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Alright,
So it's was my 5th quilt. A baby quilt for a friend. I went to Hancock and they were having 40% off batting. So I got cotton batting. Is it just be or is it a DREAM to work with? No snagging, easy to manipulate, easy to cut. Seemed warmer in my lap when I was machine quilting it. And in the end after I washed the quilt it just seemed to have a better loft, not to mention the quilt felt more "solid" Perhaps it's all in my mind, but I'm thinking perhaps on "special" non charity quilts I will go with cotton, OR if they have a good sale and it's only a few dollars more I most certainly will pop for the 100% natural cotton, it just seemed to be a nicer product. |
Personally I think natural is always going to be better than synthetic. I always use 100% cotton, though I've been in the process of trying different brands to find which one I like the best. And definitely love the feel of a quilt after it's first "bath". I'm always hesitant to wash a newly assembled quilt, for whatever reason, but each time I'm reminded of how much more I love them after they've been washed.
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That's what I use too. I love the warm & natural. If you are using light colors, use the warm & white. It makes your quilts look brighter. It's the same price too.
I'm waiting on it to go on sale here, I'm completely out of it. |
I like to have starchy fabric, so I always LOVE how soft and fluffy the quilt feels after the first wash. :) Not to mention the smell of fabric softner sheet. ;P
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Oooh, but have you tried bamboo batting? It is SO soft. And there are no lumps in it. I will definitely use it in everything I hand quilt in the future, which granted, won't be all that many. I get it at Joann's and with the coupon it isn't too bad. Other than that I use Warm and Natural or Warm and White. Never had a problem with those, but the bamboo is softer and smoother.
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I see I can get a whole 40 yard roll for like 220 on Joann.com cause it's 30% off right now.
But no...I've never even HEARD of bamboo....interesting. |
I am waiting for those rolls to be half off or not on sale so I can use a coupon, and then I will get a roll like that, too. I have 9 quilt tops here waiting for batting. (I am horrible about that.) I think they usually do batting half off for the 4th of July sale, but am not certain.
The next smaller quilt you do- a baby one is perfect- get a package of the bamboo and try it out. Maybe it's 30% off now at Joanns? Or use a coupon. I bet you will love it! |
Warm and Natural is really nice, but too expensive. I bought a huge roll of Hobbs Heirloom 80/20 for a lot less, and it's almost as good (IMHO). Works fine for quilting on my frame.
If anyone is interested, I bought it from here: http://www.heartbeatquilting.com/battingmuslin.html Edit: they also appear to carry Warm & Natural -- $178 for 124"x30 yards or $172 for 90" x 40 yards. You have to pay shipping, though, but it's still probably cheaper than Joann. |
Originally Posted by miholmes
I see I can get a whole 40 yard roll for like 220 on Joann.com cause it's 30% off right now.
But no...I've never even HEARD of bamboo....interesting. Rachel |
I prefer using 100% cotton in my quilts. Years ago I made a baby quilt that got used and washed many, many times. Had the opportunity to see it again about 15 years later and I could not believe how *soft* it had become. It was like hugging a cloud! That quilt was made with Mountain Mist Blue Ribbon 100% cotton batting.
Years ago I used Warm n Natural a lot, but I eventually came to dislike the stiffness of the drape. Just read an article about bamboo that says the fiber has to go through very toxic processes to be made into batting. It is often touted as eco-friendly, but cotton is actually more eco-friendly in terms of processing. |
Yes, cotton is nice, indeed. :) It's actually all I use specifically for all the reasons you noted. I buy it by the roll at Hobby Lobby when they have their 40% off coupons. I bought a 12 yard 92" wide roll last week which is normally $10 per yard ($120) but got it for $72 with the coupon. That'll make me 5 or 6 quilts.
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Originally Posted by miholmes
I see I can get a whole 40 yard roll for like 220 on Joann.com cause it's 30% off right now.
