The gauze side with migrated black roving.
A close-up of the rug's glorious texture.
The finished rug.
This rug was a labor of love...
...and I'm as happy with the end result..
...as I was while making it with my daughter, L. :)
As many of you have written to remark...
...getting to spend a real chunk of time like this with one's child...
...especially a grown one...
...is a real gift and a joy!!
This project required a long, hard, filthy day of work...
...but I think it was worth it.
I'm especially happy with the way the black roving migrated into the 'fissures' of the less golden-colored raw locks...
...giving the rug an organic, lichen-covered rock formation look.
When the rug was completely felted, rinsed and dried...
...(and boy, did it take a long time to dry)...
...I trimmed off the excess cotton gauze with small, sharp scissors.
The 'Heinz 57' variety of locks that we used...
...resulted in the lovely, multi-colored appearance of this rug.
And I think the fact that the wool started off ever-so-filthy...
...was one of the reasons that the individual locks remained as separate and springy as they did!
I know my daughter will enjoy having something warm and filled with 'Mama love' in her new apartment...
...and I think we will both remember this day as a very special one!
36 comments:
As well as looking like a lichen covered rock, it looks a lot like a very grubby sheepskin. Sometimes it's really satisfying when something you've made reveals its origins!
Rachel--Interesting idea...and I didn't have to kill the sheep to get it! :)
That is really very lovely.
Thanks, Gina!
I love the coloring! Hopefully she will help you make one to keep!
I know what a filthy job it can be. I'm glad you got the spin dryer, that really helps with big heavy projects like this. What a great project for you and your daughter!
Yes, Kelly...fingers crossed we have time!
Becky--The spin dryer purchase was all thanks to YOU!! (Thanks again for the tip!!) We really enjoyed being together and being so surprised by this orphan fleece!! XXO-
It's a very beautiful rug! Sometimes you have to take time to do things together and enjoy the loving result....for a long time. hugzz....peebee
Wow! Your rug is amazing, Heather! What fantastic textures, and gentle colour mixings. Ideal for tickling your toes into...such a special project.....
Thanks, Peebee and Fiona! XXO-
I just got a call at the door and some peopel offered me their just shaved wool... My plann is to make somethign like this too!! Ii is on my mind ever since I got to learn how to work with raw wool :) Great job You did!!
indeed, it looks like a sheepskin! i love the texture and the wonderful colours and the fact that you did it together with one of your love ones:)
Thanks, Kim! I LOVED your raw fleece vest, so I know your rug will be awesome!
Riet--Thanks for your sweet comments!
Hether, it is stunning! It has got such a character! plus the colors are so beautiful! And what a story! My younger one (6yrs) wants a rug too, maybe I could felt with her and inspite of her age she is a fast felter :) "quick, quick, splash, whack and the thing is done".
This is a BEAUTIFUL rug Heather.. and what a wonderful treasured memory for both of you!
Everytime L sinks her toes into it she will think of mom :) and feel even warmer.
x
Thanks, Monika! How wonderful that your children are already felters! Yes...I think making things with our kids (food, sewing projects, felt, whatever) results in the happiest of memories!! XXO-
Deborah--Thanks so much!! I'm glad that you like it, too. If you had seen the fleece beforehand (close up), you never would have predicted a positive outcome!! XXO-
I want to squish my feet into that luscious wool! Big hugs to you and your daughter.
Absolutely gorgeous. So soft! :)
Good morning,
I love this fantastic rug...For it's beauty and the love that went into it...Shows right through your words. What a wonderful gift...For both of you;-) You're such a fantastic mom!
Love,
Dawn
Andrea--Thanks for the sweet remarks and the hugs!! Right back at 'ya!! XXO-
Galina--Thank you. It is quite fun to stand on...
like a foot massage as you walk around on it!:)
XXO-
Dawn--Thanks. Yes...it was fun to make. Did you get around to making M his Harry Potter hat before last night's revelry?
That texture looks amazing!
Thanks, Natalie! I was shocked at how well it came out, knowing how very bedraggled the fleece was that went into it! :)
What a beautiful rug....I know it will mean so much to her as well as the memories of you two making it together.........Great job
Thanks, Nancy!
I definitely want to sink my feet into it - just awesome!
I want to pretend I'm a puppy dog and roll and snuggle and snooze in that rug.
Denise--Thanks! :)
Vivian--You're so sweet and funny!
That came out really nice. Is she going to put it beside the bed? That way, it's the first thing she steps on when she awakens, and the last thing when she goes to bed at night. Just like a Mother, always there, morning and night. :)
Sandie--Yes...I think that's where she plans to put it! :)
We have a fleece that I think will be very conducive to this, I think that my daughter and I will felt it together this week- thanks for the inspiration and great instructions!!!
That's wonderful, Lindy! Good luck and I'll look forward to seeing your lovely new rug!
It turned out beautiful, Heather. What a treasured time.
Hugs, Val
Thanks, Val! Yes, I definitely make the most of the time I have with my girls!!
thank you so very much for this beautiful rug and lovely story about you and your daughter. I like it so very much and will be trying this shortly...Just wondering if you used any soap during the felting process?
Hi Suzy! Thanks for your sweet comments.
Yes...soap is definitely required.
You can mix grated soap into your water, leave a bar of soap in the bottom of your water container or rub soap over pet screening or netting that is placed on top of the project.
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