Downton Inspired. and Felted Wool

Watched the season premier of Downton Abbey yesterday.

And fashioned a dolls outfit inspired by cousin Rose.

It is so fun to work with felted wool.

Find 100% wool sweaters at thrift stores.

Then shrink them as small as possible!

(my last batch took 5 hot washings and dryings)

{be sure to add a few drops of dish soap to the wash}

and watch large adult-sized sweaters become child-size!

When the fibers have shrunken together

the sweater can be cut and used like felt,

without any need to finish the edges.

The hat was made with the cuff end of a sweater,

the only stitching involved was gathering it at the top.

(you can also just use a rubberband on the inside)

There is something so calming and domestic

sitting inside while its raining outside,

handstitching wool.

I made some doll purses (or book bags) also,

and other doll clothes for a couple of darling girls.