That’s great that you’re happy with your finished bowl and it was a success (it’s often good to try things using proven materials, then once you’ve got the hang of the technique you can try other materials in your stash).

I’m sorry you’re having trouble attaching your photo, maybe try on another device (mobile phone or laptop maybe)?

If not, are you on Facebook? You’d be welcome to join the private group Felting on a Ball there and you could post your photo there as we’d love to see it! Just apply to join (and let me know your name here). Or tag me in on Facebook/Instagram @natashasmarttextiles.

That’s great, I look forward to seeing it!

I purchased a kit from Living Felt after my first disastrous attempt with wool and embellishments I already had at home. The materials in the kit gave me a better idea of what to use. I took my time and the bowl creation was successful!

Hi, I’m sorry you’re having trouble with your yarns and batting staying on the ball. Do rewatch the videos which show you these aspects so you can check again what you might be doing differently or what might help.

So I’ve got a few thoughts for you:
-Without seeing a photo, I would generally say that no, you’re not using too much soap (usually people aren’t using enough) and your yarn is probably fine.
– Generally you need to work quite quickly on the layout stage and keep moving the ball around to ensure you’re not leaving it sitting in the bowl. Otherwise you could have a gravity problem, especially if you leave the ball sitting plug upwards for long periods and the bowl beneath the ball is filling with water. This causes a bit of suction which makes it very easy for the fibre to peel off.
– Right from the start you would ideally be pressing the fibre tightly against the ball to keep it from slipping off.
– Were you using lots of soapy water? The consistency of the fibre should be wet, soapy and sodden throughout.
– Also, were you using liquid dish soap and plenty of it? If pieces are peeling off you could also try squirting dishwashing liquid directly into the fibre and rubbing it over the fibre, that helps act a bit like temporary glue and holds the fibre together.
– Another option is to do all your layout with the ball plug facing down, which generally removes the gravity issue entirely.
– If you’re having issues keeping the fibre on the ball in certain areas, cover it with plastic and try sitting the ball on a towel rather than in the bowl. Otherwise what can happen is the water starts to pool in the plastic and the weight then brings it (and the fibre) down. So if you sit it on a towel it can’t do that. It’s also easier to then see the fibre and press it back into the ball if it looks like it might be coming loose. You could also try putting some of the plastic around it to cover completed areas of layout whilst you work on other areas, to temporarily hold the fibre in place.

Those are a few thoughts which I hope will help. I’d love to see your creations so do post photos here. You might also enjoy joining my private Facebook group Felting on a Ball and sharing your issues (as well as your creations there) as you might get further useful advice (just search the group on Facebook and ask to join, do let me know your name here too so I know to give you access). Good luck and let me know how you get on!