The Games We Play

 In case you hadn't notice Lauren (Rugs and Pugs), Robin (that Cranky Crow) and I are a trio who play off one another.  Appears we take cues from each others blog posts or personal emails ~ sorta like a 'tag, you're it'.  If you follow/read our blogs you'll get it.

So in response to Robin's latest blog post wanting to see my homemade Jack-O-Lantern, here it is along side the hooked Jack and his Crow ~ which was previous tag team effort with a follow-up to something Robin said.

The Jack-O-Lantern was made starting with a big foam ball from the craft store, covered with purchased papier mache', painted, then cutting out the foam.  Can't recall if the hole for the wire handle was poked while the mache' was damp and pliable or later.  I'm thinking it would have been much easier to cover a balloon and when dried burst the balloon.  But perhaps the balloon may have burst while making it and having a failed Jack.

Obviously my Jack needs a little something inside to hide that bright white.  Even painting the inside would be better but will have to decide something soon.  

Here is the inside paper on which I drew the eyes , tongue and glued to the front.

Since the vintage Jacks are hard to get or very expensive if you find them, I've got my homemade one.  Well, make that four.  I designed and hooked these "Mache' Jacks" which also make me happy.  Again this was an attempt to fulfill my desire for the real thing.

So Robin.... is that one of Poe's relatives who just flew in and sitting on my harvest table?

Saundra

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

Antique Rug Show

Time for me to do another blog post and since I'm  not prepared to show my progress (or lack there of) on the pumpkins will provide a mini rug show.

First up is a rug described by the auction house as Horse drawn wagon thru countryside.  The crisp bright colors remind me of Maude Lewis's rugs except it is lacking bright yellow.  This rug was hooked circa 1920 and measures 27 x 39.5.

And photo of the backside.

Girls picking Cherries with Waldoboro technique applied in a few areas.  It  measures 23.5 x 37 early 20th century.  I've never done the Waldoboro technique in a rug but have done proddy with hooking.

A Lion rug measuring 28 x 41 hooked late 19th early 20th century and the property of Carolyn and Tom Porter.  Those are some very colorful leaves hooked hit and miss style.

This Oval rug with cat and dog would be a perfect Halloween rug with the colors and the frightened cat.  Love it.  No other information was provided on the site.

I love this New England hooked Dove rug.  Dimensions are 24 x 31.

Old Homestead circa 1830 measures 14x17.  Yup, I do love those weathered old rugs.

And lastly, Urn with flowers  circa 1850 which looks like standing wool strips and auction house said yarns were used.  Dimensions are 30 x 42.  A lovely piece someone is proud to own I'm sure.

Happy Sunday and happy hooking.

Saundra

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

 

Something Lauren Said

 Lauren (Rugs and Pugs) and I email one another beyond commenting on each other's blog.  In one such correspondence she said something like..."you mean you have never hooked and stuffed a pumpkin?"  Nope, I haven't.  

So being shamed by my friend thought it was high time for me to do something about that, not only because I've admired hers each time she makes one but because they would be an awesome fall addition to my harvest table.

So I drew one pumpkin on the rug warp inherited from Joyce Closter of Cedar Falls.  I did remove the wool she had stitched to extend the size and am using cotton.  Heck, that wool was good useable wool, lol.

Drew two more pumpkins on a leftover piece of linen too small for much else and added size to that as well.

I'll be using my small sit-upon frame for this project and continuing the boring task of binding the remaining two mats.  So now you know what will be on my frame next.  There Lauren, ya happy now? 😁

Saundra

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

After Hooking Comes Binding

Merrie October is all hooked and needs binding.  Yet it still feels a little unbalanced with the color orange even tho I tried to put some orange in the ground.

Initially I did try introduce fall colors in the leaves but that seemed to distract from the design so decided to make the leaves green.

Have finally bound Jack's Crow...

... and Old Tom still needs binding as well.  Since October comes before Thanksgiving I'll bind Merrie October next despite the fact Old tom was hooked first.  By the way, Old Tom really doesn't look this bright in person.

Happy hooking everyone.

Saundra

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

Change of Work Tasks

This morning I opened my email to an order for 3 patterns from the same person so that kept me busy for a while.  That will provide a little spending money for upcoming rug camps if and when they finally happen.  

Yet I'm wondering if the rug camp in Ocean City, MD will be cancelled since the unsanctioned H20I car event moved into Ocean City last Friday and over the weekend.  They have been unruly past years with excessive speeds, drag racing, burning rubber and wheelies ~ this year was no exception.  And this is going on down streets where year long residents live.

