Inspirations Rug Show

When I peruse blogs, Pinterest, rug shows, etc. I keep inspirational photos on my flash drive.  It could be the color combinations, it could be a new pattern someone is offering which I'd like to hook.  So I thought it was time to share a few of those pieces with you.

Sharon Smith's designs can be picked out of a room full of rugs even without a name tag.  I admire everything she does but not sure I'd be able to do the pattern justice since the colors are way out of my comfort zone. Nevertheless I continue to save wonderful photos of her designs.

And is also as easy to pick out a design by Deanne Fitzpatrick.  Her hooking makes it look so dang easy to hook people and colors which are near close to the same value (woman third from left) with just a few darker hooked loops.  She doesn't do a solid line, just hit and miss so it is like a dot dot dot of wool here and there.   Deanne's books are on my shelf and one day plan to hook one of her designs.

Cannot remember where I saw this picture posted but do know it is a design of Bev Conway.  My gal pal Deb had the design early in her hooking and didn't like what she did so threw the whole thing away....wool and all. OMG, silly girl.  This is one I'd like to hook myself and these colors are quite in my palate.  Fantastic job who ever hooked this!!!  If you know who hooked it I'll post the name.

Cathy Gresher hooked this gorgeous beauty below and those color combinations are YUMMY together.  Cathy, please let me know if this is your design.

While I've proven to myself and you that I'm not much of a geometric person, this pattern (is it called log cabin?) with light and dark has always caught my attention.  Just wish I had the endurance to see a project thru with several blocks like this.  But saved it for inspiration to give myself a prod.

This Polka Dot Pony rug below was hooked by Pat Merikallio.  She will always have a special place in my heart for nurturing my virgin trip to Cape May when she saw me post questions on RugHookers.  She was also the first woman whose work I'd seen using colors in value hooking.

Most recently I saw this on Pinterest and is by Caroline Hegwer.  What was awesome to me is how she used the dark blue, light blue and the light stems with such a fantastic contrast.  Awesome.

Well kiddies, I've lost more time looking up names to post here for the pieces so gotta run. 

Saundra

Black Kitten Mat is Back

Are you bored yet?  If not you might be soon.  Yup, am getting close to being done with this cute mat which was intentionally hooked with rounded corners.  This photo was taken in natural light outside on my porch and notice I'm causing a shadow on the left side.  Oh well, you still get the idea.

The reason I say you will be bored eventually is because I took this mat to wine tasting last Friday.  Although no others are rug hookers they are disappointed if I don't take something for show-n-tell. 

There is one guy who has always wanted to buy something I've shown when doing shows and would ask the price.  His eyes popped just like everyone else who thinks this is a hobby and would cost $10 just like those handmade quilts which were made with scraps....  Right... so you do understand where I'm going with this.

This local young man does love my work and said this kitten reminded him of his cat Dax.  So plan to hook another just for him because I WANT this one.  Thankfully it is small and his will be a little different.  His will have squared corners as that would be better for him to put on the wall.  Also won't do the grey down the middle of the kitten like the original antique, but rather echo hooking which will be easier I think. 

However, before I start his mat I'll need to pull more loops on my son's rug.  After all, it's getting a little closer to Christmas even tho it is hot and humid as hell right now and hard to think about winter.

Have a great evening everyone.  Please take care of your pets and be sure they have plenty of water, shade and preferably inside like my spoiled Rottweiler Ben.

Saundra

Antique Rug Eye Candy

Sure did know it was summertime on the east coast today.  Earlier today I looked at the thermostat and it registered 95; now typing this at 5 p.m. it is 85 degrees and still high humidity.  Well, at least it isn't snowing and I have A/C this July.  Ben is grateful to be inside too. 

Fantastic color combination on this wool sewn rug 1800s.  Cannot phantom how many hours (and wool) it must have taken to make a rug.  I'd love to do a mat with shirring one day but you can bet your sweet bippy it will be on the small side.

I like this red cat antique.  Most definitely you could use wide cut strips with this one with the echo border.  Notice the difference in the eye color of the cat.  Perhaps the original cat did have two different colors or she ran out of the darker blue.

With this antique Bird on a Limb rug below I first thought the lighter lines are the real delicate shape of the bird and the taupe color around it had faded from a darker color.  But then that same color shows up as a beauty line around the perimeter.   

