they were lambswool. In the end I cut it up and used it as stuffing for a cushion, couldn’t bear to throw it out.
that is so cute!!!
oh and the felting… I got a needle punch and it came with this crazy little brush thing??? I’ll have to take a picture of it.. but it may felt . did you try brushing it with a dog brush or something?
If you haven’t already put that sweater in the dryer after it’s wash cycle. The heat from the dryer is what really gets the felting going. If that doesn’t work then it won’t felt.
That is sooooo cool!!
You are so creative, the brooch is fabulous, thank you for sharing!!!
so pretty!
congratulations on your great entries in the pillowcase book. can you believe my (non blog world)preschool partner gave me (the promise of) your hat for my birthday? i was so shocked… it was before i even knew about the book…she wrapped it up and the vintage pillowcases and said i’m making you THIS hat…was i ever surprised to see your name on it. i’ll be sure and show you when she’s finished with it 🙂
I love how you made this brooch. SO very pretty, as for the felting i have no idea. I have only felted things y accident. Sorry MIL for ruining the handknitted cardi….
Really nice blog, very informative.Looking forward to more stuff
Nice effort i really like it….
nice and amazing. i like these
Its a nice creativity.
wow. really awesome
its really mind blowing
really an awesome post. i like it
i like the post. i really find it good
i like it..
keep sharing please….
thank you
I’m so impressed with your ideas and creativity.