The reason that many crafters choose wool over other textiles, thread, and fabrics is the versatility and longevity. Wool is a natural fiber used in everything from rugs to yarn, and it easily adapts to any of your crafting projects and DIY creations.
Some of the ways to use wool in your handcrafted items include:
Wool Thread
For something extra-special, choose wool thread for your custom embroidery projects. Personalize practically anything with a monogram, motif or message stitched neatly on a corner; wool thread ensures that the customization lasts for years to come. Plus, wool thread makes it easy to care for and launder.
Wool Roving
Lots of clever crafters are discovering the joys of felting; felting involves shrinking wool to create a thick, plush, softer material used in a gamut of projects. Wool roving looks like fluffy yarn, and it can be used to create applique-style designs on items, such as holiday stockings. It can also be used as a felted bar of soap.
To felt a bar of soap:
- Snugly wrap the soap in thin pieces of roving. Make sure the bar is completely covered.
- Gently tuck the wrapped bar in the toe of a nylon stocking, which should help hold the roving in place around the soap.
- Run tap water over the wrapped soap, gently rubbing and scrubbing the sides as you rinse.
- After a few minutes, the roving should cling to the soap snugly. Remove from the stocking and allow to air-dry for 48-hours before using.
Wool Fabric
Buy wool fabric from your crafting retailer to wrap your handmade soaps or bath products for rustic, eco-friendly appeal. Simply cut 'cigar bands' from strips of wool material and wrap around each bar, bomb, or bottle. Secure the band with a stitch, a staple, or some fabric glue. This is a great way to recycle wool clothing too, such as a wool shirt found in a thrift store; simply launder and cut accordingly.
Wool Yarn
Check your favorite suppliers for wool yarn; while many choose to knit or crochet with wool for long-lasting results, you can also adapt this yarn for Macrame projects; this typically entails cutting lengths of yarn in equal lengths to knot-together forming hanging planters, wall art, and accessory items, like belts. You may choose to braid your lengths for thicker, more durable items.
When you are not sure which fabric or thread to choose, go with wool; wool is natural and eco-friendly, bringing great 'label appeal' to your handcrafted items. Visit area retailers and online sites to find natural wood products to elevate and enhance your goods, whether you knit sweaters or felt soap! Look for locally-produced wool products and wool thread for sale to give something back to the community and to contribute toward sustainability.
Do you remember the last time you decided to make something with your own hands? I started crafting seriously a few years ago, and it was really cool to see the things that I was making come to life. It was funny, sometimes I would start out with a plain canvas, and then before I knew it, I was completely amazed to see a powerful image making other people happier. This blog is completely committed to bringing art into people's lives, and how to do it with things you have around your house. Read this website to learn more about crafting.