The wrapped resist.
The finished top: wool side out.
Cutting the terrible top into a purse shape (silk side showing).
Ever since I began felting...
...I've been trying to psych myself up to make a garment.
I first thought 'jacket'...
...then scaled down to the idea of a sleeveless shell to wear over another top.
I figured that once I had the proper-sized resist and a method that worked...
...I could whip them out like seamstresses do with a pattern that fits well.
I took measurements from a swing top that fits, allowing for shrinkage...
...and created an enormous resist!
Honestly, if I didn't have 'figure issues' before this project...
...I sure do now!!! Giggle.
I covered it with silk gauze...
...and two layers of variegated black, white and rust roving.
I have to admit that working this big is really hard for me...
...since I've always preferred to make projects that are more easily accomplished.
(If you talk to any of my long-time friends...
...you'll realize that I'm known to be a bit impatient!) Har.
After rolling it for what seemed like ages...
...I cut out the resist (too early, it seems, since the straps of the top became
quite mangled).
I worked on it until it seemed pretty well felted, but still way too large...
...and by now, bored, I decided to pop it into the washing machine for small bursts to see what would happen.
I have to say that it felted pretty well in there...
...except, of course, that it shrank more along the vertical dimension than the horizontal.
(Why am I always surprised by this?)
I loved what happened to the texture of the silk side after a spin in the machine, though...
...and decided that that the silk side would be the exterior of the top.
It was obvious to me that my resist dimensions needed some tweaking...
...and I wasn't at all happy with the fit (or the wonky straps).
I first tried to alter it to help make it fit better...
...and I took in the sides and lengthened the straps with the cut off pieces.
After all of these machinations, though...
...it just looked weird and schlumpy to me. Sighhhhh.
A beautiful thing about felt, however...
...is that there's no irredeemable piece of felt!
Next time...
...how I 'made lemonade from lemons'...
...and designed a really cute purse.
16 comments:
This made me smile, as I made a scarf that is more like a very narrow carpet at the weekend!
Heather, I admire your attitude. I think that I might have put it in the back of my cupboard (after drying of course.) When I have a project like that, I have a tendency to put it aside and start on another. Good for you. Hugs
It's great to repurpose something that didn't come out as you planned...you're not the only one :)....I can't wait to see the finished purse!
Thanks for your encouraging words, ladies!!
Cameron--I think having the blog encourages me to 'forge on', since I ALWAYS share (even my disasters) and I feel like I have to redeem myself somehow!! Har.
Hi Heather,
I just found you via your comment on my blog. Your things are beautiful! Thanks for sharing what you do!
Hmmm... I'm not sure whether this encourages me or discourages me from making a felted garment =0)
I have a resist cut out but I haven't made my top/vest/jacket or whatever it may be yet. I've been procrastinating.
It's always great to read your adventures and I feel that we both work in the same way: first start working and than think hihihi!
I'm sure your purse will look great as all your other produce.
love, riet:)
oh Heather such a pitty it didn't turn out like you planned, but i am sure your repoposal idea will be fine too!! That's the way artists think.....
At least you tried and now have an idea of what NOT to do...and you are right, you seem to always come up with some other fantastic idea for the felt...can't wait to see what it it! :)
Hi, I follow you in my Google reader. I like the colours you used. I have a suggestion for the shrinkage in the wrong direction may be lay all your wool across the garment instead of up and down or one each way. Good luck with the next one. Can't wait to see the purse.
You do have my admiration, and I can't wait to see what you do. I love the color, has a lot of promise. Hugs
Thanks for all of your lovely comments!!
Believe it or not, I have a 'revised' resist here on the table next to me, and I'm going to try another top today if I can find the time.
Ruth--I know what you mean!!! It took me ages to get started. In a way, it's a good thing that 'the worst has happened', because it has freed me, somehow!! Try and try again! :)
Heather, Heather, Heather, Why didn't you call me? I had the perfect solution for your fit dilemma. The answer was so clear...Eat more pie... pumpkin, of course, is a great choice this time of year (with whipped cream)... You'd have put on weight and the top would have fit perfectly!!! Ohhhh....too much coffee this morning:-)
I admire your determination, sense of adventure, and style. Thanks for sharing dear friend.
Hugs,
Dawn
Oh, Dawn--Leave it to you to come up with the most fun solution to any problem!!
And you keep learning something with every effort. I am looking forward to see that cute little purse, or whatever you choose to make with the felted piece. I'm sure it will be amazing! :)
Thanks, Sandie! I'm looking forward to hearing what you think about Part 2!! :)
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