Sponsor Giveaway: Wool from Heavens to Betsy
Heavens to Betsy, purveyor of 100% milled wool, recently became a True Up sponsor, and immediately sent me all this gorgeous wool to divvy up. Now, this stuff is just scrumptious. It is woven, not felted/fulled, and the colors are deep, saturated, and beautiful. All the fabrics are 58-60″ wide, about 12oz./yard, and available as yardage. It is definitely soft enough to be worn against the skin (but I love how wool feels and I know some people have lower itch thresholds!). In addition to timeless plaids and stripes, there are a few heathered solids in the mix.
Now, I’ve sewn some with wool felt but not much with woven wool, so I’m wondering what to do with it, other than stare and touch! The Heavens to Betsy blog and Flickr group have plenty of ideas — quilting, rug hooking, stuffed toys, clothing (this stuff is perfect for coats), bags, pillows, scarves, blankets … but I’m wondering what you’re envisioning.
I want as many people as possible to experience this wool in person, so I’m giving away four bundles of two half-yards each (I have to hoard a little for myself!) For your chance to win, leave a comment on this post telling me a project, even a commercial pattern, that you think you’d use with these fabrics. I’ll pick the winners next Wednesday, Feb. 23, around noon central U.S. time. This giveaway is open to readers worldwide.
Erica, the owner of Heavens to Betsy, provides some tips on working with their wool:
Wool most often has two sides that look alike because of it being woven. This can be an advantage but … The best tip is to ALWAYS “label” ( I use a flower head pin, With the flower on the right side) the right side when cutting for a pattern – especially garments- It is very easy to make a perfect pleated pocket and sew it to the wrong side of a coat panel without noticing until you go to attach the panel.
Wool should be washed first before using. Wash in the washer in warm water and place in the dryer as normal. This will tighten the weave (some call this felting). It will not shrink after that as long as you use the same process. Although, hot water will shrink it more and make it thicker ( good for some projects).
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Ooh, that looks lovely. I would make my little boy a warm and comfy hooded jacket out of it. He’s two and is still totally into what I make for him.
This would actually be perfect for some cushions I am thinking of making.
I would, definetely make a bag and a cowl for myself.
Patterns? Easy!
Bag:http://www.keykaloupatterns.com/product/city-tote-pdf-sewing-pattern
Cowl: one of my cowls like the ones here http://www.etsy.com/transaction/38344286
Thank you for the chance to win this giveaway
I would make an ipad case out of it for my poor nekkid ipad.
Well, I’m a wool newbie, so I would probably start simple with a pillow or scarf… but I’m thinking that aqua/gold plaid print would look awesome as a hat!
I’d definitely want to take advantage of the warmth of wool, but I don’t think my skills are up to making a coat – I’m pretty sure I’d make either a scarf or a cozy lap blanket.
Ooh, these are really sharp. I adore wools, so I’d probably go crazy and make a lot of nice cozy skirts.
With a half yard, I’d probably make some sort of cowl or scarf so I could show it off properly.
I have been making improvisational quilts a lot lately and would love, love, love to make one in wool!
Here is the last one I made: http://onthedesignwall.blogspot.com/2011/01/in-progress-improvisational-split-log.html
I’ve just finished it up and ready to make the next one. I love the subtlety of that grey and red plaid!
I would LOVE to make a cushion out of them, what totally wonderful colours! Using my applique design here – http://www.etsy.com/listing/67470483/pillow-cushion-chocolate-and-gold
thanks!
x tractorgirl
oh I would love some wool fabric… It’s my latest fabric addiction!!! One thing
I plan to make is a skirt like the ones you find
At anthropologie for about $98.
Thanks!!!
Oh, what wonderful woolens. These would be perfect for a crazy quilt like great-grandma use to make, I have just the one in mind. Such great colors. That is the one thing great grandma didn’t have. Appreciate the giveaway. nanasew at gmail dot com
Oh, I’d love to make a new winter coat for my daughter! THANKS for the chance!
ourbusylittlebunch(at)hotmail(dot)com
That is so beautiful – i am a huge fan of wool. WIth a couple of half yards I would make either some skirts for my little girl (whose name is Betsy!) or maybe a hat or bag. On the other hand I am totally coveting some yardage to make a jacket or skirt for me – I am going to check out the site now!
Wow! What gorgeous colors and I can only imagine what they feel like. I LOVE wool….
Here’s what I would make for my little girl.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/61751222/chic-cocktail-swing-coat-pattern-and
Or maybe a wool waistcoat for my little guy. Many options!
I’m thinking a scarf or tote.
Ooooo, that would be such a remarkable giveaway to win! Hats for sure–I have some very sexy hat patterns that I’ve been longing to make, but haven’t ever quite found the right fabric to do so.
Oooh! A skirt!
OOh these are lovely – I saw some of this milled woven wool at a show here in the UK last weekend – I can vouch for how gorgeously saturated the colours are – and oh so touchable!! (I just didn’t have enough money on me to indulge!)
