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caroline94535

I'm obsessing about wool (to stuff pincushions) 2 pics

16 years ago

Yes; I know I need therapy, but that's not an option. So, even better, I'm coming here for assistance with a wool selection problem.

I've been enchanted lately with pincushions as miniature fiber art forms. I have two books, haunt the Etsy site, and belong to a Ya Hoo-can't-say-the-name-here pincushion group. I've purchased three pincushions and I do plan to make my own. After all, I have a small but respectable stash of cotton and wool material, beads, buttons, ribbons, laces, gewgaws, thread, needles, a sewing machine, and even a serger. WHY am I buying pincushions?

I also plan to use wool to stuff four Topsy-Turvy dolls I'm making for Mom (at her request) and I want to use a wool batt in my next quilt.

I have a pound of beautiful, soft Merino wool roving I intend to use as PC filler. Roving has been thoroughly cleaned, processed, and carded. While it does retain some lanolin, a lot has been washed out.

I've read that using less processed wool, such as a lightly cleaned raw fleece, will provide more natural lanolin to keep the pins and needles lubricated and protected from rust. I've read that some people mix processed roving with raw, clean fleece. I'm getting dizzy thinking about my pincushion filler! LOL

Have you used wool as a craft-item filler? Which do you prefer? What are the pros and cons to each?

Also, is there a particular breed of sheep that provides a better wool for stuffing as opposed to simply good long-fiber spinning wool? I know such breeds as the British Herdwick grow wool best to be used in carpet fibers. I'm thinking "stuffing wool" could come from one of the roughter, less valuable types of fleece.

Okay Crafty Queens and Fiber Fanatics, edumacate me here!

I look at my "pincushion problem" this way...between my long-distance families' distress and challenges, a new puppy, a North Dakota winter, pain and health issues, and the world-at-large...there could be far more destructive and expensive ways to divert my mind and relax my spirit.

Here's my newest pincushion; it will be a birthday gift for a friend. The maker is using creamy pearl beads on my version instead of the silver ones shown.

Don't you think the cream colored pearl beads,

instead of the bright silver ones, will add a nice touch?

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