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Needle Felting Machine

White felting machine

I recently purchased a Simplicity 12 needle felting machine.  I was concerned that it wouldn’t work well with batting and roving, being thicker than yarn.  But my back was begging me to get some help with the nuno felted scarves.  I had progressed from rolling them out on the floor to a high table which did help a lot.  Unfortunately, the continuous rolling and pressure was still taking a toll on my body since I had so many scarves to make.

The machine works beautifully and really speeds up production.  I am not able to make the lock scarves (learned this the hard way by breaking 3 needles) with it but it handles the processed wool and cotton scrim fine.  I do still finish the scarves by wet felting, rolling them. But I probably spend half the time at that stage as I would without the felting machine.

I am so pleased with this investment.  It is great for embellishing as well.  For flat felting or production work it saves your body from the punishment that wet felting can deal out.

cotton and wool scarves

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Soap Season

colorful soaps

It’s soap season once again here at Plum Blossom Farm.  The time of year where I’m making LOTS of felted soaps in preparation for upcoming fairs and this year’s holiday season.  I try to create a variety of colors and shapes to suit all personal tastes.  I usually offer four different scents: lavender, jasmine, cucumber and coconut.  This year I’ve decided to try to give customers more options by offering 6 to 8 fragrances.  In addition to my regulars I will offer a different combination of  these scents at each fair: pomegranate, oatmeal stout, peppermint/eucalyptus, sandalwood and the gardener’s soap- tangerine/bergamot.

I love to smell the familiar fragrances and get creative with the fiber dye color combinations.  There does start to be some monotony though after the 100th soap!

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Bright and Colorful

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Book Recommendation

book cover

I have to recommend a book written by my Small Business Adviser, Janet Wentworth. It is a great tool for small business owners, entrepreneurs or anyone interested in marketing. It is all about the power of stories and how they connect buyers to sellers. Funny and personal and interesting to read this book gives you a new perspective on the stories you have but didn’t know you have. It is very motivating and gets you actively involved because it also acts like a workbook. A great read and a great tool.
Janet has helped me so much with my brand already. This book taught me so much more and helped me realize my potential stories. Check out her book on Amazon.book cover