felting

Before:


After:

I admit that I am a little pressed as to seeing the differences in the before and after shots...

The yarn is Patons Merino (worsted), the hook is a J, and the before vs. after dimensions are 5x6.75, and 4.75x6. <--All dimensions are in inches.

This was my first attempt at the whole felting experience. I ran the swatch with a small load of laundry using a top loading machine, and the hot/cold short cycle. Then I threw it into the dryer (hot setting) because I really couldn't tell the difference post- vs pre-washing. Final analysis: there was some shrinkage, and the stitches came together some. It didn't quite look like the felting that I've seen... and I'm not sure why...

Perhaps next time I'll use a smaller hook?