Hop on A Hook-Along

Both Betsy (Heavens to Betsy) and Lauren (Rugs and Pugs) have finished their Granny cow blanket rug.  I posted my finish already and there are still 4 of us remaining so stay tuned to see what the other gals have accomplished.  I know life gets in the way and this wasn't supposed to be a speed race anyway, so you still have something to look forward to in a future post.

Here's Betsy's finish ~ she picked her favorite motifs from Granny's blankets and added her own to make the design hers with the memory of Granny still there.

Lauren is also finished and love her choice of colors also.   After seeing these two rugs makes me rethink how I'd hook it the next time as I like both of these better than mine.  

If you look thru the comments on the previous blog post Betsy asked what the next challenge or hook-along would be.  While I don't have any plans and know several followers had indicated they'd join in the next one, am wondering if anyone has a suggestion.

Saundra

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

A Couple Updates and Confession

Just before noon today (Sunday) Kim sent me an update on her rug as she was going to be busy the rest of the day on the house remodel.  Am sure it was hard to walk away from the Granny project but the reward of a newly remodeled home far outweighs the tug of pulling loops.  This is Simple Gifts a design by Primitive Spirit which I'm sure was Karen's Granny adaptation.  

Then later in the day Sheila sent me an update on her mat.  She said purple wasn't her favorite color but her mother loved it.  Sheila also mentioned that she might change some colors, and I know all about pulling out loops as I've done that myself many times.  So perhaps when Sheila's mat update appears again it might look a tad different.

Before hooking on mine I grabbed several worm baggies (some call them noodles) I refer to them as worms since worms seem to multiply whereas noodles don't, lol.   

Okay, now to the elephant in the room.....I have a confession.  If I don't say it Robin (Cranky Crow) or her 'joined at the hip' sista Lauren (Rugs and Pugs) will blab all over the comment section and even post it on their own blogs that I'm a cheater.  So here goes:  I couldn't wait until Saturday to start this project because if you've read my blog you saw I'd wanted to hook it for weeks.  But I patiently waited until early Friday evening to start and this is how far I got.  Not that much, right?

Wasn't sure I wanted to use that wool for the tree but before bed decided to wait until morning to pull out the loops to see how I felt.  I'd used that same wool for other tree trunks and it was introduced to me by Barb Carroll for a rug and I've used it many times since.  But still was unsure.

Saturday morning with new eyes and new attitude decided to continue with that wool and this is how the rug looks now.  Am not crazy about that orange leaf to the right but will wait until more loops are pulled to decide if it needs a replacement.

The bird on top was hooked only with worms and had a vision for the tail with the directional weave and think my vision turned out well.  Below is a photo with the red wool which was purchased years ago from The Wool Studio and the tree trunk wool came from Heavens To Betsy and is called "Turkey Feathers".  Don't think either of them have carried the wool for several years and thankfully I've more left of each.  

When the other gals send me a photo of their work I'll share a photo of theirs.  And remember, don't believe a word that Lauren says about me...I've told the truth the whole truth and nutt'n but the truth.  And it was Robin who started that whole mess 😁.

Happy Sunday and happy hooking.  Can't wait to get back to Granny....TA TA.

Saundra

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

Heavens to Betsy!

Not only was that a comment my grandmother would say when something surprised her, but also a great company by that same name.  Today I received my order of two wool remnant bags  from Betsy and am beyond pleased.  

Always look forward to November when she and Eric offer these remnants as it is a great way to see and try different wool without having to buy a whole yard.  Plus you could almost color plan a whole rug with just one bag of that wool.

The wool has been washed and is in the dryer now.  You can see there is a variety of colors and textures which come in each bag.  I knew one bag wouldn't be enough so ordered two and am very glad because it gave me even more variety.  Just can't wait to try some of those which I've never ordered before.  

There was a very interesting purple texture which is wonderful.  I'm thinking it was Purple Rain (on Betsy's web site) except it looks much better in person than on her web site.  I thought of Barb Carroll immediately and bet she has some on her shelves.  

Am thinking tomorrow I'll be able to show you the Snowman project I've been working on.  At least the major part is done and now working on the small accessories.  Did the accessories part pique your interest?

Also am anxious to get back to the Star Geometric started at rug camp.

Happy Monday.

Saundra

HAPPY EASTER

Here's a montage of miscellaneous Easter holiday items I've made over the years.  Not long after learning to hook rugs it seemed a good idea (at the time) to try hooking with wool yarn.  I saw this kit listed on eBay by Claire Murray named Strawberry Patch.  Started hooking it and put it away for about 3 years before pulling it out again to finish.  Another lesson learned....I do not like hooking with yarn.  It isn't punched, it is hooked but don't think that even punching with yarn would please me as I prefer the look of woven wool.

