Learning Curve


*Edited to add: It looks just like the real one... hmmmppphh

I haven’t posted the final felted bag before now because I am very disappointed with the result. I should look upon it as a learning experience but don’t feel like it! The felting worked a treat but the shape is a dud. I knitted to the size in the pattern but obviously their wool used gave a different result than mine. Also looking at the photo in the pattern, I knitted more rows. The pattern called for the final piece to be a certain length but I think I should have knitted fewer rows. Next time I should check out the photo before knitting my little heart out. I like the dark grey base and the handles but I can’t see it leaving the house. I think it will become a knitting bag.

The felted dimensions are interesting:
Width: 38cm > 34cm
Length: 48cm > 37cm

I tried a different tack with felting. Previously I’ve put the piece in a zip up pillowcase (pillow protector) in the washing machine with a pair of jeans. I’d choose a hot wash, low water level and a little detergent. The pillowcase was used in the hope of saving felted fluff going into the filter/pipes of the machine. This time I washed without the pillowcase and with three tennis balls for agitation, still on a low hot water level with detergent, with a jug full of boiling water thrown in for luck. The felting was quicker and denser. But still not happy...



5 comments:

Tamara said...

Looks like it would make a lovely hottie cover. Is it the right size? I do hate it when something doesn't turn out quite right.

Cosy said...

Thanks Tamara! It is exactly right as a hottie cover.

Anonymous said...

I like how it looks, but tamara's idea is excellent. I have often found that I've had to do 2-3 cycles in the machine before I feel the felt is really 'felted'. Sounds not so good for water restrictions though.

Kate said...

I think it looks great and the hot water bottle cover sounds like a great idea!

Jessicah said...

Hi Carolyn thanks for delurking! I had a similar situation a while ago, I loved the finished product but it didn't fufill the intended purpose. I cut it up and used it to make smaller zippered puches. Another option to the great hottie cover idea would be to cut it down to the right height, and cut in handles. You could prehaps face it with a contrasing fabric. Remember that because it is felted it won't unravel!