A WEE BIT OF HEADWAY

As mentioned in the previous blog post, idea #1 was to hook just a witch shadow profile on a small rectangular piece of linen.  Which then developed into idea #2, hooking a flying witch in a moon and having just the circle of the moon and witch hanging on my door.

Found an old piece of Belgian linen in my stash measuring 13.5 x 15.5 which required sewing on cotton to extend the size to fit the frame.  And drew the witch and moon on the linen.

Hmmm...nice, but didn't seem complete, so idea #3 began to develop.  I plan to have just creepy looking dead tree limbs extending into the moon and tombstones extending across the bottom and into the bottom edge of the moon.  The drawing isn't quite to my satisfaction, which means it may even change a little during the hooking process.

For the finish, will put a piece of interfacing to stabilize the hooked piece and completely cover the back with black craft felt from my stash.  As I have a covered front door and storm door for added protection won't have to worry about weather.

If interested in doing something small too and with little cost, remember to google 'royalty free images' for whatever motif you'd like as your muse.  Happy hooking.

In other rug hooking news ~ tomorrow during The Five Cathy's cat will be bound and labeled using up the last of the pre-made labels.  In the evenings this last week I was also working on the final part of a Triptych ~ Crossed Flags in a heart.  Below is a photo of the original section I'm working on. 

Lower humidity this afternoon, thank goodness.

Saundra

BINDING THE EAGLE

April 15th I started hooking on the eagle and posted the first photo the next day.  After taking this photo I see the narrow strip of wool in the eye needs attention as some of the loops are dropping between the other loops.

For the rug to be complete it needs to be bound and labeled.  The binding has started but the label will be delayed until there are a couple more labels to fill a complete sheet of fabric coated printer paper.

The cotton flag tape I'm using to bind was gifted me by Polly Minick when doing work for her a few years ago.  It was a Moda item called Flag Day Farm and when googled, it was not listed on the Moda site.

A new rug will be on my frame, the one I already drew in case I needed a quick relief from the Eagle.  It is Spot the pup; I think he is cute as the dickens and hope to make it sorta scrappy.

And I have a special request to post some photos of dolls I used to make, so that will be an upcoming post too.  Might even open up my bins to see what is left over from my vending days and post those with prices on my blog.

OH, I've been in touch with Polly Minick recently and learned she has some Patriotic rugs in the Country Home summer issue.  Walmart didn't have the latest on the shelves yet.  Am hoping she has some new patriotic designs in there.

My morning is getting away from me but I've got to run to buy some bottled water, then if it isn't raining might do a little yard work before the rain begins.

Saundra

RUG HOOKING CHIT CHAT

Completed sewing the labels on all rugs with the exception of 1870 Horse which is shown below.  You probably noticed there is still that open spot on the side of the horse.  I haven't decided if I want to hook the salmon color in there like the original or fill in with light wool.  More than likely I'll stay somewhat true to the antique with the salmon color but perhaps not as large an area.

Have already hung Shadow Sleigh Ride on the wall above Mother with Fishbowl.  

I think they are better companion pieces than the whimsical rug which was there before.

Michelle has finished her project from the Hearts Hook-along which began October 1st.  Michelle is her mother's caretaker who has dementia, thus her choice of design was the heart in hand.  Am sure this has been therapeutic and beneficial for both ladies as her mother looked on while Michelle hooked.  

Snow is melting and the lake is back in my woods.  At least it isn't rock hard thick snow-white ice that lasted 3 weeks. But so many limbs have snapped and some still dangling big limbs will need to be severed eventually. Hard to believe it will be near 50 tomorrow.  Insane weather, but I'll gladly take the 50 rather than snow and ice.

Happy hooking.

Saundra

THE BLIZZARD

It took over 3 weeks for the previous snow, which turned into white rock hard ice, to disappear and now this.  Below is the view out my front door toward the driveway out from the property.  The snow totals reported say Seaford has received 19" of snow.  Have heard on local radio more snow is expected.  But I can't tell if what I'm seeing in the air is fresh snowfall or blowing from the trees.

Next is a view from the kitchen toward the deck.  Notice how the tree is bent with the weight of the snow and a few of the small limbs have broken.  Yesterday I cleaned the deck of all the branches from the previous snowfall.

And from the garage side you can see this limb is almost touching the ground.  Wouldn't surprise me if it snapped off.

Walking around the house looking out the windows there are a LOT of small and big limbs to be picked up.  Some in my driveway which will need picking up before I can leave the property; that is when I'd consider venturing out.  So much for global warming.

I live in Sussex county where numerous power outages have been reported.  Thankfully I have power, at least for now.  Local radio station, in talking to a major power company indicated it may take days before everyone would have power again.  And with the heavy snow on trees, another limb could break lines causing more outages as they work to restore others.

