Monday, January 12, 2009

Rebel With a Cause



Have you ever done something that seems so wrong yet felt so good? I feel a little like a rebel. I was taught from a very young age to never put a wool item in the wash. I was also told that if you made the mistake of washing wool in the machine don't think about drying the wool clothing in the dryer. I have been guilty of shrinking beautiful sweaters down to toddler size by accident. Hmm, that was a long time ago. How things have changed. I have found that I adore shrinking old wool sweaters in the washing machine and then burning them in the dryer to felt the fabric even more. Here are a few of my creations. I had a pincushion swap last month and my mind went crazy with ideas. I was only suppose to make one pincushion. I can never seem to make just one of anything. If I'm going to go through the process I going play and let the creative juices flow.



You start out with some thrift store wool sweaters. Most of the sweaters I purchased were way out dated and already felted.




I found a few really nice wool sweaters from Ireland that I'm not sure I can cut up.






After the washing machine does it's job and felts the wool like magic start cutting.






To make the handle for your tea cup you need to make lots of i-cord. I found this cool tool that makes I-cording at Joannes. Remember to read the directions for the cording tool. You can only use a skinny 100% wool yarn.




You just use the colors that you like and create a cool tea cup or coffee mug. Here is a great video of the pattern here. I love the way this one turned out. I'm sure that if I hit some other thrift stores I could find better patterned sweaters.






I couldn't stop with the teacup. I had to create a sweater pincushion.




This one is made out of a cashmere sweater. I made sure to cut the sweater so I could put the cable to good use. Cashmere is a little harder to felt.
It's cute!
Thanks for stopping by and checking out my little pincushion parade!

16 comments:

Tracy Batchelder said...

They're all so cute! Good thing you made more than one, so you can keep some for yourself.

Sally said...

Those are just so stinkin' cute! What fun you must have had...great job, Barb!

magnoliasntea said...

How cute! What a great idea using those sweater finds...cool. I love that sweater with the sheep on it, btw. I know what you mean about not making just one. I'm the same way.
Nifty cording machine, too.
Have a great week!

Jennifer said...

I really like these. Great idea.

susan said...

totally awesome! the teacut is great and a good size! i am just starting to collect sweaters to felt, not many wool sweaters on kauai, that was for sure.

WhiteStone said...

You'll be sorry! You'll never stop felting! You'll continue felting until you drop! It's addictive!!!!! A friend showed me how to make purses by felting. The local thriftshop sold out of wool sweaters overnight. LOL

Anonymous said...

Oh, My, those are all so adorable. Love them!

Lissa Jane said...

Uh Oh.. methinks a new addiction is on the horizon.. they are so freakin' awesome!


Lissa
who felts too, but never on purpose! LOL

Renna said...

You come out with such stunning creations, Barbara!

Anonymous said...

Fantastic projects - you're so creative.

Grace said...

they are fabulous, I just love them!

Jenny Girl said...

Well check you out! I would have never thought of that. Great idea and very cute.
Have a great weekend!

Juri said...

These are just so adorable! You are so talented, I am quite impressed!!!

Juri

Debbie said...

Barb they are just so cute!

I'm so behind on my blog reading! Are you still in felting mode?

:-)

Debbie

Debra said...

Beautiful! I've never tried this-only needle felting.
Hope you're warmer than we are!
Love, Debra

Suzy Girl said...

I love this idea!! And I don't even sew enough anymore to need a pin cushion but they are just too cute and so clever of you.
That little sheep sweater is adorable - did that survive the cutting? :)