Spring has finally Sprung and Stitchery Quilt Block

With the snow during the winter gone and the long delay of spring weather ~ spring has finally arrived.  Look at the beautiful yellow in my yard with the forsythia and daffodils in full bloom.

 And tho hard to see the periwinkle (vinca minor) is popping out too.  Soon the trees will be rustling with fresh leaves.

Yesterday was a lovely day and in the afternoon I sat out back on the deck near the fish pond and perused thru a bunch of old Rug Hooking Magazines.  It really was fun to peruse old issues and rediscover techniques and look with a different eye now that I've been hooking for a while.

And remember this giveaway that Kellie of Indiana won? 

Kellie was sweet enough to send me a picture of a stitchery she did from the book.  Great stitchery quilt block Kellie, thanks for sharing and glad you are enjoying the book.

 

Enjoy your weekend, I just might enjoy the back deck this afternoon as well and continue looking thru the magazines since it was such fun yesterday.

 

Saundra

Dyeing in Anticipation

That's right, I'm dyeing in anticipation...of the next project to go on my frame.  Some of you (Lauren) figured out which one is the next one.  I've been collecting odd pieces of wool which weren't large enough for a whole motif and light colored wool with too much white to suit me. 

The intention was to have some toned down dirty muddy alternatives in stock to use in antique adaptations.  It is great to have several different wools from the same dye bath as it looks great all hooked together.  Or it can be used here and there mixed with other wool for a background or motif.  I'm sure some will be used in my Woolley Fox camp rug too.

This morning I gathered about 3 yards of wool to dye in 3 different pots but with the same recipe.  BUT, from the ONE CUP I used only tablespoons per pot, NOT the whole cup per pot.  So, two pots had 5 tablespoons of the solution and the darker wool had only 4 tablespoons.  So there is a smidgen of dye left which I've saved for another time.  Here is the recipe:

Olde Patina
1/2 t. Khaki Drab (Cushings)
1/8 + 1/16 Golden Brown (Cushings)
1/8 Prochem 124 Gold (since I didn't have Cushings Old Gold)
1/16 t. Dark Gray (Cushings)
1/64 t. Wood Rose (Cushings)

This was pot 1 Before.  Most of the wool is from Heavens to Betsy.  I'm not sure where I got the wool with the orange, the 4th one from the left. As I LOVE buying Betsy's Remnant Bags, I save pieces like this for the dye pot.  AND, what is lovely is that I get to see pieces larger than the samples to get a better look at the wool.  The 3rd and 5th pieces of wool are wonderful as they are but since I've more of the 3rd, thought I'd toss it all into a pot anyway.

Here is Pot 1 After.  And I swear the wool to the far right doesn't look that orange in person.  Nor does the pink in the second one show up as much as in the photo.  Oh well, cameras, flashes and monitors...what can I say.  But you can see they will work well in antiques.

Pot 2 Before, again mostly Betsy wool except for the third piece where I'm not sure of it's origin.

Pot 2 After.  Need to explain something here.  There were a couple pieces of white/natural wool and they must have been from different mill jobs as they dyed differently.  When I placed them out  for the before photo they were all tucked in together, but when they came out of the pot and look differently, I split the first two white wools for the after photo.   Again these lovelies (except for the orange plaid) came from Betsy.

 

Pot 3 Before.  That green/gold wool, third over, is from Scotland and the one below is from a skirt I purchased at the thrift shop.  The very light in the wool I wanted toned down.

Pot 3 After.  Perhaps I could have added another tablespoon or two to the pot but this is still toned down.  The rug going on my frame next has some blue in it so am hoping that the blue here plus an already old looking blue wool I have will work.

If you haven't already done so, I'd suggest you try one of the Remnant Bag sales that Heavens to Betsy offers.  She doesn't have them often but if you sign up for her newsletter or check her link often enough you will find out when she is having one.  Most times the pieces are larger than you saw here.  But sometimes to make the weight right she needs to put in a narrow piece of wool.  Hey, that works for me particularly for jobs like this.

Goodness, I'm running way late so will check tomorrow for incorrect sentences.  Have a great evening.

