BEFORE I BEGIN THE BEGUINE

The song "Begin the Beguine" was written by Cole Porter in 1935, recorded by Artie Shaw and became a musical hit in 1938.  A beguine is a popular and physically active dance in the islands of St. Lucia and Martinique which is similar to a rhumba.   

My 'beguine' may be a physical activity to clean up after my wool room neglect but it is not a dance to be enjoyed.  It's rather similar to the binding process which is most unpleasant in my opinion.   But before I can begin drawing my next rug project this is what must be cleaned up first.  

This is the mess I usually make while pulling wool for a new project and with each new rug and getting ready for camp.  If only I'd be diligent and put things back right away.  But you know some of that same wool is  needed to finish the rug so there it sits until the rug is done.

This first photo is after I'd already started folding and putting away some wool before deciding to take photos.  So when someone requests a pattern and my reply is, "will draw it as soon as I clean off the drawing/cutting table" this is what I'm referring to.

Another view of wool clutter, below you can see the two different paisley wool pieces purchased on FB which haven't made their way to the shelves yet either.

And more to the left just piled up on top of a container.  Believe it or not behind and under the rats nest below is an antique ice cream parlor table and chairs.  Am hoping next time I take a photo you'll be able to see it.

So one day soon you'll get to see what will go on my frame ~ when it's drawn.  But that will wait as there's a smidgen more to hook on the horse and a massive clean up of the wool room.  Until then, happy hooking.

Saundra

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

RUG SHOW for MOTHER'S DAY

Here is a bouquet of flowers measuring 26 x 35 and hooked in the 1800's.  I often see flowers in baskets and bowls but don't recall any in a pitcher which makes this special.

Stars and Hearts dated 1911, the same year as the horse rug I'm hooking.

Home sweet home, and obviously the hooker was a gardener as you can see flowers outside surrounding the home and in the house at the windows.

The information on the horse rug was that it is yarn sewn and hooked from Nova Scotia circa 1850-1860.  Dimensions are 28 x 59.

Have had this photo of a tattered Jumbo the Elephant since 1921 so think it's about time I posted it even tho it may not be anyone's ideal rug.

An optical illusion ~ when you first look at this rug below do you see stars or blocks?

Sweet cat rug measuring 22 x 33, no date attributed.

A very primitively drawn and hooked dog with hit and miss border, 35 x 51.

Carriage House landscape measuring 17 x 27 and previously owned by Penny Marshall.

A very soiled hooked Clipper Ship measures 33 x 50 and hooked 19th century.  The Tall Ships visit Delaware beaches for tours every so often.  They are a sight to behold.

There ya have it for today's show and Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers out there.  Enjoy your day.

Saundra

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

STILL PULLING LOOPS

Wish it was a finish photo for you, sorry to disappoint as there are still more loops to pull.  But it is getting closer to being done.  Okay, a confession ~ the problem is I stop hooking to pay close attention to two TV shows on the HISTORY channel.  I've mentioned them before:  The Curse of Oak Island, and The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch.  I'm  mesmerized by the information obtained with testing on the ranch which indicates a portal and space ship underground.  

The major scientist is Travis Taylor with other people and companies joining in with their knowledge and equipment.  Also there is some unseen force which causes equipment to malfunction, in most, if not all, tests.  So what is that force?  Is it magnetic, alien interaction?  Sound unbelievable you think?  Watch the latest two episodes on Skinwalker and see for yourself.

Okay, you want to read about hooking, right?  I have done a couple line drawings on paper in anticipation of my next project but haven't enlarged any design nor have I drawn anything out yet.  But I'll need to choose soon.

I do love antique rugs and enjoy trying to replicate them.  Look at the primitive scrolls, some are delicate and the one at the bottom right is bigger.  Yes, that is the way the original was and that is what makes antique rugs so special ~ the wonkiness and imperfect design.  

