Chickens Finale

I thought I would show the chickens as they have been finished since last week. This morning, I am transfering Anne's pattern to red dot and then, onto burlap as I would like to get the new one started.

Days of Summer

In the rest of Canada, the lilacs have completed their springtime dance but here in the east, they are just at their best.

My garden is just beginning to bloom and look nice. The humid, damp weather is also making the weeds thrive. Isn't it funny how easily the weeds grow? My guess is that they are tough and of course, opportunistic. There may be a lesson there.

DayJobLess!

Well, I wasn't sure that if by the end of day today, I would still have a Day Job. But I do and I am happy to say that for the moment, I have something to support my many crafts and projects.

Approximately, 130 people lost their jobs today in the place where I work and I am sad for their loss. It could have very well been me and it may be me, later on if the industry doesn't improve. Don't believe the politicians saying the worse is over because it isn't by a long shot.

Of course, I had a couple of Plan Bs,Cs and Ds, all prepared, just in case my name came up today. Happily, these alternate plans can stay on the shelf for now and gather some dust.

I am going home tonight and will be toasting Good Luck and Good Health to our fallen coworkers who by no fault of their own, are now DayJobLess.

Got the Gears!

As I was saying the other day, I received Deanne's Fitzpatrick's Cheticamp gears. They came with a nice diagram but as we have never seen a Cheticamp frame, it was quite puzzling. So I sent a "help" email to Deanne but didn't expect that she would have the time to help with her busy schedule.

In true fashion, Deanne sent me three close ups of the frame with the gears for a sample. What a wonderful person she is to help out. I hope to attend one of her rug camps some day as I believe that this would be on my "bucket list" for sure!

1000+ Milestone!

Well, besides the wonderful birthday greetings, I reached a milestone on the weekend of 1000 views to my blog!! It is as good as gold to me that I have acquired a circle of rug hookers all across the country.

I have learned alot from my fellow bloggers: about their challenges, their accomplishments, their interests and of course, about rug hooking in general. This weekend, we went for a nice drive on Saturday to Trout River and Norris Point. Beautiful places indeed and quite a few of tourists from the USA already. In fact, I noticed one license plate which read ISTHEBY and had a good laugh. Newfoundlanders are everywhere and they never seem to lose the love of home.

As a tri-provincial person: born in Quebec, worked and lived in Ontario for many years and in NL on a steady basis since 2000, I have come to see the good in each of the provinces I have called home.

Thank you to all who have visited and enjoyed this little spot of mine. Oh by the way, chickens finished and I will start Anne's pattern this week.

Counting My Blessings!

Today is my 57th birthday and I wondered to myself this morning what a learning curve that my life has been. Nine years ago on this very day, I was having my first of 25 radiation treatments, five months after major surgery. Not that it has been easy, but at least, having survived and later on, thrived!

So many people I have known since that time,weren't so lucky and that makes me wonder about the twists and turns of our lives. And how, things that were important when I was 21, are no longer so now.

I am counting my blessings today: Good health, loving family, good genes, great doctors, and abit of the luck of the Irish.

Who could ask for more!

Summer Days

Finally, here on the most eastern province of Canada, summer is in the air. Hard to believe it after such a cold spring.

Summer days are short and to be enjoyed to the fullest as they are so fleeting. Along with summer, comes lovely gardens which are at their peak in the next few weeks and then, sadly, downhill from there.

I spend most of my offhours outside this time of year and only go inside late in the evening. I love getting up first thing in the morning and taking my first cup of coffee on the deck. I listen to the splash of the pond, the birds, the gentle breeze in the trees and the silence of the sleeping.

It's Arrived!

Anne's beautiful pattern arrived in the mail last night and I can't wait to get started. But first, I am finishing the small table pad of the chickens. This picture doesn't do the pattern justice but I wanted to post it as the beginnings of my next rug journey.

Anne's style of rugs really captures the true spirit of outport Newfoundland and many of the traditions of days passed. The journey of this rug is soon to begin.

Post Weekend Debriefing

What a weekend for gardening. My hands are rough, my back and arms abit sore, some sun on face, and some bug bites! Gosh, I had fun!

All the annuals are in their baskets and all the seeds in their beds. I even transplanted a few hostas. It was great and yes, Wendi, pictures coming soon. At the end of day, yesterday, I almost finished the chickens and have to rework a small corner before starting the new project.

I am glad to be at the day job for a rest!

On my Own!

