CRANBROOK, BC – Ellie Swanson of Ellie Bay Yarns & Shoe Repair, at
1022 Cranbrook St. North in Cranbrook, BC thinks the reason felting,
which she teaches, is such a popular hobby right now is because it’s
simple knitting on big needles and works up fast.
“They see the finished product faster than if knitting a sweater,”
Swanson said.
The felting process involves taking a knitted item like the bag in
the photo, setting the washing machine to the lowest water level,
with hot water and normal agitation. Then adding a very small amount
of dish soap to the water and placing the bag and handles in a
zippered pillowcase or lingerie bag, you put them in the washer with
an old pair of clean jeans (to increase agitation). Start the wash
cycle and check the bag every five minutes, until it has reached the
desired measurements.
Remove the item from the washer and rinse in lukewarm water. Squeeze
out any excess water, without wringing.
Next, shape the bag to the desired dimensions, squaring the sides
and bottom corners and then let air dry. Lay handles flat to dry
(the leather handles in the photo were made by Swanson’s partner,
Fred Schreiner, who handles the shoe repair side of their business).
Right now Swanson’s students are making Christmas presents. “One
lady is taking 10 felted purses to Scotland as gifts this summer,”
Swanson added. For info call 250-426-6978.
