A Newbie's First Loops

The experience of a newbies first loops could make or break the desire to continue learning to hook.  Actually when I was the newbie it was this newbie's first hooking nightmare as I learned to hook on my own. 

For over a year it was trial and error with only basic printed instructions from a Rug Hooking Magazine.  Yes, it was a little help and impetus for me to begin hooking but I had no human instruction.  And didn't know anyone (at that time) locally from whom I could learn to hook properly.  The nightmare continued until I discovered what I was doing wrong and almost considered not taking up this wonderful art/craft.

I'm demonstrating on a rug I'm presently hooking so ignore the top rows as it is the single "tail up" which is the focus.  So we know we start with the tail up.

The tail up and first loop were a piece of cake.  Here you can see first loop.

But then the fight began ~ I'd pull up the second loop and the first loop would drop down (aargh).

Then double work as I put my hook back in the first loop and lift it up and the second loop would drop a smidgen.  So I'd adjust that one and finally would have two level even loops.

That is until I pulled the third loop and the second would drop down.  Now, here is the reason why all the problems.  Notice how my hook is pulling the loop FORWARD (toward me) in the picture below?  I've exaggerated the angle to get my point because I didn't really pull my loop that much forward yet it was enough to let the back loop be vulnerable and loose enough to drop down. 

That is when the light bulb went off and realized I needed to press my hook and loop slightly backward and against the previous loop to apply enough pressure so it wouldn't fall down.  It is hard to see here because I've pulled the loop up slightly higher and backward against the loop.  But this simple action made my nightmare into an ongoing dreamy time hooking rugs.

Yes, it does require a slight downward adjustment to make the new loop even with the others pulled but it is far less trouble that the tug of war I had going on the other way.

 

Oh, and newbie Cheryl, thank you so much for your kind words from the earlier post.  I was going to respond to you that day but you have a 'No-REPLY' blogger problem.  If you'd like to learn how to fix that (something simple to fix) click HERE.  The information is toward the bottom of that post when you click.

Have a great evening everyone.

Saundra

Rug on the Wall and New Segment

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