Friday, September 27, 2013

Wool Lovers Blog Hop and a Giveaway!

Happy Friday!  Welcome to the final day of the Wool Lovers Blog Hop.   I'm so excited to participate in my first ever Blog Hop and share my LOVE of wool with you!

I would like to give special thanks to Denise of Pieced Brain for hosting and organizing 5 days of awesome wool projects!  Thanks Denise - you're the best!!

Now lets get Wool Crazy !!   
Wool is one of my favorite textiles.  It is easy to handle, easy to find, comes in a multitude of colors, weights, and textures, and is so versatile.
"Folk Art Melody" Karen's custom block Close-up
I started my wool journey a few years ago by taking Wool Applique classes at a LQS.  My sister Janet talked me into going --and class was taught by a very talented lady and now a good friend of mine, Debbie Wick I am blessed to have talented and creative ladies and sisters in my life! 

Before we get into the special project I made for the Blog Hop, let me share some other wool projects with you.

This little darling is "Folk Art Melody", a 45" square quilt that was hand appliqued with beautiful over dyed wools on a Moda black wool background.   Valdani Perle cotton thread was used to stitch each piece and it was quilted on my domestic sewing machine.
"Folk Art Melody" by Lori Smith
completed by Karen Miller

Folk Art Melody - Close Up
Folk Art Melody - Close Up
 This next little quilt was the 2nd wool applique piece that I stitched.  It works up so fast ! -- you will LOVE it !   This pattern exposed me to more embroidery and embellishments.  Sew much fun.  Again, I hand appliqued the wool and machine quilted this piece on my domestic sewing machine.

"Flower Basket" by Wooden Spool Designs - completed by Karen Miller

Flower Basket - I LOVE this block!
Flower Basket - ohlaalaa!

Flower Basket - from the heart !
I had an opportunity to make this third little piece in another class taught by Debbie Wick.  "Yesterday Remembered" is a cute 12x12 inch wall hanging designed by Kim Diehl and published in her "Simple Graces" book:  I hand quilted this block -- it's now waiting to be put in a frame or bound.
"Yesterday Remembered" by Kim Diehl - completed by Karen Miller

"Yesterday Remembered" by Kim Diehl - completed by Karen Miller
And finally there is "Penny Garland" (revised) also by Kim Diehl.  I had the opportunity to learn this pattern and special techniques from Kim Diehl at a LQS in Dansville, NY.  Oh What Fun !!  This small table topper is wool on cotton background and a cotton backing.  The batting is Hobbs 80/20.   It was also quilted on my domestic sewing machine.  Just LOVE the way it turned out.


Lastly - I would like to introduce you to my Blog Hop Project
Mr. "Redbird"

Redbird was needle felted using Merino Wool roving and a felting needle (I won't mention the trial and error) ;)    This was my first attempt at needle felting and I must say -- it went fairly well.  Mr. Redbird needed a few haircuts before he was ready for his photo shoot but we just LOVE the addition to our family!  

In case you're wondering - these are the basic materials/tools from which Mr. Redbird was built:
Wool roving for base, body, face and beak -- felting needle and pad
This weekend I will post a tutorial for Mr. Redbird - be sure to stop back...

Because Mr. Redbird was new to the area -- we decided to give him a tour of his surroundings - he quickly found many comfortable places...
Winter Redbird

Summer Redbird

Inspirational Redbird
Patriotic Redbird

Tranquil Redbird
I hope you enjoyed the "Wool Crazy" tour!
  I had a blast learning a new technique and hanging out with Mr. Redbird while he awaited his blog debut... Not to mention visiting all the great wool bloggers and seeing their awesome projects!

Now how about a giveaway ?  

One lucky reader will win a bundle of 5 fall colored wools swatches - perfect for a wall hanging complete with pumpkin and some pretty fall leaves...
AND

A Mr. Redbird felting kit - including all the wool roving to make your own Mr. Redbird !


To enter the giveaway - leave a comment telling me what you like most about wool, posing a question or any other comment about wool.

For an extra chance to win - Follow my blog and leave a comment letting me know which method you choose to follow it with or if you were always a follower.

A winner will be chosen late Sunday, October 6th and posted on my blog.

Be sure to stop back again this weekend for the Mr. Redbird Tutorial!

Also -- be sure to visit the other Day 5 Blog Hop Participants !
Fryeber
Hallbrook Designs
Karen's Quilts, Crows and Cardinals (you are here!)


Thanks so much for stopping by!

