Another Challenge Update

Yes there is another finish on the textile challenge and submitted by Jane Sittnick.  To be totally honest she did say she started it just after the last former challenge, which she also participated in.  She chose the Black Kitten and did a fabulous job, here is her work.

I'm not quite done with my sheep and will hold off showing the update until it is all hooked but not yet bound.   A couple other people have indicated they are joining this endeavor, and when you do I'll definitely post your photos on my blog.

If you want to review the original post about this challenge you can read about it HERE.  Happy hooking.

Saundra

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

Busy but No Hooking

The very minimum amount of loops have been pulled the last two days and not sure many will be pulled today.  Tuesday I drew and shipped three rug hooking patterns; they were Antique Black Kitten:

Posies and Stars, 

plus Antique Pot of Flowers, all of which were to one person.

Then yesterday I had three orders; one person wanted the small version of Horse and Scrolls.

another person wanted Cat's Meow.

The third person wanted an antique adaptation I'd not drawn before so a master pattern needed to be made before I could draw it out on linen.  

Then things went to hell.  I did get the master paper pattern done, cut the linen went to serge the edges and the thread broke.  This is an old totally metal but work horse Bernette by Bernina.  I inherited it from a friend a few years ago and it came in handy after my newer model Bernette died.  

I worked over an hour to try rethreading it and even have the manual but the damn thing wouldn't do the proper stitch and that same thread was missing something.  So I dropped it off at a local sewing center this afternoon.  However, the person who works on sergers is off today.  I'm confident it is just the threading but am having it serviced too.  

I'm dependent on a serger as I do NOT like glued edges which some teachers do to patterns they sell (had a couple and very disappointed they put something like that out there), I've seen some people using tape on the edge but think that is tacky too and wouldn't want to do that with mine and surely wouldn't sell a pattern like that.  So I've alerted the young lady I'll contact her tomorrow.

So you're thinking...'what's wrong with hooking now?'   Well, because after I walk to pick up my mail I'm coming home to make a pot of vegetable soup.  I love a bowl of warm vegetable soup, left overs for a couple days and also freeze some.  But boy it takes forever to chop those veggies.

Saundra

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

www.facebook.com/WoodlandJunctionHookedRugs

What Does It Take To Call It Fun?

This isn't the original title I'd given my post but while walking Ben thought about what my post was really about and changed the title.  For me here are the items which would determine if I was having fun hooking or not:

Style/Subject ~ Definitely Primitive hooking for me.  I most favor antique adaptations since that is what pulled me into the hooking bug.  But sometimes whimsy wins out.  One day I want to do a landscape and a memory rug but those will need to meet the following criteria with maybe the occasional exception.

Wool strip size ~ for me it would be nothing less than #8 and preferably #8.5 & #9.  Yes I've hooked ONE rug with #3 for my departed Rotties but no more narrow cuts unless it is the center of an eye or center of a flower.

Wool color ~ I prefer earthy and olde colors.  Not particularly fond of bright colors although I did hook Ali Katz in bright for a specific purpose and that was fun.  PLUS, it was hooked in wide cuts so that helped.  Not fond of flat colors anymore either, but use them on occasion as I've a fondness for textures as that lends itself to primitive old rugs.

New on the Frame ~  AH.... now that is the one that has me now.  Don't ask if I'm having fun yet....'cuz I'm not.  As much as I enjoy the subject matter and antique adaptation this isn't new on the frame.  It is the second time hooking this design, one right after the other.  Yes, it is for a friend so I'm a bad girl for saying I'm not having fun.  Since just finishing one am itching to start something new.  Here is what the second Black Kitten Mat looks like as of this moment.

This a shot of the one I just finished with Betsy Reed's primitive binding compared to the one  in progress which will have a traditional cotton rug binding.

Now back to that fun part ~  I'm itching to put something new on my frame to hook before going to Cape may.  A few months ago that something was to hook Lucille Festa's Hobo Joe, below.