Rug from 1890 with two horses, several hearts and birds.  Nice colors and think the combination of red, blue and taupe is what sells it.  Very nice.

A farm scene which has striking sky color and dark ground which really stands out against the light border, house, animals and crops

Below is a wool hooked and shirred rug which sold from Skinner for over $10,000 according to the comment.  However, don't know when that was but measurements were 31 x 44.  Oh my the time involved to make this.

Another farm scene.

And another horse.  This one is still on eBay if someone wants to buy it.  No, I'm not selling it just saw it there.

Here is the remembrance of the Union ironclad ship the USS Monitor.

Ever have those 3 a.m. wake ups and your brain won't shut off?  Although I tried to dream of clouds moving over head my mind would go to yard work that needing doing, how I need to empty more dresser drawers, get rid of fabric, crafts and also organize my wool room. 

 

The last time I looked at the clock it was almost 5 a.m. and still wasn't asleep.  After that refused to look at the clock but stayed in bed trying to doze off.  Eventually I did but must say it will be an early bed time tonight as I'm tired right now.

 

Will try to stay awake and pull a few loops on the black kitten so maybe when The Bachelorette starts it will keep my interest long enough to last until a reasonable bed time hour.  Yes, I know what you're thinking.... you mean you watch that trash?  Yup, and the young woman hasn't used her common sense at all.  And with HIM?  OMG, what was she thinking?

 

Have a good evening everyone.  And please remember your pets need water and a cool place just the same as you.  NEVER leave your pets in the car even with a window on a crack at these temps.

 

Saundra

 



Little This and That

My Independence Day weekend was rather quiet and with some chores.  My son came and trimmed two limbs which were assisting my Olympic jumping squirrels to land on top of my two squirrel proof 4  bird feeder poles.  No way they can get to them from the ground.  They would climb down to the very thinnest part of the limb and jump.  Needless to say they ruined my feeders with their rat like teeth so that sunflower seeds wouldn't stay in.  Problem is now solved.

Did cat duty for neighbors so they could go to the beach for the holiday and also cut grass in between the drizzles so Ben's playground is well groomed now.

And, pulled a few loops on the Black Kitten Mat while watching some great recorded movies.  I didn't keep track of how much time was looking at the loops being pulled vs. keeping my eyes on the TV screen.

Am looking forward to turning the curved corners and finishing 'Blackie' then will work more on my son's rug before doing the binding on this.  So then there will be two which need binding.... Chum and Blackie.

Hope you enjoyed your weekend as it is back to real life tomorrow.  However, this IS my real life and each day is a weekend or a holiday to me. 

Saundra

July 4th Holiday

Yes, it is the celebration of the Independence of the United States.  When I was a kid this day was all about the parade and picnics.

(this rug has recently been sold ~ a Design by Polly Minick hooked by me)

As a kid it was also about the fireworks display.

(Sam's Hat for sale ~ Design by Polly Minick hooked by me)

And for many years even into adulthood it was about enjoying the beach and celebrating with family and friends.

(Patriotic Sand pails for sale ~ Design by Polly Minick hooked by me)

And however you spend your Independence Day celebration, please be safe.

(Uncle Sam Doll by Saundra)
 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY USA!!!!!!!

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 Show-n-Tell

Seems I'm always making excuses as to why more hasn't been hooked on my projects.  Heck, it isn't as tho I have a job so it's my time management which is the issue here. 

At least I can see well now as I picked up the new prescription glasses.  My eyes are examined every year but there was such minimal change the last 3 years that no new glasses were required.  But about 3 months ago I noticed the left lens just wasn't working for me and things were a little blurry.  Now my vision is perfect and love being able to see just right.  Everything seems more crisp and didn't even mind the reduction of money in my checking account.

This is what the Black Kitten Mat looks like now.

And already know exactly how this kitten is getting bound.... none other than the Betsy Reed primitive binding technique.  I've already done a tutorial on that style and won't do one again when binding the kitten.  So if you want to learn how to do it just look at the top left of my blog and you will see a red square with a B in it with an open area to the right.  That is my blog's search engine and you can type key words there and previous posts related to that topic will show up. 