While I still have power will enlarge a pattern for someone and put it on linen.  Not sure when I'll venture out to ship it but at least it will be ready to go when that time comes.  And of course will do some hooking, binding a rug will continue as well as sewing on a few more labels.  Lots to keep me busy inside.

  
Saundra

www.facebook.com/woodlandjunctionhookedrugs

RUG LABELS and MORE

Just printed out a sheet of labels for a few rugs hooked in 2025, the rug just hooked but not quite bound and the rug I'm working on now.  Friend Lauren (Rugs and Pugs) prints out her labels one at a time.  But I'm so afraid of wasting the fabric backed printer paper that I do the whole sheet at a time even if some rugs have been hooked for months.

Although I've previously posted instructions on how I make them, there are always new people visiting my blog (uh, I think and hope, lol) so if you want to  find out how I make the labels click HERE.

Sheila has completed the hooking part of her Hearts Hook-Along and just has the binding to do.  Yup, 'tis true.   She decided to 'cut corners' and make the shape of hers a little different from the others' who participated, while staying true to it's design.  I like it and she should be proud to have hers a bit of an 'original'.    Thanks for joining Sheila.

Now  to my bad news.....unfortunately this area is under a 'blizzard warning'.  Latest report says perhaps 8-14" of that white stuff.  So much  for the 'global warming'. 

Am hoping the weather model they used for the amount of snow is wrong.  So it is gonna be a 'wait and see' kind of sh*t show.  But this is the report just in at 7:10 p.m. Saturday night.

But I've plenty to keep me occupied inside ~ I can hook, sew labels on rugs, or continue binding Shadow Sleigh Ride.   Wishing you a happy weekend and very little snowfall.

Saundra

www.facebook.com/woodlandjunctionhookedrugs 

THIS and THAT

Are you wondering how my new rug hooking tactic is going?  Ya know, the one where I bring down one bag of woolie worms at a time, return it  and grab another?  Don't think it's going to work like I'd hoped.

The first bag of green worked well and that was returned to it's storage spot after hooking all the green I desired.  Then it was time to do the barn and wanted a red barn and dark grey roof.  So brought down 2 bags.  I will need red again for the rooster and since I wanted a grey horse brought the black bag of worms to the hooking party ~  the black for the mane and tail of the horse ~ then there were three.  

So the pile is growing.  And I'll need other colors for other motifs...like yellow, white, brown, you know where I'm going with this, right?  Appears it will still be a rat's nest by the end of this project, seems there's no tidy way to hook a rug, or at least for me. 

Remember I and a few other bloggers mentioned the skyrocket increase of visitors?  I've taken screenshots of the top referrers and number of hits from each.  This is one from today which seems to show corporate interest.

Here is a snapshot from about 2 weeks ago which appears as tho it may be research done by educational and financial institutions.  

Are they researching bloggers to see if we are using AI in some way?  Or are they looking to see what they can use from us to assist them in their use of AI?

I've noticed while perusing Facebook it is obvious you can't believe what you see or read.  Heck one can't even watch or listen to the news and believe what you just heard.  And if it is true, sometimes I just want to shut off all news and watch movies or something entertaining, not world politics and other negative events.

Today I also sewed on more rug labels and finally hung The Ark on the wall in my living room.

Happy hooking.

Saundra

www.Facebook/woodlandjunctionhookedrugs.com

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

THIS and THAT

Now that enough rugs have been hooked to fill up a full page of labels I've printed them out and have begun sewing them onto the rugs.  Those last two rugs needed to fill the page were Magdalena's Animal Parade, presently being bound, and Animals Great and Small presently on my frame.

Today I sewed on 4 of the 6 labels to the proper rugs (below) and the other 2 labels await their turn.  FYI, for those antique adaptations I hook, the photo on the label would be the original antique rug from which my rug was hooked.  You can see how I do my labels by reading about it on a previous blog post HERE.

As I used my last printer page from the 10-pack will need to order more once I've gotten close to another 6 rugs hooked to fill a page.

Also patched that too short binding tape on Animal Parade and even tho it's on the backside it was still frustrating that it came up just a smidgen short.  Yet, a quarter inch or a foot short, would have prompted the same frustration.  I'll be sure to steam my rugs before measuring out binding tape next time. 

Won't have that problem when binding Animals Great and Small as that one will be whipped with yarn from Ali Strebel.  I do various binding styles depending on the rug, the border style and colors.  You can see some different styles in the first photo.

Happy hooking.

