rhoni
New Member
Posts: 7
|
Post by rhoni on Apr 16, 2021 13:33:34 GMT
Hi, I'm curious if anyone uses a wet felting machine. I've been considering purchasing one but I've not come across too many posts/videos online where anyone uses one so I'm not sure of the pros and cons other than what I've thought of on my own. Thoughts?
|
|
|
Post by MTRuth on Apr 16, 2021 14:53:38 GMT
Welcome, glad you joined us. I have not used a rolling machine but know of a feltmaker locally who uses one. She uses it mainly for production of scarves that she sells. How much felting do you do?
|
|
rhoni
New Member
Posts: 7
|
Post by rhoni on Apr 16, 2021 15:07:12 GMT
I just started felting a few months ago, but so far I've wet felted about 8 different sized bags and some cat caves. I hope to make and sell different styles of bags, such as market bags, messenger bags etc., cat caves and small pet beds. My goal is to make 1-2 items per day. I was thinking the roller might help me be more efficient.
|
|
|
Post by MTRuth on Apr 16, 2021 16:02:23 GMT
I think that the rolling machines work best with flat felt but I don't know that for sure. With 3-D items, I think that using a dryer might work better for you. I know that some of our members use a dryer for fulling and should be able to explain their process.
|
|
|
Post by MTRuth on Apr 16, 2021 16:02:36 GMT
P.S. Cute dog!
|
|
|
Post by Shepherdess on Apr 17, 2021 3:11:51 GMT
There are definitely professional felt makers that use them I am sure one makes bags.
|
|
rhoni
New Member
Posts: 7
|
Post by rhoni on Apr 17, 2021 12:29:04 GMT
I did see a video on the Gentle Roller site where he shows how to make a bag, it is a little different than flat felt but possible. I'm just hesitant to purchase one without any first hand knowledge of their capabilities and ease of use. They're a bit of an investment. I was hoping to see what other's experience has been. Can you get me in contact with the person who makes scarves using one? I'd love to chat with her. I like the dryer option too though, I already own one of those. Thanks about the dog. She's Franny, our little shelter puppy we adopted, very cute, and very much a handful. lol
|
|
|
Post by MTRuth on Apr 17, 2021 14:55:30 GMT
Rhoni, I have contacted Judith and given her your email address. Hopefully, she will contact you directly or she might answer here. We have a shelter puppy too named Edgar. He is also a handful
|
|
|
Post by Judith on Apr 17, 2021 20:15:33 GMT
Hi Rhoni, I have a 60" rolling machine by Felt Crafts. It is a real work horse, but I would agree with Ruth that it is better for flat pieces. I am not really making big pieces anymore so I haven't been using mine much lately. I keep thinking might try to make some big pieces to make blankets, but just haven't gotten to it. Lately my focus has been back on hats and lights and I prefer to do minimal rolling when I make them. You might check their webpage: feltcraftsmachines.com/2021/02/02/rolling-machine-instructions/. I have never had a minute's trouble with mine. I know Ann (one of the owners) makes garments and everything you can think of. Are you in Montana? Perhaps you could look at mine if you are. Judith
|
|
rhoni
New Member
Posts: 7
|
Post by rhoni on Apr 18, 2021 13:15:26 GMT
Thank you everyone! I've been struggling with the roller decision for awhile and either want to move forward with it or not. I have tried fulling in the dryer a few times and so far am pretty happy with that, but not everything is going to fit in the dryer.
Judith, I'll pm you.
|
|
|
Post by flights on Apr 19, 2021 6:32:21 GMT
I looked at rollers but they are so expensive. Unless you make large/expensive items or sell extensively I can't see how they can be worth their money. I came to the conclusion that the rolling and rubbing are all part of the joy of feltmaking and apart from occasionally using an electric sander (which I find noisy and not at all eco-friendly) I just stick with traditional methods!
|
|
rhoni
New Member
Posts: 7
|
Post by rhoni on Apr 22, 2021 12:32:33 GMT
I looked at rollers but they are so expensive. Unless you make large/expensive items or sell extensively I can't see how they can be worth their money. I came to the conclusion that the rolling and rubbing are all part of the joy of feltmaking and apart from occasionally using an electric sander (which I find noisy and not at all eco-friendly) I just stick with traditional methods! They are expensive!, that's why I've been so hesitant. The more I felt the more I get away from the roller idea, as so far my pieces don't take long to roll and I usually just do it until it's secure enough to move to the washboard. I tend to do most my felting/fulling on a washboard in my sink. I find "scrubbing" on my washboard to be therapeutic. But, being able to put something on a roller and then work on something else or roll multiple pieces at once is appealing. I am going to go look at one and chat with the owner about her experience but with other people's comments, my meager experience, and some research, I'm starting to lean towards not buying one. I am appreciating this forum for sure.
|
|
|
Post by Pandagirl on Apr 23, 2021 18:14:20 GMT
I have a 36” ez wet Felting machine. It was great after surgeries. But I stopped using it because I found a different method that didn’t require jumping up and down to change the roll every ten minutes. Good luck!
|
|
|
Post by flights on Apr 26, 2021 7:32:55 GMT
Have you tried wrapping in cotton, and using a washing machine or tumble dryer? I use both/either for large pieces - it just takes some trial and error for programmes/timings!
|
|