Cat Rug Update and Newbie Tidbits

A little more has been accomplished on my adaptation of the vintage cat design.  This is what it looks like now:

If you don't remember what the original looked like no need to scroll back thru previous posts, here is what the original looked like.  I chose to do the bottom heart using dark and light wool in non-ripple effect and closer in style to the antique. 

These are the wools used for the area below the section where the cat is.  And the one to the far right will also be used to outline the entire rug since it is so unobtrusive and blends in with the vintage drab look.

Another thing which you need to understand is the importance of hooking INSIDE the line of the motif.  If you hook on the line or outside you will be expanding the size of the motif.  That would be disastrous if you were trying to hook a dainty bird.  I'll discuss this more when I get ready to hook the birds and small cats in this rug.  In the picture below, the circle to the left, you can see that I'm hooking just inside. 

So then you need to secure the motif with a "Holding Line".  Otherwise the wool will get comfy and spread out.  Not only is this an important step to contain the motif but frankly I don't like leaving all the background to be the very last part of the rug to hook.

Have a great evening and HAPPY EASTER to all.

Saundra

Hooking Circles Tutorial

Recently someone wrote me saying her hooked circle on a rug pattern she purchased and hooked curled and made a hump.  Yup, been there done that.  This is not a problem with design of the pattern but with the hooking (sorry). 

I've hooked lots of circles.  The rug below is a design by Fredricksburg Rugs.  I loved it, still love the design and didn't have a problem with hooking the circles.  The problem was using MONKS CLOTH.  I hate monks cloth as it stretches too much for my liking and it is too easy to pack the wool strips because it does stretch.  Now I use only linen as my backing of choice.  And it is the regular, natural primitive linen and NOT the hairless stuff.

If you crochet or knit you know what happens if you don't increase stitches  as you go around ~ you end up with one long tube.  Same thing with hooking a circle.  You must increase the outside loops so that it doesn't become a hump but a gentle flattened out circle.

Okay, in full disclosure, I am NOT an accredited teacher, NOT McGowan trained but rather self-taught and trying to help others thru their struggle like I did but without blog help.  However I've attended numerous rug camps and have had some magnificent teachers in the past several years.  Therefore I've learned something from them as well as the students who attend the camps. 

Okay, that said...the FIRST RULE is:  there are NO rules or right or wrong.  Do what works for you. 

Some people/teachers may say to start in the middle of a circle.  But then what about the primitive style of "outline and fill"?  In the picture below I did an outline of the center circle, joined the wool and snipped it off at the join.  The circle on the right was started in the middle as you can see, and snipped off.

Continuing in the middle circle with the light texture I hooked all the way around but didn't cut off at the join (you'll see why in next photo).  The circle to the right I hooked all around and cut off the second row at the join.

For the center circle I just continued in a spiral and ended up with one tail up in the middle.  For me, this way I can control the circle better.  And, if I should decide to pull out loops to change to another color... my wool strip will be longer to use again.

For the circle on the left I did the same spiral thing.  This outline and fill works best for me.   

In the photo below I did the continuous spiral on the circle to the left.

For me personally I like doing the outline and fill.  That way I can not only control the size and shape of my circle, but have already constructed the outside circumference.  Which means that there's limited space inside the remaining circle and no way I could pack my loops to make a dome.

Hope you all have a great evening.  OH!!!!!!  And I've lost my ability to receive comments into my personal e-mail.  Does anyone know what is up with Blogger why this function would be disabled??

Saundra

Rug Update and Hand Drawn Patterns

First here's a glimpse of the newest rug on my frame.  In a previous post I showed what I was using for the outline and the cat.  The star is hooked with red wool from my worm basket as is the light area surrounding the star, I should have filled in those extra spots around the star before taking a picture since it looks like little holes.

The darker background around the cat was among the wool I dyed in anticipation of hooking this rug.  It is the second from the left in this photo and it works well I think.

Just recently someone wrote me about a pattern situation and thought it was a topic worth discussing (NO, not with my pattern but one from someone else).  Here is what you, as the buyer, should expect when purchasing a pattern from someone.  I'm referring to those people in the business of drawing and selling patterns, me included, not someone downsizing their collection of unhooked purchased patterns.

You should expect the pattern:

• ~ drawn on straight of grain
• ~ no less than 3" margin beyond design
• ~ foundation edges secure to prevent raveling (I prefer serged    edges)

Never buy a 'stamped' pattern as you can be sure it is not on the straight of grain; you want to buy a 'hand drawn' pattern.  Although I draw a lot of my own patterns I also buy from other people and always take a pencil and run the pencil down the ditch at the edge to be sure it is drawn on the straight of grain before starting to hook.  I know it is easy for the pen to cross lines.  Of course the motifs inside may be curved, whimsical crooked houses, etc., but the outside edge should always be drawn on the straight of grain. 

Must admit that accidents do happen.  A bolt of linen is folded and when on a bolt there are also wrinkles.  So when drawing a line down the ditch across that section is very easy to slip into the next ditch.  Since I try to draw slowly, I correct myself and get back into the right ditch.  

What should you do if you buy a pattern from someone and it is off one strand or two along the perimeter?  If it were me and the design wasn't a game board style so the inside wasn't affected, I'd just draw the line straight and keep it.  Actually, that did happen to me and I do respect that person still to this day and will buy more patterns.  As I said, it is easy to be just one thread (ditch) over.  But, if it was way off kilter, I'd contact the designer/drawer and request a replacement or my money back.

 

Anyone who has purchased a pattern from me knows that I contact them, ask if they received the pattern and if are they are pleased.  And should someone buy one from me and they had an issue I would gladly give them a refund or replacement, but I'd want that pattern back they first bought.  I want to keep my customers happy and would like my name thought of kindly so will try to do my best.

