Cannot remember if I posted a picture of the antique adaptation of Pot of Flowers or not but here it is if I didn't. As you can see it still needs binding. Figured since I was going to do an update for the Mache Jack-O-Lantern pattern I'd post a picture of both at the same time.
Here's what my Mache Jack-O-Lantern design looks like now; one picture with a flash and one without.
It is quite helpful for me to see pictures of the rugs on my monitor even if the colors aren't the same as in person. At least it points out areas of concern for me and things which need changing.
And, for you newbies who may have read my previous blog post about "hooking what is on top first" the photo above shows you how to do that. Notice that the Jack in the back still has the hooking going in the direction of what WOULD BE it's normal shape. Therefore the rows of hooking will run INTO the sides of the other Jacks instead of following the shape of the other Jacks.
Have a great evening everyone. I've thoroughly enjoyed this mild July weather today. Tomorrow will be my day to do yard work so not sure how much hooking will get done. Grass needs mowing and thorny vines need pulling, and more rain coming I've got to get control of this acreage before it encroaches on my front and back door step.
Saundra
Lately I've seen all these cute Santa pieces being hooked and needle punched and each year promise myself that I'll hook one and have it ready before Christmas. Uh, don't see that happening this year either since it is almost Thanksgiving and I've got 3 rugs going already.
There are many cute designs with a Santa and the one which keeps beckoning me is the antique Santa. My friend hooked it and since the original antique is faded, she initially forgot to hook the mitten going around the back of the deer. Not to worry, she pulled out wool and hooked in the mitten. This is a picture before but you now see which design is calling my name. Probably mostly because it is an antique rug.
And now to Newbie Hooker Tidbits.
As I was self taught how to hook can remember the most frustrating thing for me was pulling those first loops. I knew to start with the tail up, and that you pull the loops up as high as the strip is wide. That I learned in reading the information in Rug Hooking magazine.
Okay, .....maybe I did have to tug on the tail a little when the first loop was pulled. Next was the second loop to be pulled and the first loop dropped down. So there becomes a battle of lifting the first loop up and pulling up the second loop again. Over and Over.
That is UNTIL I realized what I had to do was roll (lean) my hook backwards and upward against the first loop. That is what prevented the first loop from dropping down because it applies pressure to that first loop. And yes, the second loop is now a little higher than that first loop but your weak hand (under the frame) can adjust that loop.
It will go a little slow at first but soon you will get a rhythm and move along faster. Sure hope I was able to describe it okay since there is no one here to take pictures of the process.
And, if any of you newbies have a particular question or topic you'd like for me to address, please write me.
Have a great evening.
Saundra
Most of my rugs are on the floor and a few on the wall. For a while I enjoyed the Wee Folk rug in front of my garden tub but today decided to hang it over my bed.
The bedspread (summer quilt) I made in 1998 after moving into this house. In full disclosure I don't consider myself a quilter because I did it the easy/lazy way with big blocks and the sewing machine. Unfortunately the spread shows lots of distress due to age but also because we let our departed Shumba and Panzer sleep on the bed. If you look closely you can see two black dogs, a cabin with flying flag in the center. I did a primitive running stitch with the words "HOME, Palace of the Soul". But those words are thread bare now but my memories linger. Those angels hanging on the wall were made by my friend Frannie.
Another view you can see the primitive rug I hooked of Shumba and Panzer on the floor. Their Memorial narrow cut rug is hanging on the wall behind me as I was taking this picture.
Now we get to the 'New Segment' part. I receive very nice e-mails from everyone, but particularly the newbie hooker's comments make me feel good to think they are getting something from my blog. Upon getting these e-mails I normally respond to them that I'd be happy to answer any questions they have to help them along their journey. Sometimes someone might write. But more times than not they are probably too intimidated or maybe even think a question is stupid when it isn't.
So this segment will be called "Newbie Hooker Tidbits". I'll try to post something on each blog remembering the things early in my hooking experience. Tonight I'll cover starting your wool stash.
Wool Stash ~ When first starting out there was absolutely no wool here, no colors to choose from so how can I start a rug. Since I didn't know if I'd even like to continue with the hobby didn't want to spend a lot of money on wool and supplies.
Since it is winter now the local thrift store is a wonderful place to buy and use recycled wool. On occasion they will even have bag sale day where you can get more for your money. Men's blazers are wonderful because they are textured wools (plaids, herringbone, etc.) but coats and blazers have their issues of work vs. waste with the stiffening. Slacks and skirts are marvelous. Frankly if it is a color I want the time spent ripping apart a blazer is no issue.
Look for the 100% wool label but DO NOT BUY worsted or the thinly woven wool which won't full up when washed (the term here is not FELTED but fulled).
Don't bring those wools into the house until you are ready to toss them into the washing machine. Yes, the washing machine. You want to start your stash with clean and critter free wool. I normally tear apart my clothing in the garage or on the back porch and don't bring them in the house until ready for washing.
For skirts and slacks I usually rip out the hem at the bottom, rip out the lining (check pockets), and wash and rinse on warm. Then I also dry on LOW with a fluffy towel or two depending on the amount of wool being washed. Once dry I rip the seams open, cut off the waist band etc. and toss those. Some people totally dismember the garment and then wash all the panels. So that is a personal thing.
Tomorrow I plan to write about my first hooking problem with the second or third loop pulled. The first one was usually okay, but the second made the first loop drop down .... WHY wasn't I making progress???? Very frustrating.
Check back tomorrow my fuzzie woolies. And have a great evening.
Saundra
