Felt balls.... pics included.

[nitaghei]

All I have is roving. Using batts makes it cheaper, I think. And you don't need the stocking to do it by hand. I just sat with a bowl of soapy water and kept working the ball, while I read some stuff I needed to for a paper - how's that for multitasking? :) I might do the rest in the washing machine - and finally get some use of at least one of the pairs of hose I have!

Nita
mom to Neel, January 2003
dog mom to a cocker and a PWD

[liya]

So how much did the cost per ball turn out to be??

[smomom]

I don't know if this was for me or Neve. I haven't done the math until now, but I think the cost per ball is minimal. I still have a good bit of dyed roving from my first order. I ran out of batting before I did roving and had to order more. I have probably made at least 30 balls and could probably still get up to 15 more with the colored roving from my first order. The batting is used much quicker. Even with the costs for cheap tennis balls, a second batch of batting, a couple of packs of cat balls, and a couple of pairs of sacrificial panty hose (I re-use the hose) my total investment is around $50 and I will be able to make about 45 balls from the order. I've given many balls away as gifts, so I don't think it's an expensive hobby at all. I can't wait to start making balls with the bright wacko collection of my second order!

[papal]

I am just getting my wool ordered thru Abi! Thanks again Dana!

[hobey]

Another fun thing to do, especially for those of you with toddlers, is dying plain white roving or wool for your balls with kool-aid. Non-toxic and a lot of fun! I haven't looked at the colored roving prices but I've handpainted plain white wool yarn with kool-aid for much less than I can buy similar yarn in the stores.

Here are some links if you're interested. :)

http://www.thepiper.com/fiberart/koolaid/
http://www.knittersreview.com/articl...e/010615_a.asp
http://www.gfwsheep.com/rov.inst/rov.inst.html

Raquel
Nathan's Mom 12/19/03