Original Chicken Challenge Rug and Fine Finishes

A few posts earlier I informed everyone about a Chicken Challenge with no deadline and provided a free pattern.  At the time I didn't have a picture of the original rug from which the challenge developed.....until now.

Obviously those are the drawn lines on the picture taken at the antique store of the original.  It appears the right side was cut off in the photo taking.  But now we get to see how the original was hooked and it makes me feel more invested in the challenge seeing this.  Sorry, I don't know who hooked it, this is a challenge which was kindly offered by Woolwrights. 

So now to the "fine finishes" segment.  This piece was hooked by Sandi Percival and won First in Class and First in Show.  She hooked it in a class taught by Kathy in Ontario, Canada.  Hey folks, this was a small piece and to get that much detail and so many motifs in a primitive piece is something I've not taken on yet.  Not that dang small.
Elizabeth also has a wonderful memory rug as well. 

I really wanted to make a comment on Kathy's blog but the comment section has been disabled due to negative anonymous abuse (cyber bullying).  SO...... I'm doing it now on my blog. 

Kathy, you must be one damn good teacher and bet I could learn lots from you too.  Wish I didn't live so far away so we could have play days.  AND..... I want to see Mr. Baa..... the Frost sheep rug update.  I'm sure there's more done now since this picture.

 

I still like yours more than mine.

Saundra

A Valentine in the Mail

It is always great to receive a package you've ordered, or a giveaway win, but what a wonderful surprise it is to receive an unexpected package.  Yes, dear sweet Lauren, I'll be your Valentine.

Lauren sent this great hooked heart stuffed with lavender and a silver "S" which I could use as either a scissor fob or a pendant.  Well hey, Lauren provided everything I need to use them as either whenever I wish... and so I will.

That was my surprise package.  Lauren's hooking is impeccable, her loops are shoulder to shoulder like little soldiers.  I'll bet that she is that person in a class everyone is envious of and whose hooking is so even it doesn't even need to be steamed.

I've acquired lots of friends thru blogging, many of whom I've never met and hoping one day to meet my friend Lauren of Rugs and Pugs. 

Thank you Lauren and am very glad you are having fun at Sauder and away from the desk job during snow season.  Time to play and have fun.

Saundra

And the Giveaway Winner is......

There was a 50/50 chance for you gals Annie and Fran as you were the only two who desired to be in the giveaway.  Perhaps most people are doing counted cross stitch now more than needlepoint. 

So Annie, your name was plucked from pile of two names ~ sorry Fran.  But there just might be more hidden needlepoint treasures in my attic somewhere and I'll give those away too if I find any.  I'd even considered sending you each one, but then they would look better as a pair rather than single.

Annie, send me an email with your snail mail to:  saundra125@comcast.net and I'll get these in the mail to you.

Thanks to the latest 'Followers' I now have 210!!!!!!  Have a great day everyone.

Saundra

Hooked Hearts

I've hooked three hearts; two in red and one in brassy gold.  Despite the majority who prefer the heart shape hooking I boldly went for the horizontal hooking of the gold one.  Now that they are hooked and steamed it is time to make them into hearts.  First thing I did was trace around the heart 1" beyond the last row of hooking and trimmed.

 Next I serged the edges.  Yeah, I know it is going to be just a heart and stuffed inside but feel that there shouldn't be raw edges.... my idiosyncrasy.  Should have done better planning as I would have made a 'stay stitch' at the heart's plunge at the top.  Since it wasn't well planned then resorted to applying Fray Check there after making the snip (you can see the darkened area).

Decided to not do the patchwork back like Betsy did and just went for a plain wool back.  Everything was tucked inside and hand stitched all around while leaving an opening in the side for stuffing snippets and lavender buds.

This is how one heart looks; it is completely stitched and stuffed with some wool snippets and over half cup of lavender buds.  This picture was taken in my kitchen but the heart is now at my bedside table so the calming aroma of lavender will take me to restful sleep tonight.

 

OH!  See those decorative birdhouses on my harvest table?  They are made from vintage wood and hardware from the Victorian Chalefonte Hotel in Cape May.  I love these and they remind me of the years of friendship and attending that wonderful camp.

Have a great evening everyone.  For those of you suffering more snow, I have empathy.  Thank goodness it was just an annoying rain today and not snow or sleet.  I'm definitely ready for spring.

