What interesting comments! I'm glad other folks are as fascinated as I am with "felting" together silk fabrics. I know that the term "felt" has become somewhat generic with fabric treatments, and I agree that the traditional form regards wool fibers, lots of shrinkage and meshing. However, I would like to point out that many dictionaries include at least one reference to the word felt as "meshing fibers to adhere and mat." That's exactly what this article is all about. Plus, as silk is a natural fiber, it does shrink when exposed to steam, especially when steam ironed! The fibers must be meshed together, matted if you will, so that it forms one sturdy piece. However, I sure didn't intend to infringe on traditional felting techniques, which I find quite awesome myself! Also, I would like to address the comment about the barbs on the needles. My Baby Lock Embellisher needles do have barbs. Very tiny ones, two on each needle and you can find them by running your fingernail down the side toward the bottom of the needle. I do agree with Jim, bad choice of words on my part...should not have been end...but toward the end! Whoops! I've had lots of emails about this technique, and am happy to answer each and every one. I will say that I do recommend using a needle felting machine for making garment sized pieces of fabric and this does not include the multi-needle attachment for the Bernina machines. That attachment works best with wool fibers and fabrics. Great posts from all of you! Thanks for your comments!