I set out to pre-shrink a large piece of the batting ( first lesson learned...wool batting is extremely absorbent!)....oh Yes!, I learned this quickly, as I put a couple of inches of water into the tub and placed the hunk of batting into said water....at first I thought the tub had drained on me.....nope! The batting sucked up every bit of water instantly, so after much squeezing and squishing, I managed to get enough of the water out to be able to move the piece to a rack to dry.....the drying process took a couple of days....anyone have any advice on pre-shrinking wool batt? I am fairly certain there is an easier way :-)
I took a small piece to play with and I have to say I am LOVING this batting.
The following photos show the progression.....I began by stitching to define a few sections, added feathers, then used sticky dots to mark circle placement......and, as you can see, just had fun stitching a variety of patterns.
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| Hand dyed cotton on wool batting, stitched with Aurifil 40wt cotton |
30 comments:
Oooo - that's lovely! Your quilting is gorgeous too :) Must remember those sticky dots!
beautiful and neat trick with the sticky dots...and wool batting scraps make great pin cushion stuffers...just sayin'
:)
Just using wool batting for first time myself and loving it too!
I couldn't face wetting mine right through so hovered the steam iron over it on both sides. Creases came out--------fingers crossed re. shrinkage!
That is just beautiful!
I love it! Great idea with the stitcky dots. Was it 100% wool?
What an amazing result of quilting!!
Gasp!
Amazing. I want it! In fact can I come and have lessons with you?
This is BEAUTIFUL!!!! love all the different quilting designs...just makes it so interesting.
As to wool batt...I just put mine in washer on lowest water level and gentle cycle; once water level is filled, I 'mash' the batt to make sure it's soaked thoroughly (I might let it sit in the water for 5 min. but not longer); then I change to spin cycle. After machine shuts off, I just lay on top of a clean sheet on the floor (closing the door so my dog and husband don't walk on it!). I'll grab an edge every now and then and just fluff. It doesn't take long for it to dry...works great.
I have several quilts with wool batting they wash up beautifully even with being thrown in the dryer. Do you really need to preshrink it?
This project is absolutely beautiful, I only wish I could see it close up and feel it too.
Happy Sewing
Love the quilting!
Gosh, your quilting is so gorgeous, Jill. I love the way your circles look. Do you stipple close to the circles to make them puff up so nicely? And do you stitch the line around each circle individually, or do you work in an S-shape, in and out of half of each circle in one direction and then back in the other direction to outline the remaining halves? (Did that even make sense???)
Also, I've read that you don't need to pre-shrink a wool batt -- unless, I suppose, you want to wash the quilt when you're done.
Anyway, BEAUTIFUL workmanship.
Diane
I often use wool batting and I never pre-shrink it. I used it in my son's wedding quilt and that quilt has been regularly washed for 4 years without a problem.
http://higheredhands.blogspot.com/2010/08/friday-finish-kevin-and-gretchen.html
I made a gorgeous quilt for my son out of a soft 100% wool bat. First couple of hand washes no problem. Then a gentle machine wash and it shrunk by at least 30%. The dog loves her blankie.....!
So I say you're wise to do a preshrink.
Your quilting is beautiful, it shows really nicely on your hand dye.
As usual absolutely beautiful work. Can't help with the wool problem.
gorgeous piece - I love the idea of using the stick dots to get the circles nice and consistent. I will be borrowing that idea! Can't help with the wool bat.
Such a great idea with the sticky dots!
When I saw the photo, I wondered if you were going to sew those dots right into the quilt!
I haven't used wool yet, but hand quilters seem to love it for the texture and needleability
I am speechless as I try and catch my breath wow ummmm this is just totally awesome.
From Karin @ http://openbeauty.blogspot.com/
Very interesting, your quilting is fabulous. I like the sticky dots idea but how do you not sew them into the project?
I had heard some people use those green army blankets that are wool as batting. I have one and sometime may try it for a small project .
Thanks for sharing, as always
Very interesting, your quilting is fabulous. I like the sticky dots idea but how do you not sew them into the project?
I had heard some people use those green army blankets that are wool as batting. I have one and sometime may try it for a small project .
Thanks for sharing, as always
Oh wow that's beautiful! Thanks for the sticky dots tip.
Your quilting is as beautiful as your artwork.i so am hopeless with free motion but am trying mor and more. You are always an inspiration.Hugs Bunny
Wonderful piece, Jill! I would like to see all your beautiful doodle designs stitched on quilts!
I have no handy tips for wool batting but can certainly understand how it soaked up every drop of water. Your quilting is perfection and this piece is beyond beautiful. Does the wool batting give more dimension than cotton batting? Creative Bliss Dear...
This is my winters' project, thanks to your inspiration! My couch beckons for new cushions.....!
Such incredible stitching......
Thank you!
This is my winters' project, thanks to your inspiration! My couch beckons for new cushions.....!
Such incredible stitching......
Thank you!
That looks like some serious fun!
I love wool to for the dimension it gives my quilting, but I've never preshunk it. Though I tend to use it for wall quilts that won't get much washing it at all. Though my last piece with wool batt bearded horribly. I didn't beard on my test sandwich, so it was a big disappointment.
Your stitching is fabulous!
Jill, I love your quilt! I don't preshrink wool, I just spritz it with water and reroll it for a couple of hours to let it relax and pouf out the wrinkles. If I DID preshrink, I would soak & spin as outlined by Robbie.
Drop dead GORGEOUS!!
Wow your quilting is amazing.
Grit from Germany
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