But, as you know I've become enamored with Hester, a free design in Primitive Quilts and Projects, which is a design by Lori Brechlin of NotForgotten Farm. 

Not sure about you other rug hookers but my excitement level can bee fickle and flit from one design to another in a flash ~ just as with Hobo Joe and Hester.  But, who knows, since these are small maybe I'll be able to hook them both before I leave for Cape May in September.

In other news..... I just noticed this will me my 1002 posting.  Dang, for a long time I watched the numbers to make that 1000 announcement but I missed it.  Well, that's me... a day late and dollar (or two) short.

Have a great evening everyone.

Saundra

Another Cat Mat?

Actually, it's another kitten mat that I'm hooking for my guy friend who loved the other I was working on.  Problem is that I really had fallen in love with the mat when I started working on it and planned the journey for the mat. 

And, think he would prefer squared corners rather than the curved corners I planned and same with the primitive rag tag binding which I love.  Plus feel he would find it strange to have the separation down the middle of the kitten as the original antique had and I replicated.  This is the one finished for me and for patterns.

This is the one I've started for my friend.  Since there will NOT be any additional border needed decided to make life simple for me and sew on the cotton rug binding in advance.  I can hook up to the edge of the binding, steam and bind...easy peasy.

 And I'm so up-to-date on hooking and binding that this kitten and a couple more rug labels is all on my to-do list before the next bestest thing on my frame.  Which I just might draw out this weekend....AFTER cutting grass at a some point.

Hope you have a great weekend and play pretty with one another.

Saundra

Binding Black Kitten

Before pulling the first loop on the kitten mat I knew it would be bound using Betsy Reed's primitive binding technique.  Also knew what wool would be used for the outer hooked row.  Again, this is the finished Black Kitten Mat.

This is the wool used for the outer hooked row.  It was purchased from Dorr Mill Store and it is color #6913 Brown and Grey Tones Basket Weave.  I imagined the colors would give a rag tag worn look to the edge and with the primitive binding would give it an appearance of having been repaired. 

Once the mat was hooked I drew a line 1 1/4" around the perimeter on the foundation and made the rounded corners as well.  I then did two rows of straight stitching 1/4" apart and between those two rows of did a row of zig zag to connect the two.  After which I trimmed away the excess foundation.

Next I rolled the foundation forward and did a running whip stitch to hold the rolled section in place.  Hard to see unless you click on the photo, are some straight pins holding the row in place until the whip stitching can be completed.   Even tho it is double work, I prefer to tack it down with stitching to be sure the rolled section is contained when I get ready to bind.  Using the word 'bind' very loosely here.

Next step was to rip some black cotton fabric 2 1/2" wide across the width of the fabric and sew the ends together.  Actually I didn't even bother doing a miter of the ends, and my sewing teacher from high school would cringe if she knew that.  I washed the fabric and dried it in the dryer and yes, it got all knotted but those wrinkles help give it an old look.  Oh, as does the stewing of the black fabric and the old cotton crochet thread in a coffee/tea bath.

Then it was time to whip stitch the cotton fabric to the edge of the foundation.  Don't worry about the stitches being evenly spaced or straight as the more rag tag the better I liked it.  It is, after all, supposed to look like an old rug.

And so this one is done and since a friend of mine wanted it so badly have decided to hook another for him.  His will have squared corners and will be bound using cotton binding on the back rather than this primitive style.  Think he'd like it that way better.

Now my attention can be paid to just the background of my son's rug.  Have a great evening everyone.

Saundra

The Cat is Back

The Black Kitten Mat that is.  It's done and with the very primitive binding technique which I fell in love with at a class with Betsy Reed.  And even tho I've attempted to replicate her style the kitten binding just isn't the same as if she'd have done it.  Here's Black Kitten.

My plans were to give the tutorial tonight but want to be sure to devote good instruction so will do that another day.  Don't worry, I've pictures along the journey.  Sheesh, where is a man when you need one?

Since the weather is much milder just might trim some limbs of some bushes which need it too.

