Cape May Rug Show #2

Sorry I didn't post pictures on my blog yesterday but I've been achy, cold, sensitive skin, a temperature I'm sure because Sunday evening I couldn't get warm.  Had my flu shot on September 3rd and never experienced this before, which makes me believe this is a strain of the flu not mixed in the serum.  Am feeling a bit better today but not back 100%.  

The rug below is called Adurundel Crewel and hooked by Sally Raub.

Finally had a chance to meet Cammie Bruce in person; I follow her Primitive Junky blog and like her designs.  Such a sweet gal and think it would be fun to take a class with her.  Looks like she is contimplating color planning for two rugs, most likely the same hooker. 

At the top is a Lori Brechlin design called Pear Tree (sorry the top is cut off) and hooked by Carol McKey, below that is Elephant Twins designed and hooked by Ellen Savage.  Sadly I forgot who hooked the piece below and didn't get the name tag in the photo.

From left to right is Entangled hooked by Mary Lou Bleakley, Barnegat Light designed and hooked by MaryLou Nuzum.  Far right is Farmhouse Geometric designed and hooked by Kris Miller of Spruce Ridge Studios.

Below is another big rug by Cheri Reid who is a speed hooker for sure.

This pillow design is called Floral Petite Mini II hooked by Carol McKey.                   

I have hooked this turkey design also; it is a design of Anne Nichols and this one was hooked by Carol McKey.   Sorry the flash of the camera obliterated the information on the card for the rug below that.

The piece below is a collaboration between two artists ~ a painter and hooker.  The name is Helter Skelter and don't have the name of the painter.  Cheri Reid hooked the elements which were added to the piece.

Top left was hooked by Kay Leisey but can't make out the name of rug. Below that is Patriotic Sampler designed by Camme Bruce and hooked by Marion Wilson.  Moving   to the right top is Henny Penny a design by Woolley Fox and hooked by moi.  On the right is obviously a Magdalena design and not sure who hooked it.

 

Hen Pecked was designed by Ellen Savage and hooked by Fern Strong. If you are interested in any of Ellen Savage's designs posted, contact Norma Batastini.

It appears this design is named Dowry and was hooked by Sally Raub.

Manatee and Me was designed by Bev Conway for Linda Woodbury who also hooked it. It was based on her experience swimming with the Manatee in Florida.

Not sure if the name of this design is Garden or Cardina but it was hooked by Alex Mathiason.  Dang it.... meant to go back and take a full picture of Judy's Shoes designs but forgot. You know how it is when the place is crowded and you make way for the next person.

Midnight Clear below is a design by Kris Miller and hooked by Kathy Mullaly.

Noah's Ark and the animals was designed and hooked by Norma Batastini for her grandson Jack.  There is a pocket at the bottom of the piece so Jack can keep his treasured animals safe from harm.

Below is Old Tennett  hooked by Susan Foley.

Old Tom hooked by Kris Miller.  This is in my stash to hook as well and if I didn't have enough patterns piled up purchased the Turkey and Tallowberries while at camp.

Ah.... Pear tree, I did get back to taking a full picture of the rug later.  It was hooked by Carol McKey.

Prarie Santa was hooked by Betty Ann Brittingham.

Pumpkin Trilogy  and the two fall designs were hooked by Nancy Weaver.

Well I had planned on posting a couple more rugs but Blogger has decided to quit on me.  Guess you will need to wait to see the rest on another day.  Hope you enjoyed the show.

Saundra

Time for some Cape May Photos

And so the week's adventure began as we arrived at The Chalfonte last Sunday.  This rug is a design of Bev Conway and was hooked by Ellen Savage.

I thought this design with it's quote was fun.  It is called Resistance by Judy Phillips.

The rug below was the very first hooked piece by Dorothy Marcus at the age of 85 years old.  Quite incredible I'd say.

Below is Big Whale by Lucille Festa and below that is the whole picture of her 1856 Floral.

Animals and Ferns is hooked by Judy Phillips too.  BTW, it was Judy and her friend Jill who were the new participants in classes at Cape May last week, so keep those names fresh in your mind til later.

 Antique Hearts by Kris Miller of Spruce Ridge Studios.

