coldquilter

I was just curious as to your opinions on batting. I just quilted a quilt for a shop owner and she gave me some type of recycled batting to try. It seemed great, not sure about the warmth or anything else but had a really nice feel when it was completed. Has anyone had any experience with this or the wool batting? I wasn't sure about washing on the wool, or the warmth on that either but I love the warmth of the warm and natural but am not fond of the stiffness that quilting creates. Look forward to all your opinions. This is such a great site. I look every morning while drinking my coffee!! Thanks everyone for all your great advice always.

amandasgramma

I just longarmed a quilt for a customer. She provided wool batting. I was skeptical, but it turned out beautifully. I loved the look when I was done!!! Course, I can't go without saying -- I broke out in a rash -- I'm allergic to wool, I guess!!!! I haven't tried the recycled batting yet.

SueSew

I've seen the plastic-bottle-recycled batting used on a full-size quilt and I totally agree that it had a very soft feel and draped nicely. But I wonder -

How well will it hold up long term? We have data on poly and cotton-poly and cotton and wool, but not on this new plastic.
Should we be putting plastic in the middle of a 100% cotton quilt - something you would want your children cuddling up to?
I really don't know enough to say. Will be interested to hear what you all think on this.

simplyme

I was talking to one of the ladies who won @ the Houston quilt fest. and she said she uses wool in a lot of her quilts only not on the ones that they use daily. She said that you have to be careful with the repeated washing and drying of wool batting. I was going to use it on a quilt I am making my hubby but now will use bamboo. I am no expert but she seamed to know what she was talking about and it made sence to me.

GwynR

batting from plastic? did not know such a thing was made!

grann of 6

If I am not mistaken, polyester comes from the same original product as recycled bottles.....petroleum. I made a couple quilts using the recycled plastic bottles, loved the way it quilted, and the quilts ends up being lighter in weight than warm and natural. My DGD LOVES it. I am allergic to wool also, so would not be able to use that. I also made my DGD a roman shade for her bedroom made out of recycled bottles, the fabric feels like silk and was just a joy to work with. We have been using polyester for decades now and our children still seem to be healthy and happy.

ckcowl

i used dream green-the recycled bottles batting---7 or 8 years ago on 2 kids quilts- it has held up well- through tons of use- and washings/dryings- it was nice to work with and still drapes beautifully=
my favorite batting is Wool---the Dream wool is by far the most wonderful batt i've ever used- the Hobbs wool is nice also- the wool batts are wash/dryable- quilt beautifully- wonderful loft- are soft/cozy- warm- oh -in my book there is nothing on the market better! if i could afford it all of my quilts would have wool batts.
i also love the dream orient, Dream bamboo, Dream poly...the batts from the dream company are wonderful-
i very very seldom use warm & natural- unless a customer brings it in- and if they ask first i recommend (anything) else.
i use different batts all the time- each quilt is it's own (personality) and deserves the same consideration as i put into the top and the backing-use/function/care/and recipient all are considered before the decision is made- including how much i want to put into it. normally though i use the best quality batt i can afford at the time. the dream green batts are great for utility/kids quilts- they hold up well- go through multiple washing/drying-- can be (dragged around) for years.
the quilt on my bed has dream wool- it gets washed//dried probably 4 or 5 times a year- i love it when it comes out of the dryer- it is so soft- fluffy and ---huggable! it still drapes/looks as good as it did 4 years ago when i made it.
the bamboo batt (ed) quilt i made my daughter 4 years ago is holding up very well- it travels all over the country with her-(her car quilt it seems- her hubby is in the military & they are always on the road) it also gets laundered often.
i always suggest to new quilters to try new batts when they come across them- read the packaging--if it meets your requirements (for quilting plans-and care) try it out- keep a journal=so you know later the ones you hated- and the ones you love. ... where you got them, how much they cost= the fiber content- the quilting recommendations (some have to be quilted very densly (like every 2") others allow up to 10" between quilting lines- it's important to follow the guidelines. some are good for hand quilting-others are best suited for machine- some are good for tied quilts---it is important to read the package! but try them all

postal packin' mama

re:recycled plastic -- 13 years ago we installed carpeting made from recycled bottles, and it's held up really well, doesn't mat down in high traffic areas, cleans up good & has held the color well. Strong stuff.
Don't know about it in batting so am very interested in the feedback here. TIA to everyone who shares their experience with this type of batting.