Extra police were hired to try and control the groups and one officer ended up in the hospital.  Over the weekend there were hundreds of arrests and hundreds of vehicles impounded.  People weren't wearing masks and were gathered in numbers.  So I wonder how that weekend will impact the virus results and chances of November 8th rug camp occurring.

On a good note, the last loop was pulled on Merrie October 31st this afternoon.  I'll take a photo of tomorrow.  Have a great evening and happy hooking.

Saundra

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

OK... I GIVE

I'd planned to have Merrie October (Lori Brechlin design) finished by now.  But it has been 3 days since my last blog post so gave up trying and decided to post my progress anyway.

Am very pleased with my background.  Someone asked me after my previous blog post what I'd planned for the background.  This is a piece of wool I've had for a few years and never seemed right until now.  And it is a perfect color and wool for this design and this holiday. 

Still undecided what color to do the leaves on the climber vines; first thought was to have various fall colors.  But maybe that introduces too many colors.  Tucked away in my cranium am remembering a class with Kris Miller when she said usually she hooks lighter value leaves at the top and darker at the bottom.  Hmm, maybe I should use light and dark green colors being used on the ground in those leaves.

FYI, the colors used for the climbing vines, Haus witch's hat and waist I used a piece of wool Kris picked out for me last September at Cape May.  I needed something for the flowers at the curved bottom of Oh Glorious Day but didn't want colors to overpower the rest of the design.  Kris and I went on a walking tour for wool from other teachers since she didn't think what she had left would work.  

So you will know where it was used in Oh Glorious Day here is the finished photo.  If you look between the green hill and the darker area at the bottom you will see shades of purple.  That is from the same piece of wool.

Haven't heard contrary about the November rug camp so guess it is still a 'go'?.  Have been in contact with a few of the attendees and we're all figuring out how we plan to navigate the class scenario.  

All I know is that the over 6 months of being hunkered down and being non-social isn't healthy either.  I am planning to attend rug camp, will follow health regulations and plan to continue living LIFE as best I can.

Happy Hooking ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  

Saundra ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

Travel Back Tuesday

This time last September I was in Cape May enjoying rug camp, fall at a beach resort and sharing memories with friends.  Not this year with Covid issues ~ so travel back to Cape May with me and see what happens there.  

I know many rug hookers who have hooked Covid or quarantine pieces but honestly I don't want to remember these last 6 months with a hooked piece.  Just my personal opinion.

Here are a few photos from a previous Cape May time.  This photo below was one taken across the street from the Chalfonte.  The year was 2017 and was the 30th Anniversary Celebration.  You can see all the rug hookers gathered on the porch, eating hors d'oeuvres, and enjoying libations.  Oh what fun and the next anniversary will be in 2 years. 

That year I was in Cammie Bruce's class and recall we were in the 'dungeon'.  For those who have not attended camp there we hookers call that room the dungeon because lighting is not very good in that room.  So we always take an OTT or similar lighting in case we get that room.  However, many folks set up and hook on the porch anyway.  A photo of Cammie and students.  Cammie is the one in front with a dark top. 

Some of the owners go over the top to decorate for fall/Halloween or, has that couple been waiting a long long time for breakfast?

And this photo shows a dead-icated cyclist 😁 and loyal dog.  

Am hoping the November rug camp will still be a go as time is counted down.  And it is amazing just how fast the days fly by.  I won't hold my breath and have learned to go with the flow and avoid disappointment.  

Sorry there aren't any rugs in the post but hope you enjoyed it anyway.

Saundra

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

Let's Have Another Rug Show

If life was back to 'normal' I'd be having a glass of wine on the veranda at the Chalfonte Hotel thinking about tomorrow's class.  But that's not happening this year.

This first rug was hooked in the 20th century and measures 24 x 40.   

This rugs looks like confetti but the description on the auction site said it was hooked using cut lace.  It measures 38 x 79 and hooked in the 19th century.  I'd never given any thought of using the lace I had from my doll making days and think I've gotten rid of all of it.  Sure gives an interesting look tho.

A Five Point Star at the center and using soft neutral colors for hit and miss and darker hit and miss border.  Possibly army blanket wool surrounds the star.

I got a chuckle at this obviously yarn needle punched rug depicted as  Don Quixote hunt scene.  I'm not a fan of hooking/punching with yarn but the design got my attention.  BTW, I have hooked with 100% wool yarn on a Claire Murray rug and hated the look so will never hook or punch with yarn again.  The Don Quixote rug measures 33 x 46.

A very nice dog and cat Welcome rug but have not dimensions.  Is said to be hooked in the 1800s. 

Love this old hooked tiger below and the way the hooker used a different texture but same color wool to give dimension in the body.  Said to have been hooked late 19th or early 20th century.

