I bought a wool blanket at a yard sale a few years ago. It had been washed and shrunk. I thought they wanted too much for it, but I wanted it for my ironing table. It makes a great padding, better than batting because it doesn't compress like batting does, but yet it gives just enough cusion to press your pieced blocks without the chance of stretching them out of shape like batting can. I got this tip from a professional quilter. Sorry I can't remember who.