Unlike my friend, Wendi, I had the house to myself yesterday. Well, of course, my little rascal, Maddy was there for some company. I was able to poke around in the garden, planting dill, beets, carrots and swiss chard. I am not finished yet, though.

It is a bit late for planting but the weather hasn't really been very cooperate the past few weeks. I have annuals to go into pots and distributed through the garden for a splash of colour. Last year, I had 27 pots of annuals in varying sizes. Needless to say, I have a very large garden.

I ordered gears from Deanne Fitzpatrick so that I can have a Cheticamp frame made up for my larger rug hooking projects. I am waiting the arrival of Anne's pattern so I can get started on that one.

Looking forward to the weekend but haven't made any plans for anything definite. In the silence of the house last night, I realized how much my small family means to me.

The Apple doesn't fall far!

My mother has been in Newfoundland visiting for the past few weeks and is heading back to her home today.

I have always been close to my mother and although, sometimes, we get on each other's nerves, we are very close. I am sad that we are so far apart and both too entrenched in our homes to change that.

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree and in this case, the apple is still on the tree!

At first, if you don't??

I tried to make labels for my rug hooking and other fibre crafts. Easy enough? I will design a label and then, out a lunch to buy some transfer paper. I got back early and figured out how to flip the text...necessary for it to look right when ironed on the fabric strip.

DIDN'T WORK? Gummed up the printer at work and took most of the afternoon to pick out the goop. Figured out, I have a laser printer at work and used inkjet paper. Guess what? You cannot mix up printer paper.

All's well that ends well. Printer working again and I will do the printing at home on the old inkjet.

My Idea of Heaven!

I was looking into the Welcome Mat last week and the question of the day was where do your ideas come from for rug hooking projects? As a new rug hooker, I haven't had much inspiration on my own. Instead doing the kit rugs and the basic sunflower, puffin etc. My own idea finally dawned on me over the weekend.

My idea of Heaven! I have always pictured my heaven as a little house and beautiful garden and a yard filled with all my little pets over the years. The two dobermans, the two mini schnauzers, my little rescue Jack Russell and my current little rascal all playing with one another.

Now, if I could only draw!

Friday and the Sun is Shining!

This beautiful rug was designed and hooked by Anne in Lord's Cove, Newfoundland. Anne has agreed to creating a pattern for me with some changes and this will be my next hooking project.

My interest in rug hooking has led me to meeting via the internet, such amazing and skilled artisans, locally and across the world.

I did design a small project for my mother; a puffin and a whale, as she has expressed a desire to try a bit of hooking. I am artistically challenged but overcome this by using clip art and the photocopier.

I am sure glad it is Friday at last as this week has been challenging with lots of work and a vehicle in the repair shop. Why can't things last without needing repairs?

Peace Within A Garden

There is a peace within a garden
A peace so deep and calm.
That when the heart is troubled
It's like a soothing balm.

There is life within a garden.
A life that still goes on.
Filling empty places
Where older plants have gone.

There is glory in a garden
At every time of year.
Spring Summer Autumn Winter
To fill the heart with cheer.

So ever tend your garden
It's beauty to increase.
For in it you'll find solace
For in it you'll find peace.

By Lady Langham Rosamund

Spinning Wheels Go Round and Round

This spinning wheel has been a part of our furniture for sometime. Years and years ago, my father was an antique dealer and he obtained this spinning wheel in the Eastern Townships of Quebec.

He never sold it for some reason and it ended up staying in our house while he did not. That's life. Anyhow, last year, my mother gave it to me and now, it is part of my rec room. I never really took any notice of it until I started taking an interest in a varity of fibre arts and discovered many people who love to spin their own wool.

This spinning wheel as I found out, is circa 1840s and is a double wheel variety. It has all original parts including the bobbin and is only missing a small piece of metal which holds the bobbin. I don't know who used this wheel but when I touch it, I wish I could get a snapshot of its past. Something like the Red Violin: a great movie.

Almost finished the chickens and looking for a larger project.

Blog Inspirations

One day last year, I found an interesting Blog of Note-Not Plain Jane and found an inspiring story. I would look in from time to time, but Jane hadn't updated her blog. I was worried that her health had taken a turn for the worst.

Recently, Jane updated her blog and she indeed, had taken a turn but was doing much better. She is a knitter and loves fibre. If you get a chance, have a look at notplainjane.blogspot.com for a good read.

Back at Home!

Well, the vacation has come and gone. I am also back at the day job and had quite a few crazy moments figuring out where I left off.

