Having been inspired by a really nice program at the Dallas Hand Knitters Guild last year on needle felting I wanted to try it out on a current project. To test my idea I started searching about for some scrap felt when I came upon this hat. Some of you may notice it looks familiar; it is actually a failed prototype of my 1920's style cloche design Stella.
After playing around with it I suddenly realized if I turned it around and tilted it just so, suddenly it had a wonderful 1940's silhouette. It was like finding an unknown $5 bill in your pocket and it feeling like free money!
The needle felting though, oh dear, this may quickly become a new obsession. So much fun. I unspun some Lamb's Pride Bulky to use for the wool and just started laying it down and punching away free-form style. I'm so pleased with it and it's definitely my type of medium (as I generally prefer highly controllable and mutable).
The hat really does stay on very well by itself, having already worn it out for an evening. If you're interested in making this version of the Stella pattern details are in the extended entry.
After playing around with it I suddenly realized if I turned it around and tilted it just so, suddenly it had a wonderful 1940's silhouette. It was like finding an unknown $5 bill in your pocket and it feeling like free money!
The needle felting though, oh dear, this may quickly become a new obsession. So much fun. I unspun some Lamb's Pride Bulky to use for the wool and just started laying it down and punching away free-form style. I'm so pleased with it and it's definitely my type of medium (as I generally prefer highly controllable and mutable).
Some basic info about needle felting, it requires a special barbed needle that locks together the fibers as you poke them together. Several varieties exist and some can now be found at most craft stores. You can felt together free standing objects from wool roving, or create designs with roving or yarn onto knitted items (these can be felted themselves or not). A nice tutorial is located here: http://www.nicolehindes.com/
The hat really does stay on very well by itself, having already worn it out for an evening. If you're interested in making this version of the Stella pattern details are in the extended entry.
For 1940's style Stella
After the 'Welted Band' section and right before the start of the 'Crown section' work as: Continue in St st until section is 3.25 inches.
To wear, place the start of the short row section of brim to fall over one eye, tilted slightly on head.
After the 'Welted Band' section and right before the start of the 'Crown section' work as: Continue in St st until section is 3.25 inches.
To wear, place the start of the short row section of brim to fall over one eye, tilted slightly on head.
Aww, that looks so good! Now you're tempting me to try it!(and I have enough crafts as it is!) Do you have to use a certain needle or fiber??
SylverX
You do suit a hat, this is good.
That is so becoming on you!!
Cute hat!! I also wanted to let you know that I just nominated you for a Kreativ Blogger award: you can see the details on my blog.
Angela