The fleece should be ok. The jute will deteriorate after a few washings. At least mine did. I used some for deer tails. They were short pieces, I glued with OK to Wash it glue, and sewed it down, but all is gone now. Wish I would have used something more washable. Or maybe it was just the jute that I used. Maybe you could take some of the jute and wash it, soak it, etc. and see what it does. Or could you find an unusual yarn to use for the hair? Would love to see your quilt!