I loved making these bunnies below and was a vintage pattern.  The bunnies were sewn and stuffed.  Then embroidered at various places, including face and clothing.  Then clothing painted ~ the boy had a small button pocket watch at his side.  These sold well and wish I had one.  Hmmm. I think there is one started but never finished somewhere in my sewing room.  Oh, and a basket of applique and stitched homespun Easter eggs on the left.

A velveteen rabbit on a tuffet. 

The bunny is a pattern by Sonja Sandell and not sure about the egg, unless it was a painted egg in the same pattern envelope but decided to hook it. 

A stuffed and painted Peter Rabbit and floppy ear velveteen rabbit made around 2002.

Some vintage bunnies which look washed out since the photo was taken in daylight with sun shining directly at my back and into their faces.  

Okay, am done searching thru archives because I want to order some wool from Heavens To Betsy!!!!!!  Received my flyer today and see wool which cannot be passed up.  Uh, like I need more wool...really?????  Check out Betsy's web site.

Saundra

The Chaos Continues

Just before attending Ocean City rug camp my wool room was rather organized.  BUT.....the chaotic mess has started again.

It began when returning home from camp.  In the burlap tote below is my wool and in-progress Birthday Lion rug which was my project to work on the night before class began.  The tote was a gift to everyone in class by Betsy.  Thank you Betsy!

Then I plopped the container of wool taken to camp and to the left of that is washed remnants recently purchased from Heaven's To Betsy.  Like I need more wool, but hey, it is fun to have those little extra pieces of wool you may not have tried yet.

Below on my cutting/drawing table is wool being used for the present project from camp.  It is in a heap and not folded to see what is there.  After this post will go fold at least the wool on my table so I can find the what is needed.

And here is the rug which needs some hooking attention.  Luckily my son is cooking Thanksgiving dinner so will have a fantastic meal with family without all the mess in MY kitchen.  Greg will cook the dinner, I'll take two pies, then my DIL and I will clean up the kitchen.  Easy peasy.  Right after dinner my sweet DIL & her sister will do the marathon shopping spree.  I plan coming home to hook with a glass of wine.

Hope to show you a complete photo of the rug in progress after Thanksgiving.  Besides, everyone will be busy so won't have time to read blogs.  Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Saundra

Braiding the Betsy Way

I've had a few classes with Betsy and each time she demonstrates the braided edge technique promise myself to do that soon.  Said that to myself again at this class.  While I was taking still photos of the process another student was recording it.  She was to have sent a copy but never received it.  Not sure if my computer isn't reading her software or what the problem is.  So, here goes my still photos.

Betsy trims the foundation backing 2" away from the last row of hooking and does a running stitch all the way around securing it to the bottom of the rug.  

Betsy said all the rugs have turned out just fine with the tacking down of the foundation fabric.  Yet, I'm so anal would have to serge the edge before doing the running stitch.... that's just me.

In the photo above Betsy is showing how the gold wool binding hides the join seam and protects the foundation from unraveling (the other rug).

For the wool braid Betsy uses 2" ripped straight of grain strips.  It can be three of the same color or a mixture of the wool used in the piece to be braided. 

Again, they are straight of grain and NOT bias.  You would need 2 1/2 times the length of the perimeter of the rug to cover with a braided edge.  To lengthen strips the two pieces of 2" strips are placed at an angle to form an F and stitched cross-ways to get the look below.  Sorry, thought I'd captured a picture of the before but if you are a sewer you already know.  If not, then google 'joining strips of fabric diagonally'.

Here is what it looks like when the strips are stitched together.  One continuous strip of wool to use for binding.  As the sewing is at an angle it doesn't make a thick bulk at one spot and makes the transition of thickness ever so slight.

Below is how Betsy starts the braid... she pins the 3 strips of colors chosen and pins them together.

Then using a braiding attachment at the edge of the table starts the braid with a taught edge.  As the braid forms in length will move the braid thru the metal clamp and continues.  When I braid mine will probably go the cheap route and use an industrial clamp since I won't do a lot of braiding.  Who knows, maybe after I start will choose to buy a clamp so it works right.

After get the length of braiding needed, it is then ready to attach to the edge of the rug.  Betsy uses craft button thread which is a heavy duty thread.  She catches the edge of the foundation and bottom edge of the braid.

Betsy starts in the middle of the long side of a rug and goes around until it meets in the center.

Below is another example of how she uses the wool binding to protect and conceal the foundation and braided edge.  Her join is neat on the bottom and hard to detect.

