I’ve been working on these two wool hand embroidery pieces. One is for the shop, the other for home. By the time I finish them, I will either have gotten wool completely out of my system, or I will have started a dangerously addictive habit. I really like working with wool and have learned a couple of things.
(An acknowledgement of the patterns: The first comes from a Moda book called Moda Mini Marvels. The second is a Wooly Lady pattern called Kaleidescope. Sadly, it no longer seems to be available. But check out their site as they have many more patterns and kits that are similar.)
Tip Number One:
Use a long-arm stapler to attach the pieces of wool and hold them in place while you stitch. Seriously. Skip the fusible. Skip the pins. They add bulk and distortion and take all the fun out of the smoothness of attaching wool to wool. I was struggling with it and our tech came over and said, “Do you want to know what the Australians do?” Now, honestly, who doesn’t want to know what the Australians do. She suggested the stapler and I was struck by the simplicity and brilliance of the idea. Why didn’t I think of this? Try it.
Tip Number Two:
You need this tool. Clover Press Perfect Roll & Press. Your local quilt shop will have it and if they don’t, ask them to order it! If you ever do piecing, this is one of the best investments you can make. I work in a quilt shop and try a lot of tools. I like them for different things, and we all get addicted to different gadgets…it’s part of the process.
But the project I’m working on requires 1 in. half square triangles, finished size 1/2 in. I need 84 of them. That’s a lot of sewing, cutting and pressing of tiny pieces. But this little roller works SO WELL! I did not need to use the iron once…it lays the seams so flat. Get it, try it, find out for yourself.
I continue to carry on, with more fun projects on the horizon. But I find that at this time in my life, a little handwork is cathartic and soothing. I like my wool to be bright and cheerful, but who knows? That can change at any time. When all is said and done, we’re all evolving, aren’t we?
