My Thursday afternoon get-togther with two crafting friends is becoming quite regular. It started off as a time for us to try some different dyes but now that I've run out of things to dye we thought we'd carry on and actually do something with all the dyed fibre.
First off though I had been intructed by one of them to get most of the fleece carded which I obediently did. So then all we had to do yesterday was make up little rolls of some of the colours and package them. The colours looked so scrummy together that I had to get out and do a quick photoshoot to catch them at their best. I also wanted to get a pic to make up some proper labels. Then we packed them into cellophane bags and later in the evening I made two quick labels to go on the front and the back.
I'm hoping to make a label with all the colours on and with writing over the top - maybe something like 'fibre to dye for' - does that sound a bit corny? Anyway, I was dead chuffed seeing all those bags lined up and now all I have to do is sell the stuff. I'm going to try etsy, eBay and a waldorf type shop nearby. The only trouble with selling through a shop being how much they want to sell your stuff for and how much they'll give you. I was thinking of about £4 or £5 if I sell direct (the bag weighs 2oz/50g). I'll do some research first to see what else is about. Do you think I'm pitching it about right? I think nicer labels on the front might help with the presentation.
The friend that came yesterday is really good at felted pictures and I was telling her how I had bought a couple of notebooks in a sale and Amber was planning to cover them with blanket and either embroider the cover or needlefelt something. So what does she do - takes a piece of blanket and some fleece and minutes later produces this picture on the left. It's so lovely and infact too nice to adorn the front of a book. So when she finishes it I might put it on my wall.
I am so crap at this sort of thing. 
I just don't have the imagination or colour sense and my confidence wasn't helped by the fact that Raj decided to make a picture later in the evening having watched my friend closely. Here's his effort on the right. I passed him the colours as he couldn't pull off the fleece finely enough but the rest he did. I'm going to have to have a go this weekend even if it's only to use up some darned blanket.
By the way the notebooks are for Christmas presents. I'm telling the children that they have to make presents this year using my dyed blanket. Ofcourse, I'm not really but it would be good if we could use them up. I thought it might be an idea if the children felted some more of these pictures and we put little calendars on the bottom. That's a few gifts for teachers then and possibly aunties and godparents.
On the subject of blankets I made a little rosehip candle-ring/holder out of green blanket. The pattern came in the package that jademond sent a few weeks ago. I made the first head too big so the whole thing took longer than it ought to have:
I couldn't find anything small to put the nightlight in and in my hunt I found a red diva (remember Divali) so I covered the nightlight with green blanket and popped it in. I'm so pleased with it all as it was a bit fiddly.
So now it's Friday. The days are suddenly very cold but bright. I much prefer it that way to the dull, grey and cold days we usually have. The blue sky just lifts the spirits. I must must make christmas cake this weekend - oh and I must let myself go and try my hand at a felt picture. There's a how to here on flickr if your'e interested in having a go. I'll provide the fibre.
The colors of those fibers are wonderful! You must ask a little more per bag I think though. The idea of the felted pictures is wonderful for teachers gifts.
Posted by: harriett | November 03, 2006 at 05:49 PM
I really love your natural dyed wool. Please save one bag for me. :=) What's the name of your etsy shop BTW?
Posted by: Lucia | November 03, 2006 at 06:22 PM
what beautiful felt... so lovely. wish you were in the states, I'd love to buy a bag.
Posted by: melody | November 03, 2006 at 06:28 PM
sorry I meant to say "fleece"...
Posted by: melody | November 03, 2006 at 06:29 PM
Beautiful colours, it looks so gorgeous I just want to reach into the computer and touch it!
Posted by: Kate | November 03, 2006 at 10:04 PM
your things are really lovely - don't ever doubt that - I first started visiting your blog because of your wonderful dolls and have really enjoyed reading about your dyeing too. have confidence to sell them for what they are worth - lots of your time, care and creative energy!
Go Girl!
Posted by: katie | November 04, 2006 at 08:04 AM
Lovely, lovely colors, Simmy. I definitely want a bag, please! :) And that little DIva is absolutely adorable!!!
Posted by: Angie | November 04, 2006 at 01:21 PM
wowo simmy.. you are amazing.. great work..
I can't believe how quickly you mastered the natural dyeing!! I doubt seriously if you will have the adorable little packets for long.
Posted by: bethany | November 04, 2006 at 02:19 PM
I have no idea about pricing, it is one of my main problems whenever I sell anything. The wool packages look great, I quite like the heart label.
I have had a couple of goes at tha felted picture making. I really enjoyed it and my pictures looked pretty good for someone who isn't artistic. I bet yours will be too.
Posted by: littlejennywren | November 04, 2006 at 07:28 PM
Simmy I want a bag ! The colors are lovely!
Posted by: Karen(Saltygal) | November 05, 2006 at 10:14 PM
Your have lovely items and an amazing talent!
Best wishes to you!
Keep up the good work.
jenna
Posted by: jennareanne | August 06, 2008 at 04:00 AM