When I draw an antique adaptation for myself or to sell, I draw that imperfection.  The exterior lines ARE drawn on the straight of grain but what is drawn inside will be a little wonky like the original antique.  The border line inside won't be straight unless the original antique was.  All those crooked lines and color changes helps create that old look.  To me, hooking an antique adaptation is like putting together a puzzle and don't want mine to look like it was manufactured by a machine.

Guess I'd better get on with my day, hope you have a good one, and happy hooking.

Saundra

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

LOOK'N for the NEXT ONE

As I'm getting closer to the finish line with 1911 Horse it's time for me to get serious look'n for the next one to put on my frame.  My heart always skips a beat when I see this oldie.  Have been pondering a name for it IF I choose to hook it.

Another being auditioned is this simple flower with scrolls too.

Sheesh, so far the ones which seem simple and interesting are florals.  

Rooster, Berries and Hearts hooked in the 1800's piques my interest each time I see it.  But will it be 'the one'?

I've also loved the sweet hen and chicks.

Or I could finally start this geometric using up some of the selvage edges I've been saving.  That one could be put to the side to be worked on when getting bored with something else.

You know I'm getting desperate when I also think about this big snowflake-ish flower design.   It was said to be hooked 1900.

This one below is quite tidy and attractive.

This one is so-so. I stop to look at it closer each time scrolling thru the flash drive but doubt it will be 'the one' despite the great blue.

Antique star and diamond shaped border might be fun.  Or would all that background get boring?

The Shelbourne Flower basket is on the list but boy will it be a challenge to get a descent line drawing from it.  Could lose my patience before getting the lines drawn.

Appears someone is tackling the Shelbourne flower basket and think I found it on Pinterest.  Thought I'd show you a more eye appealing photo of that design.

So I'm looking for prospects today, but am wondering if my picks would be different in a day or two?  Must admit my immediate attractions are to the horse and deer rugs but am not even putting them in the line up since I'm working on one.  

Oh my, what's a rug hooker to do when she's between a hook and a hard place?  Happy hooking.

Saundra

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

STARS, STARS, STARS

I  had a rather productive week despite some rain but it didn't rain every day.  So was able to get the grass cut, do two loads of laundry, balanced my check book, drew and shipped a rug pattern.  The great thing was getting my oil changed and finished binding the Stars rug.  I hate waiting and hate binding so it was a  happy marriage.

If you are wondering, the dimensions are 17 x 30 and no other rugs are on the pile to be bound until the horse rug is done.  Meanwhile I'm still looking for the next one and hope something catches my eye soon.

Happy weekend and happy hooking.

Saundra

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

Ya Just Never Know...

This blog was started as a venue for beginner rug hookers to connect remotely and hopefully glean some knowledge from a seasoned rug hooker.  When my rug hooking journey began I wasn't aware of any resources, at first; so wanted to provide info to others.  But then my blog became a group of friends whose names I'd see pop up in comments, questions and those who became 'followers'.  

While most of my blog posts are about rug hooking on occasion there would be a post about personal experiences.  I'd provide links and labels which end up on the www for people to search.  So ya never know what those labels will reward you with.

I received an email from Carol Pollio (Intuitive Investigations).  Turns out in one of her web searches on Patty Cannon one of my old posts came up which interested her and therefore contacted me.  You can read that old blog post HERE.

Check out Carol's Certifications and Qualifications under the 'more' tab of her web site.

Among other things, Carol is a volunteer with the Georgetown Historical Society (my hometown) and has been given the task.  She is to find the location of Patty's skull so a replica may be made for the Old Courthouse Museum.  The books shown above have an image of a skull but is that hers?  And where is it now?

In the 1800's Patty Cannon was a notorious violent woman and was in the Georgetown jail when she poisoned herself.  The skull was stored, loaned out, handled and moved by many so present location is unclear.  Yeah, I know gruesome, right?  But this is history albeit macabre and an item the Smithsonian and other museums would want for Delaware history.

During our communications I told Carol about the orbs I've captured at Cape May and the scent when repairing rescued hooked items from the thrift shop.  If you don't recall reading that blog post you can find it HERE.  

