DIY Network

Magic Hats Knit and felt a special hat for your favorite little wizard or princess. From "Knitty Gritty" episode DKNG-405

(Continued from page 2)

The final few steps are where the magic really starts happening.

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Finishing

Wizard Hat:

Figure F

Using tapestry needle, thread yarn through the remaining 10 sts, pull together tightly and fasten off (figure F). Weave in all yarn ends. Now you’re ready to felt.

Princess Hat:
Using tapestry needle, thread yarn through the remaining 10 sts. To create a hole in the top for the fabric veil, use your finger to hold the center open and pull yarn until the stitches are snug around your finger. Fasten off, taking card to leave the hole open. Weave in all yarn ends.

Both Hats:
Machine-felt (see instructions, below).

Important: If making a princess hat, be sure to check that the hole at the top is staying open while felting, poking open with your finger, if needed.

Machine-felt instructions:

Figure G

Place knitted project in a zippered pillowcase or finely meshed bag (figure G). Throw bag into the washing machine along with an old pair of jeans or towel (this will help with the agitating process) and wash item on hot, being sure to exclude the "spin" portion of the washing cycle. Repeat as many times as necessary to achieve desired felting result. Take care to check on your project every five minute or so. When finished, squeeze excess water out of project, shape per pattern instructions and let dry on a towel. Keep in mind that felting will work only with natural, animal fibers that have not been "superwashed" treated.

Pull into shape, rolling the lower band up. The lower part of the hat can be blocked over a bowl or ball just slightly larger than the recipient's head size. If the top looks as if it could use some blocking to smooth it, you can mold the hat around a plastic bag filled with fiberfill.

When dry, brush lightly if needed to remove any clumps of wool.

Needle-felted stars:

	Figure H
	Figure I

Decide on placement and mark each spot where you want a star with a pin.
Stars may be free-formed, or use a small star cookie-cutter to trace around the shape (figure H).

Basic needle-felting instructions:
Place a piece of foam (at least 2" thick) inside the project under where you want the first design. Begin by using small amounts of roving to form a rough shape of a star, stabbing with a size-38 felting needle to hold the fibers in place. Shape edges by pushing and pulling the fiber into place, then stabbing with the needle, adding more fiber as needed (figure I). At this point the design is still easily removed if you wish to make changes. Once you are happy with the look, use the felting needle to attach the design permanently by stabbing (needling) repeatedly over the entire surface. Continue needling until the fiber is firmly attached to the felt.

Veil for Princess Hat:
Cut a piece of fabric about 18"x20". Pink or make a narrow hem around the edge if fabric ravels easily. Push one corner through the hole at the top of the hat.
Pull enough fabric inside to allow a knot to be tied; then pull on the outside of the veil to tighten the knot up into the top of the hat.

Next: Slip-Stitch Knitting

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RESOURCES :

Lamb’s Pride worsted weight yarn
Website: www.brownsheep.com

Felting supplies
Fiber Trends Inc.
Website: www.fibertrends.com

New Knits on the Block
By Vickie Howell
ISBN: 14027206353

Felted Knits
By Beverly Galeskas
Interweave Press 2003
Website: www.interweave.com

GUESTS :

Beverly Galeskas
Fiber Trends
Website: www.fibertrends.com