Wednesday 12 November 2014

Batts, a Rainbow and a Scarf

Firstly, I'd just like to say thanks for the comments and suggestions on my last post, they were really appreciated.  After a lot of thought about Social Media, especially after a comment and advice from Leonor on The Felting and Fiber Studio, I caved in and made a Facebook page   https://www.facebook.com/pages/Felt-by-Zed/867287306648868  There's nothing there yet, I'm still trying to work out how to follow people etc, so if you have any tips, helpful hints etc, they are very welcome. Also, what's the 'etiquette' on groups, can you just 'join' ones you like, or follow or whatever it is, or should you be invited?

I wanted something soothing and relaxing which didn't require much looking after doing lots of sewing, so I thought I'd make some batts. I made them all a bit different, some with just different shades of Merino and some matching fibres, some had a lot of texturey wools blended in and I made a couple with lots of different fibres , shades and textures.


I also made some single colour textured batts to use on rainbow pieces, these didn't photograph very well because there wasn't much colour difference and it's been really dark here the last couple of days. I did use them on this piece though, I'm going to add a little more green to where the yellow blends into the green, I don't think the band is quite so defined in real life, but it does look like it needs more green on this photo.


I finally got around to making a scarf yesterday. It took all week to 'prepare' for it as I had to do it on the hall floor, so cleaning the hall floor, working out shrinkage, drawing out the template, etc. When I did get around to it, I was regretting it an hour in. 2 hours in I was regretting ordering 4 more packs of 18mic Merino last week thinking I'd get into scarves for a bit. 3 hours in I just wanted to curl up on the pillow I was using for my knees and have a nap. Today, every time I look over at my scarf and think 'Ooh, it was worth it though' every muscle in my body disagrees :)  I do like it though. I couldn't get a very good photo, I'm afraid. Like I said, it's really dark here, and the blue and purple are quite dark, and my camera seemed dazzled by the shininess of the silk. So, this will have to do for now:


I started with a template 25 cm wide and 200cm long (roughly 10 x 79 inches). I did alternate sections of purple and blue for the first layer, then the opposite colours on top for the second layer. I then added some matching colours of silk to the top, then contrasting colours:


It finished up being  19 x 176cm or 7.5 x 69 inches. It weighs 55g

10 comments:

  1. What a lovely scarf! So beautiful! But why did you work on the floor? It could kill you! If the scarf was too long for your table you could work gradually, rolling one part and keep going with your layout...
    Anyway, it's gorgeous scarf, very well worth all your efforts!

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    1. Thanks, Felicity :)
      I work on a paper template, so it isn't really practical, I don't generally roll my felt these days, so just prefer to lay it out and rub!

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  2. Lovely color batts and your scraf is most gorgeous..

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  3. Before I got a bigger table I used to clear everything off the long work surface in the kitchen for scarves.. Working on the floor is no fun at all..

    It is a beautiful scarf! .. hope the aches and pains clear up soon.

    Good for you opening a FB felting page.. can't offer any advise there though I'm afraid, it's been on my 'to do' list for about 18 months but I keep putting it off :/

    I find carding pretty batts therapeutic too :)
    xx

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    1. Thanks, Deborah :)
      We've been talking about Facebook on the forum, so if you decide to get one, there's lots of info there http://feltandfiberstudio.proboards.com/board/14/general-discussions
      I wish I had long countertops! I think I have a solution though in an old door and resting it on a table in the hall!

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  4. Beautiful batts - I would be happy to leave them as they are and just look at them!
    However, your new scarf (although it was painful to make) is fantastic.

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    1. Thanks, Lyn :)
      I know, they do look nice like that, don't they. I'm surprised we ever felt anything we always say we like the way the fibre looks!

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  5. OOOOh love your fabulous scarf - hopefully your aches and pains will disappear soon and your beautiful colourful scarf will last and last!
    Your batts look fab - I'd enjoy gazing at them and squidging their fluffiness!!
    Rainbows always brighten my day - thank you!
    Ali x

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    1. Thanks, Ali :)
      The aches are gone now :) I can never have too many rainbows!

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