Do you remember the old SNL’s with Gilda Radner as Roseanne Roseannadanna? One night on the SNL News she did a whole bit on Natural Race Horses…the topic, of course, was supposed to be Natural Resources… Ha. So funny…Well, anyway, here’s some felting race horses for ya:
Have you seen Fall ’07 issue of Adorn? I know, it’s been out for weeks, but grab it if you can. The whole issue is on recycled crafts. There is even a whole “workshop” section of my fave, recycling sweaters! Lots of great sweater felting ideas, including a cool shibori bolero jacket by Nicky Epstein.
Another great resource is the blog, Craft Gossip . It has whole categories hosted by different editors on favorites like felting, recycled crafts and more. There was a recent post on the Wonder Washer used for felting.
What the heck is a Wonder Washer?
Apparently it’s a handy little washer for people who don’t have a regular washer. It’s not meant for felting, but what a great idea! I haven’t actually used one myself, but check out the craft gossip trial if you’re interested. Beats the laundr-o-mat for sure.
(BTW, some people have asked me about felting in a front load washer, which is what I have. Yes, it definitely works, it just takes longer and is harder to control. With the door on the front, you can’t just open the lid and check on the felting process. I always throw an old pair of jeans in or a tennis ball to add to the friction, since the front loader has no agitator. I don’t need an agitator. I can get plenty agitated on my own, thank you)
This little washer is a wonder! 🙂
It takes the wear and tear off your regular washer. There is no lint build up problem as is suggested by some felters. It felts faster and better than my washer and you can use hotter water. It does not spin, but I use a salad spinner or throw it into a spin cycle in my washing machine. I give it a BIG thumbs up!
Regards,
Linda
http://felting.craftgossip.com/2007/08/15/wonder-washer-review/
You are so sweet to always provide other crafters with useful information and resources. Have a wonderful weekend!
Betz,
You and I have so much in common being the same age it is hilarious. I used to have a poster of Rosanne Rosannadanna hanging on my bedroom wall. I loved her and I do remember that skit. So funny!
That little washer is so cool. Who knew?
I too can verify that a front-loading washer works for felting! I’ve been felting my hand-knits for about a year now, and a front-loader is the only machine I’ve used. Depending on the yarn and how many pairs of jeans I add, it usually takes me two cycles to fully felt my projects. That little washer looks neat though! I’ll have to check that out!