Monday, January 16, 2012

'Chinese Parade Dragon' Purse- Part 1 of 2


Laying out layers of bright orange and yellow wool.


Applying three 'strip resists' to each side of the bag...


...and covering them with various colors of wool roving.


3 differently-colored sections on one side, and 3 on the other.


After topping the entire layout with blue roving and felting for a time...


...then removing the resists and finishing the felting process.


Twisting the colored strips of felt and pinning them into place in a new orientation...


...and here, prior to stitching, on 'side two' as well!


I wanted a new purse to take with me to work...

...so I laid out all of its usual contents (to check for size)...

...and then just started sketching.

I decided on a simple shape with lots of great colors...

...and a felt inner pocket that's the perfect size for my photo ID.

I covered the main resist with several layers of bright roving in my favorite color...

...then added strips of plastic for use as resists.

Next, I went wild, covering each of the six strips with a different, bright color...

...and wrapping the entire project in a few layers of variegated, slate blue roving.

After felting for a time, I slit the felt to remove the strip resists...

...and continued felting the piece, eventually removing the main resist as well.

After rinsing and drying, I 'twisted up' each colored strip and pinned it into place...

...showing off each vibrant color in turn.

Next time: the finished purse...

...with a special fabric lining.

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15 comments:

vilterietje said...

it looks wonderful! are you going to machine-stirtch or by hand?

Terriea Kwong said...

I'm very anxious to see the outcome. Very interesting skills you made it.

Anu said...

whow!!! the inside looks like fire---very beautiful!

Patty Biermans said...

This is a very unusual design! But then.... I expect that from you :)) hugzz...peebee

Heather Woollove said...

Riet--I later machine stitched the strips into place.
Terrie--It was something new to try...for me, too!
Anu--Thank you! I love that color very much, too!
Peebee--hahaha...yes...'unusual' might be just the adjective that people use when they meet me! Giggle.

Pumpkin said...

We need more "unusual" people in this world : )

I'm simply in love with this purse too, the orange is so vibrant and really does fit the name.

WonderWhyGal said...

LOVE!!!
I can't wait to see the finished bag.

Heather Woollove said...

Pumpkin--Thank you for the kind support! :)
In the next post, you'll see why I really named it the Chinese Parade Dragon purse!!
Andrea--Thanks! You must be home today...enjoy your holiday!!

Anonymous said...

beautyfull already!!

Anonymous said...

Well, you've done it again, blown my mind! Where you come up with these ideas, I may never know, but lady, I think your imagination is a wonderful treasure, and to see it at work is pure joy. :)

Heather Woollove said...

Kim--Thanks! :)
Sandie--Hahaha...you are so sweet!

Anonymous said...

It's looking really wild and wonderful!

Heather Woollove said...

Rachel--You know how I love those adjectives!! :)

Lilafilc said...

Bardzo Dziękuje za miły komentarz.Twoje prace są przepiękne i inspirujące.Pozdrawiam ciepło.Lila.

Heather Woollove said...

Thanks, Lila!