I saw these coasters in a book and when I was invited to a housewarming party, it was the perfect reason to learn how to make them. I put it off to the last minute because I thought the knitting would be quick, which it was, but it involved two techniques I had never tried before - felting and needle felting. So one evening saw me driving around to different laundromats looking for a top-loading washing machine (I ended up doing it at home in a bucket) and another saw me trying to locate this apparently obscure needle felting tool at various yarn and craft stores. Needle felting involves stabbing the yarn (and sometimes yourself) over and over with this special sharp needle to get it to stick to the felted fabric. I don't think I will be taking it up as a hobby. But, I'm pleased with the result and am thinking about making more as Christmas gifts - or even a mousepad.
