Resist felting

[wolgelukkig]

Thank you for the link Halay! Very interesting!

[Shepherdess]

I rally like the shape of the bag. It is not what I had in my mind when I read the first post. I was thinking of more of a wine bag shape.

Stronger longer wools tend to make sturdier less pilley bags. Someone, I can't remember who suggested making a sample and then pin it to a bag or the side of a coat sleeve where it rubs the body and wear it for a week to see how it holds up.
People insist on making everything out of merino and it just will not stand up to being a slipper or bag.

I like to make nuno felt bags so they are self lining.

[halay]

As Ruth said, the harder you felt, the less pilling you can expect. In addition to nuno (using some fabric), you can also try putting some other fiber on top, e.g. bamboo, viscose in the same (or different colour). In my experience ti helps. Of course it gives a different look and texture.

[tracey]

Nov 18, 2016 22:19:45 GMT MTRuth said:

The harder you felt, the less pilling you get but all wool pills. You can add fabric (nuno) to the surface and that does help keep the pilling too a minimum.

In regards to the bottom, I think an extra layer of felt would be fine. I would consider gluing instead of taping. There are several different kinds of fabric glue that would work. Some people like to line their bags but that is another extra step to consider.

Funny you should say that Ruth, I worked so hard on this bag that my body ached afterwards!  So, it keeps the brain active and you get a workout, can't grumble at that.

[tracey]

Nov 19, 2016 1:25:15 GMT Shepherdess said:

I rally like the shape of the bag. It is not what I had in my mind when I read the first post. I was thinking of more of a wine bag shape.

Stronger longer wools tend to make sturdier less pilley bags. Someone, I can't remember who suggested making a sample and then pin it to a bag or the side of a coat sleeve where it rubs the body and wear it for a week to see how it holds up.
People insist on making everything out of merino and it just will not stand up to being a slipper or bag.

I like to make nuno felt bags so they are self lining.

Hi Ann, can you please give me examples of stronger longer wools? Thanks.

[halay]

Oh, forgot to mention: Pilling can also be prevented if you use a kitchen blow torch. This goes for coarser wool only I think. I always use it on slippers as well as handbags while they are still wet and before I wash the soap out. In my experience it does not affect other fibers that you have used for embellishments. If there is some nuno element I avoid that part. Make sure you hold the torch on a proper distance.

[Shepherdess]

Blue Faced Lester, Lincoln, Border Lester, Gotland and Finnish wool felts down hard and wears. There may be some local breeds to where you live. Like Navaho Churro that I haven't tried but is supposed to work well.
Help me out here ladies.

[halay]

I would add Bergschaff as an excellent wool; felts quickly and gives sturdy felt. Some of the wools Ann mentioned I cannot get here.

[tracey]

Thanks for the wool suggestions ladies.