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Post by josiebrat on May 3, 2015 13:44:21 GMT
Thanks Ruth, Marilyn and Frances- While we're on the subject can I ask if either of you have air dried your beads in the dryer before? I tried to do the other day, and for some reason it seems as though the balls became more hairy, but perhaps it was just me being too anxious and taking them out before they dried. Have any of you ever used anything else to help eliminate the hairiness?
Ruth- yes I will also investigate using the batts for the class, as I have some but have not compared cost to regular merino. The one I have is variegated orange and I did make a set of beads with this. I was also able to roll up the balls faster when I use the batts. I will also make a necklace using less beads as a sample and give this as an option in case some do not want to make a lot of beads.
thanks again ladies- wish me luck in getting people to take the class. I really enjoy chatting with you all on this subject, as you are the experts in the field. By the way, Ruth I just took out your book again "Complete photo guide to felting". This is really a great book, and good reference material. Do you always rinse with vinegar as stated in your book? Josie
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Post by MTRuth on May 3, 2015 14:12:25 GMT
I have not air dried beads in the dryer before. I would think maybe the friction of the dryer might cause more hairiness. Did you put them in a lingerie bag or something? I almost always use the last rinse in vinegar water to get rid of any soap. When I don't it is usually because I forgot. Oh and thanks for your kind comment on my book.
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Post by josiebrat on May 4, 2015 2:04:56 GMT
Thanks Ruth,
Yes I did put the felt balls in a laundry bag.
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Post by Frances on May 4, 2015 3:31:22 GMT
Just a thought but I wonder if after the balls were dried if you wet your hands and rolled the balls in your palms if that would get rid of some of the fuzz or flatten it out - or if you think the bouncing around the dryer is causing the fuzz put them on a rack (like you cool cookies on) and set them in front of a fan - that is how I dry most everything I make - too impatient to let it sit for a day.
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Post by josiebrat on May 4, 2015 12:27:44 GMT
Thanks Frances, I did try rolling after I air dried and it did help, but I never thought of the fan idea. This might be worth a small investment. I also dried them outside the other day when it was warm.
On another note, I did try to string them when slightly wet but don't like to as it seems to take longer. Also don't want to ruin my needle. I also tried the toothpick method and this works better when the balls are partially wet. I find it challenging to come up with best way to put holes in the felt balls.
Thanks again,
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Post by Frances on May 4, 2015 15:36:28 GMT
Thanks Frances, I did try rolling after I air dried and it did help, but I never thought of the fan idea. This might be worth a small investment. I also dried them outside the other day when it was warm. On another note, I did try to string them when slightly wet but don't like to as it seems to take longer. Also don't want to ruin my needle. I also tried the toothpick method and this works better when the balls are partially wet. I find it challenging to come up with best way to put holes in the felt balls. Thanks again, I have some metal skewers that are actually sold as poultry lacers - for tying up your chicken or turkey when roasting - they have a sharp point and should work for making the holes. I see if I can find a picture and post it for you.
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Post by josiebrat on May 6, 2015 23:14:27 GMT
Frances Metal skewers- fantastic idea. I just tried them and they work better than the wooden shish kebab sticks I was using. I'm going to try using them when the balls are wet to see if I can get a more permanent hole. This will work better when I'm using a thicker beading wire or other. thanks again!
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Post by Shepherdess on May 6, 2015 23:38:49 GMT
Kids like making tube beads around some pencils. start with 5 or 6 pencils and wrap some wool around them. then roll theme in your hands. as it gets tight remove a pencil until you are down to one. you could go to something smaller if you want. It makes a heck of a noise. another reason kids like to do it.
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Post by josiebrat on May 7, 2015 0:40:08 GMT
Ok Ann That sounds like fun. Need to try this one. I also learned to roll a tube using laminate from Fiona, so I can also try this but probably not as much fun as the pencils.
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Post by Shepherdess on May 7, 2015 1:27:31 GMT
I don't remember that one from Fiona's surface design class or was that form a different class. It is fun but drives the people around you crazy.
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Post by Frances on May 7, 2015 2:31:28 GMT
What do you mean by rolling laminate?? to make a tube
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Post by josiebrat on May 8, 2015 11:31:09 GMT
Tube- yes you cut a piece of the flooring laminate found in Home Depot, lay down the wool roving, wet it. Then roll up the laminate and add to wool and roll it up, my description could be better but I hope you get my point.
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Post by josiebrat on May 27, 2015 16:10:16 GMT
Hello ladies, I hope you're all having a good day. My last class with the kids is tomorrow, so I wanted to share some of the projects we made this session with you all. Some of the kids have expressed interest to come again in the fall so let's see if they will renew the class. I must say that this was a lot more enjoyable than I imagined, and 5-6 year olds are more creative than you can imagine. They are not afraid of color. thanks
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Post by MTRuth on May 27, 2015 16:22:47 GMT
Looks like you had a good time and you have started a new generation of felt makers Congrats on the class going well.
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Post by Pandagirl on May 27, 2015 16:48:46 GMT
It's great that it was fun for everyone and that you may have another opportunity to teach it again. The jewelry, soap and pictures are beautiful! Good job!
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