Unless it rains tomorrow it's once again time for grass cutting #!*&%!.  Yes, this weather is better than snow and freezing rain but sure does take time away from things I'd rather do.  Yes, life is good and am happy for every day I draw a breath, pull loops and be grateful for what I have.

Can you believe it is July 1st?  Just think, in less than 6 months it will be Christmas again.

Happy Canada Day to all my Canadian Friends!!!  Enjoy and celebrate your holiday....I'll tip a glass of wine to that!!

Have a great evening.

Saundra

Hmm, What Time is It?

If you said 'antique rug show time' you'd be right and must know me well.  And if only I could have some of the ladies who hooked them in a room with me am sure there would be great stories to be told.  Good stories, sad stories, rugs hooked out of happy times and rugs hooked to use pent up stress.  Well heck, isn't that what we all do now?

To the woman who hooked the rug below I'm wondering if it was a rug destined to be for the marriage of a couple on March 6, 1931?  She used few colors but definitely does the job.

Amazing what women achieved using what they had and make rugs to put on their dirt or drafty floor.  The rug below shows the hooker had talent.  She used very few colors, just what she had on hand.  And with manipulation of the abstract background and borders was able to show there was a border and central focus.  And the house with the black outline with differences between value you can see the windows and door.  It is easy to see this creative woman made a rug for not just a house, but  her home.  This is from the Susan Parrish estate early 20th century.

Below is a Lancaster County, PA chain stitched rug and is delightful.  Is on my long list of rugs I want to hook.  Although hard to see with the fading, there is a main duck in the center of the piece.

Another here is a Canadian rug hooked between 1880 and 1890 with wool and cotton.  Also on my list to hook.  Love the simplicity and the dirty used colors. 

Yes, believe it or not I really have hooked rugs with color.  Perhaps that should be a couple posts where my colorful rugs are shown and another day when the antique adaptions are shown.

My boy Ben needs to go for his walk now that the thunder and rain has passed.  Tomorrow will be July 1st????  Really??  So that means there is only 2 plus months before Cape May Rug camp.  I understand there are spaces left in week 1.  Don't know which teachers, but if anyone is interested you can still sign up.  To learn about Cape May and RUGS BY THE SEA rug camp click on that link provided.  On that link you can also write Norma or Linda who can help you.

Have a good evening everyone.

Saundra

Thrift Dropping Shopping

Actually the day started out well with me finally releasing some of the items I've held onto too long.  I dropped off a huge box of clothing, cotton fabrics and craft supplies no longer wanted or use.  That drop off is on one end of the building and delivery was made successfully. 

The entrance which holds priced thrift shop items is on the other end.  Sadly I chose to see if there were any "Life is Good" tee shirts or other items to my liking.  Thank gawd I found no clothing as I'm trying to empty my closets and drawers.  And it isn't the time of year to be tempted by wool clothing for rugs. 

What I did find was this basket which is only about 4" tall but has 6 sections in which to put wool for hooking projects.  My hope is that there will be NO MORE wool mess around me on the sofa rather the strips for the rug will be contained in each of these bins.  (Oh really Saundra???)

This shows the measurements of this wonderful basket.

Only minor advancement made on the Black Kitten Mat but think there may be interest from others out there to join me.  All are welcome and would love it if you'd share your work with me. 

Today is supposed to be the last of the low humid days  for a while.  I enjoyed that time with Ben and a glass of wine on the back deck as he kept a watchful eye on squirrel movement.  Thankfully my electric bill will be lower this month but think it is about to rise since heat and humidity is to do so also.

Have a great evening everyone.

Saundra

How Do You Hook Antique Adaptations

Thank goodness I've finally finished the whole kitten and a row or so of background around.  And yes, the original antique has a lighter line down the middle but mine shows up more prominently than in the photo further down.

Below is the original from which mine is being adapted.  That line shows up very faintly there and was printed off my computer; yet the line is more prominent in the photo in person.  You know me.... I'm not bothered by pulling out loops and replacing them but do try to hold off for a while to see if it grows on me.  I've pulled loops too early and then regretted so now try to hold off a little.

