Amy E. Anderson: Felting Facts and Fiction February Monthly Meeting: After a short break, Amy Anderson told us all about felting wool and explained that its success requires a little bit of science, a little bit of art, and a little bit of magic. Felting wool, which occurs in the washer and not the dryer, requires moisture, heat, and movement (agitation) to tangle up the scales in wool fibers. These scales bind tightly together causing the wool to shrink and form a firm, thick, nearly impenetrable fabric. Different yarns felt at different rates – scratchy wool, having lots of scales, felts rather quickly. Cascade 220 is a terrific option for felting projects. Knitting shrinks twice as much in height as in width, something to keep in mind when designing a garment intended for felting. While still wet, garments are malleable and can be stretched into shape as needed. Amy showed us a plethora of fine felted garments. . .and a few that didn't turn out quite right. She showed hats, sweaters, mittens, slippers, oven mitts, and coasters. Felting also makes a fine surface for embroidery and embellishment. WOW! Thanks Amy! Respectfully submitted by Ann Varda. Photography provided by Eileen Hanneman. Thanks Eileen!