 Oak Leaves and Acorns is a design by Cindi Gay, on the right is Fiore' and both were hooked by Karen Buchheit.

Below is Blackbird Sampler and Falling Down.

By Alex Mathiasen is his Cat's Meow.

And Lucille's Crows Song is below.

Daisy is a pattern offered  and hooked by Kris Miller.

Okay, here are some fun pictures.  I always enjoy Cape May where laughs and friendships abound.  But think that between the hour of 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. dinner on Thursday evening I laughed as hard as had been laughed all the rest of the week.  

It all started out as Judy invited Deb and me for a Marguerita.  It has been years since I'd enjoyed a marguerita and it was as good as I can ever remember having.  The group grew and Judy kept us all entertained.

Here is half the group; the other half will be in the next photo.  From left to right is me, Cheri Reid with hair in a bun, Kris' sister Amanda and Judy providing some entertainment.

Then on the other side of the circle of friends is Jill Parisian, Mary Lou Bleakley and Kris Miller.

 Also joining in the fun is Mary Lou's daughter Elise and not shown but taking the picture is my pal Deb.

We had a magnificent time at Rugs by the Sea once again, this would be my 12th year attending this magnificent camp.  There are more rugs to show so stay tuned.  Have a good Sunday evening and hope your week is as great.

Saundra

Back From Nirvana

Oh but did I have a fantabulous time!!!!  Nirvana at its finest.  My gal pal Deb and I always have a great time at the Cape May rug camp known as Rugs by the Sea.  Laughs, kinship and fun always abounds but this year the laugh meter was off the charts.

When Deb and I signed up for the second week we were sure that we'd be strangers and not know anyone there.  Turns out we knew most of the attendees.  There were a couple new ladies but not new to hooking. You will read more about them in another post.  

Have been perusing my photos, reducing the size and naming them , which takes time.  So until I can give you a rug show, pictures of some antics and goings on, will show you my camp rug.  The "Nantucket Broom Ride" is a design by Lori Brechlin of NotForgottenFarm and offered by Kris Miller of Spruce Ridge Studios.  

Kris and I were on the same page when it came to color planning my whale.  We liked the idea of having a blotchy primitive antique look to the whimsy of a Goode Witch.  Just LOVE how it turned out.  All the wools used for the whale were those I took.

Okay, the elephant in the room is the witch's costume, background and value.  Yup, I'm quite aware of that.  There is a NIGHT SKY which demands a dark background.  Witches usually wear black or purple and I wanted purple.  On Kris' wise suggestion was a 'halo' effect with a lighter wool around her.  But there is an arm along the purple body which is outlined in black (perhaps too thick cut by me).  There is the other arm with the halo which makes that section very confusing.  For now I'm "....going to hook what I know" and deal with the witch later.

Folks, this is not my first class with Kris Miller and will happily attend another.  If you have the opportunity to take her class grab it before the class fills.

Oh, FYI ~ thought I was running away from computer problems when going to Cape May.... HA!  Had my iPad there and received and sent messages for 1 day and then nada.  Comcast messages stopped arriving on my iPad as well as for other folks at camp with a Comcast address. Today I called Comcast, the first tech person tried to help and sent 'test' messages.  Those 'test' messages arrived on my PC but not my iPad.

Apple had an ios update for iPad but wasn't related to this issues.  It is definitely a Comcast issue because while at Cape May I included my gmail address to communicate with my house/Ben sitter and was able to send and receive.  SO..... IF..... you have a Comcast email and not getting messages on your iPad contact your local Comcast office.

Have a great evening everyone. My suitcases still aren't fully empty and still so much to do to catch up.  Ya know, having fun is exhausting, lol.

Saundra

"My Bags are Packed and Ready to Go...."

That sounds like a song, don't ya think?  Since I'm leaving tomorrow morning nlt 9:30 a.m. to catch the Lewes/Cape May Ferry there will be lots to finish on the packing since the curler, hair dryer, make-up, snacks, will need to be packed in the morning.  

This is the view from the rear of the van. You can see the white and red wine was safely placed.  Seems everyone depends on me bringing wine so I take what I like and is affordable for me.  

The rugs for the show are in those two totes on the far right.  The big duffel bag was a gift from Polly Minick and the other is of vintage fabric.

