Bamboo Batting
 

Has anyone used "Nature-Fil Bamboo Blend" batting from JoAnns?

http://www.joann.com/nature-fil-bamb...20yard&start=1

I love Quilters Dream Request for the thin summer weight and "crinkley" look, but I am tired of fighting the wrinkles out of bags and want something on a roll that I can pull, cut, and quilt....but still light and thin.

Any thoughts? Jane

Did you read the reviews, Jane? They were good.
I've used fusiboo and like it- but I think it's entirely different.

I use Quilter's Dream Orient batting which has bamboo and I love it!

I have used bamboo batting a few times. I was neutral about it. I have heard that it takes alot more resources to produce. If I used it again, I would so some more homework on it.

I read that the bamboo has to be treated with quite toxic chemicals (which isn't good for the environment or the workers), so that was a turn-off for me.

Where is the research regarding environmental concerns? I'm really interested in the concerns expressed.

As for bamboo, it's similar to comparing cotton to rayon. Rayon has a beautiful drape and is softer than cotton. So in a quilt it drapes over the body. For wall hangings I like the stiffest batting and thinist.

Jane Quilter,
Unfortunately, I'm highly allergic to rayon, and break out in hives just from touching it, but award-winning quilter Caryl Bryer Fallert-Gentry uses it & it looks stunning! I'm sure you'll have a lovely quilt with that batting! Be sure to post pictures. :)

Petthefabric,
"Bamboo" is rayon (viscose rayon). The term is used to differentiate from rayon made from eucalyptus or other woods.

Viscose rayon, as a semi-synthetic material, is manufactured to have specific properties. It wrinkles less than cotton (but still does wrinkle), is lighter weight, tends to sleep "cooler" & does have a nice hand.

In response to your question, here is an article about how it is processed:
http://www.differencebetween.net/obj...n-and-viscose/

Here is a video:
http://splash.abc.net.au/home#!/medi...-eco-friendly-

There are more scientific articles out there, but these give the general idea. The process of breaking down the bamboo uses a lot of harsh chemicals. Of course, even just dying fabric is terrible for the environment as it uses a lot of water & in many places ends up contaminating local water sources with the dyestuffs, making it undrinkable. While I personally don't use rayon due to a severe allergy, I think we'll have a much greater impact on the environment by cutting down on the amount of clothes consumers buy in a given year, most of which quickly end up in landfills or are dumped in third world countries by the baleful, destroying local textile industries.

Thanks for all your advise....I knew I could count on the board. I'm leery of all positive reviews on a product. So you talked me back into my go-to-batting: Quilters Dream, Request. Hancocks-paducah has the queen size on sale for $19.99. (That is $6.66 per yard). I ordered 2 so now I still have to fight the bag with wrinkles, but not the environment. Thanks again....Jane

Jane Quilter-do you have the room for a roll of batting and afford it? If so, why not get a roll, that way you don't have to fight with the wrinkles.

Yes, I have room. I only bought 2 queens ($6.66/yd). Today, the best buy by the yard is $9.99 / yd for queen (only $1.00/yd on sale). So I'll be watching for a better sale....If the sale doesnt come before I need it, I will bite the bullet and buy the whole roll. (Can my hubby come play with your hubby on delivery day? LOL)