A New (Old) Way to Work with Wool? Consider Quilts Made from Recycled Wool!
We're feeling inspired after a week at a retreat, especially in regard to wool. We're back in Bryce Canyon vending at the Quilty Friends Winter Retreat where inspiration abounds. Surround yourself with 130 quilt makers and what do you find? Creativity, learning, innovation and friends that feel like family. Our own Marianne Michaels offered a "Power Hour" packed with wool quilts like many of us have never made before. When we say she is a wool enthusiast, well, let me show you what we mean.
Yes, indeed, the vibrant quilt above was pieced using 100% wool. Inspired by Amish quilts, Marianne collected a variety of wool colors to light up against a striking black wool background. She hand-quilted this piece and mentioned how wonderful wool batting is to needle. Wool, wool and more WOOL. It's one of the world's oldest textiles. Steeped in tradition as well as function, it's a medium that is as relevant today as it has been historically.
Consider its origin as a natural fiber. It makes sense that wool is known for its warmth, durability, and water resistance. Marianne shared the quilt above as she taught about wool quilts or "camp quilts" that have been "made and used for generations. They're treasured for their bold, graphic designs. Wool quilts are warm (even when wet), wear like iron and are stain and water resistant."
The quilt above is an Amish buggy quilt Marianne bought and added to her wooly collection. You can see it has served its purpose well, yet remains a wonderful example of the visual interest and texture characteristic of camp quilts. Her mother would call this particular textile a "linsey-woolsey" because it has a linen warp and wool weft -- very durable indeed. The batting is simply carded wool or wool roving laid across the backing. The result is a warm, heavy quilt that lasts more than a lifetime.
Wool can be bought for quilts but you might find yourself limited in color, texture and weight. Using second-hand wool from pants or skirts (like Marianne did for the quilt above) provides an ideal weight for piecing and offers unique color and pattern. Marianne says to check your closets, ask your friends to do the same, search thrift stores and yard sales and expect to use as many as 20 skirts and pants for a good sized quilt. Look at content labels to ensure you're working with 100% wool. The search can be satisfying and it's good for the environment too!
Piecing with wool requires some special considerations. Marianne recommends choosing a simple, large scale pattern to accommodate the bulky seams inherent with wool. You'll need to press them open and may want to consider using 3/8" seam allowance as well as a good amount of steam (be careful not to scorch the wool) and a pressing bar to help seams lay flatter.
"With wool quilts, the materials themselves can lead you to the design," suggests Marianne. The two quilts above were designed by Marianne to showcase a wonderful selection of suiting wools; primarily values of black, navy, grey, cream and brighter blues. She wanted to try for a more modern look, allowing the textural variety to stand out. The use of wool batting and edge-to-edge quilting finalized her vision of crafting original, modern, and practical interpretations of a traditional art form.
Would you be interested in seeing more from Marianne's wool quilt collection? Stay tuned for a trunk show announcement in the future! You'll come away with a newfound appreciation for wool and the urge to give piecing with this resilient fiber a try.
Wooly Sweet for Valentines Day!Make a string of wooly hearts or ornaments just in time for Valentine's day. Pick up a pretty bundle of felted, hand-dyed wools in reds, pinks and creams then add embellishments using embroidery, buttons, ricrac, or whatever tickles your fancy! The Valentine Ornaments pattern by Under the Garden Moon will show you how.
Speaking of working with wool... Are you interested in learning the art of wool applique? We offer free Wool Applique Demos several times a year and we just happen to have one coming right up! Swing by the Schoolhouse February 12th at 11:00 a.m. to sit in on this one-hour class taught by our wool enthusiast, Marianne Michaels. You'll love her simplified method and gain confidence to begin your own wool applique journey. No registration or supplies needed. Just pop in! You'll even receive 15% off your regular price items purchased while here for the class! Once you see how fun and relaxing wool applique is to do, you will be excited to start your own project!
Upcoming Sales & Events
Corn Wagon Mystery Sampler Pickup Begins Tomorrow!
Here we are, ready for the next installment of our Silver Celebration BOM!
Pickup begins tomorrow, Saturday, February 8th at 10:00 a.m.
If you registered to pickup kits, you have a one week window to bring in
January's block finished in order to receive February's kit free.
If you registered for shipping, your finished block photo must be received
via email by midnight, Saturday, February 8th.
Be sure to catch the YouTube tutorial on our channel @cornwagonquilts
Time Out at the Wagon (Open Sew)
Every Monday, 10:00am to 6:00pm
Put yourself in Time Out at the Wagon in our School House located directly behind the quilt shop!
At times we all need time out from housework, phone calls, and everyday responsibilities.
Bring your current sewing project to “Time Out at the Wagon” and do just that.
Marsha is looking forward to being in Time Out and hopes lots of you will join her.
Magic Word Monday
This Monday's Magic Word is "WOOLY"
Enter the magic word as a coupon code online 02/10/25 to receive 20% off SITE-WIDE!
Local customers can repeat the Magic Word at the register on Magic Word Monday
and show that you follow us on social media for 20% off one regular price item of your choice!
Handwork Club
Every Tuesday, 10:00am - Noon
This delightful weekly club is for anyone who would like to work on a hand stitching project
while learning new hand stitching skills. It's a great chance to finish our own projects
and relax with a fun gathering of sewing friends. No fee to attend. Simply come and join us!
Happy Hour!
Every Tuesday & Thursday, 4:00am - 6:00pm
What's the best way to end a hectic day?
How 'bout a refreshing little fabric sale!
Step up to the cutting counter for happy hour at The Wagon
every Tuesday and Thursday from 4:00 till 6:00 and
enjoy a tasty 15% off your regular price items!
Wrong Price Wednesday!
Every Wednesday our pre-cut fat quarters are only $3.00! Regular Price $3.75.
Thank you for supporting your local brick-and-mortar quilt shop!
We feel honored to be part of such a wonderful quilt-making community.
We hope you'll visit us again soon,
Jen and the Girls
at Corn Wagon Quilt Co.
We would love to hear from you!
801-491-3551
cornwagonquilts.com