 

Below notice how she pinches the butted edge together, using the same threat will stitch closed going back and forth until it is secure.   Slowly and strategically she snips away at the edges of the join to be sure only the top parts lay over the raw edge of the wool.

Then she stitches the protective flap which hides those trimmed parts of the braid.  The next step would be to stitch on the wool binding to hide the foundation which is still showing underneath the rug.

Below is a butted edge of a rug, can you see where the join is?  Me either and I was there.  

OMG, Betsy had SO MANY in progress samples to provide her students a step-by-step example of every stage.  When I grow up I don't want to be a rug hooking teacher.  I'd rather go to rug camp and play.  

Betsy, Loved your class and hope to see you again soon.

Saundra

Have You Any Wool?

Thought I'd give you an update on progress of the rug on my frame.  It took a while for me to find leaf colors for the border which were to my liking but am now happy.  That green had to go.

For those new to my blog, this is a rug design offered by Woolley Fox called Have you Any Wool....the title of my post.  I reshaped the body of the sheep to give an appearance of a skein of yarn and am quite pleased how it turned out.  

I've been asked what the background and border wool is ~ here is a photo.  For the life of me cannot remember the name of either wool or where it was purchased.  But was either  purchased from Betsy or Rebecca.

The background is the lightest section of the plaid wool mixed with some of the lighter textured wool of the same color.  The border was hooked using the darkest section of the plaid.  And thank goodness I have enough to finish the border.

I'm looking forward to finishing this rug, getting it bound then finishing up an adorable design by Kelley.  If you haven't purchased her New-Old Designs pattern book please contact her.  You can check out her blog on the previous link to view some of her designs.

My heart goes out to all those folks living in Texas.

Saundra

Yup, More of My Hooked Rugs

Below is a design by Woolley Fox and a FUN rug to hook. It is called Oh Deer and hooked it in class with Barb Carroll.  I'm sure you see the signature Barb purple in the piece.

That year I also hooked Big Dog Hollow offered by Kathy of Briarwood Folk Art.  She wanted my E.S. Frost Sheep pattern and asked if there was a pattern of hers I wanted as a trade.  So I chose this one which is an antique adaptation.

Another fun rug to hook was Lucille Festa's Long Island Farmhouse. That condor on top of the house just makes my day, it hangs in my living room where I see it daily while hooking other projects.

Hey, you notice a theme where every rug is a fun rug for me to hook?  It really does make me happy to pull loops each day.   And sometimes between projects I just need something small to do, particularly if it uses up wool worms/noodles.  So on one of Karen Kahle's blog posts noticed a spiral chair pad she was working on so drew one up....love it!

The Henny Penny pattern by Woolley Fox had been in my stash for quite a while and figured it was time to hook it.  That lighter background is Irish Eyes, a wool offered by Heavens To Betsy.  It is also the wool Being used for the background of Gossip.  If you like it contact Betsy to see if she has more left, it is a great wool and reversible values.

Fall will be soon coming even tho it is hot as hades in Delaware. So you may want to hook this handsome fella.  It is a design by Barb Carroll and was a free pattern in the September/October 1997 issue of Rug Hooking Magazine.  Of course I put in the signature Barb purple where I could.  Am looking forward to putting this beauty out this fall.

Okay guys and gals, it's time for me to pull a few loops on Gossip and enjoy a glass of pinot noir.  Hope you are enjoying your Saturday.  

Saundra

Gossip Update

Finally the 'mother feather' has been hooked.  After having hooked the one on the left and saw what was waiting for me, wondered why the heck I hadn't hooked that big mother first.  

Now there are just two birds and the bottom feather to hook.  The original pattern measured 35 x 43 but I extended the length to move the bottom feather down a tad.  Now it measures 35 x 44 1/2. 

Once the hooking and steaming is complete the binding won't be as dreadful since the fabric has already been stitched on.  There will be a sleeve at the top so the finished rug can be hung on my wall.

The background wool is mostly Irish Eyes (which is reversible) with a few strips of Shepherd's Sheep hooked in random spots.  Both of those came from Heavens to Betsy.  

Hope your day is delightful.

Saundra

Wool Used and Update on Magdalena's Goat

I was asked what wool was used in the goat's head.  Actually numerous different colors and values was pulled for the goat itself because I knew my worms would work well for the background.

Above the lightest colors were used in the muzzle of the goat.  The rest is what was or will be used in the remainder of the goat.  Some of the wool has been over dyed previously and have no idea what recipe. And in all honesty some of the over dyed wool was from terrible mistakes ~ so don't toss your mistakes as they are treasures for another project. Some wool was as is purchased from our favorite wool vendors Heavens to Betsy and The Wool Studio.

