Filzhüte

Over the years I have taken several felting classes including workshops with Polly Stirling and Ewa Kuniczak but I’d not really pursued it while living in Houston. It’s just too hot there to wear felt hats most of the time. Here in Switzerland I am seeing see hand felted items in store windows, usually flower pins, necklaces, even some rings, elfen dolls and beautiful scarves. Occasionally, I’ll also see a hand felted hat on someone’s head. After a couple of recent chapeau sightings I decided to get out my bag of wool roving and get back to work. Thanks, Marilyn!!

The day before my birthday I spotted this sweater on sale and bought it. Of course, I needed a hat to go with so here is what I came up with. This is my first attempt in many years so it took a couple of tries to get the felt right. I hope to improve.

Here is attempt No. 2. Since the first hat had thin spots (I had to go back and work more felt in), I was more generous with the roving on this one and it’s a bit too thick. I like the texture tho’and it holds it’s shape nicely without sizing.. It will be a very warm hat! Well, too thin then too thick, perhaps the next one will be just right. Think I’ll move on to another shape too. So stay tuned!

K Q:-)

P.S. I have an article on Valentine cocktail hats in the Jan/Feb 2007 issue of Belle Armoire with instructions on how to make them.

Comments

[Marie]

Love them! Wonderful job (as usual). And lovely that the weather accomodates you so you can wear them in comfort. Not like here (in Houston).

[Jacky McFarlane]

Kate, the hats look wonderful. Felting is very popular here in Australia even though it is so hot. Have you heard about the embellishing machines, I think they are used for felting, although the thought of doing it by hand sounds very relaxing.

[Judith Mishler]

Great hats, Kate. I always love berets and those look simply marvelous. Can't believe they are your first trys. Good for you!