If I won I’d make an overnight bag for my two day holiday (1st time abroad in 4 years!) to Berlin in April – I need something I can carry on the plane but that is sturdy enough to put ‘stuff’ in!
Those heather solids are to die for
I would love to add it to a brown jacket I am working on.
Since I live in the hot desert, I wouldn’t be able to use these for a skirt, as much as I would want to. Dependin on the pattern, I might make a kilt for a piper friend’s little toddler, or make little zipper bags to organize things in my purse.
I’d love to make a blanket!
With a small amount of wool, I’d felt it really well and use it for a bag. Probably a big messenger style bag that would hold my laptop. Wouldn’t that be great with these fabrics?
In larger amounts, I’d make a wool skirt…A straight skirt that would be classic looking.
I love wool…wool yarn, wool fabric…I just love woo!
I’d make everyone in my family scarves because one can never have enough cozy warmth during the winter months! And if I had enough, a clutch purse to go with my scarf!
I’ve always wanted to try rug hooking!
Wow. I’ve been dreaming of doing a “fit to frame” applique pattern in all wool (I have pattern 6). I have very little wool, and I’d need quite a selection to really do it well. This group would be a tremendous start on that project. . .
oh, my – those are some lovely, lucious woolens!! I would make an a-line skirt!!(view F – http://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/1668 – or maybe shorten the amy butler barcelona pattern http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/products/patterns_display.php?id=27 )
Droooooool. As a knitter first, I love the wool! I want to make mini plaid bookbags for my kids, and some toys, and probably doll clothes. Or bunny clothes. I want to play.
Oh! Or little patchwork doll blankets.
Ohh – I love the zaka owls pattern or “tutowlrial” from Moonstitches</a – a perfect tiny project for wool.
That wool is gorgeous, definitely perfect for clothes or soft toys.
I love sewing with wool – it’s so easy to manipulate. I don’t wash my wool unless it’s a light weight, tightly woven wool . Washing will change the texture so if you like the fabric as is, don’t wash it.
I just purchased a Threads skirt pattern (Simplicity 2564) and it would be perfect for a plaid wool.
If I were in college, I’d be making short tight skirts which was my favorite thing to wear with my opaque black tights and knee high boots. (how fun that fabric can draw me into the past so concisely). Since I don’t do the short tight skirt anymore, I might make a bag- or pillows- for next fall. Maybe something for my boys.
I think a bag would be lovely in this.
Miniskirts! Even if I have to piece together with some solids. I love sewing apparel with wool. Thank you for showing us the Heavens to Betsy site, too. There is beautiful stuff there! I may have to treat myself to some Olde Glory. Beautiful. Thanks for hosting the contest!
Wow! How generous! I would definitely test my skills and try to make a cute fall cropped jacket!
I would love to make some scarves out of that lovely wool. Thank you very much for the chance.
Oooo! Gorgeous! i’m drooling. I think I’d use some of the fabric to make a cat bed for my kitty, she always wants to roll about on any wool clothing I forget to hang up.
And maybe a seat cover for in the car, my tushie gets cold in the convertible in the winter! Heh.
Wow, that is some gorgeous wool! So many things spring to mind – a jaunty tam ‘o shanter with a velvet band for adults or kids, skirts (wouldn’t they look fabulous in a pleat?) and how about a woolen patchwork quilt?
I would like to make a coat for my husband, but that isn’t enough fabric. So maybe another coat for my dog. I can’t stop making him coats. Check the blog for pictures. But I might get selfish and make a laptop case.
Oh, it all looks divine. Definately a winter hat for me. I love hats and I love winter and I love wool. Perfect combo!
Gorgeous wools! I think I’d make Anna Maria’s Figure 8 cowl that also used some of her voile.
This wool is gorgeous! I would love to make vests and hats out of it. So colorful and soft-looking!
I’d make a coat or a jumper for my daughter. Love the colours!!
Thanks for introducing Heavens to Betsy. I’ve been wanting to sew an Oliver + S Coat for my daughter but have yet to find the right wool. Looks like they have several good choices! Thanks!
I’d make a bag for myself and a hat for my toddler. Those are gorgeous!
Seeing as how winter never, ever, ever, ever, ever ends in Chicago, I’m going with something blankety!!
This wool could be used with some gray I have. It would be nice as a pillow cover or bag or a lined jacket. Lovely colors. I’m Irish and Scotch so wool is nice! Thank you for a chance to win this really lovely fabric!
I recently made a wool hooded coat with wool from Pendleton Mill Store in Portland and loved the result – love to make another! Also on my list is a shoulder bag in wool! Here is the coat I made… http://georgiannacraft.blogspot.com/2010/11/pattern-no-12-jacket-with-hood-and-big.html
We’re getting ready for a move to a colder climate and the whole family will need scarves and coats! I think this lovely wool would help in my mission to warmly clad my family.
Thanks for the chance to enter!
Gorgeous wools! I’d make a kilt-like skirt for my daughter, with a few wooly flowers as well.
Thanks!