The design below appeals to me with the simple design and colors.  It is a Waterloo County Floral, New Hamburg Canada and measures 20.5 x 41.  Is from the Don Pero Collection. 

This is a view of the back so you can compare colors and it doesn't seem to have faded a whole lot.

Okay, one more.... Here is a geometric with crescent shapes plus hit and miss.  It measures 35 x 63 and date was provided.

Well guys and gals the weather here sure does feel like fall.  So far I've refused to turn on my heat despite the temperature dropping the inside temp to 62 degrees last night.  I've watched the thermostat and seems to drop about 3 degrees per night.  But tomorrow is supposed to be a tad warmer so the inside will increase during the day.  

Happy hooking.

Saundra

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com  

New Pattern on my Frame

Recently purchased Merrie October, a design by Lori Brechlin and sold by Spruce Ridge Studios (Kris Miller).  As soon as it arrived I knew what colors the house was going to be.  This photo is misrepresenting the colors as the dark side is purple and the chimney is a textured black.  Yet both give a brownish appearance.

Have no idea why I wanted these colors as these aren't normally me....well the front of the house.  Now I'll work on the merrie haus witch then decide on background.  Couldn't wait to start this.  So if you'll excuse me I've some loops to pull.

Saundra

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

 

An Unexpected Day

Yesterday I received a phone call and very unexpected.  It all really began two weeks ago when the water pump on my van needed to be replaced.  Since I'm terrible waiting for anything will take a rug to bind and make use of the boring wait and accomplish a boring job.  Lea, receptionist and wife of the mechanic/owner, saw I was working on a hooked rug and said her mother used to hook.  

We've all had those folks who say..."I used to do that in college", or "my mom used to do that" and we learn they were referring to latch hook.  She knew exactly what wool I used .  She said her mom had passed and had no desire to hook since she had many of her mother's rugs.  So yesterday was the call that she could deliver 2 boxes of wool or I could pick up.  Needless to say I grabbed my car keys and left to pick it up.

Before I left with the wool I asked her mother's name so I could channel  her while her wool was being used.  Her name was Joyce Kloster and I googled her obit and captured this photo of her.  Joyce lived in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

I opened up the boxes and separated the wool outside in my driveway.  Must say she was quite organized by cut and color.  There were some pieces which I pulled out to wash but those wool strips went into my freezer.  Those few pieces of wool in the laundry basket was the beginning and there is another box to be emptied.

This other box had some interesting items in it which told me something about Joyce.  Her daughter had told he she dyed her own wool but there was more.

Joyce did what I do, sew strips of fabric to the sides of small foundation to fit the frame.  She also used rug warp as her foundation.  I will use that small piece to draw and hook something ~ she has already marked the center for me.

Found this pattern drawn on another piece of rug warp and first thought was that it was an aerial view of something. 

Then as I dug deeper found two red dot drawings which I placed on top of the rug warp.  One red dot says "Dragon 2"

And the other red dot says "Dragon 3".  I want to ask Lea if her mother hooked these designs for her now adult children or grandchildren but have been too busy to call.  That's yet another whole blog post.

I noticed a very pleasant aroma in the wool of both boxes and wondered if it might be the perfume Joyce used.  Then as I continued to rummage through my gifts found this aromatic wooden block by Lillian Vernon.  

For those of you who have followed me for a while you may or may not recall my story of another aroma from salvaged hooked pieces from the thrift shop.  If not, you can read about it HERE. 

 

The pieces of wool have been washed and the wool strips won't come in the house until a few days of freezer.  Then I will put some lavender in the containers to hopefully stave off any moth infestation.  However, since Joyce was a knowledgeable hooker and did her own dyeing she probably knew the proper care of wool.  But still, better safe than sorry.

I voted today for Delaware's Primary and await the results after 9 p.m.

Saundra

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

Just the Border

All that is left to hook on Old Tom is the border.  Haven't decided which colors to use so thought if I took a photo with wool laid out could make my decision easier.  Below is a photo with a thin cut of the gold used in Tom's legs and some textured used in the wing.

And here is a photo of the gold with a primitive black border.  Think I definitely prefer the black but..... what if I put one row of gold, one row of the texture of wing and then black????

So decided to lay those out.  Hmm, Think I'm leaning toward the gold and black only.  But will see how things shake out as I try and finish this up.

As the three day monsoon has ended I was able to get the grass cut so won't feel guilty spending the rest of the day hooking.  And I am REALLY looking forward to my next project ~ that is unless my passion for something else interferes.  You know how fickle I can be.

