Deconstructed nuno wrap – in print!

Sari Nuno Wrap – Doubly Deconstructed

It was the highlight of the week to see my project in print in the June 2017 issue of ‘Felt’. While the title is a bit of a mouthful, it is an accurate description. A little different to more traditional nuno felt projects, this one also includes wool ‘cheese’ (pre-yarn) and sari silk ribbons.

To keep the wrap as light as possible I use Uzbek silk gauze and 18.5 micron merino wool. I did have fun with this one, as I like working with a combination of unusual materials in textiles. I think my felt making is heading that way too!

Initially, I wasn’t sure how this project would turn out, but was curious to see what textures would result from using the contrasting materials. Stripes or checks? As it turns out, chopping up and rearranging the sari ribbon pre-felt creates both effects.

Although all the elements were  off-white / ivory, there are interesting colour and pattern variations, depending in what light it is viewed. While ironing the end result gives the wrap a subtle sheen, I also like the exaggerated ‘pebbly’ nuno effect that is created after fulling.

The gallery below gives an indication of the process – click to enlarge photos.

Merino wool 18.5 micron

Laying out the initial prefelt

Sari silk skein

Variations in sari silk ribbons

Sari silk prefelt drying

Cut up sari nuno pre-felt

Sheer silk gauze

2nd phase, before felting

Wool pre-yarn

Angled layout of strips

2nd phase of nuno felting

Felting the deconstructed strips on gauze

Fulling in progress

After fulling

Wrap before ironing

Pebble effect after fulling

With light behind

Colour variations

Distressed silk fibres

Scalloped edge effect

Finished wrap

My favourite model!

Deconstructed nuno wrap in Felt Magazine

As a result of this experiment, I was asked to submit an article for ‘Felt’ by the editor Martien van Zuilen.  4 pages of comprehensive instructions for making this deconstructed nuno wrap appears in ‘Felt’ – issue #17.  It is pretty special to appear in such a high quality magazine alongside some great felting names which include local and international makers. The magazine contains felt-related articles as well as a variety of projects and lots of visual inspiration.