Felted Silk Chiffon Scarf

Project by Tammy L. Deck from Westmont, Ill.

Tammy has been crafting since she was a little kid. Her passion for fashion and wearable art started when her mom taught her to sew in fifth grade. She went on to get her degree in clothing and textile science at a fashion design school. Tammy considers her pieces to be works of art--but not art that shouldn't be touched! Like this scarf... You've heard of a felted scarf, and you've heard of a silk scarf, but a felted silk scarf? Tammy's creation is as beautiful as it is unique, and it takes traditional felting to a new level.

Materials:

silk chiffon scarf blank
vinegar
water
fiber reactive dyes
20 yds. each of 3 primarily wool yarns
wool fleece/roving (merino or merino cross)
rubber gloves
4 plastic cups
4 sponge brushes
18" x 40" plastic
microwave safe plate
microwave oven
2 pieces of foam board
2 pieces 85" x 17" muslin
spray bottle
liquid dish soap
water
8 pieces of bubble wrap 12" x 17"
18" of 3" diameter PVC pipe
3 strips doubleknit fabric 24"
shallow pan large enough to hold water and project

Steps:

1. To dye the scarf: Fold scarf in half lengthwise and then repeatedly in half a few more times.

2. Soak in vinegar pre-soak container for 5 minutes.

3. Lay out plastic on work surface.

4. Pour 3 ounces of water in each plastic cup. Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of dye powder to each cup and mix with sponge brush.

5. Squeeze vinegar out of scarf as much as possible. Carefully unfold scarf until you are left with it folded just in half once. Lay scarf on plastic.

6. Apply dye to scarf using sponge brushes in what ever pattern you desire.

7. Roll scarf up in plastic and put on microwaveable plate. Heat on high for 15-second intervals three or four times. Rotate the scarf between each cycle.

8. Remove from microwave and move to sink. Unroll and rinse until water runs clear. Hang scarf over rod or pant hanger to dry.

9. To felt the scarf when dry: Select yarn and fleece to use with scarf.

10. Place one piece of muslin on foam board. Lay dry silk scarf blank centered on muslin.

11. Lay out your yarn design. Apply a thin layer of wool fibers over yarns, especially carefully over the non-felting yarns.

12. Carefully layer second piece of muslin on top. Make sure there are no folds or wrinkles.

13. Spray entire piece with soap and water mixture at room temperature. Apply second piece of foam on top. Hold all layers tightly and turn project over.

14. Lift off top foam board and gently peel back muslin that's now on top while holding down scarf.

15. Apply a thin layer of fleece to scarf along yarn design lines with special attention to the area with non-felting fibers. Put muslin layer back on piece.

16. Heavily spray entire piece with room-temperature soapy water.

17. Starting on one end, roll all three layers onto PVC pipe, laying down bubble wrap pieces as you go (bubble side down).

18. Tightly tie the bundle in three places using stretch knit ties.

19. Roll piece with pressure, wrists to elbows and back to wrists until you count to 200.

20. Untie and unroll piece, peeling off bubble wrap as you go. If piece feels dry, spray on more soapy water. Re-roll from opposite end with bubble wrap and re-tie bundle. Roll piece for another 200 count.

21. Untie and unroll piece and re-roll from opposite end with bubble wrap. Re-tie bundle and roll piece for another 200 count.

22. Untie and unroll piece and re-roll from opposite end. This time do not use PVC or bubble wrap.

23. Put piece in lukewarm water and knead bundle for 10 minutes. Squeeze out water. Unroll and re-roll from opposite end.

24. Put piece in hotter water and knead and twist for 10 minutes. Squeeze out water and unroll piece again.

25. Begin to peel back the top muslin to reveal back of project. If fibers are lifting off in clumps, stop and reapply the muslin. Re-roll from opposite end and go back to step 24. If fibers are staying down fairly well with just a little bit of pulling, the piece is at the half-felt stage and the edges may be cleaned up (folded onto scarf) or even cut for a decorative edge treatment. Replace muslin and re-roll from opposite end.

26. Put piece in very hot water. Wring and twist piece for 5 minutes. Squeeze out water, pounding on counter edge if you like.

27. Unroll and turn piece over to work on front of scarf. Gently peel back muslin, being certain to hold down fibers if needed. Pull piece entirely free from the muslins at this point. Layer scarf back on one piece of muslin and re roll. Now the scarf is inside one piece of muslin only.

28. Put piece in the hottest water you can stand (wearing rubber gloves). Vigorously twist, wring and beat piece for 3 minutes. Squeeze out water.

29. Unroll and re-roll from opposite end. Continue felting process in hottest water, twisting, wringing and beating in 3 minute intervals, unrolling, reviewing and re-rolling. Stop when shrunk and felted to your satisfaction.

30. Hang to dry. Iron on back if desired using pressing cloth.

Website: www.TLDDESIGNS.com

E-mail: Tammy@TLDDESIGNS.com