Uploaded January 2017 | Updated September 2026, 4 hours ago
This episode is all about the process of felting wool. Along the way, I talk about my academic background, show my latest completed knitting project, and review a good audiobook that I recently finished. In the laboratory, I demonstrate for you how to felt a knitted project using your washing machine.
LINKS TO THINGS DISCUSSED:
TeaKnits Podcast: goo.gl/oOuHj2
Buchanan Center for the Arts: goo.gl/64lmdc
Kraemer Mauch Chunky Yarn: goo.gl/le9k60
Cascade 220 Yarn: goo.gl/pujE4d
A Gentleman in Moscow: goo.gl/f0ijKh
Last Week's Ewe University Episode: goo.gl/VyZo2R
CONNECT WITH ME:
✔ I N S T A G R A M
✔ R A V E L R Y
✔ T W I T T E R
✔ P E R I S C O P E
@halcyarn
✔ E M A I L
halcyarn@gmail.com
✔ WRITE TO ME
Kristine Kelly
P.O. Box 74
Monmouth, IL 61462
Listen to past Ewe University audio podcast episodes here:
eweuniversity.com
If you are passionately curious and never get tired of learning new things, new skills, new ideas...I hope you enjoy watching my videos and learn something. Have a sparkly day!
This episode is all about the process of felting wool. Along the way, I talk about my academic background, show my latest completed knitting project, and review a good audiobook that I recently finished. In the laboratory, I demonstrate for you how to felt a knitted project using your washing machine.
LINKS TO THINGS DISCUSSED:
TeaKnits Podcast: goo.gl/oOuHj2
Buchanan Center for the Arts: goo.gl/64lmdc
Kraemer Mauch Chunky Yarn: goo.gl/le9k60
Cascade 220 Yarn: goo.gl/pujE4d
A Gentleman in Moscow: goo.gl/f0ijKh
Last Week's Ewe University Episode: goo.gl/VyZo2R
CONNECT WITH ME:
✔ I N S T A G R A M
✔ R A V E L R Y
✔ T W I T T E R
✔ P E R I S C O P E
@halcyarn
✔ E M A I L
halcyarn@gmail.com
✔ WRITE TO ME
Kristine Kelly
P.O. Box 74
Monmouth, IL 61462
Listen to past Ewe University audio podcast episodes here:
eweuniversity.com
If you are passionately curious and never get tired of learning new things, new skills, new ideas...I hope you enjoy watching my videos and learn something. Have a sparkly day!


![The Acrylic Yarn Report
Acrylic yarn is easily the most polarizing material in the fiber arts community. While it is celebrated for democratizing crafting and providing affordable, easy-care options, it is simultaneously criticized for its environmental impact and performance flaws. In todays lecture at Ewe University, Dr. Kelly breaks down acrylic yarn at a molecular level. We trace its origin from a volatile liquid (acrylonitrile) to a texturized, wool-mimicking fiber. We also dive into the chemistry behind why acrylic sweaters feel like a personal greenhouse, why they trap stubborn odors over time (the science of oleophilia), and the hidden environmental tax of microplastics shed during laundry cycles. Ultimately, our goal isnt to judge what is in your stash. Every fiber has a history, a molecular structure, and a cost. By understanding the science of our supplies, we can become better, more conscious crafters.
You can buy the GuppyFriend bag here:
https://guppyfriend.us/products/guppyfriend-washing-bag
[not an affiliate link]
SUGGESTED ACADEMIC READING LIST
If you want to read further into the textile engineering, environmental data, and history mentioned in todays lecture, check out these references:
On Polymerization & Production:
Principles of Polymerization by George Odian. (A comprehensive look at the chemical processes behind synthetic polymers like polyacrylonitrile).
https://www.amazon.com/Principles-Polymerization-George-Odian/dp/0471274003
On Microplastic Shedding:
Napper, I. E., & Thompson, R. C. (2016). Release of synthetic microplastic fibres from domestic washing machines: Effects of fabric type and washing conditions. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 112(1-2), 39-45. (The foundational study regarding the 700,000+ fibers released per wash cycle).
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X16307639
On Fiber Mechanics and Comfort:
Clothing Appearance and Fit: Science and Technology by J. Fan and L. Hunter. (Explores the physics of fabric breathability, moisture absorption, and thermal insulation).
https://books.google.com/books/about/Clothing_appearance_and_fit.html?id=GuL2wAEACAAJ
#eweuniversity, #acrylicyarnscience, #acrylicvswool, #textileengineering, #chemistryofyarn, #fibershaming, #microplastics #laundry, #yarnsnobbery, #whydoesacrylicsmell, #howacrylicyarnismade, #polyacrylonitrile, #textilescienceforknitters, #honestyarnreview, #ecofriendlyknitting The Acrylic Yarn Report](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bS4CFs9sB5U/mqdefault.jpg)







