Most of my quilts are just less than 60" wide too. I buy king size batts and can get three tops out of one, with careful cutting. When Connnecting Threads has a sale, I order three or four. I think I am ready for a new batch, just waiting for a sale.

Theresa

As/when needed from JA's using a 60% off coupon. I'm not at the point of needing to buy in bulk. Your story is amusing!

I buy a huge roll, about ten yards at a time at JoAnn's, and store the roll on end in the closet. When I need some, I throw it on the bed and unroll what I need. Some scraps result and I fold them with a note pinned on the edge of their size. I always use them up eventually. Then the roll goes back in the closet. I sometimes have specialty batting like black or wool. That I just get in a cut size so I'm not storing too much. I also like having plenty on hand.

I buy 90" Warm and Natural by the roll from JoAnn's when its on sale. I usually buy online so I don't have to get it home in my car. I did that one time when I had a smaller car and didn't think it was going to fit in the car. lol

I get the 90" Warm and Natural rolls, too. Use a JoAnn coupon and free shipping. I stand it in the corner and roll it across the floor when I need to cut. I save the scraps and larger ones I sew together to make larger pieces. Smaller ones I use for dusting or cleaning. Tiny ones go in pillow cases with fabric scraps to make dog beds.

I don't remember the width of the Warm and Natural, but I bought a giant roll. I dump it out of the box, onto the couch, set out a folded table, unroll and cut. Then slide it back into the box. I can't believe how many quilts I have gotten out of it. I use the scraps as Bev does, but also as Swiffer sheets. Love um. I love the convenience of having the batting on hand (and the cost savings), so I'll continue to do this as long as I'm able. (If I'm too tired, I ask hubbie to help.)

Hi, Meanom. Welcome to the forum. Please don't apologize for doing machine quilting. That's what most of us do. You could also fasten the layers of your mattress pads with a large checkerboard pattern of machine quilting. Just make sure that your lines of stitches are as close as your batting requires. I'll bet 6-8" works for most batting, although I've not used 100% wool, so be sure to check the label. It would really help if you had a walking foot for your machine to help feed the layers evenly. Let us know how you do. (That's some motivation for you, LOL.)

Hi,

Yes, chatting about a project can have a way to move it forward.

I do have a walking foot --- haven't tried it my machine on this project but a recent one showed my the space under the arm is on the small side. Was doing that 'make your own chenille' thing --- though probably with too many layers.

There's a nearby shop that has lots of machines to use (for a fee) but the thought of rolling it up, unrolling, re-adjusting there takes me to finding a different solution.

Thought about another machine, but not my style to buy more ---- as I now have a serger and a tiny portable basic machine. And my main sewing machine is a good one even with its limitations --- but it has metal innards and a gift from my dad many years ago as a reward for my struggles in sewing a winter coat. Which came out quite well and had a surprisingly fine fit.

Some of use Elmer's school glue to glue the layers of our quilt together to machine quilt. I don't know how that would work on wool, although yours is washable.

Hadn't thought of using elmer's. Cheap and yes - it would wash out. Thanks

It does have to be the Elmer's SCHOOL glue. There is a shortage right now because the kids are using it to make something called slime. I just check with my drugstore and they tell me when a shipment will be in so I can get there before the kids.

Yes, making slime is a very fine end of year project for teachers.

And, you could make your own if desperate. This one has claims to be the 'same' as school glue:

3. Corn syrup glue recipe (source)

This makes yet another basic homemade glue. NOTE: I keep getting questions about whether any of these work for slime. I haven’t tested it myself, but several readers report that this recipe works great for slime.

• In a small saucepan, mix 3/4 cup water with 2 tablespoons corn syrup and 1 tablespoon white vinegar.

• Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

• In bowl, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 3/4 cups cold water.

• Slowly add the cold mixture into the hot mixture. Stir constantly for one minute.

• Remove from heat.

• Once it’s cooled, pour the mixture into its final container. Let it stand overnight at room temperature before using.

Went into Michael's the other day (first time in a very long time) and there was a huge display of school glue in gallon size bottles. Figured the slime craze must still be going strong!

Welcome, Meanom!

Lois, love your story...I'm short, 5'1 1/2" and used to be on the petite size, but it's funny...one never thinks of oneself as unable to manhandle a bolt of batting, fabric or whatever. We quilters are a determined lot.!

I too buy the batting at Joanne's with a coupon, and mostly the king size because I can normally get three quilts out of a king. I've always sewn the scraps together if I'm a little short. I zig-zag the pieces together and once quilted I don't think it's going anywhere...I've not seen a problem yet. Is there be an issue that I don't know about???