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 !

Mummzy Stamps

Meadowbrook

Friendship Crossing

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