Hey, don't forget that I've a needlepoint giveaway and a name will be drawn tomorrow.  Unless someone else signs up before tomorrow's drawing it looks like there's a winner. 

Saundra

Needlepoint Giveaway

While I'm an east coast person (born and raised in Delaware) in the early 80's my husband was transferred to California.  After getting settled in the new home I went looking for a job.  Luckily I found one just a short distance from our home down Crow Canyon Road, in San Ramon.  While in the reception room could see how happy the employees were and was very lucky to get a job there.  It was a great company and the first time I ever learned about 'flex time'.  The company was known as "Sunset Designs" a needlework company which began in the garage of Tom Cundith.  This company became huge and that is when I joined them, after their growth spurt.  Anyway........

At that time I wasn't a rug hooker but dabbled in stitchery and a few needlepoint designs that I'd pick up at the company store.  While in my attic looking for something else this evening I found these.  One I'd started years ago and the other is still packaged.  Seems as tho all the wool is here for the one started.

These are very small and the packaging says it will fit a 5 x 5 frame. These may as well go to someone who does needlework and will finish them, I know that I won't as hooking rugs is my favorite past time and still plan to do some needle punch projects again.

So here's the skinny......

The winner must be a FOLLOWER, shipping to US only (sorry guys in Canada and elsewhere), and most importantly I must be able to reply to your comment.  In other words, check your 'profile settings' and see if you have put your e-mail address there.  If not, you will come up as a "no-reply" to me when I try to send you an e-mail.  Therefore your name will be deleted.

Leave me a comment saying you want to enter the giveaway for both Needlepoint designs and the name will be drawn Thursday morning. 

Have a fantastic evening everyone.  My boy Ben is very VERY patiently waiting to be taken on his evening walk-about.  So TA TA and good luck.

Saundra

Overdue Updates on Projects

It's been a while since you've seen updates on 500 Mile Betts and the vintage adaptation of Santa and Deer since I got hooked on hooking hearts.  Several times during the hooking of this was tempted to pull out the background and find something else.  Normally I have a vision of a rug and know the background color I want, which is usually primitive black.  But this time I wanted to hook my motifs first and thought the light texture would work okay. 

The problem ~ the values are so darn close between the background and some of the motifs that it would not get good marks if I was being graded by a teacher, that's for sure.  I can remember Bev Conway telling the class that, "....the color gets all the credit but the value did the work".  Yet when I look at this picture think I'll continue doing what I am doing anyway since I've reached the point of no return.  This may go down as the worst color selection of any rug I've hooked so far.

Finally the antique adaptation of Santa and Deer is done.  Well the hooking that is.  But the binding can wait since there is no rush as it won't be needed until about 10 months from now.

So tonight I think that I'll start hooking the third Heart that was drawn.  At least I'll be on time for one holiday since Santa didn't make it for Christmas.  I know the poll indicates that more people like hooking following the heart shape but think I'll hook this next one in golds going horizontal.  Guess that's the rebel in me but was very interested in seeing what the majority likes. 

OH, by the way, have no clue how two polls ended up on my blog and by the time I discovered it there were too many votes on each for me to remove one. 

Hope you have a great evening and staying warm.

Saundra

Chicken Challenge (free pattern)

There is a Chicken Challenge taking place and I'm here to help spread the word and the free pattern.  My friend Deb (of Woolwrights) e-mailed me, mentioned the challenge and said I should pass the word to all my hooking friends.  Deb and two other gals saw an old rug in an antique store and each decided to do their own version.  Here are their results.

Below is the second rug from this design that Deb is doing and I'm loving the colors she chose.  She said she enlarged hers to 15" x 30".  Mine will probably be about those dimensions too when I finish my other projects.  The Santa and Deer will be done real soon, then want to work on the 500 Mile Betts and finish her.  But after that think I'll do this challenge too.

There is no time limit, you can use whatever colors and embellishments you wish.  This is something you can do at your leisure and have fun with.  Once it is done they would love to have a picture of it so they can post it on the Woolwrights Hooking Guild web site.  If you hover over "more" you will see a Chicken Challenge tab which you may want to visit from time to time to see the new additions.

Now for the pattern ~ just copy and enlarge to whatever dimensions you desire.  Have fun.

Saundra





February Applique and Stitchery Blocks

It's that time again.....time for me to show you the applique and stitchery blocks I made a few years ago.  This piece was designed by Jan Patek.

