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Thursday, September 26, 2013

Crazy About Wool Blog Hop!

When I agreed to join Denise Russell (Pieced Brain) in her fun Crazy About Wool Blog Hop, I really had to stop and think about it first.  I am the lowliest beginner at wool applique!!!  I've done only one wool project before this Hop, and that was almost 3 years ago.  But.....of course, I can't resist a challenge!!!

This is the first block for my Summertime wool applique wall quilt!
My colors are a little washed out here - the yellow in particular is much more vibrant as you'll see in later photos.  

Here is a picture of the original quilt by designer, Erica Kaprow....see my little block on the bottom left?

Quilt by Erica Kaprow, Designer
Photo courtesy of PatternSpot.com
The blocks are only 10", and I am only going to do 9 of them, so it will be small.  It's tough deciding which 9 to do, too!  Of course, I have to do the watermelon, and the teacups, and the birdhouse, and ..... well, you get the idea!  Complicating my decision is this cute pattern I won in the silent auction at guild a couple weeks ago.....

Darva's Daisies by Mary Lou Designs

...... and I think it would make a totally CUTE addition to the quilt if I just reduce it in size to fit the size of the blocks.  Gotta have a cat in such a fun quilt, right?
=^..^=

Here are a few closeup's of my first completed block ....

The happy little hosta in the front is going wild with blooms!!!
And how about those wonky stairs LOL!!!
One of the things I love about wool art is that it doesn't have to be perfect :*D

These leaves and berries were hard to keep in place because the fusible started separating
 from the background as I worked on other pieces....

So I took a tip from a Pinterest pin and stapled them down until they were stitched securely!
Worked like a charm!!!

I have had this set of patterns since 2006 - yes, 7 years.  Now, bear in mind, that I started quilting in 2006!!!  Everything was still so new and exciting - and I had definitely "drunk the Kool-aid," as they say.  My brain was totally rewired to think about nothing but quilts and quilting LOL!!!

One of my new quilting friends was working in wools on a similar set of designs by Erica and of course I was enthralled by all that color popping on the black background! :*D  A quick visit to the Web revealed that she had a new set of patterns available - Summertime - and they were mine in the blink of an eye.  Then the pattern sat... and sat.... and sat.  I didn't have any wools and none of my LQS carried wools, so it just continued to sit.

A few years ago, though, I got smart!  Yes, indeed, I really did!  Don't you dare listen to anyone who tries to tell you that's not true LOL!!!  Anywho.... I started picking up wool jackets at my local Goodwill.

These are 100% wool jackets, reduced regularly to $7.99 at Goodwill, but I get them for 99 cents on Wednesdays :*)


I had 3 black jackets in my stash - enough for 3 block backgrounds each......

I think I'm going to love the variety of blacks for this background!
  And I cut them up into usable pieces.....


I also had some fun colors to play with!


Of course, I've also been picking up the odd wool piece here and there as I found them at quilt shops - and I've been collecting threads as I come across them too.... I found these on our way home from Runaway at a shop that is going out of business... $1.25 each - score!!!



Of course, now that I've discovered the joys of working with wool - and I have this stash of wools and threads that need to be used!!! - I'm finding projects everywhere that I'd like to do!   One of my students at Runaway had this fun pin cushion that caught my interest immediately....

Isn't this just darling?!?
And I've already traced off the pieces in fusible for this fun ball of yarn that I found on Pinterest.  It will be for a simple block that I will use as a pocket on a new knitting bag I plan to make someday.

http://weefolkart.com/content/ball-yarn
+-applique-block
I've pinned SO MANY ideas on my Pinterest board - you can see them HERE if you like :*D
 If only there were more hours in the day LOL!!!

Thanks SO MUCH for stopping by to share the fun with me today!
I hope you've had fun seeing all the fun wool projects during this Crazy About Wool blog hop!


Now please be sure to go and check out the other posts for today!







