DIY WOOL DRYER BALLS

 "WOOL DRYER BALLS"

 Why wool dryer balls?  They save energy, time and money!  How?  Wool dryer balls are used in place of dryer sheets and fabric softeners.  They separate clothing in the dryer, cutting down on drying time.  The more balls you use, the shorter time it takes to dry the load, saving energy.  You can also add your favorite essential oils to the balls to make your laundry smell wonderful!
 Another bonus:  They last for years!
HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN WOOL DRYER BALLS:
Supplies:  Wool Yarn; Panty Hose; Scissors; Essential Oil (optional)

Purchase a skein of 100% Wool Yarn.  (I found mine at Hobby Lobby)

Start by winding the yarn (away from you) around three fingers.

Take off the yarn and wind across the other way (still winding away from you).

Now start winding it in a ball.  No perfect way to do it....just don't wind too tight or too loose.

Always wind away from you.

Be sure to turn the ball sometimes and start winding the other way!

When it reaches about the size of a tennis ball, weave in the end a couple times.  Tucking the cut edge inside the ball, hiding it.

Make several balls - the more balls, the better!

Now, cut a leg off of a pair of panty hose.  Stuff the first ball clear down to the toe.

Follow with the remaining balls.

Tie each ball off with yarn or string.  DO NOT use the wool yarn for this.

Cut off excess hose.  Now you should have a cool looking "ball snake".

Put the whole snake in the WASH with other clothes. (this is the ONLY time you will wash it) Run the wash load through a full cycle.

Now put the snake in the DRYER - on high (I do this by itself). 

This will "felt" the wool, so it will not unravel.

When dry, cut the hose between each ball and dispose of the hose. 

The balls should now be felted (the fibers have intertwined)

Now simply add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to each ball and keep the balls in a little basket or container next to your dryer. The essential oils can be reapplied after every dozen loads or so....whenever you can't smell it.  I used Tangerine! But think about Lavender, Vanilla, Lemon....what ever makes you say:  "Mmmmm....Yummy!"

 

Now you are ready to use your Wool Dryer Balls! 

Simply add them to each load when you dry it.  The more balls - the better.

Sometimes we lose the balls - they always show up, sometimes in jeans' pockets and other times in the toe of a sock!  Silly balls! 

 

Let me know what you think of your Wool Dryer Balls!

and remember:  Keep Calm and Kerri On!  Have a Ball! hehe

~ Kerri