Sunday, September 11, 2011
Needle felting on a shirt
I bought the materials do needle felting over 3 years ago when I went to a Sheep and Wool Festival (where my daughter was showing borrowed sheep) and discovered the craft. Since then I haven't done anything but admire the colors of the wool I bought. I've had this idea for a long time and today I finally picked up the needle and got busy!
Now, if you don't know what needle felting is it's using a special barbed needle to create a felted project using 100% wool. The properties of wool allows it to tangle together and mat in a way that it holds together. A search will give you plenty of info and images. You can design freehand, make a template or use stencils, even use cookie cutters.
I noticed a year or two ago small needle felting projects and supplies were popping up in the craft stores. However, before you buy check around for the best deal. If you have a wool and yarn shop in your area, you may find buying your carded wool or roving to be a better buy from the specialty shop.
This is the shirt I started out with. Just a plain, solid shirt.
I cut out a template on my cricut. Using a repostionable adhesive on the back would've made it easier. In the end I decided to just freehand it.
I actually had intended for it to look a bit more delicate but it's my first project. I also broke one of my needles - luckily I had a spare since they were sold in packs of 2 at the fair. I need to get some various sizes, too. They allow for more detailed felting or faster felting.
I have another shirt like this but in dark red. I'm thinking of doing fall leaves on it.
Okay - I am loving this! You need to make a christmas one with a ruldolph on the front!
ReplyDeleteOkay - I am loving this! You need to make a christmas one with a ruldolph on the front!
ReplyDeleteTurned out beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard of needle felting before, but your sweater looks lovely with the design and felt work. I'd love to see it up close.
ReplyDelete