Saundra

What Next?

Since the UFO Geo is almost done I've been pondering what I'll put on my frame next.  The hooking on the geo could have been finished today if I hadn't had a hair cut and my 'roots' done plus subsequent errands which took up a big part of the day.  But the time is coming when I'll actually be having fun with a fresh rug and not something started about 10 years ago using wool worms.

There has been an interest in an antique rug which was previously mentioned on my blog.  I've sold one pattern already which normally I don't do until after I've hooked it also.  But now I've another order so am speeding up my hooking list.  Into the wool room I went in search of various primitive light wools.  First place I checked was the organized shelf (I've very few of those but lots of bundles on the floor).

I pulled these smallish pieces and they may or may not end up in the dye pot.  Some look like they may work well as they are.

These below WILL go in a dye pot to make them 'dirty muddy' as Lucille Festa would call it.

Depending on the dye results will determine if I use all over dyed dirty, mix as is texture with it, or do all the wool in a solution.  But do know that I want it to look old.

You may know which rug I'm talking about but if you don't know check back later OR, go looking thru the archives and figure it out for yourself.  So Carol and Annette, if you are reading my blog you can see what my plans are and it's getting close.

Have a great evening.  Saundra

Going in Circles and UFO Geo Project

This morning when I went perusing my favorite blogs I was reminded by Alice that there was an unattended project in my midst.  Since I've been on a mission to rid myself of the geo project (hmmm, has a sort of secret under cover, obscure, CIA or ufo influence in those words, right?)  I'm liking that UFO Geo Project term more and more and changing the subject line on my post right now.

Anyway, Alice of a Day in the Life posted her circle rug and now I'm wanting to get back to mine but am otherwise being held captive.  Good going Alice and please show us the finale.

Some other circle rugs which I've not shown before are coming up.  So perhaps some of these will inspire you to 'de-worm' also.  But as hard as I'm trying to rid myself of some of these worms it doesn't seem as tho I'm making a whole lot of progress. 

Here is a chair pad with circle type "Tree of Life" design to use up worms.

And this is a great vintage (I think) hit and miss circle rug.  She made do and used up her worms as well. 

So now an update on my Geo Project.  As I look at the rug it is noticeable to me that not all block outlines were hooked in black or really dark wool ~ I also see blues and greys.  OMG, so now do I UN HOOK those lighter outlines and replace with black?  For sure I could use those blues in the remaining blocks but then I'd be taking one step forward and two back.  YIKES.  Oh well, in the olden days "she would have used what she had"....right?  So guess I'll just keep on going on.  I've got plans for hooking something after the geo.  Keep tuned and I'll tell ya and show you all about it.

Have a great evening, give your family of people or pets a kiss and spread joy.  HUGE hugs to everyone.

Saundra

Remembering My First Rug Camp Experience

I was a self-taught rug hooker and learned by reading the instructions in a Rug Hooking Magazine as well as a Kindred Spirits booklet.  Since I was also a doll maker believe it was this booklet which got me started.  However, I do own several of Kindred Spirits booklets.

So for a couple years I hooked smallish things on my own at home until one day decided to bite the bullet and attend a rug camp an hour away from home.  Figured it was time to find out what I was doing wrong , unlearn bad habits and develop proper hooking style ~ which for me was primitive and wide cut.

At that same time a doll maker and hooker friend Shari was also new to the world of rug hooking.  We discussed the camp ad we'd seen mentioned in Rug Hooking Magazine and decided to go. We could have stayed at my house and driven the hour to and fro but ....duh.... why miss all the fun.  So we chose to stay at The Dunes Hotel in Ocean City, MD where the Maryland Shores Rug Camp was being held in April.

At that time it was a McGowan school using only accepted patterns.  Thankfully they changed and now designs by anyone will be accepted at the school.  These McGowan trained teachers have had to hook numerous styles, different cuts, various techniques, different finishing and basically jump through hoops to get their certification.  Some of those teachers, like my friend Lynne, also has an art degree in addition.  So needless to say I was TIMID.  I didn't know Lynne at the time, and frankly didn't know ANY hookers until going to camp, but I was still timid.
    (this is getting long, do you need to go get a glass of water, tee hee)

Okay, so my friend Shari and I decide that once in the class room we will hurry to get a position where our backs are against the wall so other hookers can't see what we've done.  Mind you I'm an adult and am feeling like a scared child in a fetal position.  So we do pick a spot like that and we were happy.