This is from the passenger side.  The suitcase is open so that the blow dryer and curling iron can be slipped in tomorrow.  In the back you can see my smaller rotating sit-upon.  That is what I'll use to hook on the sheep rug for the hour long ferry ride as well as in the hotel room at the Chalfonte at night.   My floor frame with Snapdragon  will stay in the classroom awaiting me each morning; that hasn't been packed yet since I'm HOPING to sit and pull a loop or two!!!!!!

Naturally all camps are a joy to attend; but am in desperate need of running away from home.  This summer I've had an issue with not only the OLD riding mower but the new one and am having the house sitter deal with it while I'm gone.  Tried and failed to cut the grass the last two weeks and the yard is in sad shape.  

Then the FULL last month problems with my Windows 7 computer crashing and the purchase of not one, but two Windows 10 computers. The first HP which made me return to Best Buy several times and a letter to Microsoft was eventually exchanged for a Dell.  Sadly there have been nit picky issues after that so I'm ready to runaway from home. Never did that as a kid but am ready to do that now as an adult. Not to worry friends, I'll be missing Ben and will be looking forward to seeing my driveway after camp.  Promise pictures of fun and the rug show.

Some friends from town also will be in the Cape May area and plan to drop by the rug show on Wednesday.  I told them that after class and after picking up my rugs we'd sit on the veranda outside our room and have a glass of wine.  Hmmm, maybe I need to pick up more wine. 

Will post something during the week from Cape May but need this escape first.  Hope all my on-line blogger gal pals are having fun in their locations too. My iPad will be handy so if you need to contact me please feel free to do so and I'll get back to you asap.  UH, if it is negative energy I'll deal with that when I get home.

Okay kiddies, getting back to getting ready to leave tomorrow.  So TA TA.

Saundra

My New Hooking Project

First an update on the wool sale as there were a couple late comers wanting wool.  All the unwashed wool has been sold and even a little washed natural wool has left the premises too (at a higher price of course).  But for now the sale is over.  Who knows what will happen in a month or two as the wool shelves are still bursting at the seams.  

Okay kiddies.... this is the rug pattern on my frame now.  It is called Flag Day Sheep and is a pattern by Woolley Fox.  It measures 22 x 27.

Have had this pattern on linen for a few years now and held off hooking it because I truly loved this rug which is another Woolley Fox design and called Woolley Sheep.   Do you see how similar they are albeit facing different directions?

Well okay, there is also the different border (plain vs. hit and miss blocks), the one I have has a sliver moon which I LIKE.  Sooooo, what was one to do other than pull out my Sharpie and make a few changes. Actually some of the early changes were on the linen I first posted and wish I'd taken a picture of the pattern before doing that so you could see it's original state.

This is all I've accomplished so far.  Hmm, I'm using grey and white herring bone on my sheep and it looks different than Barb's, more blue/grey.  So perhaps Barb used a black and white herringbone.  Oh well, I'm not ripping out as it will look good to me and the white will dirty up a tad from use so no worries there either.  Up close that white has some pink, blue and grey flecks in it.

In order to get more organized to leave on Sunday there were some chores which needed attending to.  Today was laundry day, did a smidge of cleaning so my home/Ben sitter won't know how dusty my house really is, but there is still more to do.  Also washed my van and cleaned it inside too.  My mag wheels are shining, the vinyl in the van is clean and windows inside are free of Ben's nose and bark splatter from his recent ride to the vet for the annual physical.

Tomorrow there is one more box of wool to ship out even tho the check hasn't arrived yet.  The gal said it could wait until returning home from camp but I'd rather ship early, know it is done and can relax.

Hope everyone has a great evening.

Saundra

Next on My Frame

The last month has been chaotic to say the least.  The chaos couldn't have come at a worse time when there is a delightful rug camp to attend and I leave this Sunday morning.  If you've been following me you know the story so won't bore you yet again.  Good news is that the Dell Windows 10 set-up is going much better than the HP did.  But then it is only one day old and not all the settings have been accomplished.

