The Amazing Properties of Wool

I think I could sing and shear a few sheep at the same time. Robert Plant

I have been wet felting in the last few weeks, trying to perfect the thickness and shapes of small vessels. It has been a labor of love.

Sometimes, they are fuzzier than I would like- but I learn.

Sometimes, the silk hankie (or cap) can cause a resist if wool locks are laid beside it. Which isn't an unattractive look and something I will try to repeat and further explore.

Sometimes, the colors aren't as wonderful together once they have been felted and that too, causes a learning situation...makes me want to overdye it and change it, especially that white wool inside layer.

Sometimes, after beading and adding some surface design they become even more wonderful.

My friend Lorene does lampwork beads an she generously gave me several. I think this adds a special touch to this vessel- which I wasn't happy with at all until after I added some stitches and beads. It makes it more interesting. Your eye soaks in the details and wonders at the amazing properties of wool, that it can be soft and fluffy and then hard and dense.

I trimmed it with silk organza, couching and stitching it on along the top helped the bright pink inside not to be so harsh.

The colors of the locks and wool roving were so different before they mixed and mingled into the felt. My shoulders are sore from rolling and using the washboard to full these into their final stage. What a great workout!

Sometimes, it's wonderful to just sit quietly and bead all day, stopping to get more water or maybe a cup of tea, watching the piece transform into something better, knowing that there isn't anything else quite like it in the world. No tv or music, just the birds outside singing throughout the day. Seeking solace through stitches, adding good intention to the work.

Learning new things is exhilarating once you overcome the fear of failure. Knowing that you can always redeem it by cutting it up and adding it to another felted something eliminates the fear of making a mistake. It becomes play and that my friends is worth everything!

I'm making more today...I'll do show and tell once they dry.

Have a lovely Monday.

calamity kim