The "Light" project of several posts ago (May 7), was machine quilted on my DSM, using Bamboo Batting. I had not tried it before and was pleased with the results. First, the size listed is 60 x 60, but it was slightly larger, this one was 62 x 66 inches, a nice surprise. It was crinkled when it came out of the package and even with a few minutes in the dryer with a wet towel, it was still slightly crinkled, but not noticeable when quilted. The batting is very soft and feels lovely.
As far as biodegradable, 'green', etc., I don't remember any reason why bamboo would be better than cotton but I'm not an expert, but bamboon grows fast.
Oops, forgot to mention (thanks Paula), I have not washed this. Yes, I was careless in my own rule of "always prewash color saturated fabrics." If anyone has washed their quilt made of bamboo, please let me know how it turned out. 8-)
It was an experiment, just to satisfy my curiosity. I would use it again, but I always look at comparing costs and don't remember where this expense stacks up in all the other batting options.
Just thought you'd like to know.
I am a quilter - a retired widow living in the Nebraska Panhandle. I am surrounded by beautiful semi-arid ranch country, and treeless hills and fields under incredibly wide blue skies, located far from the upheaval found often in large towns or cities. I am blessed to have delicious time to quilt and to appreciate my peaceful moments in an unpeaceful world.
I have yet to try a bamboo batt. I have knitted with bamboo yarn which I find a bit more 'stiff' than the very pliable cotton yarns. How did it wash up? Flat or a nice crinkly antique look?
ReplyDeleteI have not tried the bamboo batting yet. I have been watching a lady hand quilt with it at guild meetings for the last few months. It seems to be fraying for her. But it feels soft.
ReplyDeleteI did buy a piece of the new Silk batting from Quilters' Dream. I will save it for something special just for me.
Haven't tried it myself either - let us know how it washes up.
ReplyDeleteLynn
The bamboo batting I had quilted nice, it was just a big "sticky" to work with was I was positioning the batting. And, it was a bit wrinkly and I hadn't thrown mine in the dryer, I just leave it hang on the long arm overnight and that usually relaxes all the wrinkles, but it didn't on this one. But it did wash up nicely, I just haven't used it enough to tell how it will hold up.
ReplyDeleteI have bamboo socks, which is no help at all, but they are wonderful, wash well, stay new looking, and are totally comfortable. A friend loves the bamboo for hand quilting, but agrees that it is a bit 'sticky' which isn't necessarily bad... less basting required for the sandwich.
ReplyDeleteI'm almost finished quilting a bamboo batted quilt. I love it, it's so soft. Just squeeze the bag and then squeeze a cotton bag, it's a difference. I guess it could be how tightly it's woven for packaging, but it really feels different and soft.
ReplyDeleteAs soon as it's bound, I'm washing it, because I'm too curious. I need to know what the effect of washing and drying will be. I'll report later. Probably much later, as I'm in the process of moving daughters after they graduate.