So it was time for me to settle down, lower my blood pressure and start pulling loops on something new.  This will be a calmer between chores and will be what is played with the night before class and the morning of until Kris Miller gets to me.  Always have something to keep you occupied when going to a camp so you don't get bored.  Kris and other teachers I've had are very fair and go around to everyone but someone has to be first and someone has to be last.  And sure don't want my hands idle while my mouth is working, lol.

This is my new project and I've pulled a few loops.  It feels really good to sit for a few minutes and pull loops instead of cussing at the computer.  And Kim, dearie, this photo is especially for you...payback.

Sorry the rest of you are being punished for the actions of one hooker person, but I rest my case..... Kim.  Oh that felt so good!  And I know I'm so bad and should expect retaliation.  That's okay I'm a big girl and know how to pull up those big girl panties.

Tomorrow I'll show the rug I'm working on and maybe I'll block 'you know who' from visiting my blog, harharhar.  No, I couldn't do that or I wouldn't get her wrath.  It is such fun bantering back and forth, right Kim?  After all, Evelyn is at Cape May this week and need someone to harass.

Have a great evening everyone.  Stay tuned.... until tomorrow....

Saundra

A Finish and That Computer

Hobo Joe is all hooked, bound and ready to go with me to Cape May for the show. Here is the front.


And the back which was bound with Halloween print cotton fabric, nicer for the holiday instead of regular cotton binding I think.


As you will see at the end, I'm posting from Blog Press on my iPad. Yup, more woes with the computer. Sadly with Windows 10 if you walk away to get a cup of coffee you have to sign in your password again. And if you are a few more seconds beyond that time the computer makes a series of musical tones. It was after those tones when returning to sign back in that I noticed the icon for my printer was gone, as was the Google Chrome icon, my virus detection icon and whatever else was there.

Uh, mama was NOT happy. So the next morning I packaged up the tower, key board, mouse and headed to Best Buy with a list of issues and determined to get positive results or another computer.

OH, let me add here that I placed a call to Microsoft two different days for their technical group and each time there was a recording saying,...due to heavy calls there is a wait time of 1 1/2 hours. Gee, I wonder why? I tried HP and on live chat was told to contact Microsoft.

So before this last incident I wrote a letter which was mailed to Microsoft Hdq and spilled out my dissatisfaction and facts as they pertained to my experience. Nope, haven't received a reply and doubt I will; however, if I do you will hear it from me. So onto Best Buy......

I wrote out a list of all the problems I encountered and told the guy at Geek Squad that I either wanted my computer like new or another computer. As it turned out they gave me a refund and am getting another computer no later than Thursday delivered. Didn't think it smart to buy another HP since that is what I just had so decided on a Dell pre-loaded with Windows 10. There were people ahead of me who had purchased the last Dell in stock other than their floor sample. Hey folks, there isn't much choice on operating systems; it is either Windows 8.1 with an upgrade to Windows 10 (no thanks) or a pre-loaded Windows 10.

Also told the guy that the first critical error message I get with the Dell that one WILL be returned and I will buy an Apple Mac from another store. I've never had one and hear they are quite different to operate. Which means I'd have a two hour drive to get training and don't know how many training days it requires.

As to the natural wool, I believe it is all spoken for. There is. 1 1/2 yard piece for someone who I've neglected to see if she wants that since it wasn't as much as she wanted.

Next project you ask???? It is picked out but am doing a sewing project for my wonderful DILs niece for her school uniform. So won't be able to even think about that tonight.

Have a good evening everyone. Better publish this as they will be arriving soon.

Saundra
Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Natural Wool ~ For Sale and A Recipe

First I'll speak about the recipe called Soft Green which is in one of my favorite dye books Beautiful Wool by Laurice Heath.  The Soft Green recipe uses Cushing Dyes; 1 1/2 t. Bronze Green, 1/2 t. Khaki Drab in one cup boiling water.  Then from that 1 cup you apply the dye one tablespoon at a time in your pot over natural wool until you achieve the intensity you want.  

Remember that well water vs. city water, as well as physical location does have an affect on how the final wool turns out. So be sure to add only 1 tablespoon of dye at a time, you can always add more.

The background wool used in both Hester and now Hobo Joe is this green below which was overdyed on natural wool.  The ticket I attached to the wool indicates the recipe used was Soft Wool, 4 T from Beautiful Wool.

