Elegant Silk Merino Scarf

Have you tried wet felting? This project shows you how to create a beautifully lightweight wet felted scarf with elegant cascading ruffles using Ashford Silk Merino blend. The combination of fine merino and lustrous silk produces a fabric that is incredibly soft, lightweight and comfortable to wear, while the sculptural ruffled design adds texture, movement and sophistication. This project showcases the versatility of wet felting, resulting in a unique scarf that is as beautiful to wear as it is to make. I hope you will give it a go!

Kate

This gorgeous scarf was created by Deland Laio of Founder Tek, Ashford dealers in Taiwan. They supply Ashford equipment and offer beginner to advanced classes in felting, spinning and weaving, with students travelling from throughout Taiwan as well as Hong Kong, Macau and China.

You will need:
Fibre: Ashford silk/merino blend Salvia 90gm (3ozs), some Angelina metallic gold and silver (optional)
White silk chiffon 20 x 150cm (8 x 60ins)

Other:
Bubble wrap 45 x 180cm (18 x 71ins) x 2
Plastic sheets 45 x 180cm (18 x 71ins) x 2
Net curtain fabric 45 x 180cm (18 x 71ins)
Towel
Plastic piping
Plastic gloves
Rubbing pad (optional)
Liquid soap

Here’s how:

1. Cover a table with the plastic sheet.

2. Lay the silk chiffon on top.

3. Divide the fibre in half. Take one half of the fibre (45gms/1 1/2ozs) for the front side. You will use 2.5gms on each end, 17.5gms for each side and 5gm for the centre pattern.

4. Starting on one side pull lengths of wool 5-6cm (2-2 1/2ins) long and place two or three fine layers of the fibre in the same direction covering 2-3 cm (1-1 1/4ins) of the chiffon. Repeat on the other side and both ends.

5. Take the remaining 5gms and make your own pattern in the centre of the silk chiffon.

6. For a little glamour add some Angelina.

7. Place the net on top.

8. Sprinkle with soapy water and pat into the fibre, ensuring the fibre is wet through.

9. Using the palm of your hand or a rubbing pad rub the length of the scarf increasing in pressure as you work.

10. Gently peel off the net. Turn the scarf over and repeat steps 4-9.

11. Remove the net and replace with bubble wrap (bubble facing down). Roll around pipe and tie firmly.

12. Place on a towel and roll backwards and forwards 100-200 times.

13. Open and check the felting process. If when pinched the fibre and chiffon lift together, the scarf is sufficiently felted. If not, repeat step 12.

14. Once felted remove the bubble wrap. Folding like a fan bring one end of the scarf to the other.

15. Rub vigorously in the centre.