I decided to do some experimenting making samples using the same type of roving, fabric and ribbon but layering it differently. Interesting variations and I like them all in different ways. Below is a pic of all three of the finished samples. They all started out as 8"x10" but all ended up differently.
For the first sample, I put down a thin layer of brown roving. I then laid a second layer of roving perpendicular to the first; I did this one in alternating green and brown stripes. On top of the second layer of roving, I added pieces of fabric, sari ribbon, and wool yarn. I added a few very fine wisps of roving on top.
Voila...this is my finished sample. It ended up about 5 1/2" x 7" which is about a 30% shrinkage factor in both the length and width. I like the texture on this a lot.
For sample two, I put down a thin layer of brown roving. On top of it I added pieces of fabric, sari ribbon, and wool yarn. I then added a second layer of roving perpendicular to the first alternating green and orange. This roving layer covered up all of the fabric and ribbon so I wasn't sure how it would look once it was felted but I was really pleased.
Sample two felted. Even though all of the fabric and ribbon was covered with the second layer of roving, this piece yielded some great texture and I love the effect. This one shrunk the most and came out about 6"x6".
For sample three, I laid down a thin layer of brown roving. I then laid a piece of green China silk on top of the whole roving layer. On top of the silk, I added a second layer of roving perpendicular to the first; I did this one in alternating green and brown stripes. On top of the second layer of roving, I added pieces of fabric, sari ribbon, and wool yarn. I added a few very thin wisps of roving on top.
Here is sample three felted. Not as much texture as the other two samples but interesting none the less. This one shrunk the least and came out 6"x 7.5". This sample has the most layers since it has an extra layer of silk.
Fun stuff for sure.