Felting 101

Just had a wonderful relaxing weekend catching up on some knitting projects. Felting has become my new area of interest. The projects are relatively easy and the end results are always a surprise. Here are two pictures, a before and after (not of the same project). As you can see the original knitted item is loosely knit and rather oversized. The next step is to do what anyone who has ever washed a wool sweater is most concerned about...shrinkage. Well, in this methodology that is exactly what you want to have happen. You WANT the item to shrink. When it does that it has the look of felt. Rather interesting since you are not quite sure how the colors will mix and the denisity of the item you will end up with. So, the bluish project is done; the purple will be complete in the next few days. I'll post again when it is complete so you can see how it came out. These are going to be purses, still have to put on handles and zippers! After these are complete (one additional to make) I'm going to try and make slippers.