Now, my poor poor teacher, the wonderful Mary Lou Bleakley who will (I'm sure) never forget me didn't know what she was in for.  Even tho I was a grown woman.... senior even.... I was still timid and insecure.  Since I had no stash of wool to speak of, and now know what I did have wasn't good wool, I chose to have my teacher color plan my design.  I told her which pattern I wanted, gave her ideas for colors and she did a great job for me.  I chose "Heritage" which is a Charco design and acceptable in the camp at that time. 

Guess I should have vacuumed my rug before posting the picture.  This is the rug and has been at my front door since 2003, wool is very resilient.

One of the pre-class questions Mary Lou asked was what did I want to learn from class.  Even tho I was going to hook a wide cut (#8) I wanted to learn how to do shading because this was going to be my first and last rug camp.  HA! (but that's another story).

At some point before camp I'm sure poor Mary Lou thought I was the student from hell because I had so many questions; am sure too she thought I'd be the trouble maker in the class and not a happy camper maybe always complaining.  Well I didn't start trouble in the class and she and I have laughed about that class each time we see each other. 

OH, but yes, troublemaker I am.  When I go to camp it is fun to get laughs and play with my pals so do like to stir the pot a little.  But it is all in fun not in malice.  And for the record, all the teachers and seasoned hookers greeted us newbies with open arms and tend to share every bit of information they know. 

Going to camp is a great way to see tools other hookers have and everyone is willing to share usage on a hook or a frame just so other hookers will have the experience and know what product suits them best.  Shari and I (even as newbies) had people lining up to try our 'sit-upon' swivel and tilt frame which was new on the market at the time.

All sorts of other fond memories are going through my cranium as I type this but think I'll sign off for now and take my boy Ben for yet ANOTHER walk since he didn't do his duties before and he didn't want the back yard as a substitute... dang dog.

Mary Lou, I doubt you're reading my blog but want to thank you for being patient with me. 

Please everyone, be kind to one another regardless of their difference. 

Saundra

Granny Geo Update

Was going to title the post "The Never ending Granny Geo" but it looks like the hooking is really nearing the end.  This is a picture I took outside on my deck in natural sunlight without a flash.  Look, look, do you see the end?  Me too!

Wanna see what it looked like when I brought it out of hiding?  Yup, I've come a long way (comparatively speaking). 

My small penny circle mat hasn't received any attention in several days.  Perhaps tomorrow I'll pull a few loops and post an update.  Since I'll be going to Woolley Fox in just a little over a month I'm sure hoping this project is done.  I want to move on and cross this one off my list. 

Funny as I look at this rug and where I started after oh so many years, and then yesterday's post of Lynne with her 5' x 5' rug hooked in 5 years with all worms....UH, I ask myself why I'm on this contraption talking about hooking when I COULD  ACTUALLY  BE HOOKING.

As I asked myself that my thought came to 'sharing the word'.  I love hooking rugs.  I was a NEWBIE with no stash, no knowledge.  AH HA!!!!  now I know what I'll talk about tomorrow on my blog...... My FIRST EVER rug camp.

Have a great evening everyone.

Saundra

 

Circle Rug using just Woolie Worms

A few posts ago I showed pictures of various circle or penny rugs, and  a small mat I started using my woolie worms.  Today my friend Lynne shared a picture of her almost completed 5' x 5' circle rug hooked using ONLY her worms. She is working on the border now so you may as well say it is complete. 

This is quite a beauty, not to mention the time involved and the weight of working with this piece.

OMG, that must have been one huge task to move that rug around, not to mention the time involved in hooking it.  Lynne said she started the rug about 5 years ago.  Those who know Lynne know this was not the only rug on her frame in those 5 years.   