She stated while doing a public investigation the entire group smelled a floral perfume and in another investigation smelled a specific tobacco scent of a crossed-over loved one.  In case you haven't figured it out, she is a paranormal investigator, works on historic sites and is a retired Chief Scientist from the National Park Service.  Carol has invited me to tag along in any of her investigations.  Dang, that would be so much fun as you followers know how I love posting orb photos.  Just wish I was younger and went out at night as I believe that is when most paranormal investigations are more active.

Check out her web site, check her credentials, of which she has many.

Guess it is t ime for me to pull a few more loops on my horse rug.   Happy hooking everyone.

Saundra

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

HODGEPODGE POST

Otherwise known as a group of diverse topics...  or something like that.    Will start off showing you my 'lake back water view' property after several days of rain.  That woods you are looking thru to the farm behind me used to be thick with trees and other brush so you couldn't see the farm.  Sadly Gypsy Moths were responsible for a lot of the tree damage.

Since those big trees weren't there to absorb the rain water this is what happened.  Here's another view and that skim on top is floating pollen.

To the left of the property it goes on and you can see a tip of that tree stump to get an idea (bottom right).

There is more rain in the forecast for the next couple days but thankfully today it was dry enough for me to PUSH the mower and cut Ben's backyard.  The riding mower won't go thru the gate but am hoping my great neighbor can figure out a solution for me when he has time.

After cutting the backyard I started drawing a pattern Cottage and Apple Tree for someone.  Here is the one I hooked.

And this is the antique.  Oh but I adore that antique rug much more than mine....sigh. 

And soon I'll be needing to find my next project as the horse is getting closer to being finished.

Am hoping tonight I sleep better as last night my mind just wouldn't shut off. This is me as an adult thinking about life; can you imagine how our youth is struggling with their limited life skills?  Today most parents are coddling them so they aren't equipped with how to handle life decisions.  

OK, enough of that but am sure you know a little something about that too.       

Not sure what tomorrow will bring as weather but I have a pattern to finish so know what is on my tomorrow schedule.  Happy hooking.

Saundra

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

                  

LAST RUG SHOW of APRIL

Can't believe the month of April went by so quickly.  For sure this area received all of April's showers in the last 3 days and the ground feels like a sponge when walking on it.  Anyway, onto the show...

Recumbent Dog measuring 25.5 x 38 hooked 19th century.

A horse with decorative border dated1890-1920.

Just a sweet cat with blue circles; no date or dimensions.

A geometric with a size of 24 x 42 dated 1880-1920.

A Frost sheep design measuring 29 x 48 and dated what appears to be 1890.  Some of the scrolls have drastic color changes.  

The above Frost design is interesting because when I hooked my Frost Sheep and scrolls with Barb Carroll she told me that years ago scrolls were hooked with changes of color around the scrolls.  And now found one like she was referring to.  Below is my  hooked rug color planned by the Queen herself, Barb Carroll.

An apple a day...well you know the rhyme.  Three apples said to be hooked early 19th century.

Identified with name of A Rice, circa 1850-75 is a wool stitched mat on linen piece measuring 13 x 14.  I found this incredibly interesting as who would have 'lawn ornaments' of cannons on the front yard, lol.  Obviously someone who would stitch what they knew.  I enlarged it so you can see the stitches better.

Call me crazy but I really find the rug below interesting too, maybe it's the colors or the rug hooker's thought process for placement of motifs?  Dunno, I just find it interesting.   An abstract rug dated early 20th century measures 31.5 x 39.5.

And I'll end with this box turtle mat measuring 10 x 12 to commemorate the first sighting of one of my returning box turtles which I saw today.  No date on the mat so don't know if it is really an antique.

I've only the hand stitching of the cotton binding to do on my Stars rug and there will be none on the pile when my horse rug is all hooked.  But that won't be happening any time real soon.

Happy hooking and don't know about you but I'm looking forward to a sunny day with closer to normal temperatures. Rain still coming down on this Sunday evening.