When I dye wool I'd usually do a couple different dye pots and put 4 T of the solution in a pot and the other maybe 3 T of dye.  Normally I start with one tablespoon and add to see what I like.  You can always add more if it isn't dark enough.  Here is the background on Hobo Joe, close to the end.  

Here's Hester, a design by Lori Brechlin and was a free pattern in the last issue of Primitive Quilts and Projects.  Looks like I used up the lighter pieces of wool from the same dye for this mat.  The outside border and base was from an as is textured piece of wool.

Now about that natural wool sale.  Below is a picture of one yard of UN-washed natural 100% wool.  If you click on the picture it will enlarge and you can read the tag.  

NOTE:  I have received orders from folks who are a NO-REPLY Blogger making their order in the 'Comment" section.  I cannot reply to you since you are a  DUH, "no reply' blogger.   You can learn about how to fix that if you search my blog.  So IF you want to place an order follow the instructions and click on the HERE that is provided below.  

I am not over dying much natural wool these days since there are so many colors left in my stash to use up so really need to clean some of this wool out.  The natural is $15 per yard and I've several yards.  

As you can see there is more on the bolt.  At this time I'm not ready to sell my as is textured wool but that might be next because when I walk in that wool room I become over whelmed.  

If you are interested in the natural wool sale, again it will be $15/yard, unwashed and shipping will be added.  If you'd like to inquire as to postage tell me how many yards you are interested in, your address and I'll give you a price on shipping.  Then you can decide and either send check, money order or could send you a PayPal invoice.  To place an order send a message with the information HERE.

IF any of you are interested and going to Cape May NEXT WEEK I can deliver the wool to you there and no shipping of course.  Just let me know what you want so that I can have it packed in my car by next Saturday.  

I will ship wool out until next Friday and then if there is any wool left to ship it will have to wait until I return home from Cape May.

It's storming here again so should get off this computer.  Have a good weekend folks.

Saundra

Traditional Hooking

That is what I do and what most of us do, albeit adding a little flair using various textiles, and elements to create what we envision. Actually our foremothers used various textiles in their sewn and hooked rugs too. Their work was done out of  necessity because most folk couldn't afford an imported rug so had to make do and use their resources at hand.

Farm folk usually had burlap from chicken feed, grain etc. so that was most widely used as the foundation fabric.  Sometimes the print of a chicken on the feed sack would be the main motif for the hooker or perhaps she would flip the sack over and draw her own naive and primitive design on the back with a piece of charcoal from the fire place.

When I first started doing shows at the Lewes Historical Society I would dress in costume since the shows were at their historical village. Below is how I dressed, and yes that is me.....back in the day.

While doing these shows it was always fun to have people come up and inquire what I was doing.  I'd explain it was traditional hooking, would demonstrate with the strips of wool. Many would say  "I used to do that in college".  Naturally I'd laugh to myself and ask if it was with pre-cut yarn (it was always acrylic I'm sure), and they would reply yes but the hook was different.  That is when I'd try desperately to educate them on Traditional Rug Hooking.  It wouldn't be a lecture, but a short education.

Okay, so I've a follower in need here and hope someone can help. There is a gal getting back into hooking after a few years and lives in southeastern Indiana and doesn't know any hookers. She would like to get with someone or a group as she thinks she'd catch up and gain a lot of information as well as friendships.  If you know someone or a group who gather in the southeastern Indiana area please email Colleen HERE.

Okay kiddies, I'm almost done with my project and pondering what to do next.  Hope someone out there can help Colleen.  Have a great weekend.

Saundra

Cape May 10 Days and Counting

Little by little I'm getting my act together for Cape May camp, a/k/a Rugs by the Sea.  As with most rug camps and hook-ins there is a camp store or individual shops.  In the case of Cape May there is one camp store run by the organizers and hookers may bring their wares to put in the shop for a fee.

Since I no longer do shows think I'll take some of my Fall/Halloween items to sell and what doesn't sell there will go on etsy or eBay when home.  These four wool applique Jacks will go but NOT that cute mat which was hooked by Tonya Robey of MadHen.

Jack-O-Lynne, the cotton painted pumpkin doll with spider wings will go too.