And to think I was complaining about me starting the granny geometric about 10 years ago which is a minuscule rug compared to Lynne's 5x5 rug. 

A question I neglected to ask Lynne is....... do you still have any worms left?  Hopefully she will let me know.

Perhaps tomorrow I'll give you an update on my Granny Geometric.  Finally hooked a couple block but haven't worked on my Penny Mat since it is smaller. 

Have a great evening and please be KIND to one another.

Saundra

Busy as a Bee and Soon a New Pattern

Seriously?  It is April 1st?  Normally I'd say time flies when you're having fun but all the snow, rain and un-spring chilly weather hasn't been much fun for me.  But with my rug hooking I obviously do find plenty of fun time in the warmth of my home.

I've been a busy gal today ~ nope, only hooked one block in the Granny Geo rug so don't have much progress to show.  But......... a follower has inquired about a antique rug that is also on my list of rugs to hook.  I eventually planned to hook it but looks like it might be sooner than planned.   You saw this picture along with other antique rug pictures in my March 17th post.

So today I've been busy getting ready to offer this as a pattern.  Thanks for lighting a fire under me Carol.  I'm still working on it and will set the paper pattern aside when it is drawn out full size and do the linen tomorrow.  I'm determined to do at least one more block on Granny before the evening is over.

Have a fabulous evening everyone.

Saundra

Granny Geometric Update

A year ago, if, someone had told me I'd be this far along on the rug I'd never have believed them.  It actually looks like it will really could be completed before going to Woolley Fox rug camp in May. WOOHOO.

For the heck of it I started hooking a third row of border to see if I want two rows or three rows of hooking.  It is hardly noticeable at the bottom because only a couple inches in length was hooked, plus when I was spreading the rug out on the floor for the photo my hand got caught in the wool strip and pulled out some loops.  At first glance it looks like 3 rows would frame it better so just might continue all the way around.

Think I'll continue hooking on this for at least the rest of the evening instead of moving to the penny circle mat. 

Have a great evening everyone.

Saundra

Hooked Penny Mat Update

This morning I was on a roll with that never-ending Granny Geo rug on my frame then realized today was when I was to post an update on the hooked penny rug mat.  Oops.  This is what it looks like at the moment.

Since the penny rug mat is smaller perhaps my time would be better served hooking on the Granny Geometric.  Otherwise the penny mat would be finished first.

I WILL really be happy when the Granny Geo is done.  I'm going to rug camp May 18th so better get my mind and hands geared up for the tasks to be done before then.  What a great sense of accomplishment I'd have if I can pull it off.

Have a great evening everyone.

Saundra

Granny Geometric Update

A couple more blocks have been hooked on the granny Geo and I'm a little more than halfway done, believe it or not.  Frankly never thought I'd ever get this far ~ even tho it was started over 10 years ago.  Just figured it would be one of those projects started and put on e-bay or given to the thrift store for someone else to finish.  But it actually seems as tho I will finish it.  I think the encouragement from you folks has inspired me to keep on going on, thank you all for that encouragement.

You may also notice that I have done the pre-binding sewing of two rows of straight stitch and one row of zig zag.  I'm unsure if I'll do one more row hooking on the border.  But if so it won't make a huge difference in the excess which will be turned under the binding.  And it does look like it may need another row of border hooked to frame it better.

And yes, I have also worked a little more on my hooked penny mat and will show you an update on that tomorrow.

Hope you all have a great evening and all your snow has melted.

Saundra

Spring? Really??

I'm so sick of winter weather I could scream. See this forsythia bush?  It should be close to having buds on it. Nope, not happening. 

And all my daffodils which were starting to bud ?????  Guess they will be dead before they even bloom. 

There is a bird feeder, bird house and bird bath just waiting for spring.  Whenever it decides to show up.

Is the snow pretty?  Maybe the first snow of the season to an adult, and to a kid who could be out in it all day with no problem they would like more.  But to me enough is enough.

Hugs to all who are enduring sad issues, no matter what they may be.  It is times like this that I remember working on a 'hot line' in my younger years.  Strange that my mind would turn to that part of my life after all this time.  But in some way perhaps a blog is a way of trying to help others now, yet it was thru a telephone connection back then.  