For the life of me cannot remember who did this 12 month stitchery.  I use to think it was "I Done my Best" then a reader informed me otherwise but it has since slipped from my memory. 

If someone knows the designer of the 12 month stitchery designs I'd update my blog.  Thanks for visiting and have a great weekend. 

P.S. I've been informed the designer of the stitchery is: "
          The stitchery is by Nancy Huggins of The Basket Case x Needlework Therapy." 
        Thanks Karen. 

Saundra

Hooked Hearts Two Ways

I've finished hooking two hearts and have a third one drawn and will hook it a different color (I think) but in the style which everyone seems to like best. ... following the shape of the heart or horizontal. 

Yesterday I ordered the lavender buds from the company where Betsy buys hers and when it arrives will stuff these after stitching a wool backing on them.  Actually might wait until after the third heart is hooked then finish and stuff all at the same time.  Meanwhile I'll hook more on the background of my Santa and Deer which still isn't finished.

Would love for you to vote for your favorite over to the right side bar, or you can post a comment.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Saundra

Hook'n a Heart

I've started hooking a heart since I had the urge anyway, plus as luck would have it there was an inquiry about how to hook them.  The heart was just started this afternoon so not much has been accomplished.  For my first one decided to hook the traditional red heart but using various textured wools.  By the way, I'm using a #10 wool strip instead of hand torn but it still goes faster than using #8.

Perhaps the inquiries came about since my blog posting of my November class with Betsy Reed.  Among the great hooked items she brought for her trunk show these hearts were among them.

Well dang!!!!!!!!  I hadn't looked at her pieces again until tonight and see that she hooked hers across and I'm following the heart shape.  Oh well, I'll make do and decide how to proceed since I've only hooked two rows on one side and three on the other.  Hmm, guess that means a challenge.  Maybe I need to do another red one and have it hooked across after one outline row.  Sounds like a winner to me and you can vote on which version you like best.

Anyway, this heart was drawn out at Betsy's class and you can see the measurements by the rulers here.  This is the size hers were and what I'm hooking now.  Since this was for me to hook I used my scrap linen with a more narrow margin.  When I sell my patterns there is at least a 3" margin all around.  But since it is all cut away later I usually just sew on a piece of fabric to hold it to the frame and use my scraps.

Locker hooking uses a much different threader needle and TRADITIONAL rug hooking uses a hook similar to that in the first photo.  It resembles a crochet hook but I prefer the one with a ball hand.  Yet I have some friends who do use a large crochet hook. 

Traditional rug hooking should NOT to be confused with latch hook.  The way I'm hooking is the way our foremothers made their rugs.  Except their hook was usually fashioned out of a nail which had been bent or if a large nail was chiseled at the end to give it a catching hook.  It was then inserted into a hand carved piece of wood. 

This is the underside of my gripper hooking frame and you can see that the tail is now under the pattern.  So I will insert my hook (I'm right handed) and pull up the loop using my left hand to guide the wool strip.  Yup, it is a two handed job. 

In rug hooking you start with the 'tail' of the wool strip up, go over a few holes and pull up the next loop.  Be sure to lean your hook toward the previous loop so that it puts pressure on that loop so it doesn't slip down.

Hope this has helped a little for those of you who inquired and those who wondered.

Saundra

Meanings of Symbols in Harriet's Quilt Piece

In a previous post I introduced you to Harriet and gave a little history of her.  Also mentioned that Betts the hog walked 500 miles from Georgia to Virginia.  There is more to the story behind this quilt piece from which I chose a few motifs.  If you look carefully in the middle just below the star bursts, you will see a pendulum clock. 

According to information provided by Harriet this is the meaning: 

• Rich people who were taught nothing of God. Bob Johnson and Kate Bell of Virginia. They told their parents to stop the clock at one and tomorrow it would strike one and so it did. This was the signal that they had entered everlasting punishment. The independent hog which ran 500 miles from Georgia to Virginia, her name was Betts." (this information was gathered on the web site of Museum of Fine Art, Boston).  If you wish to read more about Harriet Powers and her quilts check it out.

For my adaptation I chose to draw a modern day clock closing in on the 1 o'clock hour and put a home in the center instead.  I also picked a chicken and 2 duck motifs from her other quilt to add to the farm homestead scene.

