2009 Sewing & Stitchery Expo

The 2009 Puyallup Expo, the largest sewing expo in the country, was a wonderful chance for us to visit with loyal Pendleton fans from around the country and meet new ones. We also had a chance to introduce people outside of Portland to our new ColorPlay Wool® yarn and carded wool. New needle felters were made that weekend as folks discovered the fun and versatility of the super-easy craft. We also connected with new designers who are eager to work with our wool – so look for new patterns this year from Linda Curtis, Pauline Richards, LaFred, Linda McPhee and others. Thanks for all the creative people who stopped by the booth to show off their own creations from Pendleton fabrics.

So, we are back from the Sewing Expo and we've had a chance to catch our breath - so here are the pictures of some of the AMAZING garments that we saw during the show.

Also, we always love our visits with the Make It With Wool Winners. These talented designers are so inspiring to everyone who meets them. The attention to detail and dedication to excellence makes me want to try something new. Don’t forget, at the end of June we will be hosting the national winners here at the Woolen Mill Store! Come, visit, be inspired too!

Introducing the Signature Edition
SPIRIT OF THE PEOPLES
Signed Commemorative Label,
Limited Edition of 100 Blankets

This collectible blanket was designed and woven to commemorate 100 years of weaving America’s spirit in our Pendleton, Oregon mill. It is a celebration of family.
Stripes running through directional crosses represent the trails of the five generations of family that have lead the company with the center stripe representing the generation to come. Crosses represent the four directions of Mother Earth, home to our Native American friends and their ancestors.

Woven in Pendleton, Oregon.
82% pure virgin wool/18% cotton
Dry clean. 64˝ x 80˝

Limited Signature Edition, limited to 100 blankets, custom commemorative label signed by 5th generation Mort Bishop, President and John Bishop, Chairman, Pendleton Woolen Mill

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this blanket will help fund the Home Builders Foundation’s renovation of the Cordero House in Tigard, Oregon. The original Cordero house was built in 1920 and has been a home for at risk youth since 1976, making a positive difference in the lives of young men of our community. Help to build a safe and stable home for our next generation of Oregonians.

This blanket is only available at the Woolen Mill Store and the Pendleton Home Store.

Feeling Sheepish?

Since our visit to the Sewing Expo in Puyallup we have had lots of requests for Stacy’s needle felted sheep design. So, here it is:


Materials:
White, light grey, and dark grey or black carded wool, about 6” of each color. This is a very small amount, less than .25 oz, so you can make lots of sheep with just a little bit of wool.
Background fabric: this can be a solid color piece of wool, or a garment or bag, whatever you want to apply this to as long as you can needle it without damaging it. A nice wool flannel is great.
Needle Felting tool: our favorite is the Clover Multi Tool since you can work with up to five needle at a time and it is safe to use with kids (with adult supervision, of course!)
Needle Felting foam surface
Scissors

1. Pull out about 6” length of white and light grey wool.
2. Stack the grey wool on the white and roll them together.
3. Cut off little “cinnamon rolls” of fleece.
4. Place background fabric on felting block and arrange the circle of wool in a round shape
5. Tack these in place lightly with the multi-tool.
6. Roll a small amount of black or dark grey wool into a long coil, thinner than a pencil.
7. Using a single needle, tack this in place as shown. This will become the ear. Trust me.
8. Make another dark coil and tack in place below the ears, in a “U” shape. This will be the face. Okay, now you trust me.
9. Do the same for two (or four) legs.
10. Add another circle of wool to overlap the legs, to create depth.
11. Cool sheep. Nice job.
12. Baa.