Wool Applique with Mabel & Ethel
Wool Applique with Mabel & Ethel Rustic Moire 100% Wool Thread This thread is 100% wool and adds such a different dimension to your wool applique or punch needle that it gives it a unique look. This thread is spun and purposely has slubs in them to give them a more rustic primitive look. Slubs in case you were wondering are when the fibers have thicker sections where they have been twisted during the spinning process. These threads also look a little more rustic or furry then other wool threads such as Aurifil’s Lana Wool Thread because those are a blend of 50% Wool/50% Acrylic not 100% Wool like Moire. When stitching with this thread make sure you cut shorter sections such as 16”-20”. When doing wool applique this thread will lay more on top of your wool due to its coarse nature. Be gentle when pulling this thread because it can break fairly easily if you pull too hard on it.
Valdani Perle Cotton This is a beautiful Perle Cotton that is Hand-Dyed in Lead-Free Dyes and Guaranteed Colorfast. This thread works great for any wool applique and punch needle. Right now we carry two sizes of Valdani at M&E. Size 12 (the finest) and Size 8 (medium weight). There is no rule of thumb as to what size to use in your project, it is whatever you prefer. You can even mix both sizes in a project, there are no rules. So What Size Needle Should You Use? A large eye needle for sure! LOL Chenille Needles: These needles are identical to tapestry needles except that they have a sharp point which will pass through coarse fabrics. Chenille needles have a large eye and are often used for different types of embroidery or applique. We carry two types of Chenille Needles at M&E, Primitive Gathering and Richard Hemming in sizes 22 & 24. You may have to switch between sizes when using the wool thread because some of the colors tend to be a little thicker than others. Richard Hemming needles tend to be a little more rounded in the eye than the Primitive Gathering ones which are more oval. Use whichever you are more comfortable and which one is easier on the eyes to thread! LOL What Method Should I Use to Apply My Wool for Applique? When tracing your applique shapes on Freezer Paper you can either Pin or Glue. Pinning: Ethel is a pinner. The small applique pins we have available makes this method a breeze. Gluing: Mabel likes this method and uses the Roxanne Glue Baste-It. It’s 100% Water Soluble, dries in minutes and is easy to apply. Fusible: Both of us occasionally use this method. We currently carry Soft Fuse Premium in the shop. Soft Fuse is a paper-backed fusible web for machine or hand applique. Soft Fuse Premium is so soft that needles, both hand and machine, just glide right through. Draw on paper side, roughly cut out shapes, fuse to applique fabric, closely cut out drawn shapes, then remove paper and position pieces in order and fuse onto background fabric. Finish edges with your favorite stitch. NOTE: If you have used a fusible or a glue, then the threads you are using are being pulled through more layers that will tend to put a little more stress on your threads (especially wool thread). The eye of your needle could also cause stress on the thread. So keep this in mind when pulling and stitching your appliques.
Wool Applique is a wonderful hobby and we hope you will give it a try. Happy Stitching, Mabel & Ethel M&E Quilt Shoppe, 279 E. Market Street, Sandusky, OH 44870 419-502-9123 www.mequiltshoppe.com
Valdani Perle Cotton This is a beautiful Perle Cotton that is Hand-Dyed in Lead-Free Dyes and Guaranteed Colorfast. This thread works great for any wool applique and punch needle. Right now we carry two sizes of Valdani at M&E. Size 12 (the finest) and Size 8 (medium weight). There is no rule of thumb as to what size to use in your project, it is whatever you prefer. You can even mix both sizes in a project, there are no rules. So What Size Needle Should You Use? A large eye needle for sure! LOL Chenille Needles: These needles are identical to tapestry needles except that they have a sharp point which will pass through coarse fabrics. Chenille needles have a large eye and are often used for different types of embroidery or applique. We carry two types of Chenille Needles at M&E, Primitive Gathering and Richard Hemming in sizes 22 & 24. You may have to switch between sizes when using the wool thread because some of the colors tend to be a little thicker than others. Richard Hemming needles tend to be a little more rounded in the eye than the Primitive Gathering ones which are more oval. Use whichever you are more comfortable and which one is easier on the eyes to thread! LOL What Method Should I Use to Apply My Wool for Applique? When tracing your applique shapes on Freezer Paper you can either Pin or Glue. Pinning: Ethel is a pinner. The small applique pins we have available makes this method a breeze. Gluing: Mabel likes this method and uses the Roxanne Glue Baste-It. It’s 100% Water Soluble, dries in minutes and is easy to apply. Fusible: Both of us occasionally use this method. We currently carry Soft Fuse Premium in the shop. Soft Fuse is a paper-backed fusible web for machine or hand applique. Soft Fuse Premium is so soft that needles, both hand and machine, just glide right through. Draw on paper side, roughly cut out shapes, fuse to applique fabric, closely cut out drawn shapes, then remove paper and position pieces in order and fuse onto background fabric. Finish edges with your favorite stitch. NOTE: If you have used a fusible or a glue, then the threads you are using are being pulled through more layers that will tend to put a little more stress on your threads (especially wool thread). The eye of your needle could also cause stress on the thread. So keep this in mind when pulling and stitching your appliques.
Wool Applique is a wonderful hobby and we hope you will give it a try. Happy Stitching, Mabel & Ethel M&E Quilt Shoppe, 279 E. Market Street, Sandusky, OH 44870 419-502-9123 www.mequiltshoppe.com