Wooly Hugs,
Karen

PS - Also special thanks to the Blog Hop sponsors: Aurifil, Woolin Rouge, The Fat Quarter Shop and Handbehg FELTS

109 comments:

  1. What a wonderful post Karen, and a wonderful bloghop. I have loved seeing all your projects and also really really love your Cardinal. I 've always wanted to try felting like that but haven't got around to it yet. I love the texture of wool applique projects, as well as the beautiful colours wool comes in and how it seems so close to the 'real thing' - the sheep :-)

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  2. Hello Karen,

    Happy Autumn..Happy to meet you.. All your wool quilts are absolutely exquisite. Love them all. You are a very talented lady.. I especially love the Penny Garland.

    Your Needle felted Mr. Red Bird is stunning. Very real looking indeed. I also love working with wool roving. Hugs Judy

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  3. Hello Karen, I am your newest follower by email.. Hugs Judy

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  4. Hi Karen....I love what your have done for us today..they are gorgeous!!
    I haven't worked much with wool...but am going to venture more now.

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  5. Gorgeous projects all around! Mr. Redbird is awesome! I love appliqueing with wool as well as needle felting with roving. So much fun!

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  6. Sew much eye candy.. thanks for sharing and inspiring ! I love working with wool because it is so easy and fast to work with. I am always thinking ahead to the next project so like to work with wool.

    I have never tried needle felting.. but it is on my bucket list.

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  7. You definitely get a big whoop! woo! Awesome wool work! What's NOT love about wool!!!! (smiles!) I'm a new follower and added your blog to my: People Who Inspire Me sidebar label on my blog at myplvl.blogspot.com.

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  8. I am a new follower. Looking forward to seeing more posts.

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  9. My favorite quality of wool is that even when it is thoroughly wet, it still acts as a warming layer. Generations of Scotsmen in my family tree can attest to this!

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  10. What beautiful work you do. The quilting really accentuates the wool applique. Mr. Red Bird makes a wonderful addition to your home. Thanks for the chance in your giveaway. I like that you don't have to turn the edges when you applique wool.

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  11. This hop has convinced me that I just LOVE wool and it is something I really want to try. But, where does one start? Is there a sequence you recommend to build skills and, most importantly, confidence? Thanks for the chance to win!

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  12. I just signed up to follow you by email.

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  13. Karen...you're so generous....thank you! My thoughts about working with wool now is that it's soooooo forgiving.....I don't know why it's taken me so long to work with it, but I'm sure glad I have now!!!!
    sugary hugs :o)

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  14. I'm a Google friend connect follower too! xo

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  15. O. My. Goodness, I cannot BELIEVE that I just found your blog!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE your woolie goodies that you've made, and I adore working with wool applique on cotton backgrounds (or wool backgrounds, for that matter). Oh I am just dancing with glee that I've discovered you---and Mr. Cardinal is definitely a 'must make'. :)

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  16. I follow your blog on Google as well as on Bloglovin---I just love it!! :)

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  17. Your pictures of redbird crack me up! My favorite bird is a cardinal! The wool fiber art you've made is lovely. How special to take a wool appliqué quilt class from a favorite teacher. I love doing that!

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  18. The tour of your wool projects is just great! The colors are just beautiful! Thank you for all you did to show us these beautiful pictures and to have the bloghop. I have been following your blog since its creation!

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  19. Your projects are beautiful! I love the vibrant colors of wool. Rcoyle at olemiss dot edu

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  20. Love the cardinal, we were the cardinals in high school. I haven't done anything in wool. I have really enjoyed seeing all the possibilities during this hop. Thanks for sharing.

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  21. OMG, your wool projects are beautiful! I have yet to learn how to do a good-looking blanket stitch. Yours are perfect! I love appliqueing wool on a cotton background - I prefer it over woolen background. The cardinal is so life-like! I cannot even imagine how it is done! Thank you for being a part of this blog hop...

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  22. Forgot to say I am following you around girl...Google Friends Connect...

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  23. I have always wanted to try wool felting but it looks so daunting! Love the redbird and all your projects. I like the look of wool, that is why I like it so much. Thanks.

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  24. Love your red bird as there are no Cardinals in the NW. I've done wool applique for about 5 years now and love it, no other way to do it now in my book. I follow your blog via email.

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  25. So many beautiful things! Great colors too. I love working with wool too, knitting, applique, felting.

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  26. Hi Karen, nice to meet you. I discovered wool appliqué last fall and fell in love. Since then I've discovered rug hooking with wool strips and have enjoyed this new craft. Haven't tried felting yet, it's next on my list.

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  27. Oh my , let my heart be still , such incredibly beautiful wool projects , you do beautiful work . The cardinal is gorgeous , wish we had them in Nova Scotia . Thanks for the chance to win and for sharing your talents with us!

