CHANNELING MAGDALENA

As of this moment I'm still thinking of hooking Magdalena's Animal Parade rug.  The first picture is the original antique hooked by Magdalena.

Evelyn Lawrence was the first person to hook an adaptation of the design and she sent me this photo of it as soon as she finished hooking it in 2012.  Evelyn gave the 33 x 79 pattern line drawing to Barb Carroll.

Another adaptation of Magdalena's design was hooked by Cindy Jeffcoat.  Sure wish it was a full frontal photo but you can still see how well it was color planned and hooked to replicate the original.  

And just recently Alice Fraizer finished hooking her version of the design and posted it on FB. I'll be looking forward to seeing what Alice will have on her hooking frame next.

No way I'll hook a rug 33 x 79 and even the Domestic Zoo pattern I hooked was huge for me at 22 x 66 (below).

I've enlarged the design and printed out a pattern line drawing measuring 19 x 48.  While that seems like a descent size for me (compared to 33 x 79) it will still be an issue tilting the frame and rotating the pattern.  Yet I've briefly considered enlarging it to 21 x 57.  BUT, since I'm still not done hooking Giant Flower have more time to decide which size to do oh, and the plus one ~ OR will the new Magdalena end up being the plus one which gets set aside while I work on a more comfortable size rug???.

Well kids, it's November and you know what holiday next month is... I can't say that word or Laure will call me out on it.  If you need or want to hook some small gifts for friends or family how about a 'mug rug'?  You could hook some small ones with dog bones or paw prints for the friends with pets; or small size rugs for children with dollhouses (or is that a thing from 'the olden days')?  Seems like Edyth O'Neill was also channeling Magdalena in this old blog post which you can check out HERE.

Saundra

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

MISC. RUG HOOKING CHAT

Carol Orlove just sent me a photo of her finished Domestic Zoo, even the bound edge was done.  This was completed in record time as the delivery date of her pattern wasn't to be until March 1st and Carol sent me the photo on April 13th. 

Well done Carol and thanks for sending me the photo; what's on your frame next?  

Below is a horse rug I recently found on an auction site.  I don't think it is an antique in spite of and because of the dramatic color changes.  Yeah I know antique rugs do have odd colors hooked in animals and I have hooked some.  But think this may have been someone's personal challenge of using values.

Let me show you other examples of using value because it was the 'new thing' as a challenge for some hookers.  Here is a horse rug being hooked using values in 2009 by Pat M.  It is representative of her  granddaughter's Appaloosa.  Wish I had a completed photo of it.

This is a face purse hooked in values by friend Deb.  She hooked many of these over the years and colors may change according to the values in her stash.

I wouldn't be able to pull off hooking a project using the values theory.  My wool would have to be more close to a natural color of the subject matter.  Yet I've heard rug teachers say, "color gets all the credit but value does all the work".  Think about that for a minute and it is true.

Happy hooking and think I'll go back to working on my horse.

Saundra

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

THIS and THAT

Weatherman didn't disappoint yesterday; there were snow flurries which never covered the ground then changed to drizzle of rain.  Happy happy it didn't last.                  

When I stepped onto the front porch to take that photo I noticed the bolt of linen had arrived.  Boy was I surprised and elated and UPS guy didn't ring the door bell.  Was surprised because every afternoon I'd check my credit card to see if I'd been charged for linen and with no charge guessed they still hadn't received their shipment.

Although I gave them my credit card number my account wasn't charged so I'll call Monday and give it to them again.  Besides, the invoice didn't reflect my discount so either they forgot to give it to me or linen has gone up a few dollars per yard since last purchase.  And with the increased cost of everything else that wouldn't be a surprise.

Immediately I emailed the two gals who ordered a Domestic Zoo pattern to see if they were still interested in purchasing the pattern.  Then took the linen to the wool room, cleaned off the table which was piled with wool (again) and proceeded to cut linen.

Received a response from one gal and her pattern has been drawn.  The second pattern, tho I've not heard from her, will be drawn this afternoon so that when/if she replies it will also be ready to ship.

