Felt is a fabric unlike anything that has been woven, because it isn't woven. It is created by taking advantage of a natural property of wool. Wool, you see, is covered in microscopic hooks, and when jostled together, they grab onto each other and pull tighter and tighter together, especially if they get wet and are agitated, which means they swished or scrubbed with a lot of force. This is how wool sweaters shrink in the wash- the fibers have essentially pulled much tighter together, making a dense, warm fabric. If treated properly, wool felt can even be waterproof, and the Mongols who still live a nomadic lifestyle on the steppe often use the traditional wool yurt as their home.
Now, most of the felt that you see in the craft store isn't wool, or doesn't have much wool in it. Its a blend, usually spun polyester or rayon that has been treated with heat and chemicals and pressed into sheets. That's why I buy the felt that I do- because sweetemmajean's felt is merino wool blended with rayon, and merino wool is very, very soft.
There are a lot of talented Etsy sellers out there who are making fun things with felt. This adorable Sherlock doll caught my eye, as well as these amazing dala horses. I really want to own a pair of these amazing slippers, and these coasters are on my list of things to make.
I set up a fun Pinterest board with some fun ideas of what can be made with felt. Currently, I'm making some fun teacups, cupcakes, and birds. Here's a few pictures of what I have right now.
So, what are all of you crafting with felt? Show me your projects! Please comment and join the conversation!
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