Felted Leaves Wreath
Several years ago I knitted my mother a large tote bag and then felted it. It turned out beautifully, and I was ga-ga over felted items.
Felting is really a simple process. Since the knitted project that I made used yarn that was 100% wool, I decided to try this with old sweaters.
I went to Goodwill and purchased 3 sweaters that were 100% wool in fall like colors.
Since they were from the thrift store I wanted them washed. Felting closes up the fibers, shrinks the wool and gives it a stiffer shape. This allows you to cut out shapes.
The first time I washed them, I added detergent. I washed them on the HOTTEST cycle.
Then I washed them 2 more times without detergent on the HOTTEST water setting. I let them air dry. The green sweater was a man's large and the other 2 were a ladies medium.
Now they look like sweaters that would fit a toddler and infant!
I made these 3 leaf shapes in PicMonkey.
You can click on each leaf to print your own. I printed them as a 5×7 photo on regular printer paper.
Cut your leaf out. Pin it to the fabric and cut it out. I didn't like the look of the bottom of this leaf so I extended it freehand as I cut it out.
I felt like they were too plain on their own so I got some scrap fuzzy cream yarn from my stash and did a little stitching for definition. Very free….no set pattern.
Since the pink sweater had textured pattern and cables, I left them. I love those pink leaves!
Love how they turned out.
I have a large roll of this burlap ribbon. You could use any ribbon or cut fabric to wrap around this straw wreath. I secured it with straight pins. Nothing is permanent.
I even pinned the leaves on so I can remove them and do something new for Christmas. The leaves will store easily for the next fall.
On the top leaves, I pinned it so the white in the yarn outline covers the pins.
A simple fall vignette below.
Looks pretty over an oil painting we picked up in Paris, France many years ago.
I still have plenty of sweater fabric for other projects.
I'm thinking of doing some felted holly and berries for Christmas!
Upcoming posts: painted sewing chair, Favorite Things Friday and I'm painting the dining room….finally!
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Love the pink leaf spin 😉 Such pretty colors and a beautiful vignette!!
Thanks bunches!!!
I’ve accidentally felted a few sweaters but never on purpose! I like this concept and really like the wreath that you created for fall.
I’ve done that, too!!! Wish I had kept some of the kid’s old wool sweaters. Would have made some great memory pieces! Have a great weekend! ~Christy
What a fun project! Thanks for sharing! Have a great week.
Leslie
Thanks, Leslie!
What a great idea! Your wreath turned out so well. I have a question–will the cut edges fray or ravel?
Thanks!!! 🙂 Once felted, it shrinks up those fibers a lot. That should not be an issue based on other crafts I’ve seen with this technique. Have a great weekend! ~Christy
Felted is a new concept for me. How interesting and I especially love the pink leaves.
Thanks! I really enjoyed the process!!! Happy fall!