Felting

Felting wool is easily done because the hairs have scales which are kinky and directional so when they are rubbed together they stick to each other. If you add water and soap the process becomes even easier. A thick warm cloth is produced, Think of your winter coat. At home felting can be done in the washing machine. You may have accidently washed a wool sweater in the machine and been upset when it shrunk. Taking advantage of the natural ability of wool to felt adds another dimension to knitting.

I made the slippers above, except my washing machine is a front loader, it doesn't agitate as hard as a top loader so it does not do a good job of felting. I ended up going to a laundromat and paying two dollars for the use of one of their top loading washing machines. All I want right now is another washing machine, a top loader which I will use specifically for felting.