Here are the steps I followed to make my cat cave using the resist method.
1. Cut out a 20-inches across round piece of thick cardboard for the resist and place it on top of a piece of bubble wrap, bubble side up. (The final project after shrinkage will be approximately 15-inches across and it will take approximately 6-8 ounces of wool roving.)
2. Place thin pieces of wool roving around the edge of the resist making sure half of the wool is hanging over the edge.
3. Place rows of wool roving horizontally to cover the resist.
4. Cover with a piece of tulle and sprinkle with warm, soapy water just enough to wet the wool. After all the wool is wet, gently rub olive oil soap on top of the tulle.
5. Gently rub the top with the tips of your fingers in a small circular motion. When wool has started to felt together, remove the tulle.
5. Lay down another piece of bubble wrap, bubble side up, and flip over the resist and bubble wrap.
6. Remove the bubble wrap and then with wet, soapy fingers wrap the overlapping fibers onto the top of the resist.
7. Like before, place thin pieces of wool around the edge of the resist making sure half is hanging over the edge.
8. Place thin pieces of wool in horizontal rows to cover the resist.
9. Like before, cover with a piece of tulle and sprinkle with warm, soapy water just enough to make the wool wet. After all the wool is wet, gently rub olive oil soap on top of the tulle. Now both sides of the resist have a layer of wool.
10. Repeat this process on both sides again. This time lay the wool fibers in vertical rows to fill the middle.
11. The next two layers will form the outside of the vessel. At this point, you can mix or blend wool colors or add decorations.
12. Make two more layers of wool in the same way as before only on the last layer, do not overlap the edge, just lay the wool to cover the top of the resist. Now there are 4 layers of wool on both sides of the resist.
13. After the last layer of wool has started to felt together, remove the tulle and put a piece of bubble wrap on top with the bubble side against the wool. Sprinkle a little soapy water on top of the bubble wrap and gently rub the top in a small circular motion for 5 minutes, making sure to also cup your hands around the edge. Turn everything over and rub the other side for 5 minutes. Repeat another 5 minutes on each side making sure to periodically reposition the bubble wrap so the bubbles are in different places.
14. Roll up everything using a pool noodle and tie it together.
15. Roll gently 30 times. Unwrap and turn the project 1/4 turn, roll up and roll another 30 times. Repeat rolling (30 times) and 1/4 turn for 4 times. Turn the project over and repeat the rolling (30 times) and 1/4 turn 4 times, gradually increasing the pressure. Repeat until the resist starts to buckle.
16. Carefully cut a hole where desired being sure to only cut to the resist and not through it. Gently pull the resist through the hole. Rub the cut edge with soapy fingers to join the fibers together.
17. Put the project between two pieces of bubble wrap, bubbles toward the wool, and roll 30 times each 1/4 turn. Run your fingers inside the project to make sure no fibers are felting together. Turn over the project and repeat rolling 30 times each 1/4 turn.
18. Complete fulling and shaping using your hands or a tool such as a metal spoon. You can also use the bubble wrap to create friction with the wool to be able to shape the project. The area of wool that was at the edge of the resist will need to be worked out to remove any wrinkles.
19. Rinse the project alternately in hot and cold water several times. Soak the project in vinegar water (1 tablespoon vinegar/1 qt. water) for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. Gently squeeze, but do not wring it out.
20. Re-shape the project and set on a rack to dry.
Here is the finished project...
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| Felted Cat Cave |
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| Felted Cat Cave - Vessel |
I hope kitty enjoys the Cat Cave....
