I actually have a project to show today: a needlecase made from wool felt, hand stitched. Being sewing-machine-less (in case I failed to mention it before!), anything made needs to be hand-made.
The size and shape is rather random and the front cover decorations are like a sampler. I'm experimenting with stitching without looking too finely embroidered.
Please forgive the photos taken in a very classy way, on a creasy, stripey quilt on my bed. The first photo gives the appearance of felted-felt but it is really smooth and not as it appears.
My first idea was to use shapes punched out with paper punches like Moonstitches but it is bloody hard! I can only get a tiny punch to work as the felt is too thick even between a piece of confining paper. So all the circles are cut by hand and eye!
I will try to make another covered in tiny flowers using the only punch that will work. I've seen Sizzix punches used to cut felt so I'm just keeping an eye on eBay for any suitable shapes.
The wool felt is from Winterwood Toys which has the most amazing range of hand dyed felt, plus doll making and craft supplies. The felt is 100% wool and is the most wonderful fabric to sew with. It's soft and gorgeous and nothing like the acrylic stuff. Originally I bought acrylic felt from Spotlight but for some reason it wasn't until I got home that I realised it was crappy. Then I discovered this felt and rang and spoke to the Sandra who was so helpful it was unbelievable. I asked for a range of colours. She suggested I name the colours I wanted. So I said something like 'deep red but not too pink' or 'light ferny green but not too yellow', etc and she then chose it for me. Sandra dyes all the felt herself so it has lovely undulating colours. *Edited to say: Coincidentally, a Winterwood Toys catalogue arrived in the mail today but you can download it from the website and order online.
Now that I'm back at work after 4 days off (crikey!) I spent the first few minutes of the day setting up a reminder task to log on to Mix Tape Zine at 9.30am exactly to cadge a copy of the Special Edition. Then the next 1 1/2 hours were spent idly doing not much, hovering over my keyboard ready to pounce on a copy. (How unprofessional!) And now, I'm typing this post at work. Hopefully Mr IT is completely ignoring my Internet usage at work.
November: a catch up and a new approach
5 hours ago
9 comments:
good idea about the reminder for Mix Tape - I love your needlebook too.
Hello Mr IT if you're reading!!
your felt needle case is lovely. I have been wanting to do one for a while. Love the cards from Lara too.
Love your dotty needle case...very impressive that its all hand stitched! Thanks for the link to your felt dealer. :-)
lovin' the needle case :)
yeah im here in adl visiting my mum!! I lived in adl from 2-21 years of age. justine :)
Like you, I do not have a sewing machine (I have access to one, but don't really have the space in my flat). In any case, I love your felt work and all the hand stitching.
Beautiful colours and fine detailing.
hee hee you and me had a similar Monday at work alright! I take it you succeeded also in the special ed?
Hey, what's the flap for in the needle book?
Love it, the colours are just fantastic, and the fact that it's hand made makes it even more special.
Lovely needle case! I work one day a week at Winterwood and feel very privileged to be surrounded by all those beautiful felts.
The flap is to sew buttons too, without sewing through to the right side (just the sort of things I'd do accidentally!).
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