Hugs & Blessings!
Teresa
=^..^=

49 comments:

  1. Very cute house block and what a great idea on up cycling the wool jackets.

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  2. What a happy house! That is such a fun quilt! And yes, it needs a cat. I'd say only use the one house, eliminate the fishes (this is a landlubber's quilt), and subtract a couple of the floral blocks if you just want 9, but want to include the kitty. All of the blocks are fun, so whichever ones you use will be great!
    A suggestion when looking for wool to repurpose--if you can find them, skirts and slacks have much more usable wool. Most jackets have that interfacing in the front, so only the back and sleeves are usable.

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  3. Oh my goodness...you are already a master at wool appliqué! Your block is stunning! Thanks for sharing your wonderful travels into the world of wool!

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  4. Your block is gorgeous! You are so resourceful...I keep meaning to go to thrift shops to find wool, but I never get there!

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  5. Wow - I'd say you are a very experienced wool artist with those beautiful stitches! Stunning. If the cat doesn't fit into the quilt I think she could be a nice little quilt all by herself! Just a thought. So smart on the wool jackets.

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  6. Wow just gorgeous....you can tell you enjoy this

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  7. Wow. Simply gorgeous!, but I am not surprised! You are such a renaissance woman when it comes to needlework. You amaze and inspire me!

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  8. Hello Teresa, Happy to meet you through the Wool Lovers Blog Hog. Your Summer time Wool applique block is very very lovely. Nice stitching. Hugs Judy

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  9. Your wool project is gorgeous and I think your stitching is lovely . I also like to collect wool from thrift stores :-) thanks for sharing and I must check out your Pinterest page .

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  10. I forgot to say I am your newest follower.. I had No idea Goodwill marks down there clothes on Wed. I will to go and see if I can find some great wool there too. Hugs Judy

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  11. Oh, how I love the teapot block on that giant project you are working on! When it is done, is it something you can use on a bed or do you put it on the wall? I am so new to all this all I have seen are little penny rugs and hooked rugs. and I LOVE wool in all its forms!

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  12. Your wonky house is darling! I have always wanted to try this!

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  13. So you are the one beating me to Goodwill. I've been working on a wool runner since last year. Don't think it's going tobe finished in time for Christmas.

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  14. I wish my Goodwill had .99 sales! And I too have a love of Pinterest. So much eye candy for inspiration! Your house block is adorable!

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  15. Teresa, your house block is darling! If only I could do blanket stitch by hand so well!!!

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  16. I can never find those deals on wool garments--darn! Your wool quilt is going to be awesome!

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  17. Beautiful quilt, wow! And I love how your first block turned out. Greaat idea to buy those deals and do it yourself. And so many beautiful projects!Really lovely!

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  18. Your little house block is so cute. Thanks for sharing.

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  19. Teresa your block is so pretty ! Your handwork is perfect too !! Don't you just LOVE working with wool ? No turning, no fussing and all those choices ! Thanks for sharing your awesome work. Karen

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  20. Wow, I love your little block. I have been adding to my stash of wool the same way you have been doing it. Actually today one of the thrift shops have their monthly 75% off sale.

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  21. When I look at the absolute beauty of what you're doing with the wool and hand stitching, all I can think is, "NO, I do not need another project/hobby!" But it's so gorgeous ... nicely done!

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  22. Are you kidding me Teresa that working with felt wool is fairly new to you? Wow you did a great job! I'll give you my tip for wool applique, I use a washable Elmer's glue stick and stick the applique pieces to the felt. No fusible web because that makes the wool thicker and harder to embroider through. And certainly no staples, lol!!
    I love the block you did and the others are beautiful! I buy woolen garment and sweaters at thrift shops too.

    I can't believe you've only been quilting since 2006! I started quilting when I was a teenager in the '70's way before rotary cutters and everything was done by hand, the tracing around template, cutting, piecing and quilting.