Saundra

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.com

This And That

Just recently printed out and stitched 6 rug labels on previously hooked projects.  Since I don't want to waste fabric pages always wait until there are 6 labels to print.  Here they are:  

In case the print is too small or the pattern name escapes you, they are, beginning at 12 O'clock an antique adaptation I named Bespectacled Lion, Early Bird design (sold by Spruce Ridge), another antique adaptation Lone Flower.  At the 6 O'clock is the recently hooked and bound antique adaptation I named Pride, Glory, Freedom, then is Windy Day by W. Cushing,  and another adaptation of the ever faithful  Cats Paw. 

Still not bound and no label yet is for Jack's Crow.  And think I know what my next project will be.  Today I received a new pattern fresh off the drawing board from both Lori Brechlin and Kris Miller (Spruce Ridge Studios).

I chose the smaller size and hopefully will be ready to celebrate next month.  Must say that Kris Miller draws out a PERFECT pattern.  When I buy a pattern from anyone, before hooking I always check the exterior drawn lines to be sure they are straight of grain.  I have never ever found even one row off in Kris' patterns.  So gave up checking as there's no need for any correction at anytime ~ she's dang good at what she does.   

Forgive me for not having links but this #!&+?} new blogger interface just kicked in for real and have no idea how to do much of anything anymore.  Good luck when you do your next post and have fun figuring it out.

Saundra

It Is Folk Art .....Right?

Had this Old Tom pattern (design by Lori Brechlin and offered by Spruce Ridge Studios) for a few years now.  Each fall when someone posts a picture of theirs I want to  hook it but usually have something else on my frame.  This year IT is on my frame.

Full disclosure....didn't use the wool I yanked out of Kris' hands at a rug camp planned for the turkey.  While contemplating background color (primitive black) my mind went to brassy gold for Old Tom.  Guess I'm in a 'bold gold' mood.  

Perhaps Old Tom looks more like a Durkey (duck/turkey) but I'm happy. Like I said...it is folk art, right? 

Will hook the letters next, more background and then fiddle with the tail feathers.  The two rows of border will be decided after the letters and tail feathers are done.  I already pulled out and replaced the last row of wing wool and might re-hook it with some of the same dark plaid to define it better.

Happy hooking.


Saundra
www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

More About Jack and His Crow

I received an email from someone living in the Land of Nod inquiring about Jack's Crow. 

The email went like this:  

   "AHEM!  I do believe Jack's crow somehow strayed too far from Nod when he was just a fledgling and ended up at the Edge of Nowhere....his father, Poe, who still lives in Nod goes out daily searching for his son, but has not yet been successful in bringing him home.  Can you ask Jack what he named his crow so I might comfort Poe and let him know he is safe and content???"

So being a concerned parent myself, albeit my child is now an adult, I responded with:

     "Oh, Jack had already told me his crow's name is Hugo (Huginn, the Norse name).   Jack also said Hugo has no desire to return to the Land of Nod as he is dedicated to Jack and the information he provides about the world outside End of Nowhere.  No longer a fledgling, Jack says Hugo is now off his leash and free to roam wherever he desires.  Hugo is quite content, says it was time he left the nest, but sends love to his father Poe. 

Me thinks there might be future adventures of Jack and his Crow from time to time. 

Saundra
www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

Once Upon a Time.......

....there was a young boy named Jack.  He and his family lived at the end of nowhere and lived a humble life making do.  That was less inhabited than another place I've heard of called 'the land of Nod'.  But Jack had a happy childhood, was home schooled by his adventurous and inventive parents and enjoyed exploring on his own.  

Most young boys would catch a frog and ask his mom..."can I keep it"?  But Jack befriended a crow and his mom said "yes".  Jack is wearing a pair of brand new pants his mom made from pillow ticking so thought he'd take his pet crow for a walk.

Jack has since grown up and still resides at that end of nowhere land.  He has a fondness for critters large and small, cares for wounded wildlife and even helps with domestic animals for neighbors in the area.  This is a true story told to me by Jack and I'm sticking to it. 

Funny, but this is the story running thru my head as I was hooking the pattern and just had to share it.  The pattern is a design by Terri Leamer so if you want to hook your own Jack's Crow click HERE.  The pattern is offered in pdf format as well as linen.  

I had fun letting my mind wander and the story developed as I was working on the pattern.  Perhaps that is why it was so easy and stress free.  Have fun making up your own story about Jack and his crow.  If you have a blog I'd love for you to tell your story and hope it is in my list of blogs.

Hope you had fun reading the tall tale from a home sequestered crazed rug hooker 😊.  Writing this post was almost as much fun as hooking the pattern.

Saundra
www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com