And I have indeed painted myself into a corner.  Actually, it looks better in this picture on the monitor instead of up close and personal.  At first I thought it was going to be 500 Mile Betts as my only source of color value frustration.  But nope, the light colors of the people's shirts and the woman's grey hair is also a problem to me.  Since I was considering pulling out the blue/tan texture from around Betts thought that I'd try a very light wool (like the man's shirt) on top of Betts' snout.  It is the same color as the natural linen foundation so is probably hard to notice. 

Can you imagine a pit walking 500 miles?  I wonder how long it took and .... also wonder if she was sold and then walked back to her old home.  I sure wish Harriet was still alive so I could ask those questions. 

Perhaps it is time to put 500 Mile Betts aside, take a breather from the piece and will pull loops on the background of my Santa and Deer tonight.  At least I know what I'm doing with that one and bet it will be a more speedy result for my efforts.  I was going to pull some loops on a heart but think the Santa and Deer idea is a better one for tonight.

Have a great evening everyone.  It was a rather mild day today which made the snow disappear but this nice mild temperature is short lived.  I'll take it whenever and no matter how short it happens.

Saundra

More of Harriet Powers Hooked Adaptation

This is as far as I've gotten with my adaptation of a quilt section made by Harriet Powers.  For the border I've chosen a dark row and was considering having no border but rather all background.....then changed my mind and decided to frame it .

In this piece my main focus has been on Betts, the hog who travelled 500 miles from Georgia to Virginia (according to Powers' recorded descriptions).  And I've chosen to shorten the nose on Betts from the original quilt block.

This is the original quilt block and you can see I tried to shorten the hogs nose a little but still wanted to keep it naive and primitive.

Normally I choose my background color first, which makes it easier to find suitable wool colors for the motifs.  Sadly this time I decided to hook the motifs the way I envisioned them and to heck with background.  Well now it seems I've painted myself into a corner.

 

My intentions are to put a row or two of different values around the motifs and ease a neutral background.  Well, to do a background sorta like the one I did in Big Dog Hollow (shown below).  You might remember that  Kathy (Briarwood Folk Art) and I traded patterns; I chose this one of hers and she picked my Frost Sheep w/Birds and Flowers rug which she is presently hooking.  Hmmmm, she called it something else.  Anyway, she is doing a magnificent job hooking it and I like her rendition better than mine.

Hope you are staying inside and warm.  It is frigid here in Delaware and it is very uncomfortable walking a dog in these temperatures.  Sure wish I could litter box train my Rottweiler Ben.

 

Happy Saturday.

 

Saundra

Wee More than A Peek

Finally I was able to pull a few loops on my new project to give you a little something to view, so this is more than the peek you saw before.  As previously mentioned this is an adaptation taken from one of Harriet Powers' quilts.

I've chosen to pick and choose elements from Harriet's Pictorial Quilt which most endear me into one smallish pattern.  Should I have chosen a block and hooked it exactly as she quilted it?  Some might but not me, sorry, as I wanted to capture those elements which most endeared me.

Here is the particular quilt square I chose and you can see the difference.  So tomorrow I'll give you an update on my hooking and what things means.

In looking at my hooking and Harriet's quilt piece think I should have made the curve at the belly much different than I did.  AND, you know me as someone who will pull out loops in a heartbeat..... I might just do that.

Try and keep warm guys and gals, it's mighty frigid out there.  Right now at 7 p.m. in Seaford, DE it is 7 degrees and dropping.  But thank goodness I've heat.  Have a great evening and try to stay warm.

Saundra

New Project, a Harriet Powers Adaptation

First, let me introduce you to Harriet Powers.  She was born into slavery near Athens, Georgia on October 29, 1837.  This picture of her was taken in 1901.  Notice her fancy apron with applique symbols.

(Harriet Powers 1837 - 1910) 

 

One of her first quilts (Bible Quilt shown below) was recorded as being at a Cotton Fair in 1886. 

The only other picture of a quilt I've been able to find is this one from which I'll do my adaptation.  It has been referred to as Pictorial Quilt and was reportedly commissioned and made between 1895-98.  This quilt measures 68 7/8" x 105".  According to what I've read she did make more quilts but they may be in private collections.

 Okay kiddies.  Here is a teaser as I've not been able to hook much on it and want to keep the design a secret just a little longer until I've more to show.  Since I finally got my shipment out just after noon today when the snow started wasn't able to start my project until recently.  Then walk Ben, then get on the computer. 

