I love wool batting. It's warm, the new stuff is machine washable the drape is fabulous!
Minky is very cuddly, but not very warm. I made a cuddle quilt with minky backing and wool batting, because wool is lightweight also.
Susan

I'm with Margo, I don't like the feel of minky, but there are those who love it. I like the words of wisdom from Mother Superior on wool batting. I have one in my stash and think I need to give it a whirl.

Well I guess that decides it, I will get some wool wadding for my Caught Red Handed competition quilt - I had been thinking along these lines anyway, and it will certainly be lighter than my gran's old wool blankets for posting too.

Wise Words from Mother Superior make it seem like wool batting is the way to go. I will have to try it,cause all I have ever used is Warm and Natural cotton.
Thanks to those that gave advice on sewing with minky. I just cut the piece for the backing of one of the baby quilts and came up with this method. I took Glad Press N Seal (not sure if you have it on the other side of the pond) and cut about 2" strips placing it on the right side of the minky where I wanted to cut and when I cut it all the "POOP" stuck to the Press N Seal when I took it off.
Now for sewing, I will let you know how that goes.

Clara, I thought I would add these "Words of Wisdom from Mother Superior" that are posted in today's Superior Newsletter:

WISE WORDS FROM MOTHER SUPERIOR: WHY I LIKE WOOL BATTING

I make quilts for our home, for shows, for family, and for fun. Usually each evening and into the night, I'm at my sewing machine piecing a quilt. Bob says if I don't quilt every day, we'd both go crazy. One question I'm often asked is what type of batting I use. I've tried many, but for my quilts, wool batting seems to be the best. Here's why:
1. Wool is light.
2. My quilts often travel to quilt shows and are packed in either a suitcase or a box. Wool seems to release the folds and bounce back better than other types of batting.
3. Wool is warm in the winter and light in the summer.
4. Wool is easy to quilt through.
5. Wool washes well.

rehak wrote:
Also been refered to as 'minky poop' elsewhere on this forum

When cutting a 'furred' fabric, if you only cut one layer at a time and try to only cut the backing cloth (using scissors and gliding the points through the fur), rather than down through the fur as well, you will reduce the amount of 'poop' that it produces.

LoriReid wrote:
Hi Lori -

It's been a while since I made my quilt with Minky backing, but will be doing 2 more this summer. I remember the Minky sliding very smoothly on the bed of the machine. You do have to be careful when basting the quilt since Minky is stretchy. You don't want to stretch it too much. And, as Margo says, it is messy when you cut it. But I find the feel to be luscious.

Nancy

Lois I have used the Hobbs Heirloom wool batting and it recommends a warm wash 30ºC, dry flat but while it is still damp you can put it into the tumble dryer to fluff it up. And that's what I do. Yes it is hard to get things dry here but I have a rack (called a Sheila Maid) which I can hang large sheets etc on to dry if necessary. My son's wool quilt has the wool batting in it and a plain cotton backing. Hope that helps.

Question regarding the minky fabric. I am making two baby quilts and was planning on using minky for the backing but was wondering if it was difficult to quilt on. If anybody knows and has any tips I would appreciate hearing them.

Washable wool batting is very nice...warm in winter but cool and breathable in summer.

Maybe the boys will have a summer and winter quilt. Humm.

Lots of cool info. Thanks!!! Clara

Quilter's Dream Wool Batting is my FAVORITE batting! It is warm, yet light. It drapes wonderfully, even with denser quilting. It does breathe unlike polyester. It gives a nice loft to the quilt. It IS Washable and can be put in the dryer but I don't recommend doing so on high, only low or medium. Cotton is also warm and does breathe but it makes a heavier quilt, esp if you use heavier fabrics like fleece or flannel.

I love wool batting. It is so soft and breathable. I wash it all the time but make sure to buy wool batting that is washable. I don't remember the brand I get at my LQS but most should say whether they are washable. It is my favourite batting.

Rita, Does a quilt with a wool batt take a long time to dry? I don't imagine you can put it in the dryer. Do you have trouble getting them to dry in your wet climate. I have one and I am eager to try it but I have been wondering about laundering it. Any thoughts? Can you wash the quilt on gentle in the washing machine?