Saundra

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com



                       

POLLY MINICK NEW FIND

Just found the adorable crazy quilt rug hooked by Polly which measures 28 x 36.  When I was drawing patterns for her and her classes, Polly and I kept in constant contact and she'd send me photos of the rugs she was working on.  This is one I've never seen until finding it on an auction site.  According to the description this was the last rug she designed and hooked before retiring from rug hooking.

The rug has all the images that made her career in fiber art so successful: Patriotic, Heart (love), Star (Hope), Folk Art, Nautical, Primitive, their beloved Airedales.  If you have an interest in purchasing this beauty you can place your bid HERE.

The Sam's Hat below I have seen and have drawn for her.  I'm sure she has hooked it numerous times.  According the web site sale is pending on the rug which measures 23 x 53 with a price of $3,600.

It was fun to see a couple of Polly's rug appear and was rather nostalgic.  

Dreary gloomy rainy day here so a great day to pull some loops.  Happy hooking.

Saundra

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com

DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN ...

..your rug hooking journey began?   I sure do and knew it would be a love everlasting.  I soaked up Rug Hooking magazine, loved the photos and particularly paid attention to the 'beginner' rug hooking articles.  But one can only read so much before it comes time to purchase supplies and put the little knowledge to practice.  When it came down to buying a booklet with whimsical primitive patterns it was one offered by Ali Strebel and the first finished project was a hooked mitten.

The photo below was my first year at Cape May 2003 with teacher Patsy Becker after a couple years practicing on my own.  My hair looks like it needs shearing, lol.

My first hook was under $8 but now I use a $42 Hartman hook because it has a large shank to push thru the foundation to make a nice opening for a larger strip.  Things we learn as we work.

The very first frame was an embroidery hoop and that was just too awkward to hold and pull loops so purchased a used Puritan and stand. Here is a Puritan with original stand but not the one I purchased.

(A random Puritan frame photo)

Well, it was better than the hoop but sold it to purchase something more substantial that would rotate and tilt, Puritan wasn't a winner in my book.  So now I have a sit-upon which travels with me to camps so I can  hook in the sleeping room at night.  And use it at home for hooking small stuff.  My favorite frame is the Snapdragon but have an Acadian Frame for larger patterns.  So one of those travels to camps to be my classroom frame.  Most times I take the Snapdragon since it is an easy off when its my turn with the teacher.

I also own an original Townsend 16" Orbiter seen in this old photo with my departed big boy Ben.  I think Ben was sizing up the small empty space on the sofa wondering if he would fit in.   Anyway, as I have no plans to hook huge rugs in the future I'm planning on taking the frame to Cape May in case anyone is interested in purchasing it.  Closer to September I'll pull the frame out of the closet and photograph it without a rug.  

The first cutting tool was a rotary cutter which I no longer have since I loaned it and was never returned.   However knew I was in this game for the long haul so had purchased a more substantial and more expensive cutter.  As with most things for this rug hooking venture I've upgraded and have a back-up for all my toys tools.   

I have a Bliss (with suction cups), a Fraser 500 with #3 - #8 cuts and my beloved Townsend Cutter with #6 - #10 cartridges.  At this time I don't plan to sell any of those because I use the smaller cuts on the Bliss and Fraser so as to not have to purchase cartridges of those sizes for the Townsend.

Sorry to bore you with this time travel back decades but it came about since someone asked me if I'd teach them to hook.  When I did shows I'd hook something in the booth between customers.  So many times people would ask if I'd teach them to hook.   I'm not a teacher and don't want to be a teacher as I feel I'd lose the love of hooking as I did when making dolls.  

Eventually making dolls became work and right now my time hooking is my time for pleasure.  I don't wish to make that feel like work.  Frankly all the teachers I've had deserve LOTS of credit for what they put up with and only hope that when I was in their class I was a good student.

Whew!  Sorry this was such a long post, have a lovely evening, enjoy hooking and I'd better get back to pulling loops on my 1911 Horse as well.

Saundra

www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com