I did make that pot of SOUP spoken about in the previous post and it was great.  I added extra onion, celery and a couple extra carrots than the recipe called for.  Since there was leftover turkey pieces in the freezer thought I'd use that before it got freezer burn ~  waste not want not.  Also used freshly ground ginger ~ I keep it in the freezer and it retains its freshness longer plus grates up easily.  As I didn't have fresh turmeric I used powdered.  So you're wondering...would I make it again?  Probably would as it had a great flavor and healthy spices.

Be cautious when stirring, as some broth splattered on my light grey sweat shirt and had to take it to the laundry room to apply a pre-wash stain spray.  Next time I'll wear something else.

Speaking of Domestic Zoo, Carol this is particularly for you enjoyment, lol.  Here is a photo of the rug I hooked.

And here are a few versions hooked by others so you can see various color choices.

Just finished lunch and think I'll pull a few loops before drawing the second pattern.  Happy Sunday and happy hooking.

Saundra

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

Rugs Hooked 2009

It is quite convenient that Lisa asked if I'd post previously hooked rugs.  It gives something readily available to post about and allows more hooking time on 1909 Horse.   Well, that plus dragging limbs back deep into the woods.  There is still a lot of manual labor required of me yet and the trunks of the trees are still here.

Anyhoo.....the second year in a class with talented rug hooking teacher, book author and colorist Barb Carroll, I hooked an antique adaptation called Woodland Deer.  It is a pattern offered by Woolley Fox.

Same year I hooked a pattern design by Bev Conway called Speckled Hens.  Each of the hens were sitting on a gigantic egg and, like Lisa, something didn't suit me so changed the eggs to straw.  This rug has been at my back door in the kitchen for 9 years now.  My dogs and I have walked on it over the years coming in and out of the backyard during all kinds of weather.  This rug makes me happy and looks like sunshine in my kitchen every day.

Ahhhhhh, the year I really fell in love with a rug.  Until seeing a rug hooked by my friend Evelyn Lawrence at a Cape May rug show wasn't aware of who Magdalena Briner Eby was.  This was the first Magdalena rug I drew and hooked ~ known as Domestic Zoo.  

There has been some controversy as to whether or not this is a Magdalena design.  However, there are so many motifs in this rug which (to me) indicate it is hers.  Magdalena has leaf motifs in several of her other rugs, birds and other farm animals.  Since there are snakes in this I'm wondering if perhaps it was a wedding rug ~ just a primitive and naive take on 'the Garden of Eden'.  A mystery which may never be solved.

Fat Dog, designed by Tonya Robey, was a fun smallish piece to hook and he even has a little 'bling' on a tooth.   I've seen where Mad Hen has a companion design called Fat Cat which would be a fun pattern to hook me thinks.

Red Salt Box design called Flying Trio was another hooked that year.  I did some minor changes to this as well by adding the wavy line and stars in the border and having the flying bird's legs flow backward instead of a standing position. 

Looking for patterns to draw myself went looking thru my Barb Carroll books.  Found Debbie's Horse pattern to enlarge and draw.  Ah...have linen and Sharpie, a duo made in heaven.

Still doing shows then I'd hook a few smalls to sell but won't bore you with those.   Here is a rug which was designed in a class with delightful and talented Gail DuFresne.  I pleaded with her to pull me out of my 'primitive box' and teach me how to use brighter colors as I felt awkward with them.  In class with Sharpie in hand this is what developed.  When I got home I had to add fabric to the ends to accommodate the mouth of one and tail of another fish.

I love Gail, her teaching skills and appreciate her wonderful designs. The main thing I learned that day was to enjoy what makes you feel comfortable.  If you recall from a previous post, I learned that narrow cuts were NOT for me, even tho I love the achievements on the Rottweiler Memorial wall hanging.  My comfort zone is with wide cut primitive rugs.

Enjoy hooking in whatever style and cut is your comfort zone.  It is a great therapeutic form of entertainment for me.  Happy Monday everyone.

Saundra

Update on 1909 Horse

Thought I'd give you a break from photos of previous hooked rugs to show you progress on the present one.  Am loving the dull drab look of the antique adaptation.  Yeah, not a look everyone loves but I do.

Am hoping/wishing to have this one hooked and bound before rug camp April 8th.  But if not already bound for the show it would be something to do while waiting for Eric when my turn arrives.  