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  23. WOW! Your colors and embroidery are superb- love, love. And I followed your Pinboard - such fun ideas. That ball of yarn is stinkin' cute, too.

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  24. Oh, and what a terrific idea to collect your wool from goodwill! There are a couple of ladies in town that do the same thing, plus old wool sweaters for felting pincushions and Nativity sets. I'll have to go early if I want to beat them to the store!

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  25. Wow! can't believe you're a beginner w/wool ~ it certainly doesn't look that way to me!! Your house block looks so cute and your stitches look great!!

    Nice to 'meet' you through the hop.

    Tanya

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  26. OH, wool is so fun to work with. I have bought jacket at my local goodwill too. Can't beat the price. Thanks for sharing your wooly projects.

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  27. This is a Woolunderful hop and I am happy to find your blog. Your creative talents are amazing and I really enjoy seeing them and your Pinterest board. Thank you for hopping. Creative Stitching Bliss...

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  28. Cute, cute CUTE! Thanks for sharing Erica Kaprow's designs - I have not seen her work before! Love your thrifty wool ideas, the black backgrounds are nifty!

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  29. How cute a project is that!?! :) Love this wool block and the whole quilt will be awesome!

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  30. Your projects look so pretty. I love all the colours you use. I am doing 9 blocks of the Summertime quilt too.
    valspierssews@gmail.com
    http://valspierssews.blogspot.com.au/

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  31. Cute house block. I'm glad you did a close up showing how small the purple circles are.
    24Tangent@gmail.com

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  32. I love that house block and your ingenuity in getting the wool too. Might have to start op-shopping.

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  33. What fun! I love your bright colors. I shop thrift stores, too, and I was going to suggest that if you can find wool skirts or pants they seem to yield more fabric. I've cut apart jackets before but the pieces seemed too small to be worth the work. On the other hand, maybe you need only small pieces or the price is too good to pass up. Thanks for sharing.

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  34. This type of projects are new to me. I must say it looks great. I love all those tiny pretty details. Thanks for sharing.

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  35. Lovely house. It is so bright and cheery looking. Can't wait to see the rest.

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  36. Your house block is just darling. I love your colors and stitching too. You are really a great shopper when it comes to bargains.! What a deal for 99 cents. Again, this makes me want to some wool stitching. You are such a bad influence on me (bad in a good sense you understand)!

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  37. Wow... you are just amazing to me! I don't think there is anything you can't do in beautiful ways.

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  38. Love it! Thank you! I'm still drinking the Kool Aid and I can't stop long enough to actually accomplish ANYTHING! I'm accumulating a PILE of stuff..but not much to show for it. You have inspired me to go dig into the bin of wool coats I've been collecting for a rug though..... I'll be a new follower!

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  39. OH goodness...it's so beautiful!
    I cannot, repeat cannot, fall in love with another project!
    But...oh, so tempting....

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  40. Thanks for sharing the tip of wool fabric source on the cheap. :) I really love this quilt that you're working on. The cat would be a fabulous addition - you could substitute the fish? Man, that *would* be hard to figure out which 4 altogether to leave off for this. . . oh! Also appreciate the staple tip.

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  41. Beautiful...that quilt will be so pretty! Thanks for sharing with us.

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  42. Wow, your block is absolutely beautiful. The pattern is amazing and I know you will have a good time working on each and every block. Great job on scoring the thread--woohoo! Thanks for sharing.

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  43. Great project! Now you have at least 2 fun projects screaming for your attention, right?

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  44. The Summertime quilt is amazing and you are off to a great start!

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  45. What amazing colours! I love the photos of the blocks. What a clever idea to buy coats from the op shops and cut them up!

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  46. Great house block and I like the idea of the up-cycled jackets.

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  47. Your block is beautiful and sewn so perfectly I don't think anyone would think that you are a beginner.

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  48. I am going to give your tip on stapling things in place a try. I think it will be wonderful.

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