In Loop last week, Kristina pointed out the Alchemy Silken Straw. Not a yarn I would usually have bought, because in spite of the glorious shades it comes in, it is jaw droppingly expensive and I can't wear silk clothing because it makes me pong like a polecat. But a skein came home with me because I really wanted to have a go at making the felt ball necklace I had seen over at The Purl Bee.
With the addition of one batch of repurposed felt balls (made as part of a garland last Christmas), and a few minutes gentle stringing, a necklace was hatched.
And it was so much fun that I made a second one too in a different style.
The felt balls are held by simply passing the silk through the ball a number of times to lock it in postition.
Couldn't be simpler, and used considerably less than a skein of hellishly expensive yarn. I may have to consider going into mass production, if another use for it doesn't present itself soon.
Pong like a polecat! Hilarious. The felt ball necklaces are stunning but unfortuanately I can't wear wool because it makes me itchy like a...(insert appropriate metaphor here).
Posted by: lina | 31 May 2011 at 15:47
I keep seeing necklaces made with fabric wrapped balls and the like But I always fear that they may now be as easy as they look. These you have made are loely and look so simple I might even have a go at them
Posted by: Catherine | 31 May 2011 at 16:21
I love these. I have one made by a friend, but it's not as long as yours, and I really like the length.
Posted by: The Coffee Lady | 31 May 2011 at 17:49
oh cute!
love the 2nd one...
Posted by: Monica | 31 May 2011 at 18:13
Very sweet. Great idea for Christmas presents - thanks! x
Posted by: PinkCatJo | 31 May 2011 at 18:28
Ok, now this might be one of those times where language differences come into play. "Pong like polecat" is definitely a mystery here. Those pretty necklaces are definitely understood in any language though! ;-D
Posted by: Thimbleanna | 31 May 2011 at 18:32
Oh you've done it already--fabulous! So impressed. And the colors are so you.
Just have a few more beads to finish here before I can get started. In the meantime, I can snip some off the other two skeins to send along with the pompom maker :)
K x
Posted by: kristina | 31 May 2011 at 18:33
They are gorgeous - and the bird hook sets them off beautifully! I've got tons of merino tops waiting to be turned into something - I may have to dig them out soon and make some beads. Thanks for the inspiration.
Cathy X
Posted by: pinkgreen | 31 May 2011 at 20:29
you're such a clever lady. I really love those colours.
Posted by: tiel | 01 June 2011 at 12:23
Very clever. And so chic. And the birdie hook is so so cute. All in all, am very jealous. Have a good half term, Ax
Posted by: Magic Bean | 01 June 2011 at 15:38
They're beautiful! You should make more and sell them! That way, we could get our hands on some of your gorgeous necklaces. :)
Posted by: Katherine of Kitten's Lost Her Mittens | 02 June 2011 at 01:01
The felt ball necklaces are stunning!
Posted by: Homeowner Insurance | 02 June 2011 at 18:08
I had to look it up! Pong is such a great word! ;0)
Posted by: Laura | 02 June 2011 at 21:20
Why does silk do that - I thought it was just me.
Posted by: lizzie | 03 June 2011 at 10:13
brilliant!
Posted by: Julie | 07 June 2011 at 12:02