These experiments in felting with raw unwashed fleeces were made several years ago.
First the wool is laid out in several layers, then netting is placed over the wool pile and hot water and soap is used to press down the wool and the felting process is begun with vigorous rubbing of the wool.
The semi-felted wool is then rolled up in cotton and tied very tightly and the felting process is continued in the washing machine on a very long wool wash. After the machine wash the felted wool is unwrapped, it's like opening a christmas present as you are not sure how the felt will look or feel.
This felted wool came out as a very thick and sturdy textile. I particularly love the golden hues and the way in which you relinquish control over the finished item.
In these experiments I was not seeking to make a finished item rather to explore the properties of the unwashed fleece. Special thanks to Emma Reynard for teaching me how to felt-make and Michael East for providing the wonderful golden fleeces.
No comments:
Post a Comment