Thursday, April 25, 2024

THAT PUZZLE PIECE BACKGROUND

Lauren asked that I demonstrate what I referred to as puzzle piece hooked background.  I first learned about it from Lisanne Miller and guess it could be a relative of higgly-piggly except I changed colors with each puzzle piece.  You could use the same wool for each puzzle piece if you wanted, which would essentially be higgly-piggly.  But I find a background hooked in all the same off the bolt wool boring.

FYI this isn't my next project, this is a pattern I started for someone and didn't go as expected so have had the linen tucked aside for a future geometric to use up some of selvage edges.  

Anyway, inside that circle are small puzzle pieces I drew, you could draw larger puzzle pieces if you wish.  I grabbed a handful of #8.5 cut strips and think there is at least one #8 in there.  Colors are brown plaid, various values of dark, a black and white texture and at the last minute grabbed a short blue texture to fill in a little gap to the left.
Below is what I hooked using most of the colors in the strips.  You can see that black and white texture looks fine in the mix and adds interest so don't hesitate to use those odd pieces.   
You don't need to draw the blocks, you can visualize your own area for a puzzle without the added chore of drawing.  The puzzle piece background was attempted with 1776 Eagle design but my lack of desire to draw lines ended up with larger blocks of color.
I designed a rug for my son's game room but there wasn't enough of blue and had no interest in dyeing any.  So pulled several pieces of different wool and just made do.  I did the S and C on that background and it might not be the prettiest background hooked but am sure all he sees are the pool balls and beer mugs 🍺.
Now back to my fox rug, it's getting close to the end.

Saundra



8 comments:

  1. I would have never thought of hooking a puzzle piece background like that, but it does add interest.

    Hugs
    Julia

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  2. I have never done the puzzle pieces but you made it look great.
    Love the rug you made for your son.
    Cathy

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  3. So are those puzzle pieces quite small? Can they be much larger? Or are they just however big the worm was?
    I need to try this some day. Looks great. It was hard to see the different wools until I enlarged it.

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  4. There's definitely a method to your madness and it shows in your wonderful results. With me, it's just pure, unadulterated, madness. ~Robin~

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  5. I am in awe at Porters rug. Just amazing. Thanks for showing us the puzzle look. I did do that on my one rug, but did not know what it was called. Look forward to seeing more of fox completed. Janice

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  6. Thanks for showing those examples. Very helpful!

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  7. I have been trying to use as many colors that blend into the background ....sometimes it is just easier to pull worms from your stash without looking and it can look great !

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Thanks for taking the time to visit and I always welcome comments.