When you are upset, remember to take a deep breath, hold for a few seconds and exhale slowly.  As you do that think about spring, think about your next hooking project, or better yet..... design one in your head.  After typing this I'm even feeling more calm. 

Have a great evening everyone.

Saundra

Going Around in Circles

Yup, finally started hooking the penny rugette/mat, the pattern of which was posted the other day.  I'm using only worms in the circles as #8 cuts are no longer my favorite cut to use and I've plenty of them to rid myself of.  For the background and border I have cut some #8.5 to add to the already small collection of wool strips in that size.

Were you wondering which type of penny rug I would hook from all that eye candy I posted?  My plan was to keep you in wonderment as to what my final design would be until now.  Hey, just remember that circles and hit and miss cannot be copyrighted so PLEASE feel free to copy what I've done IF YOU WANT.

Sadly I didn't accomplish nearly as much hooking as I'd hoped but you will get the idea.  Plus, my gentle hooking curves at the corners of the design have taken a life of it's own from what I drew as that was just a guess.  But that is how the hooking took place and is okay since a gentle curve is what I was looking for anyway. Plans are to do at least one more row of border around and perhaps two ~ won't know until my hooking continues.  Sure do like the curved corners tho.

In case you are wondering how I went about hooking this mat, here is a close up.  I first hooked AROUND the circle with the background colors, then drew lines with a felt tip pen to show a general idea to follow for hooking in the colors or bland colors.





I would love to see your rendition if you plan to take on this fun project.  If you have a blog it would be fun to see your post of what you do.  If you DON'T have a blog but would like to share..... I would be excited to have you send me your photo and I'll share it on my blog along with my slow update.

 

Hey, that would be fun to share projects hooked by others ESPECIALLY by newbie hookers.  Gals and Guys.... I was ALSO a NEWBIE hooker.  So whatever questions you have or feelings you have I've also had them.  We all did.  Now I'm wondering if I want to hook on the geometric to post an update tomorrow or continue with the 'going on Circles' rug.

Hugs to all and I'm wondering if winter will EVER END????  Is this the winter that just keeps on giving and giving and giving?  I think so. 

 

Saundra 

 

The Next Mat Reveal

No loops have been pulled yet and probably won't start tonight so that a few more loops can be pulled on the geometric.  But if you recall when I gave you rug shows last month, there were several hooked penny rugs and thought it was a great way to use up more wool worms. 

Particularly since the geo gets boring but while the wool worm stash is out may as well make good use of the source and hook penny rugs.  Also to use up those #8 strips.  Once upon a time I thought the #8 was a wide cut.....that is until I tried my first #8.5 and then the #8 seemed like a #6 sliding on my hook.  My cut size of choice now is #8.5 and #9 so using up all those #8 strips will be wonderful.

This is the smallish mat I drew out this morning.  As you surmised from the picture, my project will be a hooked penny rug.  For reference, the circles measure 2" in diameter and I drew a 1 1/2" border.  So if you would like to join in and play, post on your blog and share, I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with....check out the inspirational eye candy further down.

I'm sure that at first glance the picture looks confusing.  First, I used a scrap piece of linen left over from a previous project; I never throw away linen which could be used for something.  And must mention that when I draw a pattern to sell it goes out with an ample margin.  But when I draw something for myself to hook I use what I have and sew on a 'cheater' margin.

Since the pennies are rounded I liked the idea of having rounded corners too, which would lend a softness  to the piece rather than sharp turns.  Hey, who knows I just might change my mind as I get hooking.  You've seen me in action before by pulling out wool and re-hooking.

You probably also noticed that I've done my pre-binding stitching 1" all the way around the design.  Since I know for sure the border won't be larger than the 1 1/2" decided to do the stitching as it is easier to do before it is hooked.  Well since this is a small mat this one wouldn't be a problem like the larger pieces, but still it is all done now and ready to go when it is hooked.

In previous posts I've given you rug shows with hooked penny rugs.  Some of what you're about to see are repeats but fun to look at again all the same.  Perhaps something here will inspire you to draw out your own mini-rugette.

