I'm referring to both the wool and pattern stash. Hard to believe that at one time I had a private pity party because I had no stash. Having just taught myself to hook didn't want to spend a fortune on 'bought' wool? Seriously? Buy wool when you can go to the thrift shop? Funny now because I can't wait until the wool samples arrive in the mail and swear I'm not buying any more. Just look at this mess and it's only the tip of the iceberg.
And do I have a stash! See that green tote at the bottom right?
If the wool I had wasn't already enough, that wool you see crammed into the green tote was some of the wool that Linda Woodbury was giving away at Cape May one day. So what doess a person who doesn't need any more wool do? Well of course I bring more into the house.
In the beginning just wish I'd been a little more selective with my thrift shop buying and instead of buying flat wool (of which I have an over abundance still) wish I had known about textured wool. Frankly I didn't understand the diversity nor how to use them until taking a class with Barb Carroll.
Okay, so now let's talk about the pattern stash. Those three drawers are crammed full of patterns drawn on foundation. Several times I've downsized my pattern stash by selling on eBay but continue to buy patterns. Right now I still have 28 patterns in the stash.
One of those patterns will be taken to my next rug camp in November and design will be kept a secret for a while. Since there is still 3 1/2 weeks to go before camp I want to save a little something to write about later so won't mention the name yet.
Well kiddies, gotta run as I received a 'special delivery' from a special angel friend and will be ripping out wool and re-hooking some areas on Nantucket Broom Ride. Another secret until the unveiling.
Have a great evening everyone.
Saundra
Not to worry, photos of my step by step progress is being worked and will show an installment tomorrow. Yesterday I finally finished binding Hannah's Hen (a Woolley Fox Design). Sadly it didn't fit on the wall area it was planned for. But it sure has a nice home here on my antique school marm's desk.
Even tho the pillow project is still in progress must confess that I was a little frenzied here today since there is nothing on my hooking frame. Perhaps I'd have been a little less frazzled if there was at least something on it, started or not.
While wool was sitting in the dye pot for the pillow, I reviewed the list of rug patterns in my stash to see what beckoned me to hook. Nothing struck me. Then became even more upset and began looking at rug magazines with patterns, all my Not Forgotten Farm booklets but then I'd have to enlarge the design, tape the pages together and draw it out. WAAAHHHH, I wanted it NOW!
Becoming more agitated (hmm, beginning to sound manic now don't I?), so wrote to my pal Evelyn and told her of my dilemma. The wise woman told me to pull out my worms, a small piece of linen and draw something geometric. But by that time the over dyed, toned down wool was dried and could continue with the pillow project.
Do I have a next rug design ready to go yet? NO! But you can bet there will be sometime tomorrow!!!!!!
Have a great evening everyone.
Saundra
Now only the hit and miss ends need to be hooked on Hannah so time is getting near for the 'next one' on my frame. Was thinking about a Maggie Bonanomi design but that would have to be drawn on linen. Drawing isn't a problem with me as I'm used to drawing patterns. It was the visit through the drawers of patterns on backing that put a halt to that idea. Believe it or not I've 29 patterns already on foundation...sad but true. Instead of drawing out something new my plans are to pull a pattern already drawn to reduce my stash.
First in line (as of this minute but I reserve the right to change my mind at any given second) is Betsy's Crow. I love crows and think it would make a great pillow, it is a pattern purchased last November while in a class with her.
After taking inventory of my 'stash' I have typed a list of the pattern names, the designers and size of the patterns. This way it will be easier for me to pick the next one by looking at a piece of paper rather than pulling out ALL of the rug patterns again.
During this process, thus far I've earmarked 5 to list on ebay when I get in the mood to sit in front of the computer for a stretch at a time. This won't be the first time I've reduced my stash on ebay, but it is so easy for one pattern purchase at a time for the numbers to creep up.
