tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15924446.post115876621714216406..comments2023-06-29T08:44:03.535-07:00Comments on Crafty Andy: Felting by Hand A Hat experienceCrafty Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01569207507279413331noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15924446.post-1158798914369504522006-09-20T17:35:00.000-07:002006-09-20T17:35:00.000-07:00I have learned that felting/fulling can be tricky ...I have learned that felting/fulling can be tricky at times, but I follow rules that make it easier.<BR/><BR/>Always, unless making a stiff bowl, use a J hook or above and made the stitches open. I generally use hdc all the time, rarely sc. I also do not mix wool brands when felting-I use the same brand of wool if something is striped, etc. Some brands full/felt better then others. Certain colors, reds and purples can be tougher to full. Lion Fishermans Wool is tougher to felt/full then most wools. Cascade 220 fulls/felts the best of all the wools, Wool of the Andes also fulls well.<BR/><BR/>Hand fulling is hard work-very hard work. You may want to try a laundromat and toss in a pair of jeans with it (I use a heavy cotton bath mat that doesn't shed) for agitation. <BR/><BR/>I have several links bookmarked I can send to you. I have a low agitation washer and have experienced some hard fulling experiences and generally have to run it through several times. I have done the plunger, hot water, ice water method also-again, a lot of work.<BR/><BR/>I did find that using a squirt of dishsoap helps tremendously, more then baking soda, vinegar, etc. You have to change the pH balance to make it happen also.<BR/><BR/>My items generally don't shrink the same as everyone elses, I am usually about an inch bigger around. <BR/><BR/>It frustrates me, but yet I still do it because I love the finished product.<BR/><BR/>Your hat came out wonderfully-BTWDeneenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12133271671966561594noreply@blogger.com