quiltingshorttimer

I bought a Moda scrap bag of felted wool (multi colors) at the Lil' Red Hen, Paola, KS (they are on-line) for my sis's Christmas present--she kept looking at wool every shop we went into but always thought the price was too high. Figured this was good way for her to experiment.

I've also felted my own wool from thrift shop buys--got mixed results depending on the weave and whether 100% wool.

Just checked out your pattern--weird they don't explain it as wool applique! But I'd do the applique on cotton backgrounds if I were doing it.

greensleeves

I have used "woolies flannel", a very nice compact flannel available in quilt shops, along with felted wool for the appliqued parts of a design. I use regular quilting cotton for the background. The "woolies" really mimics wool in a good way, is less expensive than wool and is easier to find in a variety of patterns and colors. The pattern you are doing will look great in wool (or woolies).

lindaschipper

Wool felt is totally different than felted wool. Felted wool is 100% wool (or close to) that has been washed in HOT water and dried in a hot dryer to shrink the fibers so it won't unravel and is expensive. It gives the item you are appliqueing a rich look. Wool felt is simply felt that contains maybe 20% wool, comes in solid colors (any and all) and is so much cheaper, and can be easier to work with. Wool felt usually doesn't have to be washed in hot water before using.
I quilt and do wool applique.

carolynjo

I would use cotton fabrics for two reasons: wool is expensive and the quilt might be too heavy to use regularly. Also, with so many small pieces, you would have access to a larger color palette. Good luck and please post your progress. Have a happy new year and enjoy your quilting experience.

gmcsewer

I love working with felted wool. It is so soft and manageable. I used wools I felted myself from the thrift shop. Made in USA does not felt well. Be careful if you use any red as it will probably bleed upon washing. Flannel blazers are good sweaters usually felt to be too thick for applique. Your pattern is beautiful.

gmcsewer

An edit of my previous post. My avatar is a wool felt applique on good quality flannel. I love it but don't use it much as I don't want it to wear out. The name of the pattern is American Beauty.

BettyGee

I buy mine from Bunny Hill, yeah it is pricey; but if I'm going to put in the hours to do it right then I want the best I can afford. The suggestion to use other fabrics for applique is so true. I've found patterns I love and used regular quilting cotton for the applique and had terrific results. The pattern you have selected is absolutely beautiful and I wish you many hours of pleasure as you bring it to life.

JenF

I recently got the desire to applique with wool felt too when I found this pattern: http://www.ctpub.com/summertime-sampler/. I'm planning to make this with a combo of wool felt and felted wool on a black cotton background. So much info in this thread, thanks! Does anyone recommend a specific type of thread to hand appliqué felted wool with? Can I use regular cotton embroidery floss?

ctyankee

That's a gorgeous sampler! And it looks like fun!

thrums

Please be careful when you purchase felt for applique. Make sure you purchase real wool fabric. Some shops sell "felt " fabric for wool applique that is not wool or a has a low percentage of wool. The issue is that the blended fiber is man-made and will scorch when ironed at wool settings. Also some felt squares (usually man-made fiber) can be very thin.

The lower grade felt can be useful in some projects. Just make sure you get what you want.