I love wearing wool and for most of you who know me well you'll know I also love howies - lovely casual and sporty clothes, perfect fit, ethical and very well crafted. But, even the best of woolly jumpers, when worn for many years, will come to a sad end. What to do with a favourite sweater when it's begun to develop the odd hole and has admittedly shrunk a little (it's always the length of the arms - nothing ever fits my gangly arms!)? Why recycle it of course!
First step - Felting.
This is a simple process involving a 90-100% wool garment/blanket and a well sealed, draw-string bag - I made one from the lining of a charity shop skirt and an old shoe lace - and a very hot wash and then tumble dry. It really knits the fibers together so you're basically left with a much smaller, very cute jumper that you can cut up into bits without worrying about it unraveling. (NOTE: the bag is ESSENTIAL as, especially during the tumble drying phase, things start to get very fluffy and it will probably kill your washing machine if you don't use a bag.)
Step two - Making stuff!
I used a pattern from Amanda Blake Soule's gorgeous book Handmade Home to make a slightly knobbly but ever-so lovely hat for me and then made up a crown for Lexi (my niece) - it's going to be part of her birthday present (I'll show you the rest of that another time).
The hat is pretty much two semi-circles with a V shape cut out of the curve in each one and all stitched together. I added a little flower and of course a button - where would the world be without buttons! (And I love that it still says 'howies' :))
More buttons also feature on the crown which has a little bit of elastic to help with the fit.
All in all, a very enjoyable recycling experience.
Happy crafting all. :)
S. x
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