OH, just a thought ~ for those of you who love hooking antique rug adaptations, do you try to hook them in the colors which may have been the original clean colors before fading and wear?  If you get to see the rug in person you get to see the original colors on the underside.  Or, do you hook them in colors similar to the olden dirty and faded look? 

There is not a good or bad way, right or wrong answer, just a matter of taste.  For me it was the look of the well loved and well used rug of yesteryear that attracted me.  Perhaps I'm an old soul ~ har har, hell yeah I'm old now, ....again.

I've recently been asked a question from someone who is a NO-REPLY blogger and as much as I'd to hit the 'reply' button and answer that email would bounce.  A lot of people don't know they have that problem.  So Miss "C" please click this link and perhaps you can fix the situation: http://woodlandjunction.blogspot.com/search?q=how+to+fix+no+reply+blogger  

Has anyone taken on this Black Kitten Mat to task yet?  Thankfully the sun came out today after several days of rain. Enjoy the remaining of your weekend and hope next week is wonderful.

Saundra

Just a Quickie to Say Hi

I feel terrible when I've not much to post...no revelations or tutorials to show you.  And for that matter, not much progress on the new Kitten Mat.  And when it is a dreary, drizzly day with temps in the low 70s seems like a good day to make a pot of vegetable soup. 

Hey, soup is good even if it isn't cold outside.  After all no one hesitates at a hot steak, chicken, ribs or baked potatoes in the summer; so why should a healthy bowl of vegetable soup be any different?  I'm looking forward to my dinner.

Here is a little antique rug eye candy, too.. not much tho. This rug below was hooked in 1890 using homespun based on the info I found.

Not sure where I got this picture but the edges appear to indicate it has been worn and loved.

Okay, just a peek at my Black Kitten Mat where not a whole lot has happened.  That is my boy Ben keeping vigil at the front yard for moving vehicles, cats, squirrels, deer, etc.  And from the looks of the curtains they need to be pulled down and washed AGAIN.  Ben lays in that space on the side he is sitting but mostly on the dirtiest side to his left.

Interesting now that I'm looking at the hooking, as it appears there is too much contrast between the perimeter of the cat and the darker inside of the cat vs. the picture.  However I'll refrain from pulling loops until the whole cat is hooked and compare pictures again. 

So my journey continues with my love trying to replicate antique rugs.  Stay tuned and maybe there will be something more to show tomorrow.  Hope your weekend has been less wet than mine.

Saundra

I Got Mail !!

I love getting mail when there is a package involved.  Even if I have to pay for the contents it still feels like a birthday or Christmas.  Today I received my order from Heavens to Betsy, 2 yards of Black Magic wool and 2 patterns.  Well, now I have 30 patterns in my stash to hook...but hey, these are on the smallish side so won't take me long; right?

So you can see a much better picture of these cuties I pulled photos from Betsy's web site.  Look at this beautiful mat that Betsy hooked.  Looks like it may have been hooked with torn strips and I'll have to ask her to be sure.

AND... for all of you who have given me positive comments on the tutorial I did on Betsy's binding technique, Betsy used it here on this sheep.  Am proud to say I learned it all from Betsy, tho she does it best.  This pattern is called Primitive Sheep Mat.

Isn't this Elephant too cute!!!!!!  Wonder if my 12 year old grandson would think he was too OLD for this?  Would he snuggle it in the privacy of his home or bedroom if grandma made it for him?  Heck, I'm an oldster and I'd like it for me!  And this one is called...what else.... Elephant Pattern.

Didn't get nearly as much hooking done on my Black Kitten Mat since yesterday there were lots of limbs and debris needed to be picked up before I could use the riding mower.  And today with the push mower it was time to cut Ben's backyard playground.  Now, however, think it is time for me to play with my kitten.

Have a great evening and would love to know if any of you have decided to try that Black Kitten Mat.

Saundra

Time To Switch Projects

Thank goodness I'm ready to start my Black Kitten Mat.  It is patiently waiting for me on my frame, I've cut some of the background wool and pulled out my worms for the rest.  Well, okay, I did cut some wide cut primitive black but not much as there is a bag of various colors and strip sizes that would be great for the cat.

So the cat picture will be by my side when I finally sit down, the background wool is in the smaller basket and the worms are in the plastic container and in the bags.  And  yes, my loyal companion Ben will be to my right and by my side all night long.  See those white dot eyes?

