Friday, February 27, 2009
First Project
I thought I would share a picture of my first rug hooking project. This is a 10 x 10 hot pad done in wool yarn. I used a whipped cord finish and the back is green felt. I used glue to secure the backing, but I don't think I will use this method again. I will spend the time sewing on the backing as I think that might be the best approach.
While Corner Brook is all a-buzz with the EMCAs this weekend. Anyone that knows me, also knows that East Coast music is not my cup of tea. The lack of good radio and music has led me to a variety of alternatives such as XM satelitte and internet radio. I am not a snob when it comes to music but I like a lot more variety in my choices than the locale has to offer right now.
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Dreaming of the Weekend
It is such a beautiful bright day right now. This morning, I opened the patio doors and I looked at across the bay as the dawn broke. The early birds at the feeder were chipper and frisky; so spring can't be far behind. Life in Canadian's most easternly province is quiet, laid back and for the most part, is trudging along as it has for more than five hundred years. No wonder there are so many seniors in this province over 90 and 100 years old.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
I wish!
I wish I could take bragging rights and tell you that these sweet crocuses are from my garden. They are not! My lovely garden is buried under 10 feet of snow. But I am sure that underneath the insulation of the snow, my crocuses are too, coming to life.
I ordered gripper strips from Shuttleworks in Calgary last evening. Pauline is going to make me a lapframe as I am finding it hard to hook with only a frame or an embroidery hoop. What a nice chat I had with Cal from Shuttleworks. He had been to Corner Brook many years ago and still remembered his time here.
I ask him how he got into the fibre arts and his story was twists and turns from working in the oil patch, to heavy equipment operator, to finally, a fibre shop. I must say the prices are excellent and being in Canada is a bonus too, with no duty to pay. I have looked all over for the gripper strips and the majority are in the $65 range. But Shuttleworks is $35 for the exact same strips. So if you get a chance, look up Shuttleworks.com.
I did a bit of rug hooking on the mug rugs last night, but after joining The Welcome Mat, my mind was heading in directions of future possibilities of projects. My, how talented some of the rug hookers are! Their projects are unbelievable designs and look like pictures, they are so detailed. Will I ever be able to do something like that?
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
I'd Rather Be....
Here is the Henry Larsen cutting through the channel in the Bay of Islands. This picture is taken from the dining room window, so you can see what a gorgeous unobstructed view we have.
Yesterday's storm blew in at 12:30 and blew out at 3:30, so it was nothing at all. I was amazed at finding so many hookers all over the world and their techniques are amazing.
This blog is a great place for me to store all these contacts and share them with others. I didn't do any hooking last night as I was not in the mood. But,right now, here at the desk of my day job, I'd rather be hooking, of course.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Happy Monday
Friday, February 20, 2009
Wonderful World of Hooking
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Deanne Says it Best!
Believe in all kinds of beautiful.
Know there is no such thing as perfect.
Be fearless with colour.
Only make rules you are willing to break.
Find the wonderful in other people’s work.
Tell them about it.
Don’t stick to what you know.
Draw every day.
Wear hats and flowers in your hair.
Remember yourself as a child.
Get a big box of crayons.
Teach others to hook.
Share your wool.
Hook with people you love.
Love the people you hook with.
Leave your hooking out to work on.
It’s not a mess; it’s an ancient art form.
Stamp your feet if you need to.
Hook patterns or design your own rugs.
You can be creative with either.
Go easy on yourself.
And last, but oh so important,
Dance in the kitchen whenever you can.
— Deanne Fitzpatrick
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Progress on Mat
Here is the progress on my first rug hooking project. I ran into a small problem of a yarn shortage but happily, Molly is going to drop off some yarn so I can complete it. I am anxious to figure out the finishing of this mat.
There are many ways to finish off a hooked rug and I want to try all of them. Molly's instructions use the cord and whipped finish. I am going to try this one first. It seems there are many ways to complete a rug hooking projects as there are hookers!
My second project arrived in the mail yesterday. It is a set of six mug rugs(coasters) and this kit uses wool strips instead of yarns. I am anxious to get started on it but won't until this one is done. On CBC noon radio yesterday, was all about rug hooking in Newfoundland and the revival of the interest in this art form.
Looking forward to the weekend to hook, hook and snowshoe as we are going to look into buying snowshoes to promote fitness around our house!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Internet dreaming
Now, look at how the world has changed. I don't think a single day goes by, that I don't access it. From internet radio, to contact with friends and family in the mainland, to finding like minded people in the remote province of Newfoundland.
Although I was born in Quebec and then, spent many years in Ontario, I have had a connection with Newfoundland for over 25 years. Nine years ago, my partner (who is from Corner Brook) and I decided that our cottage, would be our residence and we left the rat race. Sometimes, living in the province has been a love/hate relationship. Sometimes, the lack of resources, limited cultural activities and poor grammar has grated on my nerves but overall, I think that we are here to stay.
Back to the internet. That has been a redeeming factor. The internet allows me to access so much information and recently, discovering a new fiber craft and other crafty people with similar interests. Unbelievable when you think about it.
I am almost finished my first rug hooking pattern. I bought it from Molly in Rocky Harbour and it was worth every penny. Even down to a frame, hook, pattern and wool. I have encountered a small problem. I have run out of the last colour for the outside frame. I just sent Molly an email to let her know. In the kit, there was lots and lots of every colour but the dark burgundy. I am not sure what happened but I think it must be hard to calculate how much yarn is needed.
Anyway, I bought another kit on eBay and this one is with wool strips and has yet to arrive. I want to find out if I like yarn or wool strips better!