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ikkivan
Gabber Extraordinaire
USA
429 Posts |
 Posted - 08/10/2012 : 09:53:16 AM
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Had a bit of trouble deciding where to post this, but decided to try this spot, as this question can apply to things other than just Christmas ornaments:
I just bought "55 Christmas Balls to Knit" and have all the necessary supplies to begin EXCEPT for wool stuffing. I have polyester fiberfill, but would prefer the wool because of the flame resistance, which I like for Christmas ornaments (as well as for baby toys I see in the future).
There is no wool stuffing or batting in my town, so I will need to order it online. What exactly do I order? Quilt batts? Then do I just pull off pieces of that? Can I use roving? Top? Since I do not spin, I am not really familiar with how these fibers would work as stuffing. From the instructions in the book, I gather that I should sort of "line" the inside of the knitted fabric first, then keep adding stuffing from the outside to the inside.
I'd appreciate advice on stuffing materials from any of you who have made Christmas ornaments, as I've never before knit an item that required stuffing.
Donna, with intentions always bigger than her available time. (OkieDokieKnitter on Ravelry) |
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kbshee
Permanent Resident
USA
4129 Posts |
Posted - 08/10/2012 : 11:04:10 AM
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I haven't had a lot of experience, but I have stuffed a few toys with alpaca 'second cuts'. When alpaca are sheared, the first 'cut' is the 'good stuff' (the blanket from the torso), and the 'not so good stuff' (the neck and legs, and the 'second time' that the shearer goes over the torso to clean it up) are seconds. The seconds aren't great for spinning but good for stuffing. I checked Etsy, and several people sell big bags of seconds for not a lot of money (I've seen a pound for $10, which is on the high end, plus a 'giant' garbage bag for $15).
Here is the link: http://www.etsy.com/search?q=seconds%20alpaca&order=most_relevant&view_type=gallery&ship_to=ZZ&min=0&max=0
kim in oregon
http://kbshee.blogspot.com |
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Consuelo
Gabber Extraordinaire
USA
582 Posts |
Posted - 08/23/2012 : 01:28:08 AM
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how about using scrap yarn to stuff. I keep a bag - a pretty large one - where I throw all the small bits of I cut off from projects. That kind of thing would make great stuffing. I haven't tried it but I think it would work.
Consuelo
"Perfect" is the enemy of good! |
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purlewe
Permanent Resident
1867 Posts |
Posted - 08/23/2012 : 10:16:51 AM
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I googled wool stuffing and came up with all sorts of hits. But I think that finding someone who has wool for spinning is a great idea. You could buy some from most of the major online suppliers that you would buy yarn from. I would say sky was the limit, but most likely I would stick with either a generic wool top or corriedale. If you have an online yarn supplier who also sells wool for spinning I'd give them a call and tell them what you were looking for wool for stuffing. They might guide you to their lower priced batts.
I will give a slight word of warning.. at least in my house, my cat thinks that wool stuffed ornaments are quite a treat. We have to hang those the highest on the tree. they are light enough to do it, or else she would take them as her treasures to be hidden.
Life is not a having and a getting, but a being and a becoming. ~Myrna Loy
http://purlewe.typepad.com/ |
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Shalee
Permanent Resident
USA
2023 Posts |
Posted - 08/23/2012 : 11:06:45 AM
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I tried saving bits and pieces of yarn, like Consuelo mentioned. It's just that I didn't really have a decent place to keep it so I threw the pieces out. I do have fleese and some batting that I could use. Also, I've heard of some women using old nylons or knee highs, but it seems those are going out of style lately.
Sharon in NW PA
I always wanted my own library but I didn't realize it would be all knitting books!
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ikkivan
Gabber Extraordinaire
USA
429 Posts |
Posted - 08/23/2012 : 2:19:40 PM
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Thanks, Everyone ... I have ordered some wool batting from Etsy that was described as good for stuffing toys and dolls. Alas, it didn't arrive in time for our county fair, so I stuffed the first group made especially FOR the fair with the polyester fiberfill I had in the closet (purchased, I think, in the 1990s). But the next ones will be filled with wool.
Donna, with intentions always bigger than her available time. (OkieDokieKnitter on Ravelry) |
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what to use for stuffing?
