Learning about new batting options with Hobbs Bonded Fibers

Learning about new batting options with Hobbs Bonded Fibers

I recently chatted with Stephanie from Hobbs Bonded Fibers, you can check it out on episode 137, about the different types of batting. They make a lot of other products as well. Oh my I learned so much from that conversation and it made me realize I needed to step out of my cotton batting rut. I shouldn’t call it a rut, really, because I have only ever thought cotton was an option. I am sure I am not alone on this so I wanted to share my first attempt at using Hobbs Tuscany wool batting.

Hobbs Batting - Tuscany 100% wool batting - Modern Sewciety

First let’s learn from Hobbs about their Tuscany wool batting.

This Tuscany batt is made with the very finest superwashed wool that is carded and resin bonded to retard bearding. The superwash process successfully smooths the scales on wool fibers. This makes the wool pleasant to the touch and less likely to shrink. The natural fiber breathes, allowing excess heat to disperse away from the body. The tiny fibers trap air which creates insulation in this lightweight batt. The loft retention is excellent.

When I thought of wool batting I just thought it would be too warm for Florida weather. It is not at all. I think it is a great balance of lightweight batting with enough warmth to have the just right snuggliness. (I totally made up my own word for describing batting!)

This is a quilt Melissa, from Sew Shabby Quilting, and I made with Michael Miller Fabrics Cotton Couture Solids. It was featured in Love Patchwork and Quilting, issue 47.  This is the pop that wool batting can give your projects. I love the different colors threads Melissa used as well.

I know that using something new can be scary because you don’t know how to care for it like your regular batting choice. No need to worry because it is easy peasy.

How to care for your wool batting: (from Hobbs)

We suggest washing items made using Tuscany Wool in cool water by hand and laying out flat to dry. If you prefer to wash by machine, place settings on gentle cycle/no spin/cool water. Be especially cautious with front loading washers as the intense spin cycle on these machines can be very hard on quilts. For more detailed washing information see our Frequently Asked Questions. You may experience shrinkage of 3-5% and it may be quilted up to 4” apart.

Available Sizes: 45×60 Crib, 60×60 Throw, 72×96 Twin, 81×96 Full, 96×108 Queen, 120×120 King, 96 Board

Type: Approx. Loft Shrinkage Distance Between Stitches
Superwashed Wool
Resin Bonded
1/4-3/8″ 3-5% 4″
Hand Quilting Machine Quilting Dark Fabrics Light Fabrics
Excellent Excellent Excellent
Test With Fabric
Excellent
Test With Fabric

I hope you will take a leap and try out some of the different batting options that Hobbs Bonded Fibers provides for every quilter.

This is a sponsored post and all opinions are my own.

Sulky Threads – Cotton + Steel 50 wt. Thread

Sulky Threads – Cotton + Steel 50 wt. Thread

Cotton +Steel threads by Sulky - Modern Sewciety

It is no secret that I love Sulky Threads products. I use Cotton + Steel threads by Sulky 50 wt thread a lot for piecing and even quilting on my longarm. I think that last one really surprises a lot of people. I use a Janome 1600p on a Grace frame and the 50 wt works awesome! Want to know something even cooler? The amount of thread on one spool is seriously amazing! It is A LOT of thread for the price. And the colors are ON POINT. I have ventured out of my neutrals only because of the amazing colors they offer. Give me a neon yellow or an orange and I am a happy camper. I don’t even know myself anymore with these wild choices.

If you are interested in how and why Cotton and Steel teamed up with Sulky for their 50 wt thread you are in luck! Go take a listen to my chat with Melody Miller from Cotton + Steel where we chat about how the brand and the collaboration with Sulky came to be. Melody is one smart cookie and really is one of the smartest business women in the industry. This has to be one of my favorite chats of all time.

Get to know the thread:

What is Cotton + Steel 50 Wt. Thread by Sulky?

“Surround yourself with inspiring, beautiful things…” Since their founding in 2013, Cotton+Steel, a division of RJR Fabrics, has been dedicated to creating unique, colorful fabrics that truly bring your projects to life. It’s a no-brainer why they chose to collaborate with such a fantastic company to create a brand new line of 50 wt. thread: Cotton+Steel Thread by Sulky.

This Egyptian Grown, Extra-Long Staple Cotton is twisted, dyed, and finished in Italy with the final winding in Germany.  All 100 colors of this mighty fine, all-purpose thread were carefully chosen to include essential sewing colors plus a mix of fun, vibrant colors to perfectly match any project – especially when using Cotton+Steel Fabrics!

Recommended Needle for General and Piecing: 11/75 or 12/80 Quilting, Microtex, or Embroidery

Recommended Needle for Quilting: 11/75 or 14/90 Quilting or Embroidery

What is your favorite Cotton and Steel Thread box by Sulky?

 

MS episode 158 – Natalie Santini from Hungry Hippie Sews @sewhungryhippie

MS episode 158 – Natalie Santini from Hungry Hippie Sews @sewhungryhippie

 

Natalie, from Hungry Hippie Sews (or as I know her from instagram @sewhungryhippie) is one of those creatives that just does it all. She makes clothes, quilts, bags, and everything in between. She is always posting pictures of her creations and they always have one thing in common – COLOR. Natalie loves color and she loves to be creative which makes me smile. I wanted to have her on for a chat to get to know more about her and to ask her all of the questions I have from following her. I wanted to know all about her journey into sewing, having a blog, starting patterns as a part of her business, and so much more. She shares everything with us and to be honest I can’t wait to have her back on for another chat. After the chat we even decided to do a sew along with our favorite dress patterns! So stay tuned for that. Just click on the post to see the show notes.

