Felted Wool Dryer Balls

Last week I showed my workbench with the wool dryer balls in progress.

This week they are done.

They took a few rides with loads of laundry.

Any load that required a hot washing.

After 4 or 5 loads, I threw them in with 2 loads in the dryer to be sure they were thoroughly dry.

Then I removed them from the nylons.

What do you do with them?

They can be used for lots of things.

Juggling.

Cat toys.

And in the dryer.

They are a natural way to cut down on dry time.

I have tried them.

I added  4 of them to a load in the dryer and it got dry about 20 minutes faster.

Supposedly if you add more, it can cut the time down even further.

I usually make them and sell them at craft shows.

I also have plans to make some felted ornaments.

I will show you when I get them done.

Thanks for stopping by...

Linking up with these great blogs.

Workbench Wednesday...Felted Wool Dryer Balls

A couple weeks ago, I was doing some needle felting with friends.

We spent the afternoon poking wool, talking and eating.

Ahhh...good times...

After they left, I decided to make some wool dryer balls before I put the wool away.

Here is a peek at the process.

I use raw, clean wool, wool yarn, wool roving and nylons for mine.

I start with the raw wool and wrap it into a ball.

Then I wrap that with either wool yarn or a wool roving.

I try to cover as much of the white wool as I can.

I used multi-colored yarn for some and multiple colors of wool roving for others.

I bought a couple raw fleeces a few years ago.

I washed and cleaned the wool, dyed it and carded it to make my own wool roving.

It is not as vibrant or consistent as purchased roving.

But I am so proud that I did it myself.

After each ball is rolled, wrapped and ready, I tuck it into a nylon knee high and tie it off.

I continue to add balls and tie the nylon until it is full.

Generally I get 5-6 per knee high.

The next part of process will be the wet felting...

Not at all difficult.

I will add these to the next several loads of laundry washed in hot water.

Come back to see how they turned out and learn more about what I do with them when they are done.

Thanks for stopping by...

Linking up with these great blogs.