Covering the fleece and roving with a layer of cotton gauze.
Wetting out the project, and beginning to felt the rug.
Using a sander prior to rolling.
Part of the fun of having someone to felt with...
...is being able to take 'action shots' for a change! :)
After laying out our final layer of black roving...
...we covered the whole shebang with a layer of cotton gauze.
Wetting out a project as large as this one takes a while...
...and I was happy to have the extra 'woman power'! :)
In order to make certain that the raw fleece was becoming attached to the roving and gauze...
...we rubbed it with bubble wrap for quite some time.
We then used an electric sander on it for a bit...
...and watched as the fibers migrated through the gauze.
Before we started rolling...
...I tucked the excess roving 'fringe' between the fleece and the gauze for a tidier border edge.
Since this was an especially filthy fleece...
...the run-off water turned a truly disgusting shade of brown.
(My daughter says it looked like diarrhea water! Bleurgh.)
Luckily, I recently purchased an electric spin dryer...
...and we could easily, without wringing...
...remove the dirty water from our synthetic chamois cloths as we worked.
Next time (you've all been so patient!)...
...the finished rug in all of its glory!! Grin.
16 comments:
An electric sander? Near soaking wet fleece? Help!
Rachel--I felt the same way you do about this idea when I first heard of it! Riet also asked me recently about the wisdom of such an activity! :)
Here's a blog post of mine where I talk about how I keep myself safe. http://woollove-functional-fiberart.blogspot.com/2009/11/another-new-toy.html
I promise you that I try very hard NOT to electrocute myself while felting!! XXO-
well heather, i hope your floor is free of shitwater, and i'm looking forward to the result:)
I'm very curious for the rug to see!!
Electric sander! I want to try it but my hubbie is an electrician and he says that its not safe. But then..he is a technical man and he does not now how artists feel about making art. I think that I wil try it anyway. Wish me luck!! (grin) hugzz...Peebee
Riet--Yes...soapy water and bleach and all is well!
Peebee--Just please be careful. Make sure to keep underlayment plastic between the felt and your sander, so it doesn't ever touch water. Wear rubber-soled shoes and use a plug that has a ground fault switch, so if something bad happens, it will turn itself off right away!
I am cracking up with Riet's response....;)
That is one HUGE rug! I bet that dirty water would be awesome for the flower garden.
I am patiently waiting for part 3.........
I know, Kelly...I think something must have gone a little bit awry in the translation! :)
You are so good...and your patience will be rewarded. (It's an awesome rug!)
I'm just hoping that we'll really have time to make ME one before she heads to MN!! :)
I love it that you are working on this with your daughter. I'm also fascinated by all the work that goes into the process -- and the electric sander came as a complete surprise :-)
Can't wait to see the finished rug, Heather! The anticipation! It's so big...it must be so heavy to work with...nice in more ways than one to be working together! What a great project to do with your daughter...for her to take with her, warm her toes, and feel connected with you...
Mary--The biggest surprise is how the black migrated into the raw fleece! Wait until you see it.
It's kind of amazing looking!
Fiona--Yes-she's a strong young woman and it was so nice to have help with the rolling!! I feel the same way about 'connectedness' with handmade things. I always feel close to someone when I'm wearing something that they made for me!
Fantastic cool art you' ve been producing lately! Sorry I dont comment more often, Im...sleeping. Reasons in my blog :)
Love your raw fleece work. Very smart to put a darker colour bellow a lighter one. Brings the whole thing up, makes it deeper. Excellent!
Mariana--Thanks! You're right...the finished rug looks amazing with the black in the recesses!
Yes--I heard your exciting news (did you get the e-mail I sent?) and I'm SO THRILLED for you!! Congratulations!!! Many hugs--
A perfect piece ! Cozy and of love. The color and texture are GREAT. Love it.
Thanks, Terrie!
I love seeing this process Heather! What a lucky Mom to have your daughter by your side during the whole process. A rug she will certainly cherish in MN. Thanks for sharing. (I'm so glad I'm needle felting such tiny items in comparison to your giant ones!)
x, Val
Val--I hope I'll get to make another one with her this summer...then I'll have a 'twin' rug for 'memory making'! :)
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