Three variations of this Candy Corn Cat will be in the booth.

A hooked face Witch Doll goes too.  No, she isn't very pretty but then witches aren't supposed to be are they?  BTW, that Faux pumpkin container was made by me.  A group of my gal pals would get together to work on a project and one of us would teach a class.  A friend taught us gals how to make our own antique style mache Jack.  Matter of fact, we even made a snowman container so perhaps I'll show you that in December.

There are three acorn pincushions left from my shows.  This one is on a ceramic pedestal.  

There are two others which have a needle keep attached which folds and snaps shut.

It will be nice to rid myself of these items and perhaps someone at rug camp will find one interesting for the season and go home with them.

The last two years I've taken some Dorr natural primitive linens in various sizes which have serged edges.  They seemed to be a hit for people who either forgot their pattern, changed their mind on the project, or take home and draw a design when feeling creative.

I'd thought of hooking more flower pins but just wasn't in the mood. What's fun is tricking my mind when something sells that the cost of items purchased at rug camp was at a reduced cost since you sold something. lol.  That's the mentality we women have with a sale...."But honey, I saved money!"  Well the only "honey" I have is my boy Ben and he doesn't care as long as he gets his hugs, rubs, food and shelter.  

Speaking of my boy Ben.  I want to share a picture I've never posted of him.  This was our first meeting out of 3 before I adopted him.  Having had a bad experience with Bella, an adoption, wanted to be sure Ben would work.  Got out of the car and said, "Hi Ben, I know you but you don't know me".   I asked him to sit and this is the photo I took.  

This is a later photo of my boy Ben with a toy and a Bully Stick. Folks, adoption is great and I've a good boy here.

Hope you all have a great evening and happy hooking.

Saundra

A Hobo Joe Update

For sure the hooking of Joe will be done before I leave for rug camp Sunday morning 9/20.  And it will be bound in time to make the show at camp along with the other 12 pieces I've hooked since last year's show. But before everyone gasps at the number, just remember that these weren't humongous rugs as several were mats but still fun and entertaining for me to hook.

When hooking Joe's shirt thought about hooking buttons down the front but was afraid that would be too distracting so just hooked a strip of wool like is around his hat.

There's only that bit of background to hook and perhaps the green circle around the eye....not sure about that change yet.  Since the cotton binding was sewn on once the perimeter was determined it will be an easy and quick binding job.

There are chores to be done here before I can leave for camp and since the weather is going to change will hold off packing a suitcase until Friday.  Saturday I will load the car so that I can leave early Sunday morning to the Lewes/Cape May Ferry to catch my ferry ride over.  Of course Ben will need tending and walking before that so he will be okay until the house/Ben sitter arrives.  I haven't liked placing any of my dogs in a kennel as it is not their fault I wish to enjoy myself and they shouldn't have to pay the price for my pleasure.  

Soooo, IF Hobo Joe is bound before leaving for camp what will I work on the night before camp and before Kris gets to me?  Don't know yet but I'll have something.

Hope you all have a good evening.  Right now at 5:31 pm. the temperature in Seaford, DE is 90*.  Yup, but things will change beginning tomorrow I believe.  Now you know why packing the suitcase will be a challenge.

Saundra

Gettin' Ready

Am trying desperately to get ready for Cape May amid the continual unrest with Windows 10 and trying to keep order to my humble abode, property and my boy Ben.  Now that Kim has her own drill perhaps she can fly by and give me a helping hand.  She can bring Abby and she and Ben can play in the backyard (Ben likes baby pups and big dogs).

Have made my first (got that...first) packing of wool for the rug I'm hooking at camp with Kris Miller.  That would be Nantucket Broom Ride designed by Lori Brechlin of NotForgottenFarm.  While I do pack up wool a week or so ahead of camp, I do check it and usually make additions to the wool before leaving.  I am SO looking forward to this adorable whimsy to put on my harvest table.  

It is hard to see in the photo of the wool selection but there are reds, golds and greens.  But now looking at the wool in the containers see perhaps I need a brighter gold to add for those stars.  Hmmm, see what I mean?

Am still plugging away pulling a few loops on Hobo Joe when I can. Was hoping to have him finished for the show at Cape May but don't think so.  I've also been busy pulling together the items I want to sell at Cape May.