Home? I have called three provinces home. Home is where my stuff is. Home is where I feel safe and sound in the arms of loved ones. Home can be transient, home can be stable and routine. Home is never boring.

City Life vs Salt Water Joys

I am now in Toronto for the Long "24" Weekend. I forgot just how busy the city life can be and how noisy in comparison to my quieter Newfoundland life.

I do enjoy the shopping and the materials so easily available at a short distance away without having to wait for Canada Post deliveries. Everything has advantages and disadvantages but sincerely, I don't mind visiting now and then, but wouldn't want to have to live the City Life.

Tight, tired faces. Car fumes and sirens. Foreign smells and words on billboards you can't pronounce. Nice to visit...nice to shop but I miss those salt water joys!

Beautiful Weather

It was a beautiful day today. I put in a new shrub for my mother and cut her grass today. I was even sweating in the hot sun.

I watched the weather in NL and of course, saw the snow that had fallen in the past two days. I am not missing that kind of weather for sure.

Not much else to report right now and doing no rug hooking as it is all at home. I did bring a small cross stitching pattern but didn't bring it out. Tomorrow, have a few chores in the morning but do plan to sit out in the sunshine and stitch for a bit.

Happy Mother's Day!

Today, I am spending Mother's Day with my mother which is wonderful. Nothing really special but sharing time and conversation together which is special in itself.

The weather here isn't too bad although, it is a bit rainy today too. I am taking a break from rug hooking but as Gene Sheppard said in his blog, just because you aren't hooking, doesn't mean you aren't thinking about it.

It is supposed to be a beautiful warm week to come. The leaves are out on the trees and of course, nurseries are all busy. It is this time of the year that I miss the Mainland as it is still too early in Newfoundland to even think of planting anything tender.

Taking the Show on the Road

Almost ready to head to the Mainland. I don't travel lightly but I do travel well. You have to be organized and prepared and take your time.

Hopefully, not only lots of pictures for the blog and lots of rug hooking stops!

A Beautiful Place

I should have had my camera today. At lunch time, I had to drive down to Benoit's Cove to pick up some items for the upcoming trip. With Sarah Brightman singing on the car stereo and the shining blue waters of the Humber Arm, I realized, once again, what a beautiful place I find myself.

I appreciate the gentleness of the island. The unhurried, relaxed atmosphere and even if there are things to complain about, they are only small things.

Oovey...Monday Morning already?

Isn't that how we all feel on Monday morning? But for the most part, a great weekend. It rained all day Saturday, but Sunday was lovely enough to wash a vehicle and to enjoy a cup of tea on the deck.

The garden is coming to life as is the neighbourhood. I was able to work on the border of the chickens. You know, you never know where good advice comes from. I remarked to Pauline that my border was getting crooked. She then reminded me that on my very first pattern, I hooked the outside of the border first and worked inside to keep it straight and even.

Good advice comes to us all, if we are only willing to hear it.

Not a Rug in Sight

I haven't touch my rug hooking project since the weekend as I have been busy doing other things. The border still in process. But I have excuses as getting ready for a drive to the Mainland and loads of last minute preparations.

More Pictures

What you can't tell from this first picture of my inukshuk, Gabby, is just how tall she is. The red picket fence to the left of the inukshuk is 6 feet tall, and that makes Gabby just over five feet. The inukshuk stands at the top of the rock terrace announcing her presence as a formidable anchor in the garden.

The inukshuk was quite the chore from getting it home on the trailer to carrying each part up the steps and reassembling each piece. The higher we went, the heavier the rocks. The inukshuk is made out of rock from this island, not thousands of years old, but billions, I am told.

I want to welcome my new blogger friend, Kathleen, from Like Minds Gather. Please have a look at her wonderful and interesting weblog.

Dull and Cool

The weather has turned on us and it is both dull and cool. Almost, cold again. The woodstove takes the chill off in the mornings and the evenings, keeping us warm.

I didn't do much last evening as I always found Mondays my do nothing day. I didn't even do any rug hooking last evening but I did scan through some of my rug hooking books for inspiration.

The garden looked so beautiful after dark with all my solar lights twinkling in the cool night air.

Lovely

My second passion is gardening and I certainly was able to putter in the garden this weekend. The weather on Saturday just stunning and for half the day on Sunday.

The first picture is looking towards the north and still doesn't encompass the magnitude of this garden. The second picture provides a close up of the three tiers. What you can't pick out in these pictures is the small pond, the lily garden and the 20 feet still to be developed towards the gate.

