THE NEW MUSE

Yes Lauren, one could say I was 'holding out on you'.  But you probably expected this one to be on the frame anyway.  Here's the present object of my attention, drawn 26 x 30.5 so there's a lot of horse to hook.  In person the wool of the horse doesn't look pink.

Look at the outline around the muzzle and neck of the horse.  It appears to either be a row each of pink and black wool or wool which has both colors in it.  Probably the hooker was concerned that just using pink would blend in too much into that tan color so wouldn't delineate the horse from background.

Well take a look at how lucky I am to have narrow cut strips which resembles that used in the antique.  Plus now you can see the horse isn't pink.  A few years ago I was gifted with lots of narrow cut strips in every color imaginable.  Most of the very bright colors I gave to my former rug camp roomie.  There have been many times when I've needed thin outlines or very narrow strips for something or other.  So those have come in handy often.  Never turn down a gift of wool no matter the cut size.

What's on your frame?

Saundra

www.facebook.com/woodlandjunctionhookedrugs

A LITTLE NIP TUCK

That title...in this case known as reverse hooking and fixing.  Notice anything different from what you recall from the last update?  If nothing sticks out right away take a look at the top left corner then compare to the photo below.

Now does anything stick out like a sore thumb (more on that 'sore thumb' thing further down).  

My initial line drawing from the antique was done with what I saw and the lines didn't match up at either end.  Below is the original antique

At first I decided to not bother changing anything but by the time I reached the other corners I made changes to ensure the proper block lineups.  Of course every time I looked at the top left side of the rug with the awkward lines the more it drove me cray cray.   The top left was off and I had fix it.

Now to the sore thumb ~  It normally happens in the winter and used to get them often when making dolls.  But has been years since having a dry cracked thumb, until now.  Thankfully I had some "Crack Cream" handy and have been babying my thumb for 3 days.  It's on the mend but still sorta tender.  

Snow coming my way Saturday night into Sunday.  As of this writing the prediction for my area is 1-3".  Higher amounts further north of me.  Hope that is all I get.

Have a great weekend and remember happiness grows in ones own garden.  

Saundra

www.facebook.com/WoodlandJunctionHookedRugs

THE CHICKEN PAIR RUG

Before hooking the roosters comb and wattle decided to take a photo with another camera to see if the wool used in the hen really does work.  I can see the red well enough so won't opt for a brighter red.  It is an antique adaptation after all.

This is how the previous photo with another camera appeared and which was my cause of concern.  So no need to swap out the red.

Since yesterday was an unusually clear day thought I'd better cut grass before last night's storm and today's rain ... yes, again there's rain.

Saundra

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

ON THE FRAME

Right out of the gate my reverse hooking started.  Working on the first chicken thought a dark red vs. bright red would be a better choice for the comb and wattle since it is an antique adaptation.  Then hooked a row of background around to see if the comb and wattle were visible.  Well heck, I can't even see any red in the photo below but can see it in person.

So went to the slightly brighter red which you can't see in this photo below either.  At this moment I don't plan to hook an even brighter red.  But who knows what I'll do later as the rug progresses.

Days of rain has forced me to face the facts .... I need a new roof.  Thankfully there's no rain inside the house but noticed some evidence of leaking at the section between the back of the house and onto the back porch.  And the rest of the roof is beyond time to replace.

I'll start contacting companies for estimates but know it will be costly.  Neighbor down the street had their roof put on about 5 years ago and cost them $18,000.  Prices have increased a LOT since then as have salaries.  I should have bitten the bullet a few years ago when it would have cost less.  Oh well, oh hell.

Guess it's a good thing I opted to not attend Cape May in September so that will be about $1,000 toward the cost, lol.  Happy homeownership.  

Saundra

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

WHAT YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR

Finally the reveal of the entire project I'm working on and the antique rug from which I drew the pattern.  As you can see there is a lot more for me to hook but it is still fun.  I named it "Animals Great and Small" and drew it out to appox. 20 x 45.  It isn't overwhelmingly big and can still mostly use #8.5 wool strips.

Haven't decided yet whether or not to pull out the cat wool or that between the legs and tail.  Jury is still out on at this point just want to move forward before taking steps backward.

Below is the antique rug which was difficult to get true shapes of the animals since there were rows of hooking in different colors around them.

On my rug I've chosen to hook a thinner and darker red row around the animals so it doesn't overpower the animal or make the rug too bright for my primitive taste.  When starting to hook the star I did an entire light outline around it before hooking the gold.  Didn't like that and ripped it out before going too far.  Perhaps my wool was too light but wasn't in the mood to dilly dally, lol.

Today was rather mild but still have iced snow in the shady areas.  Haven't listened to the weather this evening but yesterday this area was to get rain, change to snow and 1-3" more of that despicable white stuff with single digit temps next week.  Ain't winter lovely?  NOT.