By the way, Ben was acting as my protector last night when the horrific storm came up.  I knew the storm was coming but he heard sounds outside before I did and thought he had to go to the bathroom so let him out back.  He bolted out the back porch door and started barking like an attack dog. 

It was then it dawned on me the storm might have developed into a tornado.  I live in the woods and could now hear snapping and thrashing of debris coming thru the woods behind me.  So started screaming Ben's name so he and I could go into a closet to be safe. Seems that as quickly as the worst wind came up it soon departed.  But Ben would not let me out of his sight.

Had a lot of tree debris to pick up this morning before I could cut grass (yes, the new mower works again) before the next onslaught of rain and summer storms starting again tomorrow afternoon.  Most limbs and leaves I picked up but this was too heavy and needs man power.

They may look like easy limbs to drag but they aren't.  And, there are several there which has a lot of weight with healthy leaves...used to be healthy. 

And here is the look of the Man Cave Rug as it is folded away for a bit.  I'm at a comfortable place now to play and have fun hooking.  There is still some dark wool which needs to be pulled out around the pool balls, also need to get the word MAN centered properly.  But hey, I've still got almost 6 months before it is due. 

And for those of you who many not know, my big boy Ben was adopted at the age of 3 years 7 months.  I've had him 3 years now and he is wonderful.  His only fault is fast moving vehicles as he was a car chaser.  Ben is never let loose and thanks to my ex has a fenced in back yard that he can enjoy.  Ben still gets his walks daily because no family member likes to see the same scenery or smells every day.  Just love my boy Ben.  Think pet adoption.

Have a great evening everyone.

Saudnra

A Good and Bad Day

The first 'good' news is that I played with wool and gave some a tea bath in anticipation of my black kitten mat.  This is some of the wool up for task.  The very top wool had already been given an onion skin or tea bath some time ago and will be used sparingly in parts of the rug.  The two pieces of wool on either side of the cat picture were 'as is' wool and the tea bath pieces of that wool is just below them.  The textured wool just under the kitten's picture is also tea dyed but didn't feel like pulling out a large piece from my shelf to show you the minimal difference. 

Hopefully tomorrow I'll be ready to  pull a few loops on the kitten and plan to use some of the as is wool before tea in the rug as well as wool from my worm baggies.  I'm getting SO excited.

Other GOOD news is that my riding mower can be used and the vibration of the motor had wiggled the spark plug connection loose.  The repairman said that when it was assembled the guy might not have pushed it on until it clicked.  He hoped that the rest of his service calls today were as easy to fix.  So I'm good to go with grass cutting tomorrow with lower humidity.

And now to the good and BAD news.   Comcast technician came this morning to assist in giving me a better internet connection so I won't get the pop ups saying 'internet not connected'.  The technician swapped out the old modem and gave me one which has two connections; 2.4 and 5.  One will give me faster service and the other for distance.  He said the other modem was not nearly as good as this one.

Now to the BAD news.  He was a big muscular guy and he leaned back on the office chair and don't know what the hell he thought this chair was ~ a lazy boy recliner?  He fell backward, kicked off the sliding tray which holds the keyboard and popped out the bolts/screws from the base of the chair and loosened the other two.  Yeah, I'm sure you are chuckling at the thought of a hunk of a guy falling backward.

Remember this photo?  This is what my computer chair looked like before after I'd hooked the arm pieces.

This is what it looks like now.  He put back the slide table and keyboard but the note pads are still on the floor as is the chair pad which fell off.

Here you can see how the bolts popped out of the base of the chair.  This was a tilt back chair but now to the pressure of his relaxed mode leaning back with his muscular torso.

I sent a picture of the damage to my friend who stays here while I'm at camp and told him this would be on his list of things to fix.  He said it can't be fixed and that I should file a claim.  Yes, I've filed a damage claim with Comcast and hope they help cover the cost of a new one.  Don't want a leather one, don't want to take advantage of them, just want a functional chair back.

Oh well, life would be boring if it weren't for hills and valleys we encounter each day would it.  Frankly I'm looking forward to a little 'coasting' for a while.

Have a great night and don't forget it isn't too late to join me in the black kitten playtime. 

Saundra