Every rock was gathered in a variety of areas on the West Coast and placed into a small trailer. Needlessly to say, these rocks were handled several times before finding their final resting place. And yes, all done by Pauline and I.

Believe it or not, gardening doesn't have to be alot of work. I cleaned up all the old plants, trimmed the shrubs and trees, set out the solar lights. The pond won't be started up until after the threat of frost. And still had time to sit on the front deck and admire the handy work.

Tres Chic!

Isn't this a new twist on your everyday grocery bag? What a great idea for an easy tote bag. Of course, no way would I be putting any canned goods in this bag. It would be saved for special items like rug hooking group meetings and the like!

Have a great weekend!

Future Plans

What I have learned from experienced rug hookers is that mid way through the project you are working on, your thoughts mysteriously, go to the next project.

This is an example of a Navajo Storm Rug and as I have a deep respect for all things Aboriginal, I may design something in this area. I would change the colours up and make it around 35 by 23 inches; something in that range.

Any suggestions for the next project?

Earth Day 2009

Why do we have to highlight Earth Day? Why can't it be part of our everyday celebration of this wonderful planet that is ours?

There are many people who try to tread lightly on Mother Earth. Like rug hookers and other crafters, we see the beauty in things made by recycling,reusing or adapting. Let's celebrate Earth Day, everyday!

Musings

As you can see, I am working on my chickens and making the border in a solid black. My thinking is that as there is so much activity in the picture, the border should be solid. I will do a corded whipped finish in the main body colour of green.

I will have to go back to the beginning of the border as after a couple of rows, I decided to widen it abit as it seemed abit narrow. I didn't work on it last night, but stared at it while watching the hockey game. My poor Habs are on the ropes. Now, in the old days, the Habs could pull off a come back.

But just like all of us, that was then, and this is now!

Beautiful and Useful

Here is an earlier picture of my new octagon sit/on hooking frame. Since this picture was taken, the carding strips were added and some minor adjustments and shaping to the seat. It is such a nice frame to use and last evening, I removed the chickens and put them on the new frame as I am working on the final border.

The hoop frame was okay but for the larger projects, I really didn't like crushing the rug with the hoops and of course, the carding strips eliminates this problem. I really admire people who have the ability to make things like this.

Pauline, thank you for being so handy and making this incredible frame!!

First Impressions

I got the love of beautiful music from my mother; where she got it, I am not sure and neither is she. The other night, CTV featured the story on Susan Boyle and while listening to this lady sing her first few notes, I was moved to tears.

Not just because of the voice, but I think because of the unexpected difference in what I thought she would do based on of course, first impressions. Here is a simple person who is able to move millions of people if given the opportunity. If you get a chance, listen to her performance on Youtube!

Almost finished the chickens and will probably(hopefully) finish the border this weekend. Gosh, the weekends go soOOooo fast!

Sharing Community

Here is a picture of Jennifer's launch of her Everyday Carre bags and if you get a chance, please visit her blog site at fisheyerugs and request a brochure. I really believe in the sharing spirit of the rug hooking community and have learned so much because of it.

Still winter here for the next few days while the rest of Canada is in springtime temperatures. I managed abit of hooking last evening and will do some again while watching Les Habs vs Boston this evening.

Winter's Back

Well, winter is back here on the west coast of Newfoundland. Having been here during the winter for the past 8-9 years, this has come as no surprise. April can tempt you into thinking it's finally over, only to wake up and see that it isn't.

One time, my mother was here in late May and that time, we too awoke to some snow overnight. I remember her looking at me and saying "Merry Christmas?".

Anyway, here is a picture of my chickens. Coming along and finishing up the two outer edges and then, to work on the border this weekend. I haven't decided yet, if I am going to emblish the border or just have a plain one to highlight the picture itself. Decisions, decisions!

Pauline is moving ahead with my new lapframe with gripper strips. She is very handy and is coming up with some nice workable frames. I should have a picture soon to show here on my hOOkwOrM site. It will be nice to move the rug around without hoops as these tend to crush the rug.

Stunning Work!

This stunning hooked piece was done by my internet hooking friend, Wendi. She just finished this piece and if you get a chance, have a look at her website, The Rugged Moose. She tripled whipped the border making it look like a framed picture. Not only is the piece a terrific example of hooking ability but to take a special moment in her life and turn it into a hooked picture. Isn't that what's it all about?

Robins have Arrived.

We had two wonderful days for the long weekend, Friday and Saturday. Sunday, we awoke to 5 cms of the white stuff before it changed to heavy rain for the rest of the day.