But no...I've never even HEARD of bamboo....interesting. |
my lqs had a $2.00/yard off batting coupon in their newsletter. I have a partial bolt of W&N but wanted this- I just love the feel of it. I think it's called Quilters Dream. Anyway- after deciding to buy 10 yards and talking to owner, I came away with a bolt. I am so very happy with my purchase- now I have the option of which batting for what end result.
And I figure I have enough batting for the year. I'm trying to stay out of the stores- the goal is to use what I have. Love to feel that softness and know when the quilt is finished it has good "bones". |
Originally Posted by Prism99
I prefer using 100% cotton in my quilts. Years ago I made a baby quilt that got used and washed many, many times. Had the opportunity to see it again about 15 years later and I could not believe how *soft* it had become. It was like hugging a cloud! That quilt was made with Mountain Mist Blue Ribbon 100% cotton batting.
Years ago I used Warm n Natural a lot, but I eventually came to dislike the stiffness of the drape. Just read an article about bamboo that says the fiber has to go through very toxic processes to be made into batting. It is often touted as eco-friendly, but cotton is actually more eco-friendly in terms of processing. Also wanted to add that I tried bamboo. Loved the softness, but the lint was awful! It was all over the place! I won't use it again - just too much trouble to clean up after. And I thought if it's flying all over the place, imagine what I must be breathing in! I also have read about the chemical processes it goes through, and am shocked. That feels somewhat untruthful to me...since it's thought of as more eco-friendly. All just my opinions - of course :) |
I always use cotton, much to the dismay of my kids. They love the huge puffiness of the polyester. I actually have one quilt that is not quite 25 years old that had the polyester, but all that's left of the batting is lumps here and there.
If you want to read more about the bamboo, check http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-33882-1.htm |
I just love to use Warm & Natural on everything from quilts to table runners. It's so easy to work with and I don't think it's that expensive. Check the on line stores and someone always has it at a good price....
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I tried the bamboo batting but don't think I'll use it again. The lint problem was a pain in the you-know-what! There seemed to be lint everywhere and was hard to clean off the quilt even with a lint roller. I certainly won't use it again.
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Originally Posted by miholmes
Alright,
So it's was my 5th quilt. A baby quilt for a friend. I went to Hancock and they were having 40% off batting. So I got cotton batting. Is it just be or is it a DREAM to work with? No snagging, easy to manipulate, easy to cut. Seemed warmer in my lap when I was machine quilting it. And in the end after I washed the quilt it just seemed to have a better loft, not to mention the quilt felt more "solid" ******************************************* I agree the stuff is awesome to work with.. I do a LOT of charity quilts for the soldiers with a group of ladies... ... and would not consider using something less because it is charity.... that is one of our pet peeves.. actually ... all our quilts are of the quality you would give a good friend. I have been in groups where the quality was awful and quilts made of dollar fabrics because they are JUST for charity. put your heart into every quilt if you would not like to receive it ........probably it is better not to give it. HMHO :) Perhaps it's all in my mind, but I'm thinking perhaps on "special" non charity quilts I will go with cotton, OR if they have a good sale and it's only a few dollars more I most certainly will pop for the 100% natural cotton, it just seemed to be a nicer product. |
I agree with you. I am much older than you are but it took me years to try cotton batting and now I won't use anything else. If you shop at joanne's you can get great buys when they have their coupon sales. If you use a lot you can buy a whole roll when it is 50% off. Keep on learning-you never know all there is to know about quilting.
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I noticed when I replied with quote that my response was in the middle of his this part was his not mine.. mine ended with HMHO ..