Saundra

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

MY RUNNING HORSE

This is the start of my adaptation of an antique rug I've named Running Horse.  Or perhaps I should call it 'Horse with Red Mane'?  But then if someone wants me to draw the pattern for them and they don't want a red mane ... then the name is a moot point.  Anyway, I decided to pause on the horse and go for one of the corners with a scroll.  Figured the four corners would become boring so decided to tackle at least one right away.  The hit and miss will be a wiz.

This time I thought ahead and stitched the double cotton binding onto the pattern before starting to hook.  Also this time decided to do a continuous strip vs. the four sides individually.  Each way has it's issues which you learn as you do them and can't say which is my favorite or is the easiest.

Today was the third day in a row with rain and haven't walked back to see if the lake has replenished itself.  Perhaps I'll look tomorrow if it isn't pouring.

Hope my friends in Michigan will be safe as there are numerous tornadoes for that area according to my weatherman.

Saundra

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

Point of No Return

That is what I said to myself at this point.  However did read on Facebook where someone had pulled every loop from a hooked rug because her choice of colors had changed over the years.    

But I decided I had gone beyond the point of no return and would keep hooking and then see what minor changes to make.  The photo above and this photo below were taken with one camera.

And the photo below was taken with another camera and is closer to the colors I see in person.

When I first started hooking the pattern wasn't sure if I wanted a grey, black or brown horse but did want to show the value differences as in the antique rug.  

Not wanting to rip out the whole dang horse it looks like if I concentrate on the too dark head it might make it more similar to the original.  Albeit different color choices.  But remember Saundra, this is just an antique adaptation AND the person who hooked the original used what she had anyway; so don't sweat the small stuff.😞   So just reverse hooked and replaced a couple strips of wool on the horse's head.  Not perfect maybe but will now work on the background and border.  Will reevaluate the situation later.

The original antique rug is below.

Happy hooking.

Saundra

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

Last Loop....Now What?

Finally pulled the last loop on Black Tailed Rabbits antique adaptation so next task is binding.  It is a small piece and can't believe it took me so long to finish it.  Yet I did draw a few rug patterns and did a line drawing of another antique adaptation for someone so I have been busy.

Grabbed a hooked Bunny and stuffed applique eggs to place on the sofa table near the front door to have some fun Easter decorations on display.  The bunny is a Brenda Gervais design.

Was actually looking for a hooked Easter egg I made some years ago and was sure it was here but couldn't find it.  Plans were to put it in a vintage Easter basket instead of the applique eggs.  Here is a photo of two eggs hooked a while ago and was sure the one in the basket was still here.  Bunny and egg sold several years ago but cannot find the other.  Will need to make new ones before next Easter for sure.

Weather has been a roller coaster ride here in Delaware ~ last week we had temps in the 80s today there were snow flurries and freeze warning.

Good Friday to you all and be safe as you travel to visit loved ones for the Easter holiday.

Saundra

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

Posies and Stars Update

Per usual I could have been further along if I hadn't pulled out and re-hooked a couple areas over and over. 

The bottom left corner was completely hooked then all pulled out.  Most likely I'll continue to do that to the rest of the border until I'm happy.  The bottom looks crooked since the corner is filled with wool while the rest of the bottom is almost empty...but then you all knew that.

I drew mine out 21.5 x 21.5 and am hooking it with an additional row beyond the line.

For reference, here is a photo of the original antique.  It won't look exactly like the antique but sure wish I could even get a little close.  My colors are either too bright or to dark ~ but, am using what I  have.

Still haven't drawn out the project for April camp.  Am trying to get brave enough since I don't know if I want to frame it with a couple rows of wool or left plain.  Could draw and extra wide margin, but hate to waste foundation only to be cut away and put in the trash.

Happy Saturday.

Saundra
www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

Star Geometric

First, Happy New Year to all of my followers and friends.  The Horses and Hearts Rug did get bound yesterday and in the list of rugs hooked in 2018 (10 of them).  However, that will not be the case with Star Geometric below.

This is an antique adaption and I tried to replicate even those quirky blocks like the original.  It measures 29 x 32.

Saundra

Fessing Up on the Rug on My Frame

Guess it is time to cave to Kim's (Glass Half Full) wishes to show more of what I'm working on.  First is the progress or attempt at making progress.  Glad that I didn't removed that gold block because it looks okay in this photo and in person.

Oh, by the way, this is the wild nest of wool worms I've immersed myself into trying to use as many strips as possible.  This looks rather organized but sometimes the bags fall and worms fall out.  

For a moment I'd thought of posting the antique rug from which this is adapted.  But really want to hook around the corner and more border. Otherwise there won't be many surprises for you.  

IF there are newbies joining my blog and have questions ANYTHING.... please feel free to write me.  Remember that I was ALSO a newbie hooker once ~ wanted to learn but no access to hookers or classes.  So newbies are welcome here...OH, you seasoned rug hookers are also welcome here but think you know that.