I could hear the robins as I puttered in the garden but didn't see one until this morning. I looked out the bathroom window and there it was, perched in a spruce tree, looking puzzled and cold. Wondering if it had made a wrong turn somewhere on its long voyage.

We watched a couple of movies over the weekend, The Bucket List and Flawless, both older ones but quite good; and The Reader which was strangely seductive in its content.

Of course, the beauty of rug hooking is that you can do it while watching television or listening to podcasts from the CBC which I highly recommend.

Happy Passover/Easter!

My mother doesn't take any chances. Christian, by birth, she worked in the Jewish community for more than 30 years, and has a deep respect for the Jewish faith. So, she takes no chances and celebrates both holidays.

I am happy that finally after good old fashioned winter, a long weekend. I received one of those funny emails this morning and it made me laugh.

Life is short. Enjoy it!
Dust if you must ........

but wouldn't it be better to paint a picture or write a letter?
bake cookies or a cake and lick the spoon or plant a seed?
ponder the difference between want and need?

Dust if you must,

but the world's out there with the sun in your eyes,
the wind in your hair,
a flutter of snow, a shower of rain.
This day will not come around, again.

Dust if you must,
but bear in mind, old age will come and it's not kind. . .

Happy Holiday whichever one you celebrate!

Cluck, cluck!

My chickens are coming along and if you notice, I pushed out the eggs in the basket so they look better. Thanks for the tip on that Susan.

It is a very soggy day today but April showers and all that. We still haven't had any sightings of the first robin but I am sure they are here somewhere.

I didn't any hooking last evening but am starting to plan the next project in my brain's planning centres. I have a couple of ideas but nothing definite yet.

Stay Inspired!

Deanne's website is always one of the places I check frequently to see if there are any new entries. Deanne is an inspiration and more than just in her ability as a rug hooker. She also has a deepness of character and this is truly something out of her Newfoundland background.

She tells us to stay inspired, to love what you are doing and that being happy is having what you already have. Too many people right now aren't happy and it shows in the chaos in the world.

Relaxing Weekend

Well, Friday's post on the picture of the bay ice disappearing is already redundant. Over the weekend, there was abit of rain on Saturday and temperatures got up to 12 on Sunday. This morning, all ice in the bay directly across from my view is gone, gone, gone.

Of course, a good "in the bay" breeze could blow it back in. Now, the big date will be when the winter pilot boat goes into dry dock and the smaller summer pilot boat goes into the water.

We put the barbeque out on the deck, but did not take the plastic sheeting down off the front deck and just as well as a skiff of snow overnight. Looking forward to nice long weekend for the Easter break.

I worked on the chickens and got quite abit done and will take a picture tonight. Also, spent some time looking through Shawn's books. They are very good.

Bay Ice Melting

It doesn't look like much, but it is the start and with the rain coming for the weekend, you can bet that the bay will be ice free soon.

This is from the bayside deck looking towards Corner Brook. That is the marina in Curling in the distance.

Actually, I have most of the lower picket fence done on this rug but I thought a posting of its progress was due. A couple of the pickets were rehooked as they looked abit skewed but coming along nicely.

I already have thoughts on the next project and am currently looking into doing a hooked vest with native overtones. I am not certain how to go about this as not much information on making a vest with rug hooking patterns on it. It has been done many times but I am not sure if there is a correct way of doing it. Fabric backing etc, as you don't want it to weigh a ton.

Beautiful Books

I got a very nice surprise when I picked up the mail last evening on the way home. My books from Susan in Nova Scotia arrived. So with a nice hot cup of tea, I opened the package to find not only two lovely rug hooking books, but also, several surprises. Nice pictures of rug hooking projects for inspiration and a Cheticamp hook. Tiny but powerful.

You meet some very nice people in the rug hooking circle and they are more than willing to share their knowledge and assistance to the newbies. I have been in some groups that hold their skills like treasure chests and do not share with anyone in fear of losing their power, I suppose.

Sunny Days

This morning, it is still a bit on the cool side but the sun is shining and the birds are twittering, so everything is right with the world.

I don't like April Fool's Day nor any of the jokes or pranks that people do to each other. On one news website, they asked if you participated in April Fool's Day antics and over 80 per cent, answered never. Me, included.

I am a very pragmatic person and I have never been one to make jokes or pull pranks as I don't see the humour in it. Why do people take joy in pranking people? I don't get it anyway.

