Standing Wool

History

During the early nineteenth century, numerous handcrafted rugs were produced using a diverse range of techniques. Various shirring variations, along with yarn-sewn, patched, and appliqued rugs, existed at this time. These initial handcrafted rugs were considered exquisite examples of manual craftsmanship rather than mere functional household items. The production of these rugs necessitated expertise, a significant amount of time, and access to resources; only the most affluent individuals possessed the time and resources for shirring. The use of standing wool appears to have been popularized by individuals with lower socioeconomic status. The manufacturers utilized discarded garments or remnants of fabric to produce comprehensive designs for their rugs and mats. It is difficult to determine the exact origin of these rugs, as they were likely used for practical purposes rather than being fancy decorative items like the shirred rugs. Consequently, fewer of these functional rugs have managed to survive over time.

Standing wool employs fabric strips that are manipulated through folding, coiling, and gathering and subsequently stitched together. These strips can be utilized individually, in multiple layers stitched together, or made wider and folded in half lengthwise (with the fold side facing up or down) prior to being assembled and stitched in a symmetrical radiating pattern or a design without a specific form. When the strips are stitched together with their flat sides aligned, the edges of the strips form the exposed surface of the rug.

Standing wool, as its name implies, is substantial enough to stand on its own; because it is frequently constructed without a foundation, it can be reversed. The name appears to be a modern descriptive term, and while the technique has been employed for a considerable duration, it is also experiencing a surge in popularity as a "new" technique; hence, old is new again.

In the past, wool rugs and mats were traditionally stitched together, but nowadays, some people opt to use glue, specifically glue designed for fabrics. Contemporary standing wool pieces often utilize dense fabrics like blanket- and coat-weight wools, although lighter weights can also be suitable.

Quillies

In this class, we will be utilizing standing wool in a coiled form, commonly referred to as quilling. This process, which yields compact fabric rolls, is a straightforward technique that produces pleasing outcomes.

The origin of the process is uncertain, and it is probable that it occurs spontaneously, as similar patterns can be observed in belts, cookies, pastries, ropes, and other objects. In the past ten years, quilling has gained increased popularity, being utilized not only as an embellishment but also as a method for creating entire pieces of art.

Quillies are constructed using fabric strips that typically range in width from 1/4 to 2 inches. Wider dimensions can be achieved, and naturally, the choice of fabric has an impact. Thin strips are more suitable for creating small quills, but they may lose stability if the coils are too large, potentially causing the center to dislodge. Utilizing strips of felted sweaters can produce exceptional outcomes. Additionally, it serves as an excellent method to utilize small strips and random pieces of fabric.

The enjoyment derived from creating quillies is numerous. Leftover materials can be repurposed; a diverse range of fabrics can be utilized, resulting in numerous effects; the quills can be incorporated into other methods of decoration to enhance, introducing intrigue and texture; and the technique can be easily adjusted to create small items like pins or trivets, as well as larger pieces such as rugs or installation exhibits.

Quilly Instructions:

1. Thread the needle and tie a secure knot at its end and put it to the side.
2. Place your 8-cut wool strip into your quill tool and position the tool vertically on the table.
3. Wind the wool into a circular shape until the desired diameter is achieved.
4. Push the needle and thread through the tail end of all of the layers in the quilly.
5. Pull the needle out of the other side of the quilly. Then go back through the layers by putting the thread back in where it exited. Put your needle in at the same exit spot and come out at a new spot on the other side of the quilly.
6. Repeat step 5 until you feel the quilly is secure usually 3 to 4 times.                     

Tip: Try not to pull the thread too hard or the quilly will be misshaped.