Kati Moilanen
 
  Washing machine felted slippers - comparing washingmachine felting methods and making slippers for a customer.  
  Textile Design :   1721/2001
 
 
Image: Kati Moilanen
 
 

The purpose of this final project work was to find a proper washing machine felting method for producing a three-dimensional product. The aim was to find out whether felting with washing machine is suitable for producing felted slippers and also to design and make a pair of felted slippers for a customer. This study presents several washing machine felting methods found in literature and researches and of those, two basic methods, washing machine rolling and felting over last, were chosen to be tested for felting a pair of slippers. In addition, two methods that are combinations of these previously mentioned two methods were tested. Furthermore, all washing machine felting methods ware compared with felting by hand. Each of the felting methods was evaluated by the time needed for felting and also by means of sensory perception. Washing machine rolling and felting by hand were the best and equally suitable methods for producing a pair of felted slippers. The use of last in washing machine felting in both hardening and fulling phases proved to be ineffective. It this final project work a pair of felted slippers were produced for a customer by using washing machine rolling for hardening and by fulling the slippers by hand.The starting point for designing was the wishes and needs the customer had concerning felted slippers. At the making phase an unexpected fading of the colour of the acid dyed wool occurred in washing machine. The felted slippers were custom-made, they were easy to put on and take off and were convenient while walking. The colours of the slippers were harmonious and the shades as well as the embroidered surface structure gave the sense of contrast to these felted slippers.

 
  Keywords: felted slippers, felt, felting, washing machine felting  
  Right of use: To be studied in the place where deposited. Can be freely copied in the place where deposited.  
  Number, file/product, number of pages:
1721 : 1 Report, file A4, 77 p., 5 two-dimensional felts
 
  Number, what parts, where deposited:
1721 : 2 Box number one ( 12 felted shoes, in the author's possession) 1721 : 3 Box number two (plaster mold, 2 lasts, 3 felted shoes, in the author's possession) 1721 : 4 Moss shoes, in the possession of the customer
 
  Phone, e-mail, Home page: 05 4131 773, 050 5542 552, kajamoilane@luukku.com