Saundra

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

WHAT'S IN A NAME? (Updated)

You've seen this rug worked in stages and is now finally bound and finished except for the label.  The label will be forthcoming when I've 6 labels to print out.  Now for the title of my post ~ What's in a Name?

I always name my rugs even if they are antique adaptations.  If by chance the auction house provides information which makes a great name I'll use that.  Or in the case of Magdalena Briner Eby rugs I'll use those names previously given since they are iconic.

This one, however, had me in a quandary.  Frankly when I first saw this antique rug thought it was ugly because of the background.  The background seemed cluttered, junky and never had any intention to hook it.  Until I did, lol.  

Therefore, my first thought was to name it "Junk Yard Dog".  Any of you the age to remember Jim Croce?  He had some wonderful songs and one was named "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown" who was meaner than a Junk Yard Dog.  So the idea of naming it "Junk Yard Dog" was born, because the background was junky on the antique.

BUT, my dog adaptation doesn't look mean at all.  Matter of fact comparing the two my poor pup's background looks pale in comparison.  So I'm searching for a name.  Two of my amiga's have suggested names in the past but am opening up the idea again.  

    Have been brainstorming with a compadre and came up with a few           ideas for a name in addition to those listed above:

    Leroy Brown  ~  Leroy   ~  Leroy's Dog   ~  Jim Croce   ~  Jim's Dog  ~        Croce's Dog   ~     

NOTE:  If it wasn't bad enough with the NO-REPLY Blogger issue, it seems even those whose emails would previously show up in my personal email, they no longer do.  So unless I have your email in my 'contacts' list I'm unable to communicate with you.

And when you make a comment even tho there is a 'reply' section you wouldn't see my reply unless you visit the comment section again.  Seems BLOGGER has gone BONKERS.  Oh, and let us not forget they removed the option for people to subscribe to our blogs.  Okay, am off my soap box now.

Got an idea for my doggie rug?

Saundra

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

IT'S RUG LABEL TIME FINALLY

I'm way behind labeling my rugs, as usual, because it takes 6 labels to fill a page so 6 hooked rugs are required.  Two of the rugs were hooked during 2023.  One was started November 2023 (The Reclining Sheep) but wasn't finished until the beginning of 2024 so gave it a label of 2024.

Those three rugs have their labels attached and here the are.  The flash has washed out the color in all of those rugs.

Sorry, I just couldn't let that washed out view of my rugs go so here they are  individually; first up is Reclining Sheep.

My design named 1776 Eagle which was adapted from an antique 1907 rug.

And finally Going in Circles, another adaptation which was a LOT of fun and was my 'plus one'.  If you compare this photo with the first one you'll see how washed out the rugs were in the first photo.

The Lone Stag label will be attached next but the last two labels will sit for a while as one still needs to be bound and the other is presently on my frame being hooked.  But at least the labels are ready to be attached when they are completed.  

I've posted a tutorial on a previous blog post and will copy and paste the link again to not repeat the whole process.  You can read how to do your own labels HERE.  The last printer fabrics I purchased was from TAILOR so perhaps there are other products available under a different name and the price may be higher.

More rain and turbulent weather in the forecast here and probably where you live.  So buckle up buttercup and have something handy to keep you entertained.  I'll be hooking for sure.

Saundra

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

CAPE MAY 2023

It felt good to see Cape May and hooking pals again.  I didn't go last year since there were no primitive teachers.  This year was a BLAST!  Was finally in Caroline Twigg's class (Eagles Nest Woolens) and will have her again November at Ocean City, MD.  The class of eight (three had to drop out due to health or family emergency) made for a more intimate gathering.

Our class was in the 'dungeon' a name given by hookers since the room  is dark and requires a lamp.  But had we been in the dining hall with good lighting and other groups we probably wouldn't have felt free enough to laugh as we did.  I took many photos so will have to show them in a few posts.  Also have 'throw down' photos of rugs we started in class.

First rug from the show is a design by Theresa Kogut named Moon Dance and hooked by our classmate Leslie.  

Another Halloween rug but cannot see who designed or hooked it.  Since Halloween is just a few weeks away this will give you time to order a pattern and get in the Halloween spirit.

Below is a Karen Kahle design (Primitive Spirit) hooked by Shari.

I believe the chicken rug below was designed and hooked by Lucille (American Country Rugs).  Some several of the labels were written with pencil which is hard to read and doesn't photograph well so I'm guessing.  

Beach Bums, below, is a design by Deanne Fitzpatrick and hooked by Kim McWilliams.

There were a few other Deanne's beach themed rugs in the show; these next three were hooked by Roberta Olah.  They are a hoot and can't pick a favorite.

Roberta also designed and hooked this blue ribbon winner of Elise.

