My father taught me you always need the right tools to do the job correctly. I’ll say right off the top, I’m quite sure he wasnt referring to washing machines or knitting, but he did have the best appreciation for gadgets. So, guilt ridden by too many projects halfway done, I set out to at least finish the felting ones. (ok perhaps Bruce continuing to remind me that his slippers were well worn had a little to do with it). I love felting – I have no idea why I get such a kick out of it, but I do. However I also have a front loading washing machine – the two don’t really mix. I’ve read tons of articles and posts about how to felt by hand – ummm nope, not finding the fun in it. I could also drive to my mothers and use her top loader – which admittedly is fun, but there are more (better) reasons to go visit and driving back with a car full of wet wool has its down side.
You have to love the internet. You have to love my obsession to find a better way. You have to love people who are smart enough to invent solutions to problems, and those who solve different problems with them. I give you….
The Wonder Washer
Cute isnt it? This is just the best invention for felting.
1. You use far less water than in a top loading washer
2. You add your own hot water, in my case I actually add hot tap and just boiled water – perfect
3. The agitation cycle is about 15 minutes and then it stops – you dont have to worry about the spin cycle starting
4. I found it online for about $30.00 (pre shipping)
So right tools in hand I set out to felt my bobble basket and Bruce’s slippers. Not super pleased with the bobble basket – wrong combination of yarns. I think in this case it just may be better to forget the disappointment and moving on to the rest of my unfinished projects. On the up side – the slippers are perfect.
– Happily felted and dry and finally where they rightfully belong – on my boyfriends feet.