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  28. I am a new follower and look forward to seeing more of your lovely work !

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  29. I am a new follower through google friend/dashboard.

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  30. YOur projects are stunning. Thanks for sharing all of them. I love working with wool. I like the texture. I also like that you don't have to turn under the edges to do applique.

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  31. I'm a new follower, thanks for the giveaway.

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  32. Sweet P shared her love of wool with me and though I haven't done a lot I do love it.

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  33. Your wool projects are gorgeous. I have bought two new wool books and I am trying to add to my stash so I can begin my first wool project. Thank you for generous giveaway and your inspiration.

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  34. I am a new follower from Bloglovin.

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  35. I am new to wool, but an so loving the mix of wool on cottons. I have a few kits I've picked up and hope to do in October.

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  36. What fabulous projects - I especially like the baskets!
    I've never used wool but I'd love to try some!

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  37. I'm a new follower by email and by google

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  38. I'm fascinated by wool...but haven't the first clue of what to do with it. So thrilled with this hop! Penny Garland is breath taking...and I love Red Bird!

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  39. Your work is gorgeous!! Love the basket quilt...really like the red sashing!! It just popped the whole quilt!
    P

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  40. Yes, I think you've been bitten by the wool bug. Beautiful colors you have used. Love Mr,Redbird, he looks so soft. I love the different texture and warmth the wool gives. I have recycled wool dyeing in beet skins as I type.

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  41. I definately want to be a follower,

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  42. I love working with wool as the feel of it in my hands is so relaxing and de-stressing. It's my go to medium after a hard day at work:)

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  43. I am very new to wool but I do like how fast you can make a small project. That is certainly a great give away.

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  44. I am very new to wool but I do like how fast you can make a small project. That is certainly a great give away.

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  45. I've been intrigued by wool work, but have never tried it. It looks as if it would be fun. I love your cardinal. I have a pair living in my backyard and I really enjoy watching them.

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  46. I just love working with wool, as the texture and feel of it is just so soft. Plus, it's very forgiving and doesn't require all of the perfection of hand appliqueing cotton fabrics. Thanks so much for the opportunity to win your giveaway! Ilene

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  47. I'm your newest follower now as well, through Google friend connect! Love your beautiful work! Ilene

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  48. I would love to be able to do the stuff you do, your first needle felting looks awesome to me. Wool looks pretty simple to use. Thanks
    smjohns63 at yahoo dot com

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  49. I am a very happy new follower, I will be watching for the tute, thanks for the chance.
    smjohns63 at yahoo dot com

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  50. I love everything about working with wool, the cutting, the stitching, the finished product!! I am currently working on "Flower Baskets" and am pleased to see how you sashed it with RED - love it!
    Would love to win a Redird.

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  51. I love all of your wool projects. I have worked with wool several times. It is so forgiving and I love the idea of no seam allowances...it always looks great finished. I love your Cardinal....our Ohio's state bird. I would love to win this giveaway. Thanks for sharing with us.

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  52. I just worked with my first wool this summer- it's a BOW by Lisa Bongean of Primitive Gatherings. Her kits are PERFECTLY assembled, even have the threads to sew with. I sure have enjoyed doing it. I'll do it some more! I bought a layer cake of Minnick & Simpson's wools. Haven't figured out what to do with it yet. Maybe some pin cushions.... LOVE your work in the pictures!

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  53. I've only been working with wool for about a year, I love how forgiving it is and the luscious colors--and how you don't have to turn under the edges as you do in cotton applique!!

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  54. I've only been working with wool for about a year, I love how forgiving it is and the luscious colors--and how you don't have to turn under the edges as you do in cotton applique!!

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  55. I love all your work. Very nice. I have really enjoyed wool embroidery. I love not turning the edges. It is easy to take along and work on a block at a time. Thanks

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  56. I love the texture that wool gives to a project, and hand embroidery looks so lovely on it.

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  57. I now follow you via GFC and in my bloglovin reader.

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  58. Love finding your blog through this hop!!! I've started following by email!! I love wool for the ease of use.....no turning edges!!!!

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  59. Karen I have used wool only one.imade a flower for a scarf.

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  60. I have been enjoying all the beautiful projects I have been seeing on blogs but haven't attempted it yet. I have to say that it doesn't look as hard to do as the finished project looks like.

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  61. This is why I love blog hops...it allows me to find great blogs like yours and follow your creative spirit. Blissful Joy...

