Hit the Ground Running

I lost a week to the worst sinus infection in recorded history, so I need to hit the ground running this week to catch up!  Before I put my game-face on and get down to work, I wanted to post about felt. 

'Tis the season to felt old sweaters, and I have a few tips and ideas if you need some ultra-quick gifts.  Before you hit the thrift stores to find old sweaters to use, check your own closet.  Any animal fiber will felt as long as it hasn't been treated to be machine washable.  (There is an exception:  muskox fiber, also known as qiviut. Since this is rare as well, muskox, it doesn't really count.)  Lop off the sleeves and cut up the sleeve seam.  I also cut the shoulder seams.  Seams can get really tough and thick while felting.  Throw the cut up sweater into a top loading washing machine set for the hottest wash available.  A low water level is fine.  Add a tablespoon of laundry detergent that does not have fabric softener added, and also add about a quarter of a cup of baking soda.  This helps eliminate the wet-wool smell.

Felting occurs when animal fibers are exposed to heat, water, and agitation.  When the process starts happening, it happens fast, so have some heavy gloves at hand to protect your skin from very hot water, and be prepared to fish a sample out of the washer every 5-6 minutes or so to check progress.  Optimally, when fully felted, the individual rows of knitting will no longer be visible.  When the felt looks the way you want it to look, stop the process with a cold water rinse.  Dry the pieces flat, on a pad of towels, overnight.

What to make with this amazing fabric?  It doesn't fray, so you can simply cut out 4" circles for coasters.  Sketch out a dome shape and stitch up a tea cozy.  Soft, flexible felt (mohair or cashmere, perhaps) can make a stunning muffler.  How about a reusable cup-cozy for carryout coffee cups?  Wool felt also makes lovely children's toys;  simple stuffed shapes are tough enough to stand up as pet toys, as well.  Seams can be left exposed, and look very nice with a pinked edge.  Double-stitch seams on stuffed items, and leave a full 1/4" seam allowance at minimum.