It seems that almost every knitter has tried shrinking her knitting in the washing machine over the past few years, and why not? Knitted felt projects knit up quickly and create fun. In Felt Forward, Maggie Pace-proprietor of Pick Up Sticks-shares 20 stylish, contemporary projects that will find everyday use for the most modern crafter.

These sophisticated designs in an elegant color palette feature a range of fibers from alpaca, angora, and acrylic. Pace uses innovative felting techniques, like knitting onto rings or hoops then felting to create unique shapes and quilting knitted pieces together and cutting away shapes to reveal negative space. Projects include soft and comfortable felted tops, purses and tote bags, colorful embossed hats, jewelry and accessories, slippers, pillows, modern home accessories, and even a strand of felted lights.

With clear instructions and tips on making, shrinking, and using knitted felt, Pace gives anyone with basic knitting skills the tools to create one of a kind pieces. Beautiful photographs, step-by-step instructions and illustrations walk the first-time felter through all the processes. While the techniques and tools are simple, the shapes, colors, and materials of these pieces give them a sophisticated, urban feel that brings felt into the twenty-first century.