May 25, 2011

In the recent call for topics, Susan wrote: “I would like more information on wool appliqué (fusing) and the decorative stitches (not limited to blanket stitch) that can be used to embellish the wool.”

The next Schoolhouse that I went to was presented by the Quilted Crow Girls, Leonie and Deirdre, who came all the way from Tasmania! That’s a small island off the coast of Australia! They were delightful to listen to.

The Girls specialize in felted-wool appliqué, and at the session they shared their techniques for achieving a neat and soft finished product. First of all, they do not fuse the wool, they simply stick the appliqué to the background with a bit of water-soluble glue stick and then staple it in place! That’s right, staple! “The wool is self healing,” they point out, “and will not leave a mark when staples are removed.”

Their preferred stitch is the blanket stitch. However, in response to Susan’s question, I’m sure there are many others ways to stitch the edges of the wool. A primitive running stitch comes to mind. At Market, there were tons of “woolies,” i.e. designers featuring wool appliqué. Here are the ones that I’ve just added to the blogroll, fresh from Market:

Quilted Crow Girls
Heart to Hand
Reets’ Rags to Stitches
Woolylady

In addition to these, there are many more woolies in the blogroll (right-hand sidebar, at the bottom). Did you know that if you hover your mouse over a link, a little tag will pop up? Look for “wool” in the pop-ups and you’ll find a bunch.

Also, click on the category “Wool” in the left-hand sidebar and you’ll get all of the articles pertaining to wool that have already been published on the blog. A really good one is Kaye Moore’s guest post, and there’s a fabulous photo tutorial on the Cottons ‘n Wool blog.

The Quilted Crow Girls laid a free pattern on their Schoolhouse attendees. Nice!

quilted-crow-pattern

I’m passing along this gorgeous wool appliqué runner pattern in a drawing. If you’d like to win, leave a comment by 7:00 p.m. California time on Saturday, May 28. In your comment, feel free to pass along any wool tips that you might have to share. Contest open to U.S. and Canada addresses only.

Until next time,
Kay
By Kay Mackenzie

Comments

23 Responses to “The woolies”

  1. tammie bivins on May 25th, 2011 1:10 pm

    Oh my stars that is such a lovely table runner I would love to be able to win it! I am just beginning to play with wool. I have a few scapes people have given me. I havent been any where they sale wool, I have going to have to go to one of your sites listed and buy me a piece to work on! Maybe I might win this contest and I will have this item to work on! Yeah me! Thanks Kay for all the wonderful information you bring us, your a sweetheart!

  2. Viv on May 25th, 2011 4:44 pm

    Great giveaway….Love the pattern!!! I have not done alot with wool, but I plan on it! I have fused the wool, I am going to try the glue stick and staples, great idea!! I stitched using the blanket stitch, I am thinking about trying the machine….I look forward to working more with wool…Hope I win the pattern!

  3. Karen Beigh on May 25th, 2011 5:42 pm

    Put my name in please! I love wool applique.

  4. Mimi on May 25th, 2011 5:52 pm

    I have never worked with wool before but love the look and I love to make appliques. Thanks for the chance!!

  5. Debbie St.Germain on May 25th, 2011 6:19 pm

    I love working with wool. Sometimes it is nice to make something without having to turn the edges;)

    Debbie

  6. quiltcookie on May 25th, 2011 6:54 pm

    I have only done one wool applique so far. I have kits to do more and am anxious to get started. Would love to win this pattern.

  7. Donna on May 26th, 2011 4:51 am

    I have often used a glue stick to keep things in place while quilting – so glad to know that it works on wool. Stapling? Wow – never thought of that for wool! I have a wool candle mat calling my name – I’ll have to try that.

  8. Jane H on May 26th, 2011 5:48 am

    I have just begun working in wool and would love to make this table runner.

  9. maryc on May 26th, 2011 5:52 am

    I love the “woolies!” I have started collecting wools for a future project because it looks like so much fun.

  10. Vivian on May 26th, 2011 6:00 am

    Great pattern! I don’t have any wool tips because I haven’t worked with it yet! But it is definitely on the applique To Do list — maybe this will be the pattern to get me started!

  11. Donna A on May 26th, 2011 6:04 am

    I have a pattern and bought my first wool to applique, but I don’t know that much about it. I guess I need to read up on it before I just jump in. I know different people prefer different methods of applique on wool but I don’t know which one is best for me. I’m reading all tips to get ready to dive in to this project.

  12. Sherry on May 26th, 2011 6:29 am

    I love this pattern. I enjoy working with wool. It is just plain fun – almost instant gratification. I usually use a glue stick — never thought about staples. I’ll have to give it a try. Thanks for the drawing.

  13. Polly Hada on May 26th, 2011 6:46 am

    I’m new to wool, but it’s easily becoming an addiction. Thanks for all your wonderful leads to great tutorials for quilting.

  14. Susan on May 26th, 2011 6:53 am

    I’m not the Susan who inquired about stitches and all but that could have been me; I am new to wool applique but love to embroider. Looking forward to devouring this site but where to begin:-)

  15. Susan Lorenz on May 26th, 2011 6:53 am

    I have just started to applique with wool and love it! A tip? Check out your local needlework shop for threads. There is a whole new world of threads to explore so don’t just settle for perle cotton!! Would also love to win this lovely pattern. You always provide interesting reading Kay, Sue in Florida

  16. Lynn on May 26th, 2011 8:52 am

    What a beautiful pattern…I would love to win it.

  17. Kris S on May 26th, 2011 3:26 pm

    I would love to make this beautiful table runner. I have been looking for just such a pattern.

  18. Susan on May 26th, 2011 5:25 pm

    I have recently started my first wool penny rug and love it! This is a beautiful table runner!

  19. Mary Martin on May 26th, 2011 8:35 pm

    This is adorable and would be so great on my dining room table!

  20. Mary on May 27th, 2011 2:20 am

    That’s a very cute pattern. I have never done wool applique but I have a dear friend who is a woolie. This would be a nice gift for her. Maybe I’ll even try it; she has a wool stash like I have a fat qt. stash and she’s very generous.

  21. Viv on May 27th, 2011 6:04 am

    Love the table runner….Hope to win!!

  22. Francine on May 27th, 2011 8:01 am

    What a delightful table runner! I LOVE wool applique and I thank you so much for sharing this information with us. Please enter me in the drawing!

  23. brenda on May 27th, 2011 7:37 pm

    I’ve never worked with wool before but this pattern looks fantastic,would love to win it.