Stay tuned and don't forget to let me know of ACTIVE blogs you'd like for me to put on my side bar.

Have a great evening everyone.

Saundra

Busy, Clutter, Chaos and Overwhelmed

Frankly I'm feeling all those descriptive words all at once.  Yesterday I awoke to an order for two rug patterns and they will ship today.  I also cut grass yesterday so it was a very productive and busy Sunday.

Then today after shipping the other two patterns had an order for another pattern which was just drawn.  So yes, been a busy girl here.

Am still plugging along and NOT enjoying the binding process of Chum....there Lauren, I said it, lol.  It isn't even halfway done so will struggle thru the rest of the day working on it.

My son's Man Cave pattern is in the basket patiently waiting to have more loops pulled and having it there staring back at me is disturbing.  Perhaps I should tuck it away until I'm ready to work on it, right?

The second Black Kitten mat wool is also hanging around waiting it's turn at the frame for my friend when I'm ready for a break from my son's rug.

Yesterday this was my view from the drawing table with only a portion of the room in  view which is in total chaos; wool on the floor, wool oozing out of shelf spaces, colors mingled and some yardage needing a home other than the floor.  I must find a home for the Polly patterns which get drawn less these days and organize this room AGAIN which continues to get organized only to get in disarray over and over.

Before leaving the room after drawing a pattern did organize one narrow cubby of wool.  But since seeing a wool color (that purplish on the Nantucket Broom Ride) decided to see if that could be used somewhere in the Cape May class rug.  Oh yeah, may as well add more chaos into the mix Saundra.  Nantucket Broom Ride is a design by Lori Brechlin and offered by Spruce Ridge Studios.

Must decide which colors I want for the houses and think I want fall colors.  Since it is a Halloween rug too, it needs some purple and orange and green.  I'm sure as the chaos of the wool room gets more organized I'll encounter lots of wool possibilities.  Cape May rug camp is a little over 2 months away so there really is plenty of time to get ready for that.

Have a great Monday evening.

Saundra

Hooking and Binding Update

I've pulled the last loops on the Black Kitten Mat but it still needs to be steamed and bound. I'll bore you again later after it has received the Betsy Reed primitive binding.

As a reminder, this is what the original antique mat looks like.  Heck, perhaps I should have listened to my gut when first looking at wool choices and starting to hook  The picture compared to the original appears to be anemic... should have gone for the more yellow wool, "E".  Oh well, I can always do another.

Have already drawn out another Black Kitten Mat to hook for a friend of mine and will probably follow the same color palate as the one just hooked.  For sure I'll not be ready to hook this a third time even tho I wish mine was more aged yellow.  The friend would be better with squared corners since he is going to hang it on the wall.

Now there are two rugs which need to be bound so thought it time to start with the oldest in line first.  That ball of yarn is fantastic for whip stitching along the perimeter of a lot of my rugs as the variance in colors seem to work well with most of my dark borders.  Actually that  stitching isn't visible from the top but makes a nice secure edge and what's more it hides the foundation linen color.

Tonight my plans are just to chill and try to enjoy the binding process of Chum before starting to pull loops on my son's rug again tomorrow.  I mean, the binding must be done so may as well pour myself a glass of wine and enjoy the process in slo-mo.

Have a great Saturday evening.  Unless it rains tomorrow I'll be cutting grass (AGAIN)

Saundra

Kitten Update and Thinking of the Binding

There's something about hooking the perimeter of a rug and filling in which makes the rug seem a little more complete if only on one corner.  That is what gets me excited and planning while pulling loops.  Below is a picture without a flash.

And then a photo with a flash.  I've a plan for my binding and that wool used for this one hooked row border line is #6913 Brown and Grey Texture from Dorr.  But that row won't be the real finished edge.  This is only a little play to blend in the Betsy binding technique with the rest of the mat. 

And as a reminder if you check out the next picture you will see how the original looks.  Already see I'm not happy with the too bland and too round circle at the bottom right corner.  Will need to work on that.  Matter of fact looks as if the wool I'm using for the exterior row might be a good alternative for part of it.

