wet felting or needle felting?

[waitandseepudding]

So I fancy trying a new craft and like the idea of felting but I'm not sure which route.
I can knit but not that funny thing with one hook crochet and I realise that needle felting will need new 'kit' and money's a bit tight at the mo.
Which is more versatile? I'd like to make some christmas bits (maybe decorations for the tree) and presents for relatives (usually just tokens) and db and sil are expecting dc1 nxt yr and another db getting married so thinking ahead.
TIA

[NorksAreMessy]

Wet felting needs no special kit and I am happy to send you some starter fluff.
If you make a shape with plastic bag, felt both sides and make a slit n it, you could make itsy stockings easily.

Needle felting takes longer, but can be more intricate (see dog on profile)

[SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius]

I do a bit of both - I go to a monthly felting group, and learned wet-felting there first, and went on to doing some needle felting as well - I just have a small selection of needles and a pad, that weren't expensive or difficult to find. I use biscuit cutters as forms for the needle felting - for example, I take a heart shaped cutter, put the fleece in it, and needle felt it until it's firm, and it comes out in the shape of the cutter.

It's a fascinating craft, and so satisfying too, as you see the fabric emerge and know that you have made something unique. And there are such lovely colours of fleece available, too.

[SoupDragon]

I so want to try this. There are so many other things I want to do as well though and not enough time!

[waitandseepudding]

Ooh thanks norks
soupdragon I feel your pain, I just have the luxury penny pinching end of mat leave and so I'm trying to make the most of it! Plus if I don't go bonkers in the craft shop I need a cheaper xmas!
SDTG I really like the cookie cutter idea.

Mners are so clever!

[NorksAreMessy]

have PMmed you wait

[WineGoggles]

My general guide is if it's small and intricate I needle felt it, but if it's bigger I wet felt. Or combine the two.

[NorksAreMessy]

wait you might need to frisk the postie tomorrow :)

[waitandseepudding]

Oooh, norks, you've clearly never met our postie.
Will have to bribe persuade dh nicely to look after the dds so I can get cracking!

[SoupDragon]

get cracking on felting or on frisking the postman?

[CurlyhairedAssassin]

Is it just me or does anyone else want to sniffer at thought of "wet felting"?

[CurlyhairedAssassin]

Sniffer?????? Snigger, obvs

[NorksAreMessy]

curly are you desiring to sniff some wet felt...it can be arranged :)

[Stitchthis]

Needle felting all the way - I love it - quick, cathartic after a bad day and everyone seems to like it. I've just finished this and my DS haven't left it alone... Have a go

[waitandseepudding]

Oooh Norks you lovely, lovely person. My parcel of fluffiness and sparkly things arrived today.
Thank you, thank you, thank you

[NorksAreMessy]

Absolutely my pleasure...not much christmas coloured fluff, but I hope it was inspiring.
Happy feltifying :)

[MrsBovary]

I use a mixture of both, sometimes on the same project. Agree that needle felting is good for intricate details and finishing.

[NorksAreMessy]

But wet felting is nice and messy and tactile and you can make BIG things quickly.
I agree, it is not either / or and I embellish and add and sew bits on as well.

Oohh, I need to go and play with some fluff :)

[dikkertjedap]

I was wondering could you use it to make skirts/dresses?

[NorksAreMessy]

Well, in theory, yes.
You could make a huuuuuuuuuuge piece of wet felt in the shape of a clo (singular of clothes) :)
And then needle felt decoration on.

Hmmmm,
OR you could KNIT the thing you wanted to wear and then wash it in a mega hot machine so that it felts,

What do you have in mind...I am intrigued

[dikkertjedap]

Well, there are those lovely Giesswein (or something like that) felt houseshoes and I was wondering of making a red felt skirt with fairys/toad stools/old oak tree type things (lot of work I know for one skirt, but would probably look lovely).

I am good at knitting, but this is not the type of stuff to knit using normal wool, too difficult, plus probably not as good.

[NorksAreMessy]

You might be better just BUYING the base felt fabric and then embellishing with wondrous creatures in needle felt.
Making the felt would be expensive and time consuming, and for the base layer would not be as strong or regular as bought base layer

[dikkertjedap]

Thanks, going to try that.

[NorksAreMessy]

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wool-Mix-Felt-Fabric-Half-Metre-x-36-wide-choice-of-colours-01-29-/250889788069?pt=UK_Crafts_Fabric_Textiles_SM&var=550045978789&hash=item3a6a325aa5

Please show me the results...it sound FAB!

[NorksAreMessy]

You will probably need to line it, or it might stretch/tear.
All over machine embroidery in lines/swirls would help to stabilize it.

I want to PLAY :)

[waitandseepudding]

Well. .. I had a play this afternoon with lots of lovely fluffy stuff and after lots of fun and mess have made some little slipper shoe thingys.
They were intended for dd2 but are huge, still, I am quiet impressed with my efforts and by the time I properly finish them they might well fit!