 

 Who knows when I'll be able to post another update as I truly believe I will lose power sometime tonight or tomorrow with this blizzard.  Right now it is just snowing without the white out drifts.  Last I heard around noon was that we will get 6" - 10".  When I'm done here will listen to the weather and get the latest.  I've got my candles, batteries, water in the tub to fill up toilets ready.  So what will be will be.  Meanwhile I plan to hook til the power goes out.

Hunker down you guys, stay warm and stay safe.

Saundra

Background Wool for Santa and Deer

I was asked to post a picture of uncut wool which was used for the Santa and Deer and am happy to do so.

The majority of the background was hooked using the top two wools (pictured below).  I know the one on the right came from Betsy but not sure about the other one.  Occasionally I'd add strips from the bottom two wools; the wool on the bottom left is from a recycled skirt and the herringbone on the bottom right came from Betsy.

Hopefully I'll be ready to pull some loops on my projects starting on Tuesday as my goal is to ship the commission out on Tuesday since tomorrow is a holiday.  Since I'm not totally finished with the commission I won't be ready to hook on my projects tomorrow anyway.

Have a great evening.

Saundra

P.S.  OMG, I went to Betsy's web site to copy her link and noticed she has a new shipment of wool.  I've got to place my order before my favorites are all sold.   AND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   My name sake wool has been restocked!!!  I feel like a proud mama.  Thanks Betsy for naming it after my blog name.

Something Old Something New

Actually I'll start with what will be the something new project just as soon as this commission piece is hooked and shipped (hopefully Monday).   I've already designed my rug but will debut it when I get a little more hooked on it after Monday as responsibilities come first.  However, my piece is adapted from an antique rug made by Harriet Powers.  So Far I've only been able to locate 2 quilts made by her.  This one is known as the Bible Quilt and was said to be made by her in 1886.  I'll provide more information on this talented woman when I post a picture of my rug.

Another quilt made by Harriet Powers is this one below.  Hope I've piqued your interest but bear with me while I finish the commission.

Now onto the something old.  Nope, haven't accomplished much on this one either and this is what the rug looks like now. The binding part can wait but want to get the hooking finished so that I can work on the Harriet project.

As you can see from the picture above, the Santa and Deer adaptation measures 23 x 25 1/2; it is hooked mostly in #8.5 strips but for the border was using #9.  Have a great evening everyone.

Saundra

Another Antique Rug Show

As you might suspect, there's nothing new for me to share on my Santa and Deer rug, nor the one I just designed.  I've been occupied drawing patterns and a commission job of hooking and the moola comes before fun.  Actually, anything rug hooking related still is fun....well except for the binding part.

Cute Mother Dog and her Pup.

 

Interesting piece of folk art.

And this small mat sold for $1,700 and I can't even sell my rugs which are a little larger than that for $200.

Ah, the Honeymoon.

 

Thought this one was quite interesting and colorful too.

Speaking of color, this one took me by surprise because for some reason I sorta like it. 

This is a nifty Alphabet Rug which measures 4' 9" x 8' and was probably hooked for a child's room.

I like this log cabin rug a lot.  It looks like there may be quilts, rugs and other linens hanging on the line.

And for you cat lovers out there.

While I don't have any progress to report on my Santa and Deer, here is an old Santa rug that I discovered in my search.

Hopefully I'll have something to show you tomorrow.... I hope.  Have a great day.

Saundra

Primitive Quilts and Projects

Looking for primitive?  Oh but I do look forward to my issues of Primitive Quilts and Projects and just received the Spring issue today.  You can click that link to see all the great designs offered on the home page. 

While I'm not a quilter (not what I consider a real quilter anyway) and for those of you who think this is only for quilting, you're wrong.  There are many quilt designs, applique and needle punch designs that can be adapted to rug hooking just by the movement of a sharpie and enlargement. 

MY list of 'rugs to hook' is increasing since there are a few in this issue beckoning me...as if I didn't have a long list already.  I love Lori Brechlin's Blue Belle (needle punch design) and Tonya Roby's Simple Days (hooked design).  Blue Birds and Berries by Missie Carpenter is also nice and love her colors.

If you aren't a subscriber you may just want to consider it if you can't find it at your local news stand. 

Have a great Monday evening everyone.

Saundra