DENVER -- Remember the time you accidentally washed a beautiful wool sweater in the washing machine, and then to add insult to injury, you tossed it, along with the rest of the load, into the dryer? Well, after you dried your tears (or said a few bad words) I hope you kept the sweater. Because if you did, you've got the makings for some fun projects. If you didn't save it, or if you are the type of person who can't imagine doing such a thing, follow the first few steps below.

The items shown here are just a few samples of things you can make with our "down and dirty" (or should I say "down and clean?") version of felted wool. Making "real" felted wool is a messy, complex process that involves a lot of water and wool fibers that are manipulated and pressed to create a thick and spongy wool fabric that because of how it is made, will not ravel at the cut edges. This makes it ideal for many purposes since the edges require no finishing. Just think of working with today's felt from the hobby store, and you'll get the idea.

It is much easier to create a similar fabric by washing wool sweaters in hot water and then drying them on high in the dryer. Use sweaters you already have, but that are out of style, even those that have somehow acquired a few moth holes. (Note: if you have any wool clothes that have moth holes, get rid of them immediately, either by transforming them, as we are here, or by throwing them away. Wool moth larvae will destroy them, and they can move and contaminate other clothes stored in the same place.) Or, go to the thrift store and pick up a few sweaters (any size or style) in colors you like. Just make sure they are 100 percent wool, the fluffier the better. And choose solid colors, rather than those with knitted in patterns of color.

These small projects are a great introduction to creating and working with this wonderful material. Think of all the other things you can make, once you've had a little practice. How about a purse, or a pair of slippers? What about an appliqu?d cover for that tired pillow on your sofa? Felt placemats in rich autumn hues would be a cozy addition to you autumn tabletop. Speaking of cozy, why not make one for your tea pot?

What You Need

2 wool sweaters, in colors you like together
Laundry detergent
Washing machine and dryer
Sewing machine or tapestry needle and colored yarns
Scissors and ruler

What To Do

1. Wash wool sweaters in hot water, using laundry detergent as you normally would. This softens the wool. Dry the sweaters in the dryer on high. If the sweaters have not shrunk enough (you would like a thicker fabric) repeat the process.

2. T o make basic coasters: cut a 4" square from the sleeve of each sweater. Lay the squares on top of each other. I like the "wrong" sides out the best, but this is strictly a preference issue. Using either the machine or by hand, sew a seam all the way around the squares, sewing both together, about 1/2" in from the edge. If using the machine, use contrasting thread, in either a straight or zig zag stitch. Next, sew a diagonal line from one corner to the one opposite it, and repeat with the other two corners, creating a quilted "x" on the top of the coaster. Cut threads. Decide which color you want to be the top of the coaster. Trim away the fabric on the outside of the seam 1/4" so that a border of the second color is exposed.

3. Reverse applique coaster: Cut and layer 2 squares as above. Sew together around edge as above. Use sewing machine to outline a 1" square in the center of the square. Decide which side is the top, as above, and trim outside edge as above. Poke point of small scissors into center of square on top of coaster, taking care to poke only through top layer. Trim top layer of fabric away from square outline, resulting in a square the color of the coaster's back in the center of the square.

4. Striped coaster: Cut and layer 2 squares as above. Sew seam on one side, about 1/2" in from edge. Then move in another 3/4" or so, and sew another line. Move across coaster in this way, ending with a seam about 1/2" from the edge of the opposite edge. Use scissors to slit the top layer of fabric between the seam lines all the way across. Cut away a little bit more from each stripe to expose the back color a little more. Sew seam 1/2" in from top and bottom edge to hold ends of stripes flat and to give a finished look.

Now, you have a batch of coordinating coasters, and some basic techniques to use to make all kinds of things! Why not try a simple coin purse or a glasses case? The quilted designs can be in any pattern you can think of, as can the applique. Polka dots are always great, for example. As for stripes, use the technique above then sew on another layer, stitch stripes the opposite direction, cut away fabric and you'll have a textured check design.