Because felt like it

I have been considering trying wet felting for a while now - trying something new is always fun!

When I saw the wool and a booklet at the knitting and stitching show last week, I knew that it was my opportunity.  I decided on a bag for my first project.

Stood at my sink armed with hot soapy water, a piece of netting and some old cloths, I started making the felted strap.  I moulded it round a piece of hemp string for added strength.

The bag is formed by moulding the felt round a plastic template,  The wool roving is laid over both sides of the template and wrapped round all sides

Apparently everyone felts differently this is what I do. Dampen the wool with warm soapy water and gently knead  the fibres together.  When the whole shaped is damp and beginning to felt, cover it in the netting, wrap round a rolling pin, wrap the whole thing in an old cloth and roll vigorously.

After a while of rolling and adding more water, the fibres mesh together to form the felt.

The plastic template is removed by cutting the top of the bag open.  The felt needs to be fulled by working it in hot and cold water and squeezing and needing.  Then rolling and stretching item out.  When the fabric is quite firm and has shrink about 30% lay it out to dry

 I'm going to be honest here, but the bottom and one side edge didn't quite mesh together as it should have.  The sides are closed so nothing falls out of the bag, but some of the wool slipped out of place and felted into these gorgeous shapes.
Although it was a mistake, I love the ragged edge.  Its so organic and makes the bag even more individual.

 I lined the bag for durability and included an inside pocket.

 and attached the handles with rings and clips so that they are adjustable  

I had felted the red splodges into the bag and I finished off the pattern by needle felting.

I am really pleased with the way my first felted item has turned out.