Hungryhippie Sews

@sewhungryhippie

Patterns

FB Group

Fabuless Fabrics for vinyl – Natalie recommended 10 gauge

Sew Sweetness for Cork

Zipit on Etsy

Stitch Supply Company

Modern Stitching Affair

Lysa Flower

Top Oils::

Thieves

Cloves

Elevation

Eucalyptus

peace

This is a sponsored post and all opinions are my own.

 

Visit my Sponsors::

Love Patchwork & Quilting – Issue no. 59

Love Patchwork & Quilting – Issue no. 59

Love Patchwork & Quilting - Modern Sewciety

I love magazines. I think they are one of my favorite splurges as a maker. You can get such a variety of projects and inspiration from them. One of my favorites to sit down and flip through is without a doubt Love Patchwork & Quilting. They do such a fantastic job on having a variety of projects in the magazine while also featuring really awesome products and creatives.

The latest issue, no. 59, is sporting a new cover design and I LOVE it. It is so fresh and modern. I loved the old design but I am a fan of change and a little refresh is always fun. This issue is all about color play and let me tell you LPQ knows how to feature awesome projects!

Love Patchwork & Quilting Issue 59 - Modern Sewciety

They even have the cutest project from Minki Kim’s Dear Diary fabric. Minki always does amazing work and I can’t wait to see more of this project.

Love Patchwork & Quilting - Dear Diary quilt by Minki Kim - Modern Sewciety

You can get an awesome deal of 78% savings on annual US magazine subscriptions for Love Patchwork and Quilting. You can get 13 issues for $39.95! That is a HUGE savings of $141.92!!!! This is delivered directly to your mailbox and at that savings you can look forward to opening your mail each month. Check it Love Patchwork and Quilting now!

This is a sponsored post and all opinions are my own.

Havel’s Sewing – New 45mm Rotary Cutter

Havel’s Sewing – New 45mm Rotary Cutter

Havel’s Sewing has been a sponsor of the Modern Sewciety podcast for several years. I have enjoyed working with their products so much. I get to work with the sweetest person ever, Shelly, on projects for Havel’s and from the start she has always been an encourager. It is so special to work with others who believe in what you are doing. It is a special privilege to introduce to you Havel’s New 45mm Rotary Cutter. It is the cutest color and design. It is easier to hold for sure when you are cutting out projects.

Havel's new 45mm rotary cutter - Modern Sewciety

Let’s get to know it a little more. The latest rotary cutter features a brand new ambidextrous ultra-comfort grip.

Just like the other Havel’s rotary cutters, the new ultra-comfort grip handle features the world class sharpness of their stainless steel blades. Havel’s blades are engineered for maximum cutting life, making cutting even the toughest materials a breeze.

● Extra sharp stainless steel 45mm blade
● Ergonomically designed handle allows comfortable
cutting with every use
● Adjustable blade guard suitable for left-handed and
right-handed users
● Easy push button blade lock keeps blade locked
when not in use

You can use the code MODERNSEWCIETY7 for $7 off a $25 order. Havel’s has great prices. You could get the new 45 mm rotary cutter and a 22×16 self healing cutting mat with the code for around $33! That is a great price so run get yours today!

 

Modern Sewcialites BOM Roundup – March

Modern Sewcialites BOM Roundup – March

Modern Sewcialites is on the house block for the month of March. I adore this block because it is so cute no matter if it is simple or all gussied up. I love seeing the different looks of this block because of fabric choices.

Let’s check out some of the blocks. Oh if you want to see a lot of inspiration and blocks just check out and follow the #modernsewcialitesBOM.

Do you want to help make a difference with a quilt? HollyAnne Knight from String and Story has a great charity she founded called Quilts for Cure. You can find more about the story here and use the February heart block to make a special quilt to donate. Help Holly deliver quilts to kids with cancer.

Oh Melanie from Southern Charm Quilts does it again. I love how the windows look like the light is on. And all of those liberty fabrics. I want to live in this house. Check out her post here.

Modern Sewcialites -Southern Charm Quilts

Andrea from Third Story Workshop blew me away with the cutest little house block and story. I love that Andrea found a sewing space even in her small home. And look at this amazing January block for her word of the year. She has the best photography too. You really have to check out her post here.

Modern Sewcialites BOM - 3rd Story Workshop - house block

Shannon from Shannon Fraser Designs has the cutest house block ever. I want to live here too but this would be my lake house. It looks so serene. I can’t wait to see Shannon’s quilt come together. Check out her post here.

Modern Sewcialites BOM - Shannon Fraser Designs

Rebecca from Hugs are Fun is using cotton couture solids for her blocks. I love where how bright and happy all of the blocks are with the contrast of the crisp white. I can’t wait to see her rainbow quilt. Check out her post here.

Modern Sewcialites BOM - Hugs are Fun - 1st quarter blocks

Michelle from Cole and Taffy has been busy sewing up all of her blocks. She posted a roundup here. I thought it was such a fabulous idea to do the year instead of a word for the January block. The aqua and pink color scheme is going to make such a gorgeous quilt. I can’t wait to see this quilt either.

Modern Sewcialites BOM wrapup - Cole and Taffy

And last but not lease… the worst photography on the planet is mine. Sometimes I wish I had a little photography fairy that said, “Stephanie what do you need photographed today?” I would hand over the stuff and say what I needed and bam it would be done. I so want this to come true. If it does and fairies exist then I want to live in this cute little yellow house with a green door. I love my block so so much. I used Art Gallery Fabrics for my block.

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