Wanna see what Magdalena's Goat looks like now?  I've a lot more to do.  Must admit that when working on the rug up close the colors look so darn pastel.  Yet, looking at the photos up close on my iPad they really are pinks and light blue, etc.  But me thinks me will give this a wash of walnut juice when it is all done.

Tomorrow will be a slim hooking day too.  If only I had a 'nanny', could afford to have servants for ..... housekeeping, cooking, yard work, maintenance on vehicle and house as well as appliance maintenance, that would be great.  I'd take care of my boy Ben and do my own laundry.  

Yeah, wouldn't that be the life??  Just dog companionship, smelling clean clothes and hooking all day.  SHEEH, now I know why I LOVE rug camps!!!!!!  For my friend (you know who you are Lauren, lol) the dimensions of this rug is 29 x 35.  

As mentioned earlier, I was asked if I'd sell patterns of this Magdalena Goat.  The answer was yes, but not until after I'd hooked mine so people could see how mine was hooked ~ especially since the antique is so hard to understand.  

Moreover, for my personal linen I did very detailed line drawing as you can see.  When selling the pattern it won't be as confusing as the one I'm hooking, it will be a more simplistic version.

Okay, back to my duties since the 'nanny' never showed up today.

Saundra

Next on the Frame

Even tho the two horse mats still aren't bound, I've chosen a rug to hook.  It will be Rainbow Cabin, a Woolley Fox pattern.  The outside line of the linen has already been checked and it is definitely on the straight of grain, in the ditch and exactly as I expected.  The wonky lines on the cabin will stay that way...wonky.  Rainbow Cabin measures 16 x 23. 

Looking at the pattern just might take some creative license and move that left side star up a smidgen and put a stem on it like it is a flower. After all, there is a plant of stars over to the right.

Will start with my worms for the cabin and other motifs and hope to use as many of them as possible (gotta reduce these).  Don't think there's enough of the color for the roof so when worm stash has been used will cut as needed.  

Plans for the background will be the same as that used in Nantucket Broom Ride, which is Betsy's Pluto.  So that will be a wool which will definitely be cut.

Thank goodness I'm working on another of the patterns from my stash. Try tho I may, it seems that when one or two patterns get used there is a rug camp and another pattern beckons me to be added to the stash again.

Another mild day in the 60s here in Delaware but things are going to change tomorrow ~ will be in the low 40s.

Have a great Sunday evening and lets be kind to one another and to animals.

Saundra

My Next Hooking Project and Wool Samples

Finally decided what to put on my frame next...... Hobo Joe by Lucille Festa.  For years I've had this design, fell in love with it in her class where Lucille had that door hanger and others for sale.  My pal Deb bought the one you see in two posts down and I just HAD to buy the pattern.  The pattern is designed and drawn to be a cut-out but I decided mine will be a mat.  There was plenty of foundation to hook it as a cut out but needed to sew on some cotton around the edge so that I could do the mat.  

I doubt that I'll hook the piece as large as its drawn but wanted to guesstimate the space and will have a better idea how big once it gets going.  Maybe, just maybe I'll give this handsome fella a chest too. After all he does have on a bow tie and top hat so stands to reason he needs the rest of his finery.   

Yesterday the wool samples came from Heavens to Betsy and you'll see some scribbled notes along side.  Trust me when I say there is NO ROOM for wool here other than the floor.  So I'd better hook til I drop and use it up a little faster.  Summer grass cutting has really taken a bite out of my 'fun' time.

If you don't already get Betsy's flyer 4 times per year, please contact her to be put on her mailing list.  Even if it costs $5 to get these flyers that still doesn't quite cover the cost of her mailing these to you each year.  Besides, the wool looks much different when you get the washed samples than it does on her web site.  Heck, we know how much difference there is in the photos we take of our rugs to post vs. in person.  

Have a great weekend everyone.

Saundra

Stewing Wool

Yesterday I noticed Heavens to Betsy had a new post on her blog about stewing wool.  Heck, she used some wool that I purchased from her and thought I'd pull out  some wool and my pot again.

Below is the before photo and you can see that I also have Little Miss Sunshine (yellow).  I had a bright red from a pair of slacks which was always too bright to use but hopefully will be better to use now.  I didn't have Ligonier Purple wool but grabbed this plaid which I've also not used either because of it brightness.

After stewing the wool using the same process Betsy wrote about on her blog, this is the after photo.  It appears the blue plaid is toned down as is the red seems to have changed color.  And ooh I like the mottled Little Miss Sunshine a lot!

There are 3 more panels from those red slacks left to use as a bleeder.  Once I return from Woolley Fox rug camp think I might stew a little bit more using the red but choose 3 other wools. 

Have a great evening.

Saundra