Replies

1. 
   starzoe | May 01, 2008 06:18am | #1

   I really don't think that washing wool fabric in cold water will do much felting. I have washed wool fabric in warm, but not really hot water and it did felt a little, but not enough to make it stiff. It worked up0 nicely later in a coat and didn't look much different from the previous unfelted coat I had sewn except the fabric was denser.Why not take one of those pieces and put it through a normal wash and see how much, and if they felt? If it doesn't felt enough, up the ante and use hotter water with another trial. It is likely that fabric from your different garments will felt differently.

2. 
   katina | May 01, 2008 09:42am | #2

   Try searching the Threads index for articles on 'fulling' and 'felting' wool. There are several.

   Katina

1. 
   pinkit | May 02, 2008 05:49pm | #7

   Katina:  Thanks for your input.  Are you referring to the magazine index or the index here on the gatherings?

1. 
   katina | May 02, 2008 06:17pm | #8

   You're very welcome. Yes, the Magazine Index (the past issues) which is one of the headings at the top of the page. There were several good articles. If you don't have these back issues, I do and can help you with copies, if Threads permits.

   Katina

1. 
   pinkit | May 02, 2008 06:26pm | #9

   Hi  Katina:  I appreciate all your input.  Obviously you have much more experience with felting/fulling than me.  My experience is limited to not letting it happen to my best woolen pieces.  However, I have just read some of your previous replies in the past on the computer listings.  To answer your current question.  I do have several years back of Threads Magazines and if you have suggestions which ones would be the most helpful I would be grateful for that.

1. 
   katina | May 02, 2008 06:48pm | #10

   I'll go through my copies and let you know as soon as I can.

   Katina

2. 
   katina | May 02, 2008 07:38pm | #11

   OK, so here's what I found that should help you.

   #61 has a patchwork vest made from sweaters - the technique will help you deal with smaller pieces

   #62 has a "puzzle coat" - felted/fulled fabric made from wool jersey

   #80 a good article by a master in this art - Jean Cacicedo

   #109 very useful article on boiling wool jersey

   Many tips and hints, suggestions in these articles. You can also get info by Googling "fulling; felting"

   Good luck!

   Katina

3. 
   pinkit | May 04, 2008 07:44pm | #12

   Thanks Katina for all your help.  I will follow up on your suggestions.  I have several years of back issues of THREADS so I must have some of these articles.  Thanks for reminding me of google.

3. 
   fiberfan | May 01, 2008 03:28pm | #3

   I once forgot a wool skirt was in the washer when I put the batch in the dryer.  The skirt shrunk a lot, but the texture didn't change much unlike the times I have washed wool fabric in hot water.  Perhaps the dryer instructions are to limit how much the fabric shrinks/fulls.  I would try that first, if the fabric doesn't change as much as you want you can then try washing it in warm or hot water.

   Joanne

1. 
   pinkit | May 02, 2008 05:47pm | #6

   Thanks fiberfan,  I agree that the dryer temperatures may be something to consider.  Appreciate your input.

4. 
   starzoe | May 01, 2008 08:52pm | #4

   I should have mentioned something else in my earlier post - wool felts when it is subjected to heat, agitation and change of temperature, it will felt for sure if it is washed in hottish water, agitated with something to bash it around (I use an old heavy fleece jacket). And then rinse in cold water. I would check it now and then in the rinse to be sure it doesn't felt too much. Spin dry and lay out flat to dry.

1. 
   pinkit | May 02, 2008 05:45pm | #5

   Thanks Starzoe for your input.  I will keep these suggestions in mind.  Sounds like you have had more experience than me.  I have rarely had a mishap when washing any woolens.