I took 4 photos of the rug to get the unhooked section of the border blocks.  This is the picture chosen as it is the only photo which has an ORB in the left heart.  So whoever visited was floating by at that millisecond I captured the photo.

The fourth nor'easter in three weeks is upon us AGAIN.  Today was supposed to be the first day of spring but you can't prove that to me with the weather.  My area is supposed to get high winds and 3 to 6 inches of snow beginning tomorrow afternoon.

As I have an order for a Domestic Zoo will need to ship out before noon tomorrow to ensure it is on its way. 

Happy spring ya'll.

Saundra

The JOY of MAGDALENA

That was the sentiment shared with me by rug hooker Susan Traughber.  She must sit up all night hooking as she has accomplished many rugs in a short time.  Susan ordered Magdalena's Goat shortly after posting it on my blog.  One of her daughters fell in love with it as she was hooking and so it found a new home.

Her other daughter loved the first one as it was being hooked, so purchased another pattern to hook for her other daughter.  After all, a mom must be fair to her kids, right?

I asked Susan which of the two hooked Goats she liked best.  Susan said she loved them both.  After all, that is like choosing which of your children you love best.....you love all of them equally.

Prior to the Goat patterns she hooked Domestic Zoo.

Before the second Goat rug was finished Susan was already planning her future projects and ordered Magdalena's Farm, Harvey's Magdalena and Magdalena's Double Roosters.  Below is the Farm before it was bound.

Here is Harvey's Magdalena nearly finished.  They certainly compliment each other and think Susan should keep these for herself.

But she isn't done yet because there is still one more rug which needs to be hooked and it is a biggie.....Magdalena's Double Roosters.  She wanted it drawn the original size so will keep her busy for a while.  This is a photo of the original Double Roosters by Magdalena.

Can't wait to see how she hooks this one and what will be next on her 'to do' list.

Happy Saturday.  Perhaps I should turn on the local news to find out if there is rain or snow coming this way.  This is the 3rd storm to hit the east coast in a short period.

Luv'n my rug

Oh I'm a happy hooker with this rug even tho it is bigger than I like to hook.  It measures 33 x 40 and I have hooked larger but prefer not.  What makes this easy is the sense of accomplishment when each block has been hooked.  

That ease and sense of accomplishment was much the same way when hooking Domestic Zoo even tho it was bigger.  There were many images and one row of hooking background as I went along made the rug go fast.

Am so glad to have this passion for rug hooking to keep my sanity.  Recently learned my homeowners insurance has a $7,000 deductible for wind/hail damage so the cost for tree cleanup will be all on me.  

One estimate today was just $40 under $6,000.  Another company stopped by and said it was more than they could handle because it requires a crane and more than two people or the top limbs will just drop and cause more damage to the fence.  Am still awaiting another tree company to stop by but all of them are worked to the limit with the storm of last week.

Oh, BTW, the one tree service said I need to change my insurance coverage to another company.  Sadly, my payment for the entire year was sent the end of February since I prefer to pay for a year in full instead of monthly payments.  For sure will 'shop' before insurance coverage is due next year.

Happy Thursday.

Saundra

Have Been Busy

Let me clarify that.....haven't been busy pulling loops, but rather making new rug patterns for customers.  It is a Godsend since I selfishly want to attend a couple rug camps this year and wondered where I'd get that extra cash.  These sales will put a little buffer in my bank account and free me of guilt.  Thanks gals, you know who you are.

One pattern was an antique adaptation seen on my blog at one time.  It is a huge 37 X 51, her wishes.  I named it Flowers, Stars and Scallops.  Bet it will be a beauty and hope she shares a photo when it is finished.

She also purchased a Domestic Zoo.  She previously hooked it but wanted to hook it again.

And one which will get drawn tomorrow is this wonderful Magdalena Roosters rug.  OMG, another humongous rug but the gal also wanted it in the original size of 32 x 59.  

While I'd love to hook both those other rugs for sure mine will be smaller than the size ordered.

Now to go pull some loops before making my salad.  Will save drawing the roosters rug tomorrow morning over coffee.

Happy President's Day.

