{"id":109,"date":"2012-12-15T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2012-12-15T17:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kimcookhome.com\/kchblog\/?p=109"},"modified":"2016-05-13T17:04:31","modified_gmt":"2016-05-13T21:04:31","slug":"felt-can-add-texture-warmth-fun-to-winter-days","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kimcookhome.com\/kchblog\/felt-can-add-texture-warmth-fun-to-winter-days\/","title":{"rendered":"Felt Can Add Texture, Warmth, Fun To Winter Days"},"content":{"rendered":"
KIM COOK<\/div>\n

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For The Associated Press<\/div>\n
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It\u2019s that time of year when texture, character and warmth define the most successful decor. The perfect time for felt.<\/p>\n

This season has seen a variety of creative, decorative felt items for table and tree. You\u2019ll find it sewn, lasercut, appliqued or otherwise manipulated to create eye-catching fashion accessories, charming toys and sculptures, and chic items for the home.<\/p>\n

Or you can try your hand at felt-making and crafting yourself. More on that later.<\/p>\n

In Portland, Ore., designer Alison Comfort offers a woodsy wonderland of little felt pumpkins, acorns, mushrooms, nests and forest animals \u2014 small sculptures that might add charm to a holiday table \u2014 at her Etsy.com shop,www.etsy.com\/shop\/houseofmoss<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s something so dear and precious about starting with a natural material in its raw state, using a simple tool and my own hands, and transforming it,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

The nature of felt \u2014 soft, pliable and able to take on a variety of colors \u2014 makes it terrific for crafting, not only for designers but for creative amateurs.<\/p>\n

\u201cFelt is one of my favorite materials. It\u2019s an extremely easy material to work with because, unlike most fabrics, it\u2019s non-woven, so it won\u2019t unravel and doesn\u2019t require hemming,\u201d said Jodi Levine, designer-at-large for Martha Stewart Living.<\/p>\n

Roving, a washed and carded wool with a texture similar to cotton candy, is the basis for many sculpted felt creatures and items. The fiber is pulled into strands that can be formed and poked with fingers or needles into shapes. Many of the animals on Etsy and in stores are crafted this way.<\/p>\n

Alternatively, a method called wet felting uses hot, soapy water and agitation to enmesh wool or other fibers so tightly that they cannot be pulled apart.<\/p>\n

Or you may not have to buy anything at all if a common laundry mishap occurs.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019ve ever shrunk a wool sweater, scarf or hat, you\u2019ve created felt,\u201d Levine laughs.<\/p>\n

Check the closet for sweater castoffs, then machine-wash and dry them on hot settings and get crafting.<\/p>\n

Projects like pillow covers, patchwork blankets and pouches are on www.marthastewart.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Martha Stewart\u2019s site also has instructions for making little felt mitten clips, mini stockings and mice ornaments, tree skirts and gifts, as well as some easy kids\u2019 projects.<\/p>\n

Children also might enjoy making little felt animals with EK Success\u2019 penguin or snowman craft kits, www.eksuccess.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

For first-time felt crafters, Tatom offers these tips:<\/p>\n

\u25a0 Invest in high-quality felt so it will hold up over time.<\/p>\n

\u25a0 Use a rotary cutter for larger cuts and small embroidery scissors for details. Rotary cutters save time, give precise results, and are also available in scallop and zigzag designs.<\/p>\n

\u25a0 Experiment with different types of felt. Each has benefits: recycled eco-felt (created from recycled bottles), 100 percent wool felt (rich texture), wool-blend felt (affordable, versatile), bamboo felt (ultra-soft).<\/p>\n

\u25a0 Don\u2019t create a machine-washable project without first testing a swatch of the felt in the washer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n