Original Chicken Challenge Rug and Fine Finishes

A few posts earlier I informed everyone about a Chicken Challenge with no deadline and provided a free pattern.  At the time I didn't have a picture of the original rug from which the challenge developed.....until now.

Obviously those are the drawn lines on the picture taken at the antique store of the original.  It appears the right side was cut off in the photo taking.  But now we get to see how the original was hooked and it makes me feel more invested in the challenge seeing this.  Sorry, I don't know who hooked it, this is a challenge which was kindly offered by Woolwrights. 

So now to the "fine finishes" segment.  This piece was hooked by Sandi Percival and won First in Class and First in Show.  She hooked it in a class taught by Kathy in Ontario, Canada.  Hey folks, this was a small piece and to get that much detail and so many motifs in a primitive piece is something I've not taken on yet.  Not that dang small.
Elizabeth also has a wonderful memory rug as well. 

I really wanted to make a comment on Kathy's blog but the comment section has been disabled due to negative anonymous abuse (cyber bullying).  SO...... I'm doing it now on my blog. 

Kathy, you must be one damn good teacher and bet I could learn lots from you too.  Wish I didn't live so far away so we could have play days.  AND..... I want to see Mr. Baa..... the Frost sheep rug update.  I'm sure there's more done now since this picture.

 

I still like yours more than mine.

Saundra

Sheep Rug Update

Had to move the rug on the frame so thought I'd take a picture of it as it is now.  Actually I took two pictures with different settings so will post both in case one shows the true colors more than the other.  In one of them it seems you can see the mound colors better.

I have had a lot of fun with the border because I'm using various worms to fill in the triangle since the antique was done that way because 'she used what she had'.  And, yes, I did pull out the light area near the rump of the sheep because I figured that if it were being repaired the new wool would more than likely be darker (maybe).  Not sure what I'll do with the other light wool yet.

Funny, I can't tell the difference between the two pictures.  When I removed the rug from the frame and turned it over I can see several 'vacations' which I'll need to fill in.  It is fun working on the rug but also want to finish up that doll so maybe I'll work on that a little tomorrow.  Right now I'm going back and pull more loops on the sheep rug.

Santa, doll, rugs and things

Tis the season and since I needed a new Santa for my web site I made this guy standing on a base.  He looks real cute there so think I'll enjoy him until he is spoken for; and if he doesn't sell before this Christmas I'm one up for my shows for 2012.

I've also wanted to do a whimsical and primitive Annie type doll and right now this is all the further I've gotten since I'd really rather be hooking ~ but at least it is a start. 

Actually, I have two bodies started but don't know what I'll do with the other doll's legs so will finish this one first and decide on the other.  There was a day (before rug hooking) that doll making was my favorite pasttime.  But now rug hooking takes that number one spot of enjoyment. 

I also drew out a couple more Magdalena Domestic Zoo patterns on linen so if I got last minute orders  for Christmas I wouldn't be in a rush to do them but could ship out right away.  There was a huge run on the patterns just before ATHA and didn't want to find myself scurrying around trying to draw them plus getting ready for Christmas here.

Today I'll wrap some of the gifts I have for family and maybe work some more on the doll.  But one thing I know for sure is that I'll be hooking on my Frost sheep rug.  Perhaps I'll have an updated picture for you tomorrow.

Getting Close......

Sheesh, every time I type .... (dot dot dot), I think about the Bachelorette show and the significance behind that comment.  Oh, well, moving right along ~  I'm getting close to finishing up my Frost Sheep rug and it is about time for heavens sake.  Have been so busy that my little bit of hooking time is definitely enjoyed each time I finally get to pull some loops.  My goal is to have it done in time to take to Cape May in September for the rug show at Rugs by the Sea rug camp.  But I still have the other Edward Tulane rabbit to make for a 3rd teacher in Texas and it needs to be there before school starts.  Here is my sheep as of this afternoon.

I still haven't decided exactly what I want to hook for that camp as the loss of Shadow took the wind out of my sails, plus the orders and now must think about making some things for my next craft show which is two weeks after I return from Cape May.  And, I've also been busy filling out applications to adopt a dog thru PetFinder.com where I found several appealing Rottweilers thru Majesty Rottweiler Rescue.  I don't think that Shadow would want me to be alone because she took her work and watching over me very seriously.

And, this is a reminder that today is the last day for the special sale at http://heavens-to-betsy.com/  My wool smorgasbord bundle arrived today and look at all the goodies.  It will be fun trying all these different pieces of wool that I have not previously ordered but because I chose the 'remnant bag' will get to experience some of the wool without having to buy a whole yard ~ who'da thunk about such a great idea?

Well time is whittling away at the day I'd better get busy working on my rabbit.

One Loop at a Time

Progress on my Frost Sheep rug has been rather slow but I'm making headway pulling one loop at a time in what free time I can find.   As previously mentioned, I've been busy with orders and getting ready for the show this past Saturday.  And thankfully I had that show for a diversion from the pain I endured by the loss of my Shadow girl. 

Speaking of orders..... would you believe that the teacher who ordered the other  two Edward Tulane rabbits has written and has an order for me for another teacher in her area and needs it before school starts.  Yup, feast or famine; right?

Here's my rug at the moment and if I weren't on this here contraption I'd be pulling loops on it right now.

I am planning to do the same type directional hooking at the back side of the sheep as I did in front.  It is just a smidgen different than the rest of the soft dark background but done in the directional hooking is what really sets it off.  My plans for this big handsome rug is to go above the fireplace on the wall. Not that I would have an aversion to stepping on it, but that I think it would make more of a statement in my living room over the mantle.

Hey, did you guys get the Betsy samples??  Did you notice the Andrew Sisters?  It never looks the same on their web site so if you don't get their samples in the mail, do yourself a favor and order them.  That piece of wool looks like it would hook up to a wonderful peeling painted barn or birdhouse.  I haven't used it yet so don't know but that was my intent when I purchased some of it.  And, Mr. Ed is going to be the wood for the log cabin rug I plan for September at Cape May.  Or at least that is what I'm thinking of as my project right now; who knows since my mood for projects changes like the weather.  I'm sure you are probably the same way.