Monday, October 04, 2010

Wool Report
:-)
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Yesterday I spent several successful hours working on my wool mat. When I started working with the black wool I immediately felt some twinges in my hands but no immediate swelling like I experience on my lips. I definitely had some itching but tried hard not to think about it. That's really difficult when you're itching. LOL As I was working I realized that I needed to try very hard to avoid touching my face - when I did I felt some a slight burning sensation. My face is obviously very sensitive.
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I got tons of guidance and assistance yesterday from Karen & Kaaren - how to adhere the pieces/parts, what threads to use, what stitch to do, etc. They and several other bloggy friends offered to finish my project for me if I couldn't - thank you soooooo much - you're true blessings to me. :-)
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I decided not get to ahead of myself and worked on just one pumpkin - just in case I needed to abandon the whole project. :-) My blanket stitches are not very good - guess practice will help but for the most part not too bad. Be gentle when you look closely. LOL And, it lacks personality - that will come when I add the embroidered vines and tendrils.

I have to admit that I'm very proud of my simple accomplishment. :-) I had more fun that I can express via the written word. Thank you so much for all your words of encouragement.
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I have a super busy week ahead of me - the "must do by Saturday" list is very long. However, I hope to spend a little more time with my project - it makes me smile :-)
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Enjoy your week and thank you for visiting with me!
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In Friendship!

47 comments:

Cheryl said...

It is probably too warm yet to do this, but thin surgical gloves over your hands?? And your stitches look great! I'm working in wool today making a special someone at TOWQS a birthday gift.
Hope this works out for you.

Terry said...

You're off to a great start Darlene! I know all about itching...I'm just getting over a bout with poison ivy!

Loris said...

The pumpkins looks wonderful! You are off to a good start and I hope the itching reaction stays at bay so you can enjoy doing the whole project. It's very cute!

Yvette said...

It is coming out great!!!
I sure hope you can finish it without any reactions.

Linda said...

Way to go Darlene...PATIENCE GIRL PATIENCE..

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

You are off to a great start! Take your time. ;-) Have a happy day!

AnnieO said...

Sweet start, Darlene! I hope you continue to play with wool. You are very sensitive indeed to the lanolin. I didn't know that was what made the itching happen.

paulette said...

I have a daughter who is allergic to EVERYTHING...not pleasant...so you are doing VERY well!! Love the beginning and your stitches are perfect!! Well done!
Paulette

Lindah said...

Even if you cannot do another thing to the mat, it would be very attractive as is with a candle or whatever sitting on it.

Strlady said...

Such a brave soul! My sister loves wool and works with it ALOT. I have never felt inclined but it could be that I get many presents from her. LOL. This project is just lovely and you are doing great! I hope the allergies stay at bay.

Lori said...

It's a fantastic start!! Yay!!

Kaaren said...

Your stitches are beyond wonderful!!! Tidy, even and just about perfect as far as I can see.

What wonderful news that you didn't break out. It's going to look gorgeous, Darlene. You're well on your way!

Shakerwood said...

I think you are doing a wonderful job! Wish I lived closer so I could come help you out and you could bake a cake. Isn't there a song about that somewhere?! LOL

I'm so proud of you!

Glenna @ Hollyhock Quilts said...

ooooooooohhhhh! I'm loving it! Very cute!!

Regina said...

Oh no! It's looking great but I'm so sorry to hear you are having reactions to it. I was with Cheryl in thinking maybe some thin gloves would help.

Quilterbee said...

If you are allegic be very careful continuing to work with the wool. I knitted a wool sock and kept having trouble with my lips, tongue, and finally my throat started to close up. It took me awhile to realize that it was breathing in the wool fibers that was causing all the problems. I gave all my wool yarn away. I was told that even though I was allergic to wool clothes years ago that the wool has changed since then and I would be okay with the wool yarn. Not the case so if you are allergic the more you work with it the more problems it will cause.

tami said...

Your stitches look great. I really hope you are able to keep going.

Carole said...

Funny, as I was reading about your wool project, I kept saying to myself "isn't Darlene allergic to wool?" Yes, it is sweet. We now carry gorgeous hand dyed wools at the shoppe and I've been itching to get a project done. I have bought 3 wool kits from the Quilted Crow and have yet to do one of them. You are actually working on the same pattern I have as a kit! Sigh.... so what did Kaaren say about working with wool? Enquiry minds want to know! ;o) Hugs!

Allie said...