If memory serves me correctly, again can't read the card, the rug below was named Crop Circles and hooked by Deb Lesher.

Shari hooked this Hutchinson style mermaid rug.

A geometric and cat by Shari also.

A pastel floral hooked by Vicki Bartkowski.

The rug below is named Horse Feathers by Vermont Folk Art and hooked by Deb Lesher. 

I've many more photos to share so there will be more blog posts coming another day.  Besides I want to sit and hook in a few minutes as ....

Happy hooking.

Saundra

www.woodlandjuctionprimitives.weebly.com

RUG LABELS DONE

Not only do I not have any rugs to bind, am also caught up on my rug labels.  Those include 4 previously hooked plus the 2 which will be finished before the end of the year.  I can get 6 labels to a sheet or more if I don't attach a mini photo of the original antique.

For those of you new followers, you can click the link below to see how I've made my labels HERE.

Have drawn the pattern for Cape May rug camp, which is probably a little early but at least it is done and won't be hanging over my head.  And, I've printed out a paper pattern for my next 'plus one'.  But haven't yet decided which pattern will be the main project.                                                       

You're probably wondering if cotton rug binding is the only way I finish my rugs and the answer is 'no'.  It depends on whether or not I want to add another row to the edge.  Sometimes I don't want the border to appear larger by whipping the edge or using wool, I just want the  hooking to show as I made  it.

Happy weekend and happy hooking.

Saundra

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

Ya Just Never Know...

This blog was started as a venue for beginner rug hookers to connect remotely and hopefully glean some knowledge from a seasoned rug hooker.  When my rug hooking journey began I wasn't aware of any resources, at first; so wanted to provide info to others.  But then my blog became a group of friends whose names I'd see pop up in comments, questions and those who became 'followers'.  

While most of my blog posts are about rug hooking on occasion there would be a post about personal experiences.  I'd provide links and labels which end up on the www for people to search.  So ya never know what those labels will reward you with.

I received an email from Carol Pollio (Intuitive Investigations).  Turns out in one of her web searches on Patty Cannon one of my old posts came up which interested her and therefore contacted me.  You can read that old blog post HERE.

Check out Carol's Certifications and Qualifications under the 'more' tab of her web site.

Among other things, Carol is a volunteer with the Georgetown Historical Society (my hometown) and has been given the task.  She is to find the location of Patty's skull so a replica may be made for the Old Courthouse Museum.  The books shown above have an image of a skull but is that hers?  And where is it now?

In the 1800's Patty Cannon was a notorious violent woman and was in the Georgetown jail when she poisoned herself.  The skull was stored, loaned out, handled and moved by many so present location is unclear.  Yeah, I know gruesome, right?  But this is history albeit macabre and an item the Smithsonian and other museums would want for Delaware history.

During our communications I told Carol about the orbs I've captured at Cape May and the scent when repairing rescued hooked items from the thrift shop.  If you don't recall reading that blog post you can find it HERE.  

She stated while doing a public investigation the entire group smelled a floral perfume and in another investigation smelled a specific tobacco scent of a crossed-over loved one.  In case you haven't figured it out, she is a paranormal investigator, works on historic sites and is a retired Chief Scientist from the National Park Service.  Carol has invited me to tag along in any of her investigations.  Dang, that would be so much fun as you followers know how I love posting orb photos.  Just wish I was younger and went out at night as I believe that is when most paranormal investigations are more active.

Check out her web site, check her credentials, of which she has many.

Guess it is t ime for me to pull a few more loops on my horse rug.   Happy hooking everyone.

Saundra

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

WHIPPING and LABELING

Thankfully there is only one rug to bind on the pile as Woman on Horseback was just whipped and label attached.  There is a downside to my label making madness as I don't do individual labels.  I wait until there are 6 rugs to label so they can be printed on normal paper size fabric covered sheets.  

When I do an antique adaptation I always put a photo of the original antique on the label.  For the Woman on Horseback I copied an image of Lucinda Ward's quilt block on the label.  Here is a photo of the labels made for the last 6 rugs hooked.  You can read about how to do that HERE.

This evening I'll try to make up hooking time on the "Stars" rug.  Stupidly I hooked a big star with the wrong color and ripped the sucker out only to hook it again in the right color.  This reverse hooking seems to happen a lot to me.  But forward or reverse rug hooking is still my comfortable place.

Weatherman says this area of Delaware just might, beat the average high for this time of year tomorrow.  Could be high 70's almost 80.  BUT then will plummet to low temperatures.  So plans are to do laundry for whites and hang them out tomorrow morning the make some soup for the colder temps.  Like I've said before.... "weather in Delaware is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get".

Saundra

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com