Eco-fi Felt (formerly known as Eco-spun) is a polyester felt made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. It takes 10 plastic bottles to make 1 pound of Eco-fi fiber. As a frame of reference it takes 17 bottles to make enough fiber for a sweatshirt. When you buy and use Eco-fi Felt you can feel relieved that you kept a bunch of plastic bottles out of the landfill and minimized depletion of natural resources. Unlike many other eco-friendly fabric and craft items, you don’t have to sacrifice quality, color, or variety with Eco-fi Felt. Say good-bye to blah organic colors; Eco-fi Felt is available in more than 40 colors. The felt is also machine washable, fade-resistant, and will not fray. There is no excuse for using regular polyester felt. Although 100% wool felt is probably still the most eco-friendly choice, Eco-fi Felt is more affordable. In the Fabulous Fabric series you have already been tipped off that Hart’s Fabrics carries recycled felt as does Felt-o-rama. It is also widely available at Joanns, Hobby Lobby, and Walmart.
Start closing the loop today with these 3 easy starter projects:
Three Sneaky Bugs shows us how to turn an empty frame into a Felt Story Board. Repurpose a frame you already have or find one at a thrift store. Easy felt and cork coasters from Design Sponge. You can find thin cork rolls at most craft stores. Try experimenting with different size hole punches to make unique patterns. Make Felt Flower Hairpins with Bugs and Fishes by Lupin. These would also be great brooches to adorn your purse, jacket, or to give as a gift.
Now if only you could take 10 plastic bottles into the fabric store and swap them for a pound of felt!
