[Jacob-list] wool projects

[sbennett]

I have hand felted a couple of hats with Jacob wool. It felts really 
fast, so you have to be especially particular about laying it out. Jacob 
wool is the "softest to the touch" of all the breeds and blends I've 
felted with (on par with Merino, but Merino shrinks a lot more than 
Jacob). I was thinking of trying a felt vest or coat since it feels so 
nice and cozy.

I've knitted and wash machine felted a couple times, but not with Jacob 
wool. Felting in the wash machine is not as easy as most directions make 
it sound. You have to pour really hot water into the machine (unless you 
have your hot water temperature turned way up). It usually takes at least 
three times through (one project took 6 times through before it even 
started to shrink and felt). It worked better to throw a couple towels in 
with the felt project, instead of only having the one piece in the washer.

Let us know how it turns out.

Debbie Bennett
Feral Fibre

>
>LInda, your sweater sounds very pretty.  It is always interesting to hear 
>what others are doing with their Jacob wool.  I am experimenting with an 
>"unspun" Jacob hat made on a peg loom.  I got the idea from Spin-Off when 
>they showed an unspun vest made with roving.  I might try felting it in 
>the washing machine after it is knitted.  Has anyone else tried this?  
>
>                                                                           
>          Mary Spahr