I'd planned to discuss hooking circles and humps they can make but think this post is long enough so will hold that for another time.  It's going be chilly again tonight folks so bundle up.  Was shocking to wake up to white frosty crystals of snow on my yard this morning after all the warm weather earlier in the week.

Have a great evening.

Saundra

Penny Circle Mat and Newbie Tidbits

It has been a while since you've seen my penny circle mat since my marathon hooking on the Granny Geometric ~ and oh but it does feel so good to have that geo done.  For those of you who admired the rug and my progress thank you for inquiring about my drawing one out for you.  One thing is for certain...I am DONE with the geometric.  Even tho I drew my own I have no desire to draw the pattern for sale, sorry. 

Last night I hooked a little on the penny circle mat so that there would be a little something to show and this is what it looks like right now.  For those of you just visiting my blog, this was a project to 'de-worm' my wool basket and was hooking it along with the geometric since the worms were already out.

This piece measures 11 x 24; I used the lid of a vitamin bottle to draw the circles which are 2" in diameter. 

And, now for the Newbie Tidbit.  I drew that pattern on a leftover scrap of linen foundation and since there wasn't a sizable margin sewed a piece of cotton fabric along the sides so it would hold on my frame.  You can also see that I decided to make my corners more rounded to be more eye appealing with the circle shapes. 

Tomorrow I plan to write about what you, as the buyer, should expect when you purchase a pattern from someone.  I'm not talking about buying a pattern on e-bay from someone who was downsizing, I'm talking about buying a pattern directly from the source... from me and other people who draw and sell patterns.  I think you'll find this very enlightening and bet I have a lot of readers who aren't even newbies.... bet'cha the count of readers will be astronomical and can't wait to look at the stats after tomorrow.

Have a magnificent evening everyone, even tho the temperatures are going to drop drastically tonight.

Saundra

New Pattern from an Antique

This was a rug on my list 'to do' but hadn't intended to start it so soon.  It is a delightful rug photo found (I think) on Pinterest but it had no identifying information as to age, hooker, owner, etc. 

When I posted interest on my blog there was immediate response from people wanting to buy the pattern.  Normally I hook the pattern first and then post a picture on my web site so they can see it hooked by me.  This time I sold two patterns before it was even hooked and posted on my blog.  Well, guess it is about time I hook it.

Let me tell you it was troublesome to draw a pattern from the picture above and give credence to the original hooker since it is hard to detect images.  On the right and left in red I finally decided were birds.  But there are ghost images beside them and you can see red eyes ~ they are ever so faint since the picture is so distant and not very clear.  At one point I thought it may have been an owl on one side.  But, it was up to me to decide how to design the rug as I had two orders and hadn't even drawn for myself. 

Later a comment came from Newburyarts saying he/she knew the previous owners, but I was unable to correspond as the comment was from a NO-REPLY Blogger.  Therefore unable to ask for better pictures for accuracy or to obtain permission.

Thank you Lori of NotForgottenFarm for reminding me that I hadn't mentioned measurements. This pattern measures 30 x 30.  BTW, Lauren will be proud of you for keeping me on my toes about dimensions since she was away at camp.

Onto the rug design.....many antique rug motifs were hooked using red.  I don't know the answer as to why as I'd rather hook than research.  But if you look at enough antique rugs you will also see a variety of styles as there are also lots of antique rugs which are not outlined but blend in with the background.

Here is the reveal of my start.  Why oh why does the picture do this with the zebra stripes with linen photos?  Anyway, as you can see I've done the Pre-Binding stitching 1" all around since it is easier now than when the rug is hooked.  The outline of the cat was done with the red in #8 cut and think it was from Rebecca of The Wool Studio but not totally sure. 

The cat is hooked in #8, #8.5 and #9 using the center wool which is Mashed Potato from Heavens to Betsy (below).  I used different cuts because that is what I had in my worm basket.  Okay, so it was the #9 I cut later when the others ran out. 

Also used a few wool strips left over in near color which adds to the vintage look.  The wool to the right of that is also Mashed Potato which I used in that dye recipe a post or so ago.  It will also go in the rug and that was my plan. 

I named the pattern "Cat, Birds and Blooms"  which is a description....but sure wish I could come up with something more creative than my literal name.  Any ideas out there?  How's about you two gals who just purchased the pattern from me?  Any suggestions?  Write me personally at saundra125@comcast.net.

Hope you all have a great evening as our early summer weather is about ready to come to an end.

Saundra

One Hooked and Another One Bound

Who'da thunk I really would have finished hooking this Granny Geometric?  Not me; as I was sure it would go to the thrift store unfinished.  All the hooking is done, the pre-binding stitching and trimming done all around and will wait its turn to be bound since the Chicken Challenge rug will be next.  That is when I'm in the mood or while waiting to pick up my grandson at school it will be started.

Also finished binding the 500 Mile Betts rug I adapted from a Harriet Powers quilt block.  The binding was done a few minutes at a time while waiting to get my grandson from school. But today decided to finish it.

And thanks to Lauren of Rugs and Pugs for showing me how she did her last rug label.  She wrote the date, name, etc. with a silver Sharpie and wrote it on a piece of cotton binding.  She then attached it to the rug.  I thought that was a great idea so purchased a bronze Sharpie and put the information on my binding but hers was much neater.  Sure wish I'd been more careful to have the letters all the same and spacing between words applied better.  Guess it is obvious I'm not a teacher ~ I've never seen a teacher who didn't have the most perfect printing and cursive ever.  Unless it was a draftsman.

Now I'm pulling a couple loops on the penny circle mat and tomorrow will start out fresh on my new project.  Have a fabulous evening and hope you all have a great week.

Saundra

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