Wollen fabric suppliers UK

[Rhodri80]

Hi

I have been reading various posts in this forum with interest.

I was particularly interested in making a balmoral. Does anyone know of of a uk mail order supplier who sells suitable material to make a balmoral?

Rhodri

[ChattanCat]

Welcome

[Father Bill]

I'm no help on the bonnet, but welcome to the Great Rabble!

[tulloch]

Greetings from the highlands of Central Massachusetts. I recommend yarn and knitting needles - I am not so good at felting yet but this is where I have gotten so far.

[O'Searcaigh]

Yes, knitting or even crocheting a bonnet and then felting it is perfectly doable. My wife and I have made many (she does the crocheting, I do the felting). Be sure to get yarn that is 100% wool (alpaca will do as well) and not "treated" and best if marked for "felting." I use hot water a little dish soap and lots of rubbing the material against itself until it gets to the feel and look I want. Then put it in the dryer with other clothes (towels work best) and be sure to check it often otherwise it will shrink too much. Anyway, this is my "quick and dirty" explanation of our process; I'm sure others have their own.[An example of our work for a Santa Hat.]
Most of all from atop the Cumberland highlands of north central Tennessee

[jhockin]

or, for a sewn Balmoral, try using wool melton cloth
http://www.shuttleworks.com/Woolrich%2021%20ounce.html

- i've found, so far ( still learning/trying for "the perfect" sewn balmoral) , that using a heavy weight lining material (for example, quilted material), seems to help the Balmoral hold it's shape better, with less 'ripple-effect', along the sewn seam.

[LitTrog]

Greetings from the highlands of Central Massachusetts. I recommend yarn and knitting needles - I am not so good at felting yet but this is where I have gotten so far.

My wife saw your pic and just had to mention how handsome you are. Thanks. I was having a good day, pal.