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  62. Thank you for this Woolunderful hop and sharing your amazing wool projects and Mr. Redbird who has great personality. I enjoy wool as it is cozy and comfortable to work with. I am inspired by your beautiful handwork. Creative Stitching Bliss...

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  63. Having worked with it but want to, thanks

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  64. I love wool applique because you don't have to worry about the raw edges. Also I like the looks of the wool projects.

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  65. I love the colours and textures in wool projects. Thanks for sharing your beautiful projects.

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  66. I'm a new follower with GFC and bloglovin. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  67. I love your projects and red bird is so cute. I love the versatility of wool and it is great for appliqué so easy to use

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  68. Good morning
    I'll love participate in your giveaway..
    I love wool in all kinds of wool...sew...crochet...knitt...it's soft, warm .light...
    Thnks for your kindness
    Hugs
    Maria Rosalia

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  69. How did you get over your fear of creating art?

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  70. Following via GFC :: Jamie Martin, JamieLoveSweeping@gmail.com

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  71. I have never worked with wool before, but my husband loves cardinals and this would be a great project to give wool a try! missysaprons@gmail.com

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  72. What a wonderful post. I loved reviewing your fab projects.

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  73. Your projects are beautiful! I love working with wool....it makes me happy!

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  74. Love every one of your projects! I'm finishing my first wool kit, and it won't be the last! I love all of it!

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  75. I love your baskets! I like working with wool because it is so forgiving, and it looks so wonderful with the buttonhole applique stitch. Your projects look wonderful, and I'd love to win the materials in the giveaway. I smiled at all the places Mr. Redbird visited. dezertsuz at gmail dot com

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  76. Oh my, your projects are beautiful! Those baskets are the prettiest baskets I think I have ever seen. I love your Redbird. Thanks for sharing your projects.

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  77. All of your projects are so pretty! I love appliqué and doing it with wool is so much easier and adds great texture too!

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  78. Nice to meet you! I now follow you on Bloglovin.

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  79. I'm new to wool and I'm getting very inspired by this blog hop! I love the softness and fun colors out there now!

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  80. I cannot believe the cardinal was your first attempt at felt needle with roving!! I can't get past flat one dimensional projects! I really like felt needling. I do not do it enough.

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  81. Hello just discovered your lovely blog, The bird is so gorgeous, I love working with felt and have recently acquired a book about needle felting etc. I also work a lot with wool as in crochet, knitting, embroidery etc. I will certainly be following your blog, what clever people there are in the "blogging world", thank you

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  82. Love all your creations! Mr. Red Cardinal is wonderful. Enjoyed reading your message. Penny Garland is so beautiful! I have not worked with wool yet. Maybe someday!

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  83. Your projects are so lovely! I love the look of wool. Such great texture and the color is amazing! Thank you for sharing on my blog!

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  84. I am always attracted to wool projects though I have not done any yet...I was wondering where you get your wool etc but it looks as if there are some links at the bottom of the post :)

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  85. I love your red bird. I have only done one small project in wool. Now I am very curious because I keep seeing the needle felting and think I may just have to give it a try. Wonderful projects love the different flower baskets too.

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  86. Oh my goodness look at all your beautiful wool projects! I am a wool novice but just love the way it needles. Thanks for the chance to win!
    Happy Sewing Kabquilting@yahoo.com

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  87. I'm a new follower but you can still pick me to win!!!

    Thanks for the chance and
    Happy Sewing, kabquilting@yahoo.com

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  88. l.ackley October 3, 2013 at 10;20 am been following for a few months, just now figuring out the "blog thing". The penny garland piece turned out beautifully! I love wool for it's textures ,colors, and it's ease of use. Primitive and Folkie patterns are my favorites. Chris and I use the wool roving in a felted bird pattern, and it was fun to work with. I have never tried something as detailed as Mr. red bird. keep up the beautiful work.

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  89. What wonderful work! what fun to see other materials than cotton!
    Esther
    esthersipatchandquilt at yahoo dot com

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  90. Beautiful work and what a cute cardinal! I love the look of wool but have to admit I haven't worked with it, would love to win your giveaway and try it! Thanks for sharing.
    Freemotion by the River Linky Party Tuesday

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  91. What beautiful projects! I just love all of the colors!

    I'm so glad you shared at Needle and Thread Thursday!

    :) Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation

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  92. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  93. A wool project adds warmth to any room, any season

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  94. Hi Karen! I just found you by accident! I love to do wool Applique and needle turn cotton applique! I have not tried roving, looks like fun! Yes, I became a follower and also follow by email! Thx so much! Leslie

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  95. I love wool appliqué because it is so good to work with.

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