Saundra

Domestic Zoo Personalized

Look at the rich colors in this Domestic Zoo rug which Susie Traughber just finished.  Susie said she personalized the horse to a pinto as "...it was a childhood pet, among others".  

Susie recently hooked Magdalena's Goat as well.  Since both of her kids loved the rug she purchased another pattern to hook again.  Hopefully she will share that one with me as well.

I asked her if the Domestic Zoo was for one of her kids and she said..."it was hers for now".  Enjoy Susie, love how you made the design yours and personalized it....happy hooking.

Saundra

Perception ~ Interpretation

As in literature and music, rug hooking is also left to the individual for interpretation.  The other day I posted a photo of a folky homestead with a patriotic theme.  

A seasoned rug hooker friend of mine interpreted the piece as a bird house. Until she said that I'd interpreted the design as a house with garden in front and the grey strip below the house and "Y" shapes as walkway and driveway.  How do you interpret it?

Below  is a pattern called Gossip by Woolley Fox.  Excuse the red drawing as those were my personal changes to the design.  But you can see the images along the sides and bottom.

Back in June before starting hooking the pattern I asked my readers if they saw the images as leaves or feathers.  Frankly either way would be okay as the birds are on tree limbs so leaves would be quite normal.  I decided they should be feathers to go with the birds and the dark on all four sides would act as an inside border of sorts.

However, my friend Deb perceived those shapes as leaves.  Note she followed the original pattern and didn't change the bird shapes as I did.

Deb was inspired by the leaf shapes in the antique Domestic Zoo design, a section of which is posted below so you can see those leaves.  

This rug was hooked by me and if you wish to purchase a pattern click on the link just above.

Since we are talking about interpretation there are several elements in  Domestic Zoo which had me thinking as I was pulling loops.  That made this big rug even more fun and fast to hook since it didn't take long to hook a motif and hook a row of background around.  

In addition to the cats, horse, donkey, birds and snakes I saw apples, a pear, leaves, hearts, bird house and cherries.  So even a busy runner like that is up for interpretation.

Seems to me I had another design in my head as another example but forget what it was now.  Happy hump day.

Saundra

My Magdalena Rugs

As you regular readers know, In early January I discovered a new Magdalena rug which I've aptly named Magdalena's Goat.  

Immediately notified my friend Evelyn who has done the research and hooked all of Magdalena's rugs.  We contacted the auction house where the item was sold just to verify it was a Magdalena and Evelyn asked if she could please hook it first before sharing information on my blog.  Out of respect for that sweet woman I did just that and she hooked and bound the 29 x 35 design in less than a month.  Wow, what a hooking machine she is.

Above is the original and will share Evelyn's rug after mine is all hooked.

The first Magdalena rug I hooked was in 2009 when I decided to tackle Domestic Zoo, the runner.  Since Barb Carroll didn't offer the design (she had Bills Buddies instead) Evelyn suggested I offer it and have sold dozens of the patterns since then.

In 2010 I hooked two Magdalena rugs, Dog and Crows above and McCue Eagle below.  

Since I switch out my rugs the McCue Eagle is at my front door at the moment.  It is nice to enjoy the designs of Magdalena and my efforts.

The following year, 2011 decided to hook a small version of Magdalena's Dog.  This is used to decorate my sofa table or harvest table when I want something different to display but not for the floor.

Then there was a Magdalena dry spell until 2014 when I went bonkers hooking Magdalena designs.

Above is Lollipop Bouquet which was a LOT of fun.  Frankly I was dreading all those circles and seems to me there were 66 of them (going to memory) because I counted every dang one of them wondered what the hell I was thinking.  It was a fun fun rug to hook.

Next hooked was Magdalena's Folk Art Horse;

Then Magdalena's Farm;

And Old Ducks above;  

And Harvey's Magdalena was hooked 2015, above.  So guess it was about time for me to hook another one of Magdalena Briner Eby's rugs.  There are a couple other designs of hers I'd like to hook one day and should make that an annual event for me.

If you would like to read about Magdalena and the research done by my friend Evelyn, you can purchase the booklet HERE.

Should you want either Domestic Zoo or Magdalena's Goat pattern drawn on Dorr natural primitive linen please contact me HERE and I'll give you what information you wish.

Have a great Sunday.

Saundra