Wool can be transformed into felt with just water, soap flakes and some hard work. It can then be made into all sorts of items, such as decorations, mats, bags and brooches.
You will need
* Different coloured merino wool * pure soap flakes or liquid hand soap * warm water in jugs * calico * scissors * a waterproof, smooth tabletop
What to do to make a striped piece of felt
* Choose two colours of wool.
* Cut two 20cm lengths in one colour and one in the other colour.
* Gently pull one of the first two pieces apart until it forms a square, and lay on the table.
* Do the same to the other piece and place on top of the wool with the strands lying in the opposite direction.
* Pull the second colour into three strands and place on top of the wool, again, going in the opposite direction, forming stripes.
* Cut the calico into 23cm squares. Place one square carefully on top of the pile of wool, covering completely.
* Sprinkle a few soap flakes on top and slowly pour a little warm water in the centre.
* Pull up your sleeves and place the palm of your hand in the centre of the cloth. Pressing down, move it in a circular motion until the water and soap soaks through the calico into the wool underneath. Make sure the edges are damp too.
* The success of felt making is in the effort and time you put in now!
* Continue rubbing the surface, adding a little more water and soap until the wool is compressed and damp, but not soaked.
* Turn over and, if the wool is flat with no dry hairy bits, it's time to start rubbing on this side. Change the direction you are rubbing, keeping the edges drawn in and keeping your hands flat. Take extra care, because now you are rubbing the actual felt.
* When the wool is compact and firm, carefully pull the calico away from the felt.
* Take to a cold water tap and rinse all the soap out of the felt, squeezing gently.
* Wipe the table and place your rinsed felt on the surface. The next part will strengthen and thicken your felt.
* Start from one edge and roll it up. Then rub with the flat of your hand as if you were making a snake out of Plasticene.
* After a while, unroll, turn 90 degrees and roll up again. Rub as before.
Concentrate on any delicate edges or corners.
* When your felt square is firm and thick, you have finished. Place in a warm place to dry.
Versatile material
An advantage of felt is that, unlike other fabrics, it does not fray. You can cut your felt piece with scissors in a square or circle and use it as a mat. Alternatively, you can leave it as it is with an artistic, uneven edge.
Once you have made a simple patterned piece you can experiment with different colour combinations, but always start with two layers placed on top of one another in different directions:
* Try making simple shapes such as an initial or spot in a contrasting colour, and place on top. (These will distort a little with the rubbing).
* Strands of wool, thread and anything small that doesn't have a smooth surface can be added to give interest and texture. By adding different colours of wool, in the third layer, pulled very thinly and overlaid over one another, wonderful colours can be achieved.
Flower brooch
You will need
* two or three different coloured pieces of felt * button * safety pin and pins * needle and thread * pencil and tracing paper * scissors
What to do
* Trace the three flower templates.
* Pin on to the felt and cut out.
* Put the smaller flowers on top of the larger one.
* Sew together with a button in the centre.
* Sew the safety pin on to the back.
Extension activities
Sew the flower on to a hair band or hat.
Several flowers can be attached to a belt by sewing them on to the fabric or gluing on to a leather or plastic belt.
Purse
You will need
* A piece of felt measuring 22cm x 18cm * darning needle and pins * wool * scissors * button or large bead
What to do
* Cut three sides with scissors, leaving an edge which will form the flap.
* Fold the shorter end of the felt strip over, leaving 5cm at the top.
* Pin the sides and sew together with a needle and wool in a running or overstitch.
* Fold the top uncut flap over and sew the button or bead in the centre of the purse below the flap.
* With needle and wool threaded double, make a loop on the centre edge of the flap - the loop must be just big enough to go around the button or bead.
Decorations
You will need
* Pieces of felt * thin coloured ribbon or wool * sequins * scissors * darning needle * glue
What to do
* Cut the felt into different shapes such as stars, moons, circles or flowers.
* Glue sequins on to both sides.
* Thread ribbon into the needle and sew into the top of the shape.
* Cut and tie in a long loop and hang up.
Extension activities
You can also decorate the shapes with small beads or buttons, either glued or sewn on with thread.
Felt balls
You will need
* Merino wool * pure soap flakes or hand soap in liquid form * warm water
What to do
* With damp soapy hands, roll a tiny piece of wool in the palm of one hand, rolling the top hand over it in a circular movement, keeping both hands flat.
* When a ball has formed, add a little more wool pulled out thinly and wrapped around it. Continue rolling as before, keeping your hands moist and a little soapy.
* Continue in this way, adding a little more wool when the ball is firm, smooth and round. If you hurry and add too much wool, or don't roll long enough, the ball will develop cracks and you will have to start again.
* When the ball is the size you want, put aside to dry.
Necklace
You will need
* About 17 balls (see above) * elastic * darning needle * beads
What to do
* You can either use balls all the same size or vary the size, putting the smaller ones around the back of the neck and the larger ones at the front.
* Thread the elastic on to the needle.
* Push through the felt balls, threading a bead between each.
* Continue until the necklace is the length you want. Check that it will fit over your head before tying the elastic and trimming the ends.
* You can add more beads at the back of your neck if you want to lengthen the necklace.
Bag or key decoration
You will need
* Felt balls (see above) * strong thread * darning needle * beads
What to do
* Thread through a bead, using the needle, and knot.
* Then thread the rest of the balls and beads in an arrangement you like.
* Leave a length of thread at the top to tie on to a key ring or bag strap.
