Happy Discovery

I had to leave town for several days for a family matter, right in the midst of a nuno felted scarf. I had dyed two silk gauze scarves, one gold, one gray/green. My idea was to marry the two pieces together with the wool between them. I, more often than not, prefer the "un-wooled' side of a nuno scarf. I've no idea why, perhaps it is just the wonderful water color effect of the the colors blended together that appeals to me so much. So I thought, why not make a scarf that is completely "un-wooled" by having the wool between two scarves. I had first seen this done on a small scale by Connie Delameter ( I might not be spelling that right) several years ago. Connie is an amazing fiber artists and shepherdess and person. I laid out a very thin layer of merino wool, in multiple colors between the two scarves so that there would be a different effect on each side. I love the look of each side, and maybe the darker side the best. Since I had to leave in the midst of the felting, it was allowed to dry is this lovely crinkled state. Oh Wow, do I love the effect, it is nearly pleated, and has great "give" the fabric. The results are very pretty, very feminine. My big problem is that I'll need to find a place to allow it to dry for 2-3 days next time around.

Does anyone else love the back side of nuno? Would love to hear from you!
Are you going to try putting two scarves together? It could be fun!
Peace in your heart, joy in your felting!
Suzanne

Laminate/Nuno felts with mohair locks

A dear friend gave me some mohair locks that she could not use. I've had them here for some time and decided to try them on the nuno/laminate felt wrap/skirt. Love the effect of them, the sheen is wonderful. Also used some hand dyed tencel ( the blues) in the wrap. It is a different type of sheen, very very nice indeed.

That's all folks, for now.
Shalom,
Suzanne

Coffee Break

I'll be having coffee with my buddy Dawn of www.feltsoright.com tomorrow. I've not seen her in so long it will be a real treat. I've got some of the sari silks I want to share with her. I hope she likes them!

It's about all I have time for today.
I'll try to finish this entry tomorrow after coffee with Dawn .
Shalom,
Suzanne

Post coffee entry:
I think she liked the silks. We made a small flower together so I could show her how to ensure that it attaches. It went well, but we choose colors that didn't really go well together, so though the experiment went well, the end results could have been much prettier has we pad attention to the details of color combination. Nonetheless, I expect to see more silk fabrics showing up in Dawns works. Her hats are wonderful, if you not taken the chance to see them, do take a peek.

We took off for coffee and giggles and long talk. It was good to be with my friend, who also happens to be a felting friend!

Before and After, Then and Now + Workshop Details

At Martha's suggestion, I am showing the silk scarf prior to applying the wool and afterward. I used one layer of super fine merino wool, deep violet purple on the back of the scarf. There was about 40% shrinkage on the piece. Love the silk scarf either way, the wool just adds a lovely texture to the item.

Also want to announce a workshop this Friday, Jan. 8th, 2010 at my home, from 10 am til 5 pm. Class size is limited to 5 people. Will cover basic felt making, then hat making with either foam or flat resist method, student choice. If you are interested, please contact me: info@hookedonfelt.com

I hope that this is all I do today. I am not able to focus, so it is best just to stop doing much at all. Might pick up the crochet hook and see what happens. Am making some hats for the homeless in our area. Sadly, that number keeps growing. Reminds me to be ever more thankful for the blessings of this very old, drafty home. It is here and so am I. I cannot imagine being homeless, especially in the winter. I cannot imagine what I would do with my mind to keep the utter despair away.

So much to be thankful for!
Shalom,
Suzanne

Package from Martha

I had the good sense to get all of my chores done around the house early today, including laundry and got to spend some long overdue time with my good friends Terri and Irene. It is rare that we get to see each other anymore, but it is so wonderful when we do. We always laugh so much, and that is just the best! As usual, we always promise that we are going to get together more often, and as usual, it just doesn't happen. Still, there is nothing like being with dear friends.

When I got home, there was a package from Martha! Oh, what a wonderful package it was! Filled with shawls, silk scarves, love. The scarf that is up on the blog is one that I just had to nuno/laminate felt right away. Ok, so it took a good many hours, but I just couldn't wait a moment to do it. I used a navy blue merino silk blend on the reverse side. It turned out lovely, I think.

Dear husband is quite sick with a bad cold. I think I'm buying dinner this evening.
Oh, I forgot. I wanted to tell you all that on Christmas Eve, I had to make a quick run to the store. While on the drive, there was something in the middle of the road, kind of fluttering around. I stopped the van, go out and walked up to a Screech Owl, who had a mouse in its claws. We just looked at each other. I could have reached out and touch it. I was with it for about 3-4 minutes, and when I turned to go back to my van, off she flew. What a great memory to have. I've always loved owls, and to be that close to one in the wild was just really special.


Shalom,
Suzanne

PS: Did the green one on Sunday, just had to do one more!