I'm so glad you were able to tolerate it, just don't touch the face, lol! It looks darling so far, good for you!

sunny said...

Oh I hope you're able to complete your project! You sound so excited about it, and I'm hoping to see a completed project. If you get too warm, you might want to put the wool away!

Amy said...

Darlene, I tried for weeks to resist the string quilt that is featured as the header on Julie K's blog. Resistance was futile, I have already started piecing the blocks.

JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes) said...

Yaaaaaaaay for some success - the punkin is so cute.

Unknown said...

It looks great! It is hard to describe the simple pleasure on it.

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh it looks wonderful! I think your stitches are wonderful! Better than mine - that is for sure! Glad you could do that little. Maybe if you can do a little every couple of days it will be enough just to satisfy that urge.

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

You're doing great Darlene! Hope the itch stays away!

Anne Ida said...

It's a lovely start, Darlene! Hope you manage to keep the itching in check. A little at a time might be the trick...

Becky said...

Just a thought. Would the hand cream made for hand quilting help? I can't remember the name. It's sold in quilt shops. Perhaps putting it on your hands before stitching. Love that you are attempting a new interest even though you have to approach it creatively. My stitching is horrible. I don''t stick with it long enough to improve. I'll do that one day. For now I want to learn to knit socks:) Have a fab day!

Loves to Quilt said...

Morning Darlene! I have been collecting felted wool for a few days to begin my first wool project. When stitching, do you use a hoop, hold the fabric or lay it on the counter? Thanks for your help!

Wendy said...

Your blanket stitch looks just great. Keep on going.

PunkiePie (Jen) said...

That is very cute, Darlene. I hope the itchies stay away and you can complete it.

Carol said...

Clapping, Clapping! It is looking wonderful! Hope you can keep working on it! I know you're having fun!

Ginger Patches said...

I can't believe you're actually doing a wool project...you're a brave big sis :) I'm glad you're not having too much reaction! I should send you a close up picture of MY blanket stitches...yours look great and in comparison to mine? They look perfect lol!! Oh and I love the project :)

Karen said...

Looks like you are getting the hang of the wool applique. A friend of mine is allergic to lanolin but is able to do the wool applique.

Elzaan said...

Yeah! That pumpkin sure looks great - and happy. Well done. Enjoy the rest of the project!
Elzaan

QuiltSue said...

Hmm, if those stitches aren't very good, I can't wait to see when they are! To me it looked wonderful.

Janet said...

What a lovely surprise that you can work with wool in short doses. I used to be able to wear it but not any more, especially not near the face or neck. We are sensitive souls.Glad to hear that you're also getting loads of pleasure from it.

Kim D. said...

That's adorable Darlene! I hope you'll be able to finish.

Millie said...

You are on a good start, Darlene. I bet it will take patience to finished the whole project. LOL

Sparky said...

Wool envy continues...I am sew inspired by you my dear Darlene...keep stitching, we will keep watching...blessings msamm

julieQ said...

Just thinking...maybe felt would be better? The look is very similar...just worrying a little 'bout ya!!

Stitched With Prayer said...

Hey "Wonder Quilter"...CONGRATULATIONS, my dear friend!!! If you don't know what for, I ain't gonna tell you, LOL. Just visit http://aquiltinglife.blogspot.com/ Double Big Hugs coming to you.

Paula said...

I just found your blog, by accident. I love it. Loved the elves story and lifesavers. I think we may have the same goofy sense of humor. Oh no! I ahve always wanted to try wool also. I may have to just to do , like you did. Great job! Enjoy!
I will be back!
Paula

Red Geranium Cottage said...

I'm likin it Darlene. Looks good.

Kim Brackett said...

I knew you'd be good at it -- look at those perfect stitches! And it lays really flat, too. Great job!

Kim said...

It was after I had collected a TON of wool that I discovered that I am a tad bit allergic to it, too. So now what do I do with all the felted wool I have stored? I just love the wool projects so this is sad and I feel for you. You did make a lot of progress here so maybe a little bit of work every now and then will be the way you get it done. The pumpkins are going to be real cute! :)

Kim said...

It was after I had collected a TON of wool that I discovered that I am a tad bit allergic to it, too. So now what do I do with all the felted wool I have stored? I just love the wool projects so this is sad and I feel for you. You did make a lot of progress here so maybe a little bit of work every now and then will be the way you get it done. The pumpkins are going to be real cute! :)

Kelly@ Charming Chatter said...

Oh very nice job Darlene! Looks like your off to a great "wooly" start (smile)!

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