Sari Silk Flower Brooches

I've been busy making these sari silk flower brooches - and to cut down on the time it takes to make them I've been letting the washing machine do the work: I  lay out three thin layers of wool on netting, place sari silk on top, cover with another piece of netting, roll in a piece of pipe insulation, place in a cut off leg from a pair of tights and then place straight in the washing machine on a quick 30 minute 30 degree wash (with normal non biological washing powder!). I then remove it from the tights and netting and put it back in for another 30 minute wash. I then roll smooth with a rolling pin and usually when dry make into these flower brooches. So don't get my hands wet at all! ( I do get them wet after cutting out to make sure they are quite well felted I roll them in my hands - I also like to scrunch them up when wet and leave to dry to give them some shape).

Didn't think I had any photos but just found some!

It's also a good way to use up oldish wool if you can card it first.

 Unrolling it after the first wash.

After the second wash and before rolling flat.

Can't find any photos of the brooches I made with these pieces but here's a blurred photo of some others!

And an over exposed one!