| Haven't we all shrunk a wool sweater in the wash? | | | | you may like to try making a quilt or patchwork blanket. |
| You drop it in the washer and when you pull it out it's a | | | | Just cut your felted wool into pieces of the same size |
| perfect fit for your 4 year old. WONDERFUL! | | | | and shape (say 6 inch squares for simplicity) and stitch |
| An amazing thing has happened - your wool has | | | | together. You don't need to worry about fraying - it |
| thickened and 'felted.' Yes - when wool is subjected to | | | | can't happen if your wool is felted properly. Just stitch |
| heat and pressure with soap, the fibers' scales rub | | | | on a backing fabric and a bias binding to make the |
| together and bond irreversibly. This new felt fabric will | | | | edges neater. |
| no longer stretch as it did, but will now hold its shape | | | | If you're even more ambitious you could try hooking a |
| fairly firmly. | | | | rug. To make a rug you'd also need a rug hook, some |
| No - unfortunately there is no way to get your | | | | hessian and a wooden frame (and a lot more time and |
| precious sweater back to its original state. A felted | | | | wool strips). |
| fabric has been formed, which will not fray when cut. | | | | Maybe you would prefer cutting the sweater into strips |
| Don't be disheartened. If you loved that sweater so | | | | and weaving them together - that could make a very |
| much in the first place, then maybe you'll want to keep | | | | attractive cushion cover or table mat. You could also |
| it and make it into something else. | | | | knit or crochet felted wool strips to makea really warm |
| Here are some ideas of what you can make with | | | | hat. |
| your shrunken felted wool sweater: | | | | See - there's no need to toss out that sweater if you |
| - mittens | | | | can recycle it. If you can't do it yourself, then ask |
| - diaper cover | | | | someone else to help you or do it for you. |
| - baby dungarees | | | | If you decide on a larger project and need more felted |
| - hat | | | | wool sweaters, try hunting in a thrift or second hand |
| - cushion cover | | | | store - chances are someone else has shrunk their |
| - purse or bag | | | | sweater too and just got rid of it. If you find a sweater |
| - cat toys | | | | in a color you like but it's not felted - felt it yourself in |
| This by no means is an exhaustive list. Here are more | | | | your washing machine. |
| ideas for using felted wool. | | | | So - don't cry too hard. Just pick yourself up, dust |
| If you have a few shrunken wool sweaters to use up, | | | | yourself off and get crafting. |