Back on my frame is Hearts and Swags, an antique adaptation that I started at Betsy Reed's class this past November. It was put aside once coming home from camp so that Long Island Farm could be finished as well as my girl Shadow's profile. So I'm back having fun doing the hand torn hooking, which is all new to me.
One thing I've noticed with the hand torn is that it tends to grow a little once you make that first snippet. Perhaps it is the angle of the tip of the scissor's position which causes the direction of the rip, but my torn strips aren't consistent. Maybe this adds to the primitive look, and for sure it doesn't cause any wear and tear on a cutter since I'm not using one. Also must say that it hasn't hurt my hand by either the ripping or the pulling loops. Yet, this is a rather smallish piece (20 x 20) plus the fact I stepped away from it for a while to hook the other rugs.
This piece is going to be a pillow, it will be my first hooked pillow and I'll not hook the backside but will use the patchwork technique Betsy taught us in class.
Have a great evening folks, Hard to believe it is just two weeks away from Christmas. Please be kind to one another as you find a parking space at the mall, stand in line at the register, etc. 'Tis the season where patience and time are short so kindness needs to be stronger. LUV ya'll.
Saundra (and Ben)
It was before supper and the room with two classes had been set up. Naturally it was fun to peek at the rugs and wool in Betsy's class and take pictures before the room became packed. This is the over dyed wool on the metal shelving which her daughter Erica dyes and patterns to the left on the table. There was also another table where there was wonderful 'as is' wool. I was sure that I'd taken a picture of that table too but couldn't find it.
I just fell in love with these very primitive hand torn hooked hearts of Betsy's. Stuffed inside is some lavender and the backs were covered patch work style with different colors of wool. They smell good, feel good and it is also on my 'to do' list.
Below is the cutest cat and mouse pattern by Betsy which I've just got to hook. Don't know that I'll do the braided border but she did give us instructions on how to do it. Isn't that the cutest design? Lauren of Rugs and Pugs also hooked it as I saw it on her blog a few months ago.
This is our table of the class and I'm sitting (uh, was sitting) with my roomie Deb and a couple other hooker friends. You can see my project in the foreground and this is why I didn't get a lot accomplished..... already I'm missing in action.
I've SO much more to share but sadly I still haven't unpacked my suitcase yet. The dirty clothes went in the laundry room but the unworn clean clothes haven't been put away (too much other stuff to do today). So check back again as there's lots more to share.
Saundra