Perhaps it's all in my mind, but I'm thinking perhaps on "special" non charity quilts I will go with cotton, OR if they have a good sale and it's only a few dollars more I most certainly will pop for the 100% natural cotton, it just seemed to be a nicer product. |
I should also preface my charity quilts with the following disclaimer. I make "Critter Quilts" to sell to raise money for my animal rescue. So they are basically quilted dog mats. Just simple 5inch square quilts that are stitched in the ditch. :) So I don't think the dogs will mind if it's cotton or not. :lol:
But like I said if it's on sale or a few buck more when I'm buying it I will most definitely get the cotton. |
ah that makes sense then :)
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Hi, Having quilted for more than 40 years I have just about tried everything but wool and silk. When I first started poly was about the only thing available. I still have quilts I made with it. I find the cotton I like best, especially for handquilting is Dream Cotton, request. I love the drape and the ease of handquilting it. My next choice especially for price is Bamboo with a coupon. I have a friend who had a dealer discount on the Dream Cotton so I stocked up. There is also a local Menonitte Bernina Dealer who sells it at a very good price. For my personal quilts and those for any of my handquilting customers I will use the Dream Cotton.
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I love bamboo.
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I agree with you, I use warm and natural.
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I wait for a 40% off coupon for Hobby Lobby and buy the 90" wide Warm and Natural, 8 or 10 yards off the bolt. I love the way it looks in my quilts
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At Quiltfest 2009 in Jacksonville, FL a couple years ago there was a presentation on the batting made from recycled plastic bottles. Has anybody used this and how did you like/dislike it? I can see already how blatantly honest everybody is with their opinions; I think this must be part of a quilter's ID-don't ask if you don't want our opinion!
Go, Quilt Team! |
I don't like synthetic "anything". I use natural and really do like the bamboo! Bamboo grows so fast and is environmentally friendly.
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Originally Posted by sewnsewer2
That's what I use too. I love the warm & natural. If you are using light colors, use the warm & white. It makes your quilts look brighter. It's the same price too.
I'm waiting on it to go on sale here, I'm completely out of it. |
Originally Posted by bob1414
I don't like synthetic "anything". I use natural and really do like the bamboo! Bamboo grows so fast and is environmentally friendly.
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I only use Warm and Natural and I love it.
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Originally Posted by miholmes
I see I can get a whole 40 yard roll for like 220 on Joann.com cause it's 30% off right now.
But no...I've never even HEARD of bamboo....interesting. |
Originally Posted by quiltmom04
If you can find wool batting - give that a try. It has a nice loft to it and is nice and snugly. I just finished a quilt and washed and dried it , thinking it might shrink a lot, but it it's great!
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Originally Posted by Prism99
Originally Posted by quiltmom04
If you can find wool batting - give that a try. It has a nice loft to it and is nice and snugly. I just finished a quilt and washed and dried it , thinking it might shrink a lot, but it it's great!
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Originally Posted by miholmes
I see I can get a whole 40 yard roll for like 220 on Joann.com cause it's 30% off right now.
But no...I've never even HEARD of bamboo....interesting. |
I have a friend that works at Joann's and she says if you buy a whole bolt of anything and it is regular price you can use your 40% or 50% coupon on the whole bolt.
nice to know. Karen :thumbup: |
Originally Posted by sewnsewer2
That's what I use too. I love the warm & natural. If you are using light colors, use the warm & white. It makes your quilts look brighter. It's the same price too.
I'm waiting on it to go on sale here, I'm completely out of it. |
Originally Posted by miholmes
Alright,
So it's was my 5th quilt. A baby quilt for a friend. I went to Hancock and they were having 40% off batting. So I got cotton batting. Is it just be or is it a DREAM to work with? No snagging, easy to manipulate, easy to cut. Seemed warmer in my lap when I was machine quilting it. And in the end after I washed the quilt it just seemed to have a better loft, not to mention the quilt felt more "solid" Perhaps it's all in my mind, but I'm thinking perhaps on "special" non charity quilts I will go with cotton, OR if they have a good sale and it's only a few dollars more I most certainly will pop for the 100% natural cotton, it just seemed to be a nicer product. |
Originally Posted by miholmes
I see I can get a whole 40 yard roll for like 220 on Joann.com cause it's 30% off right now.
But no...I've never even HEARD of bamboo....interesting. |
I've never used anything but cotton batting and have never been disappointed. I don't like the look or feel of polyester. The cotton batting also gives more weight and warmth to a quilt.
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