- One that has at least 70% wool content. This allows them to shrink up real nice and tight.
- Unique, rich colors.
- Fun stripes or simple designs on the sweaters.
- Men XL size sweaters give you more yardage
- Don’t forget to check out the children’s section. Sometimes you can find a really cute child sweater. You don’t get much yardage, but sometimes it’s worth it.
Things to avoid when purchasing sweaters:
- Look out for holes. Especially when purchasing wool sweaters.
- If it is real bulky, when you felt the sweater it will get even bulkier. (Depending on your project, too bulky sweaters can be hard to work with. However, sometimes there may be a need for a real thick nap).
- Too thin of a sweater. (Again, depending on your project) Cashmere sweaters are usually thin and very soft. Great for hand warmers, but not so great for a pair of slippers).
- Think about your inventory. Don’t overspend on colors you already have a ton of or on sweaters that are just so, so. Resist the need to buy every wool sweater you find or you will end up with bins and bins of sweaters. (Believe me, sweaters take up a lot of room).
If you are not familiar with how to “felt” (shrink and tighten the fibers of your sweater), here is a link of a previous post where you will find that information.
This is such a great time of the year to get out your felted sweaters and make something fun. If you live where it is cold right now, like I do, there are tons of things to make with felted wool.
Mittens, HATS, Scarfs, HAND WARMERS, slippers, Valentine Heart Hand Warmers and HEARTS, Bunnies & Bears, Baby Toys, flowers, BAGS, and even birds.
Don’t forget to save your scraps when cutting out your felted wool projects to make dryer balls and other fun stuff.
Get out your wool sweater stash. ( If you don’t have one yet, after one felted sweater project you soon will have one. Fun stuff to work with)! Get out your scissors, sewing machines and turn on some soothing music, or a good podcast, and enjoy a day of creation!
The patterns to make most of these projects can be located in my Craftsy and Etsy shops.
Let me know if you have any questions or any great tips to share.
What a fun site…
Thank you!