DIY Network

Multicolored Felt Rope You'll be roping in the compliments in this hand-felted belt. From "Uncommon Threads" episode DUCT-223

Carol Huber Cypher, of the Fearless Fiber Mavens, makes a felted rope that can be worn as a unique fashion accessory.

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Multicolored Felt Rope

Materials:

bubble wrap
basin of hot soapy water
towel
scissors
size-10 beading needle
1 oz. merino wool roving in shades of green
1/6 oz. merino wool roving in yellow, begonia and raspberry
2 grams each sizes 6, 8 and 11 seed beads in greens, yellows, corals, reds and browns
beading thread, gray or dominant bead color

1. Grasp the end of the wool roving with your hands at least 5" apart. Pull some wisps of fiber from the roving. Notice that the fibers are parallel to each other.

2. Using about 1/4 oz., or 18", of roving, continue to pull off and overlap the wisps, with all the fibers in a vertical, or north/south, direction covering an area about 18" long and 5" wide. Feel free to vary the color of the wool used in this layer.

3. Lay an 18" length of roving on the wisps.

4. Repeat the steps 1, 2 and 3 until you have 4 sections (to yield a 72" belt). Use the accent colors to create variations.

Figure A

5. Place it on the bubble wrap, bubble-side up. Fold a third of the wrap up over the wool. Press down lightly and retract your hand, consolidating the wool. Repeat a few times.

6. Pour 1/2 c. hot soapy water onto the bubble wrap. Pull up 2 opposite edges of the wrap so the rope sits along the wet bottom. Softy roll the wet wool back and forth against the bubbles; try to keep the ends dry (figure A). Work each section until it feels solid, applying pressure over time.

	Figure B
	Figure C

7. Overlap 2 dry ends of 2 lengths in the wrap. Add some water and roll that area back and forth, similarly.

8. When all 4 lengths are connected, wet and work the opposite ends. Leave blunt by working with a flat hand, or taper (figure B) by moving your hands outward while inclined outward.

9. Squeeze vigorously in hot water. Scrunch it up and press it into the bubble-side up. Toss it powerfully onto the floor or table.

10. Rinse in cool water, towel-dry and shape it by pulling straight or banding it for a craggy look.

11. Thread a beading needle with beading thread. Anchor the thread in the felt and exit the felt where you will place a bead or beads. Stud the surface with drops, a large bead with a smaller turning bead, fringe, a picot stitch or bead embroidery (figure C).

RESOURCES :

Hand-Felted Jewelry and Beads: 25 Artful Designs
By Carol Huber Cypher
Interweave Press, May 2006
Website: www.interweave.com

GUESTS :

Carol Cypher
E-mail: carol@carolcypher.com
Website: www.carolcypher.com