You could say that batting is any old thing that you hide in the middle of your sandwich (ham & cheese anyone? ) Have you considered using old woolen blankets? That's what I've done so far (for a whole 2 of them), as the plan is to cover all my old Gran's & Nanny's blankets that I have for the guest beds with patchwork, although I might get tempted to try a whole cloth as well somewhere down the line. Haven't tried hand quilting them yet, but I would probably end up stab stitching.

Nancy, maybe the cat/dog hairs can only be counted as embellishment if they are actually sewn into the quilt - but hey I am not the quilt police what would I know. I think of my cat as a 'quilt-seeking device'! If I don't close the door to my sewing room next time I go in she will be tucked up comfortably in my newest creation. My dog, on the other hand, is not so interested in that room because there is no food there....most of the time

As for which batting to use....for such a long time here in Ireland the choice was polyester wadding or polyester wadding! Now we have 100% cotton batting too. I have even heard it said that there might be some wool batting to be got somewhere but I haven't tried it yet. I know that cotton batting is very hard on the hands for hand quilting because I used it all the time because I don't like synthetic substances much... but I am changing my mind now.

For me, it's a dog and 2 cats. Here's one of the cats enjoying my latest creation:

(I'll post a full picture of the quilt when I get a good one. I'll probably do that at the guild quilt show in a couple of weeks.)

The kitties know they aren't allowed on the sewing table when I'm working, but that doesn't stop them from trying! All of the pets contribute a sense of comfort and satisfaction that make my quilting a much more satisfying occupation. And they add a lot of pretty hair to my creations! Can that be counted as an embellishment???

Nancy

What is it with quilters and cats? a friend of mine could not do any quilting the other day because the cat was asleep on the quilt and she didn't want to disturb it.
Maybe you can tell do not have any animals.
Anne

It's the old saying 'Dogs have masters cats have servants' At least that's the case in our house. Liono rules!!! He complains loudly if the servants are too slow getting his meals. He is worshipped every evening and must always have the warmest comfiest seat, usually mine when I go to get coffee, and the softest bed.

Sorry, we seem to have strayed from the subject of batting for curtains

I have asked Guinness who is right now curled up right next to me. Her comment is: "Why should I quilt when the one who feeds me and provides soft quilted resting places all over the house?? I let quilt. I'm the boss here!"

Too true

Reetzbobeetz wrote:

Having four paws and a tail can be an enormous asset when two hands just aren't enough!

Lorchen wrote: Thanks for mentioning that. I'm still looking for "the perfect fabric"

Whaley's are great, but be warned: Their shipping charges are high and they are not exactly fast to send stuff. But I love using them for fabrics that are ready to be dyed. They have a very good variety of those.

"by SpiritsFold » Sat Sep 24, 2011 2:25 pm

Glad to have something to offer for a change, normally I'm absorbing everyone else's advice and experience!"


Probably comes with the territory when you are a cat! I have a question for you - do you find it easier to quilt with your front paws or hind legs?

by SpiritsFold » Sat Sep 24, 2011 2:25 pm

Glad to have something to offer for a change, normally I'm absorbing everyone else's advice and experience!

Thanks Rosemary,
I could probably get that at John Lewis in Kingston Surrey I'm about a 1/2 hour drive from there and they have a large J.L and I never need an excuse to visit J.L my favourite shop .
Thanks again
Anne