Initial bag sketch...
...transformed into a resist.
Laying out roving for an inner pocket.
Adding the first layer of roving...
...for a tri-color bag.
Wrapping wool around the resist and adding additional layers of color.
Working this large (with the ends hanging over the sides of the table) was rather challenging. :)
Felting the bag with a pottery 'felting stone'.
At the Creative Felt Gathering this summer...
...I took a 'complex bag' class from one of my favorite people in the whole world...
...the fierce and loving Elis Vermeulen. :)
Prior to beginning a project, she recommends taking the time to sketch out your ideas...
...and I utilize this method often, feeling like it really helps me to crystallize my thoughts...
...and provide a 'plan of action'.
Something about the scale of Elis' own felt work (huge!) and her encouraging presence...
...always makes me want to push myself in these classes!
And, much like last year, I again challenged myself to try something quite large!! :)
For the exterior pockets (designed to be pushed inward after felting)...
...I hand-stitched three foam pieces to the main resist surface like 'flaps'.
...covering a small piece of foam resist with several layers of roving, folding the top edge down...
...and then flipping it over onto the surface of the main resist.
Felting was a bit awkward due to the size of the piece vis a vis the size of my work surface...
...but I persevered anyway, and will show you the much altered finished bag next time! :)
18 comments:
Pockets pushed inward? Are you going to sew something on the outside? Will they be interior or exterior pockets? OK, now I wish this were a one part posting!!!
.........and again: love your colors and the size and model of the bag! can't wait to see the result:)
have a noce weekend!!!
Elizabeth--The exterior pockets start off as 'sticky-outy flaps', only to be pushed IN later (kind of like turning a sock inside-out). The interior pocket is just a simple pocket...like on a men's shirt front.
Riet--Thanks! You'll certainly see where I got the idea of modifying YOUR bag with stitching when you see Part 2. My friend, Elis, took a sewing machine to my bag with a vengeance...and made something huge and strange look quite amazing!!
It looks huge!
I can't wait to see the final bag!! You are a wonderful "feltwoman".
With love, Els
Rachel--Yes...it IS a giant bag...even after lots and lots of stitching later!
Els--Thank you so much! :)
beautiful color palette! love your work :) (and thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving a sweet comment; i'm happy to have found you!)
Do NOT tell me you do all of this felting on a flat service with a little felting stone???? Oh my goodness, it must take you forever to get something done! LOL
Can't wait to see the finished bag. I have no doubt I'll be pleasantly surprised, as usual. :)
I love watching your projects develop. These latest colors are a pleasure for the eye.
Kim--Thanks! I'm glad you made a 'return visit'!! :)
Sandie--Hahaha...no...lots of rolling, too!
Ally--Thanks! I really like these colors, too. :)
oh, Heather, this looks exciting! Look forward to see the bag. I am in a bag mode too, made one on Fr - with one tiny pocket :D.
Monika--I can't wait to see your new bag! This one is one of the strangest ones I've ever made...more
like something you'd hang on the wall than use...but the machine seaming is a nice technique to have learned!! XXO-
Show me more -- can't wait to see :-)
Mary--:) Here it is!!
s'normous!
Michelle--Yep...even after alterations, it's still a really, really large bag!
Spectacular Heather! Really nice job! Love the stitching! Most excellent!
Thanks, Suzanne! That Elis is awesome, isn't she?!?!
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