Fibre of the Month June - Finnwool Piiku Project

I just loved making my patchwork top hats.. and the Piiku certainly felt soft enough that it would be comfortable.  I had also been lucky enough to see some beautiful Piiku felted vessels at Wonderwool Wales, so already knew that it was good for sculptural pieces.  I decided to make a colourful top hat!

I brought 4 differently coloured, variegated batts.  When I unrolled them they were more variegated than I had realised.. so I split each one into the strong colours (from the outside) and the softer, more heathery colours (which were inside).   I did find that there was a fair amount of veggie matter to pick out.. but they are such lovely colours, and the fibre is so soft and lovely, that it is well worth it!

I used the strong colours for this hat.

Though I decided not to use the lovely fresh ocean greeney blue in the bottom corner..

I know this just looks like a heap of fibre but it's
2 layers laid out on top of the resist.. I promise :)

Wetted, flipped, rays folded in, then 3 layers on,
flipped and put 3rd layer on the other side

 The strangeness at the top is the rays of the third layer in the top gusset sticking out under a separate piece of bubble wrap.

Part way through.
Lovely rich red, orangey red and smoky purple.

And then guess what happened..  I forgot to take photos of the rest of the process DUH!

Drying..

Modelled by my baby :)

I love these vibrant colours..  But they are only half the story, I still had the other half of the batts left.. 

the softer colours from batts - my left overs

Which I turned in to:

Another top hat..
this one is a lovely turquoise, coral red and heather
- an unusual combo but really pretty

I think Rachael rather likes Top Hats :)

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For comparison to sampling data:
Resist size: 18" tall x 19.5" across bottom (46cm x 49cm)
Finished size squashed as flat as possible: 10.5 x 12.5" across brim (27cmx32cm)
Shrinkage: 41% x 35%

Weight: 100g

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They felted beautifully - fast and easy.. I'd even have say faster and easier than merino!  It was a pleasure to work with.

I'm really enjoying my top hats at the moment :)  These two are in my Etsy shop if anyone is interested..