 

Okay guys and gals, there are lots of ideas for you to ponder and draw out your own little mat, chair pad, mug rug, etc.  Circles can't be copyrighted.  I used the top of a dog vitamin container to draw my circles and played by ear as to how much space I wanted between the circles and how large for the border. 

JOIN ME!!!!  Let us all De-Worm.

Have a fantastic weekend!!!

Saundra

Gee Wiz, the Geo Again?

Must tell you that I'll be elated when this rug is done.  Right now this is the only rug on my frame since the Chicken Challenge rug is all hooked.  But at least it has my undivided attention at the moment and this is how it looks now.

So that I don't get totally bored with this geometric (uh, I already am unfortunately)  I'm thinking about starting something SMALLish to hook when wanting to take a break from this geo.  Since I'm still deciding what I want to hook that piece will be revealed in a future post.  But it will also be something to use up my left over wool strips ~ particularly the #8 which seem small to me now. 

Plus, in May I'll be going to Woolley Fox camp and start a brand new rug so the interim piece will definitely need to be small.  Some of you just might want to join along with me.  I'll give you more teasing posts along the way before deciding what I want to do and lots of eye candy in case you want to join in too.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Saundra

Chicken Challenge Hooked

I was going to title this post "Chicken Challenge Done" but that would indicate it was also bound, which is not the case.  I was excited to have it all hooked and show you my rendition now.  Also wanted to send a picture to Woolrights so it could be placed on their blog along with the other challenge participants.  However, think Deb (the mother of the guild blog) is at Woolley Fox this week.  So when she gets home she will post the picture.

What can I say......the rug really doesn't look this busy or bright in person.  The plan was to make it look like an early hooked rug using 'what she had' and hooking in blocks which is often seen in old rugs.  All the while combining the Chicken Challenge design and a rooster design I'd admired.  Somewhere along the line my background hooking took on a life of its own.   Or at least it looks like that in the photo.

 

Oh well, plan is to not sell this one but to replace the wonderful Eat Crow rug which has graced the front of my kitchen sink since 2003.  Not sure where I'll place the Crow but it is special to me.  My departed silly and goofy Rottie Panzer thought he could fly and would try to jump and fly to catch the crow as it flew from the yard.

As you can see, the Crow has served me well over this last century with only a few minor dabs of clean ups.  Wool is very resilient and I'm sure that the Chicken Challenge rug will do well at the sink.  It IS time to give this crow guy a rest. 

 

If you would like to see what all the Chicken Challenge is about, click HERE.  When the HOME page comes up scroll over to the "MORE" link and hover.  Then look down the options and you will find the Chicken Challenge tab.  You will see the free pattern and further down the post you will see other hooked pieces done by others who wanted to participate in the challenge.  It's NOT  TOO LATE. 

 

Have a great evening everyone.  I'm making soup and going to go back to the geometric rug.  Hopefully there will be a few blocks hooked for me to show you tomorrow.

 

Saundra

Misc. Hooking Chit Chat

The other day while looking on Pinterest  enjoying the antique rugs I discovered this great geometric.

Look familiar?  It should, as it is the same geometric design as the one waiting in the wings for me.  Isn't it amazing the difference color choices make to a design?  And here is mine which will be worked on as soon as I finish up the Chicken Challenge rug.

And this one looks quite different but is very similar in design.  Again the hooking and choice of colors makes a difference in how the eye and brain sees it.

This was quite interesting to me and just might do this technique on a table mat, not a rug for the floor I don't think.  Surely it would need to be stitched and protected from raveling beyond the fringe you choose for your design.  This rug design is called Hildefern and is offered by Woolley Fox.

I've only a little more to hook on the Chicken Challenge rug so thought I'd save the showing until the last loop is pulled and it is steamed.  My plans are to send a picture to Woolrights so they can add a picture of mine with the others who have taken on this challenge.  If you would like the free design and participate or if you'd like to see how others have hooked their Chicken Challenge piece, click HERE.

Have a great day everyone and be kind to one another.

Saundra