Tulip colour inspired felt experiment

Here is the result of my colour blending sample based on the colours of the Parrot tulip I featured in a previous blog post. I didn't make it with an end result in mind, it was just a blending experiment to see what colours I could create and how they would work together. I added silk threads onto the top layer and delineated the different blends using black wool. I am really encouraged by the piece and the next stage will be to create an abstract piece, using these shades (assuming I can create them again, of course!)

Second new piece

This is the second new piece I have been working on. Again, it is bigger than I usually make and I used Merino wool and hand blended all the colours to match (well, nearly) the natural colours of the Texel cross Black Welsh wool. It took me two hours to make, but felted well and has a smooth texture, which contrasts well with the slightly more coarse Texel cross Black Welsh. I am going to make another one, probably using the natural wool with the blue silk threads running vertically through the cream strips. Should be interesting...

Another commission

The stone wall felt has proved to be the most popular, with the number of commissions at three so far. Of course, it is the one that takes the most time to make because the blending of colours to create the individual stones is a time consuming process in itself. However, it is very enjoyable and quite therapeutic to do. The above photo shows the piece finished, prior to felting, with the 'stones' laid on to the top layer of wool. I like the 'fluffy' appearance, which is lost once the felting process is complete. Some of the blends I created are around the edge of the work and the original piece is above it, to give me a guide. It felted well and I am now ready to begin the hand embroidery to delineate each stone. A few hours in front of the television should see that done!