Moving along.... since the original has a dark border, albeit pulling away from the foundation, I want mine dark.  So what is better than doing the Betsy Reed primitive binding technique?  p.s.  If you ever have a chance to take a class with Betsy of Heavens to Betsy, please treat yourself.  Betsy also has great wool as is and over dyed.

To prepare for the final Betsy Binding went to my cotton fabrics and pulled out the black cotton and cut across the width in 2 1/2" strips.  Then put them in a pot with 14 tea bags and gave them a bath.  Sadly they still don't look aged to me but they are a little wrinkled and with raw edges.

Stay tuned as I plan to share my journey on this little kitten mat which is drawn to the dimensions of approx. 15 x 18.  The reason I say approximately is because part is hooked and some not and pulling loops does alter the dimensions of a design.

Okay kids, have a great evening.  Just remember that you are given 24 hours each day to live life. Enjoy those moments as there is no going back to recapture spent time.  If you are a caregiver, have a job, a family, still be sure to take time for yourself.......Oh, and please be kind to one another.

Saundra

Black Kitten Mat

Well this 'could' be next on my frame since it is at least drawn on linen. You followers have seen me post this picture time and time again, but for you just reading my blog this is an antique mat which has seen some love and wear.

At first glance do you think it is a small mat and the picture taken at an angle OR do you think it was a chair pad and was more narrow in the back than the front?  I've an antique rocker which is shaped like this.  I wasn't sure but decided to make it an irregular shaped chair pad with rounded corners. So that is what I drew.  NAH, don't like it so I flipped over the linen.

This is what I drew.  Now I had to do some fudging on the background and it isn't exactly like the original antique but it will work.  Hey, it's an antique adaptation.  I like to draw in the lines where the color chanes happen even on the cat where you see a lighter dark.  Helps me to draw it instead of guestimating.  AND, I still wanted those rounded corners.

This is wool I pulled, which is close; some is au natural plain, as well as textured and some is over dyed.  For sure I'll check my worm baggies FIRST to have some unmatched but similar wool placed here and there to add to the old look.  And, whatever au natural wool I use will be given a mild bath in tea.  Might even cut the strips and THEN put in tea so the edges get nice and soiled. 

IF, anyone would like to join me in a kitten mat hook-in, please feel free to do so.  I do not have a copyright on antique rugs.  What I would like for you to do tho, is let me know so that I can follow your blog and we can keep in touch....sort of a 'show-n-share'.

Oh, FYI, I'm not planning to start my cat mat real soon as I'm trying desperately to hook the background top left of my son's rug before I take this reprieve.  But you feel free to start now if you want. 

Hope you had a great Sunday and dried out before the next series of rains begin.

Saundra

Been Thinking....What's Next?

As you could tell from yesterday's post I'm itching to take a wee break from the Man Cave rug and contemplated pulling loops on that antique rug.  Well after looking at it again nixed that idea, rolled it back up and stored it away again.  So am now thinking about one of these two projects.

This simple small black kitten has been tugging at my heart strings ever since I saw it.  And already have loads of similar colored background wool but I'd dirty up some even more to give it the old look.  Problem?  It isn't on linen yet.

Or, since I already have Lucille Festa's "Hobo Joe" pattern could start this right away since it is already on linen and would reduce my stash of patterns by one.  That would "only" leave 27 patterns left in my stash....sheesh ~ that impulse buying habit of mine!

If I choose Hobo Joe don't think I'd make him a cut out but rather a mat to enjoy on my kitchen harvest table or end table.

Oh, by the way, a loyal follower wrote me this morning asking if the sweet annie I mentioned in yesterday's post really worked as a moth repellent.  And it is; you can read about it yourself HERE.  There were a lot of other links but most of those had the technical names of Sweet Annie and all species of her relatives.  So do you own search if the link above doesn't satisfy your curiousity.

Have a great weekend y'all.

Saundra