Challenges and Blessings

You'd think I would be more tolerant of the challenges in life, as they so often lead to some new insight or something good in life. I know you know what I mean.

Here is a simple one. I was putting together some of my kits one night and cursing all of the threads that were accumulating as I tore the fabric. Those threads are all over my house -- you should see the roller on my vacuum! I stand up and pull all sorts of things along behind me.

So I get up the next morning and need to get a sample scarf done. I'd been thinking about tide pools -- printed out a cool picture and was thinking about how to get that sea weed kind of texture. Well guess what? I ran and started picking up those threads. All sorts of beautiful colors. Looked amazing.

One day cursing, next day blessing. Go figure!

Here are some pics -- I didn't get a great one of the finished scarf

Nuno Scarf using Power Tools (OK, I used the sander!)

I made a sample using one of my new copper scarf kits today. I tried to take pictures of all of the steps, but missed some -- I got engrossed in what I was doing. Please email if you need more info. This was a really easy project, but you need the big picture before you start -- let me know if I can fill in any blanks!

Gather your tools -- in this case I have tables which are waist high and 8' long. I've covered them with a blanket and then a plastic drop cloth. That is all you need if you are sanding your piece. I also have my room temperature water with 2 drops of soap, my tulle to wet out with, some scissors and the sander (makes things so easy but see safety precautions at the end of this entry!)

Gather your materials -- in this case I have my fabric, my wool and the silk/ bamboo that I am adding on top.

I laid out the fabric then added the roving in bands (they started at about 1/2 inch wide -- I tugged on the wool to flatten it). I extended the roving past my edges to make the fringes. When I was done with the design, I added the decorative silk on top of the piece, then added wisps of wool on top to hold everything in place. When I was happy with the layout, I covered the design with tulle, and carefully wet out. Next I carefully blotted up the excess water and removed the tulle and covered the piece with plastic to sand.

Here is the final result:

I thought it was cute! There are fringes around the neck which weren't quite dry, so they are hard to see. Didn't take too long!

Sanding precautions:

You need a finishing sander -- with no vacuuming attachment. There is a rubber base on the bottom and no sandpaper attached!

Plug the sander into a GFI outlet, or better yet, use a cordless sander. Stand on a rubber mat, wear rubber soled shoes and wear a rubber glove. I cover my pieces with plastic before sanding to further keep the water out of the sander. Many people have used a sander when felting but it does require that you use common sense and do not take chances!!!! If you are going to sand a lot you need to wear earplugs and a glove that protects you from the vibration such as a motorcycle glove. (I did mention this was a power tool, didn't I?)