Now You Know How I Felt

Or "how I fulled", I should say. I'm talking about wool that's been run through a hot wash, of course. Felting -- fulling is the correct term-- is the current production phase in the Factory Suzette, and it's rather entertaining.

How? Natural fibres, such as wool or mohair, have scales along the fibre shaft, which when subject to hot water swell and lift off the fibre surface. When friction is applied -- as in a washing machine, say -- these scales bind together, creating a dense and tight fabric, quite unlike the open and loose weave of conventional knitted fabric. Felting, quite simply, is an intentional, semi-controlled disaster: you knit something, you belt it around in hot water and light a candle to the deity* of your choice, praying for their favour.

• A variation on the "Marsupial Bag" from Stitch and Bitch.

Pre-wash length approximately 14 inches.

What? Only certain yarns will felt, so a test swatch is a worthwhile investment, unless you're a) ridiculously impatient b) have limitless money c) have limitless time. As mentioned earlier, wool and mohair are the prime contenders for fulling, due to the scaly surface of the fibre. Others such as silk, cotton or synthetic fibres have smooth surfaces, hence won't felt up at all. Some processed wool, such as "prewashed" wools, or certain colours (particularly lighter ones) often prove resistant to the persuasion of hot water. Test swatches. Need I say it again? Test swatches, every time.

• Post-wash, coming in at around ten and a half inches long.

Why? Because it's bloody fabulous, that's why! The whole process is exciting; the simple act of washing the article can transform it into something quite different altogether. The fabric is dense, too; no need to line bags, and it keeps the wind out where regular knitted fabric fails. And the surface itself has such an unusual quality, quite professional. I took the green bag pictured here out when meeting a friend for coffee yesterday, and she seemed astonished when I told her that I'd made it... and promptly told me her preferred colours and placed an order. Sometimes it's better to keep the bragging to yourself.


* You could do worse than start with Athena, who was a weaver and wool-worker, or Freya who spun.