Have a great evening and can't believe that Christmas is just a week away.  

Saundra

A Horse is a Horse of Course of Course

If it seems I'm double speaking you're right.  Am also hooking two horses one after the other.  I liked the previous horse adaptation posted and am liking this one even more.  If this guy looks a little swayback you would be right.  But the original antique shows that as well.

I'm adapting this from the antique rug below and chose to not hook a border.  But perhaps in the future I may attempt a replication of this one as antique rugs are near and dear to my heart.

Have a great evening and hope everyone in this frigid weather is staying warm.  The winds are howling and burns against my face when walking Ben.  Think I'll have to locate the face mask.  The temperatures are below freezing and the wind makes it worse.

Saundra

A Design for Your Own Heirloom Rug

This was hooked by me using worms from my baskets.  It is an antique geometric pattern which has been around and duplicated for many years.   I call mine "Granny Geometric" since it reminds me of  the granny square afghans I crocheted in my younger years.

Those  of you who have been following me for a while know this project was stashed away for about 5 years at one point.  I'd just gotten bored.  Then decided to bring it out of hiding.  Eventually my followers and friends encouraged me to continue to finish it.
Happily it is done, bound and my friend Evelyn Lawrence told me to never sell it.  Not sure why she said that other than she must love it and thinks it looks like an antique.

Okay then...  So who would like to make their own hooked afghan piece of history?  This is the line drawing I used to trace out my rug.  You can choose your own dimensions by just using this grid.  You should be able to right click and print this picture, I think.

In the picture below I've placed a measuring tape so you can see the dimensions used for my rug.  BUT...... you could enlarge or reduce these to fit your wishes.  If you wanted to do a needle punch then reduce the size.

Also, If you look at this rug again (below) you could hook those end half-shapes just dark to simulate a saw tooth border, or hook it like I've done with a straight border all around. 

Today was a rough day trying to finish cutting the rest (almost the rest) of my massive yard.  With the riding mower DOA and today the motorized wheels of my push mower dropped dead also.  I'm at a loss for next week when the yard needs mowing again. 

I hear you loud and clear Kim..... "Oh the joys of home ownership". 

Have a great evening everyone.

Saundra

Honey's Are You Bored YET?

Today I made some wonderful turkey rice soup (left over broth) and salad greens will be my dinner.  Am definitely looking forward to the soup.  Okay, you know what I'm having for dinner now on to my hooking.

Sorry if my updates on the same project over and over gets boring.  But since my daily life is redundant all you have to do is send me a post HERE to give me suggestions on what you would like to see me write about.  Actually have been thinking about doing a dye project with wool and recipe that Betsy Reed mentioned at rug camp this past November.

Okay, here comes the boring part.  This is what I've accomplished thus far in hooking Cherries and Candy Stripe. And, it is for my harvest table  NOT the floor so am using a compatible colored cotton fabric binding.  The dimensions of my piece is 13.5" x 34.5".

Either planning or by accident on placement of color, this is the original antique I am replicating.  The original was 30" x 75".  But I DID choose to do a dirty darker light than the gold as the alternate stripe in the original.   Remember tho, SHE used what she had.

Have a good evening and hope you are staying warm.  Oh my but the wind chill will get ya!

Warm Wool Snuggle Hugs.

Saundra

DETOUR NO MORE

Detour hooking project is over, Christmas day was yesterday and now my journey can continue on my antique adaptation of "Cherries and Candy Stripe".  For those of you just checking out my blog this is the antique rug my project was inspired by.  The original antique was 30" x 75" but I wanted something smaller for my harvest table.  My design measures 14 x 35 for my table.

This is what I've accomplished so far.  I chose to use a tan against the light stripes rather than goldish as the original hooker.  But remember the other hooker used what she had. 

Yes, I did all the pre-finish work and even sewed on a stripe cotton binding since it will be on the table and not on the floor.  Besides, I know exactly this is the size I want and finishing will be a lot easier having done this in advance.  That said, IF I was working on a pattern and thought maybe I'd make the border wider I'd have waited to finish at the very last.

I adore antique rugs and it is SO MUCH FUN trying to replicate the antique look using what is in my stash.  Sometimes I don't get close but do keep trying as I love antique rugs and think about the women who came before me who hooked them.

Check back on my progress.  Even tho this is a small piece I'm not sure it will be completed in 2014 since weather tomorrow is good and yard work needs to be done. 

Hope you had a very Merry Christmas with family, friends and furry friends.  Ben is laying by my side snoring with a full belly from goodies and play with his new toys.  This is my exhausted adopted Rottweiler.  He was 3 years 7 months old when adopted.  Please consider adoption.  I've a good, loving, friendly and loyal dog.

Have a great evening everyone.  I'm hoping to get yard work done tomorrow before colder weather comes in BUT plan to hook on my new project so it can be logged into the finished projects of 2014.  Stay tuned.

Saundra