TUTORIAL ON HOW TO MAKE A SHIBORI SCARF
I recently finished a new project using a woolen skirt I found at a second hand store.
The term Shibori is a japanese term for a tie-dye technique that uses objects placed in the fabric to create interesting textures. I omitted the dye since I wanted a plain coloured scarf.
This is the skirt as it looked when I first got it. I then cut it into strips and sewed two of them together to make a long plain scarf
The next step was to add the items to create the bubble look. First place pins in the spots you would like to place the items. I used beads and styrofoam balls. Slip them under the pinned area and secure using elastic bands or non felting yarn, string or ribbon.
After all the items you want to add are in place now comes the fulling process. Simply place the scarf in a zippered pillowcase or lingerie bag and put in your washing machine on the lowest water level with a small amount of detergent and a pair of old jeans or heavy clothing to create friction. Using hot water run through the longest wash cycle checking the scarf every now and then to see if its felting enough. Remove when felted enough or at end of cycle.
now place in the dryer if it can still stand more felting or just hang to dry, it may take a day to completely dry.
When dry remove the objects you placed in the fabric by carefuly removing the rubber bands or yarn. You are now left with an interesting fabric that resisted felting where the objects were.
additional decorating can be done by cutting small circles out of the scarf.
FINISHED ITEM, CAN BE SEEN AT MY ETSY STORE ALONG WITH OTHER FELTED ITEMS
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7759949
This same process can be applied to any pure wool sweater and then sewn to make a felted purse or other fashion items
