Where to find wool?
 

Back Story:
So my mother makes quilts for a hobby, and she made me one last year. I loved it so much I asked her to make me another and she said yes =D

Question:
I want an "all wool" blanket for winter and outdoor use. But I am having difficulty finding the materials. I have found places stating a 60x36inch piece is $6 to $16. But I am all confused on the quality and what to get. Some are saying 100% wool in the title, but stating (70% wool, 30% polyester) in the description. Others just say "Wool blend" what does that even mean? Then others saying 100% wool, then state below it's "Wool substitute". How do I tell high quality from low quality?

Also I see weight is given for some. I notice the less expensive ones saying "Light weight," while the more expensive ones saying "Medium weight". Should I be looking for a "Heavy weight", it is for winter after all?

Also I am looking for stuffing in the middle. is it called "Wool Roving" ? Where do I get the good stuff of that, lol?

Please help me with these questions.


Edit: I thought it might help to say....... She has a machine that does quilting, and is said to be somewhere in the range of medium skill, within the world of quilting. But honestly I have never seen better blankets, so she is probably being modest.

I think with wool, you have to feel it to judge quality. So much varies with wool that I would be afraid to order online. If it was me, I would go with a wool blend as they tend to be a little softer and a little less shrinking.

This thread might be of interest:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...s-t182366.html

Wool roving is not a woven fabric; it is wispy wool used in crafts, for doll hair, etc.

If you are not going to go with thrift shop clothing (the labels usually specify if slacks, etc. are 100% wool) but rather with quality yardage, I think you are looking at a very pricey quilt. Pendleton is a long-time manufacturer of quality wools. Here is a link to their lightweight wool yardage:
http://www.pendleton-usa.com/thumbna...28/pc/1816.uts
and their "blanket weight" yardage (which would probably normally be a single layer blanket):
http://www.pendleton-usa.com/thumbna...28/pc/1816.uts

How about a traditional type quilt made with wool batting?

If it really is gonna run me several hundred, then I would be more open to the idea. I was hopping to stay under a $100 for the whole deal.


I see there are a few places selling %100 wool batting for under $50.

Any recommendations for what to use on the outside? Looking for something rugged and warm, but also not insanely itchy.

You might consider corduroy for the outside of your quilt. I made a completely corduroy quilt of 8" squares top and bottom tied at the corners of the squares. No batting was used. It is quite heavy and very warm. She specifically wanted it for camping. I might add that it is very snuggly and soft.

I don't think you would be able to get a quality wool quilt for under $100. Woolylady.com has wonderful 100% hand dyed wool in beautiful colors. Check out their website. I've never felt wool that is so soft! It is the absolute best.

I was hoping for under $200. Don't know if it's even worth it at this point. Thanks for the help though.

Thanks all.

Pendleton wool yardage can be machine washed - if done so carefully.

Use a short gentle cycle with tepid (barely warm) or cold water and dry on a low setting until barely dry.

It can also be handwashed and line dried.

I've done so with good results. (Although I did hold my breath until it was dry!)

If looking for a 'rugged and warm' quilt - I've heard that denim (from old heavy-weight jeans) works well.