As I'm not doing shows any longer I've a Witch Doll with a hooked face, some applique wool pumpkins on pedestals, cats in candy corn, a cute pumpkin head doll with spider web wings and a few other things to sell. What doesn't go at Cape May will be put on ebay or etsy once I return from camp. 

HOBO's BOW TIE

I've managed to pull a few more loops while trying to get ready for Cape May which is just two weeks away. Lest we forget also having daily tasks of a home, yard and pet ownership. 

I decided where I wanted the last row of hooking and sewed on a cute cotton rug binding.  This will make binding the rug at the end a lot easier.  I only do this IF I know for sure that my pattern demarcation is defined.

As you can see in the picture above the bow tie isn't complete since I'm not sure if that is the wool I'll keep.  AND..... am still thinking about that green circle around the eye and think I want it darker.  Again, continuing to hook until I am closer to the finished piece.  Hey, there's a lot of background and body to hook yet which may influence my decisions.  

As previously mentioned, this pattern was intended to be a "door hanger" and is a design by American Country Rugs .  But I decided to make him into a mat and took some creative license.

Have a good evening everyone.

Saundra

HOBO JOE

Today I managed to pull a few loops on Hobo Joe, a design by Lucille Festa (American Country Rugs).  I continue to be amazed how different a hooked piece looks at a distance or seeing it on the monitor vs just under my nose. Now it appears Joe's eyes need to be more prominent. While I did want that green circle outline maybe it needs to be a darker green.  In planning stage the bright yellow green seemed like a good idea .... then.

For Joe's body thought I'd use a black which has an orange stripe thru it.  This was a piece of Moda wool that Polly Minick generously gave me one year and think this is the first time I've used it.  And for his bow tie thought I might try one of the two black and white textures shown as I've lots of worms for each of those.

Today I had my annual flu shot.  While asking for the shot the drug store employee told me there is now a Pneumonia Booster shot.  Even tho I had a shot a few years ago this booster covers other strains of pneumonia.  So I got that one too and was told I'm covered for the rest of my life.  Sure hope that's a long time because there too damn much wool in this house to use up before I go anywhere.

Still having computer woes with Windows 10 and still no Windows Update for those issues.  Haven't made much progress on that new web site either as I'm still trying to find out how to navigate that program. But did notice that the link on my blog still takes me to the old now defunct web site.

Am looking forward to less humid and less hot weather and tomorrow is the day it begins; just in time for the Labor Day weekend.

Hugs to all.

Saundra

Hester the Cat

I was going to title it Hester the Halloween Cat but Hester could be out there all fall if I wanted.  Here is the front of Hester.

As I was going to sit in a doctor office for a while today decided to take the mat with  me to bind.  Now it is bound and ready to take to Cape May for the rug show.  So decided to bind it using some candy corn Halloween cotton fabric since I'm purging my cotton fabrics.  Hey, may as well use them to bind rugs, right?  I think it looks great on the back.

Now only if I could get the technology to play nice with me.  

Change

The only change I'm looking forward to is the view on the veranda in Cape May at the Victorian Chalfonte Hotel.  Our spot would be on the second floor to the left about where that orange color is.  

I'm not sure if anyone really likes change, unless it is good fun change. With the crash of my Windows 7 computer I lost my web site. Conveniently the end of the service contract with the web host was up in 19 more days. Since I'd have to buy new software, extend my costly contract for another year with them decided to go with a free web site builder but keep my domain name.  My old web site will still be active until sometime tomorrow morning.  But if you want to see a photo of me as well as my pals Deb and Char on the veranda enjoying the good life click on my new IN PROGRESS WEB SITE. 

Remember this is still a work in progress as I'm learning how to function the new venue software.  So if you are confused, if the site goes wacky or you want a pattern please contact me as not all my patterns are shown.

Yes, things will look quite different and it is STILL a work in progress as I've got to look up sizes of the designs and try and retrieve the pricing.

Oh but I wish that my hum drum boring life would return so that I could get more ready for Cape May rather than building another web site and learning a new computer which is still not working right, BTW.

Have a good evening everyone; it was much hotter than normal for this time of year and tomorrow is to be the same.

Saundra