I did some hooking last evening while watching television. It is odd to see that most of the programs I watch are having their finales this week. Isn't it abit earlier than usual?

Progress on Mat

Here's a picture of my current project. Actually, I have done abit more than is showing in this photo. It's coming along and I am enjoying the relaxing process. I have a real appreciation for this new art.

Well, spring is slowly coming to the west coast and my garden is beginning to pop out of the snow, one rock at a time. We have been very lucky as since February, we haven't had much snow and we dodged the snow that the Maritimes received yesterday.

West Coast Crafters

I was invited to meet with the West Coast Crafters Group on Sunday. I was blown away by the talent of fibre artists on the west coast of Newfoundland. I was made to feel very welcome but truthfully, I am amateur in comparison.

I don't think for one minute that it is easy making your living through artistic venues. And I don't think that the population at large realizes how labour intensive it is nor, do they realize the passion that these artists have in their areas of interests.

I feel humbled by the talent I saw. I had pictures to post today but somehow, they have disappeared into the great void. I did work on the chickens and they are coming along nicely.

Spring's To Do List!

This morning, there is a hint of spring in the air. It makes me think of my spring to do list.

1) Wash both vehicles( note to self: find hose first)
2) Clean inside of both vehicles.
3) Take off winter tires.
4) Put winter tires away.
5) Look at gardening books.
6) Try to find garden under snow.
7) Break up snow and ice to accelerate melting process.
8) Take down plastic on front deck.
9) Find dog poop covered by snow.
10) Take a rest first and have a cup of tea on deck.

Yes, this weekend I am going to think about the spring jobs but first and foremost, a nice cup of tea and some chillin' time!

Wow!

I am simply blown away by some of the examples of rug hooking. This beautiful picture was on Gene's blog today and it is amazing. The lion, not even finished, almost looks so realistic that you can hear it breathing.

I received my two reference books from my NS friend, Susan and they are great. I couldn't resist diving into Deanne's Fitzpatrick's-Hook Me A Story. Because I have listened to both her videos on youtube, the book came alive and I could almost hear her voice reading the words. I even picked up a great tip about yarns!

I eventually I put the books down and took time with my chickens-the sad little dears. It gives me hope that someday, I pray, that I have even half the skills of all my hooking pals.

Too Tired...

Last night, I was too tired to even look at my latest project. It was one of those nights that I needed sleep more than I needed my new hobby. Sometimes, it feels like you hit a brick wall now and then, especially as we all get older.

Years ago, I could go on and on, like the energizer bunny but those days are sadly gone, I guess?

And the beat goes on...

Actually, I was able to finish off the first chicken last night, but here is a picture of it prior to last night's hooking. It is amazing in photographs you can study them and see where you would like to make improvements. My Easter eggs are not shaped oval enough but I am learning as I go.

In the Western Star on Saturday past, was a large full page article on rug hooking in Western Newfoundland. Nice to see that there is such growing interest in this ancient art. Even a picture of Molly who I bought my first pattern from in Woody Point.

It is hard to learn an art in relative isolation, but I have done this many times before. I am able to obtain some really good techniques and tips from my fellow bloggers and from the various reference sources. Some things I still have alot of trouble with; like getting the direction of the wool correct and with the appropriate effect and of course, shading and colour usage.

New Pattern

I was not happy with the inukshuk pattern for several reasons. Although, it was very well drawn, it was too small and also, it needed better colours and shading than I was ready for. It was ripped out and put away for the moment.

I had purchased some Scottish burlap and was ready for drawing my first pattern. Somewhere I had seen a simple picture of chickens and a fence. I drew it out and then, off to Staples to have it enlarged to about 11 by 17. Nervously, I traced the pattern on the Red Dot and then, transferred it to the piece of burlap I had cut and zigzaged. I was quite pleased with the results.

Although, I had a busy weekend with cleaning catch up and my second Day Job, I did have time for rug hooking and started the new pattern. With the help of a book that I bought at Amazon on basic rug hooking, I was off to a fine start. I am using wool yarn and strips in a bit of a mixed media style.

Susan sent some fine examples of rug hooking and I was drooling abit over them as they are spectacular. She has some wonderful tips and the experience of many years of rug hooking.

Spring has sprung?

Well, maybe in the mainland but certainly not in Corner Brook. After yesterday's rain, came a freeze up overnight.

I am truly looking forward to the weekend. A bit of a busy day today but thoughts drifting as usual to the new hobby. It is truly amazing how many wonderful artists can meet in chance encounters. I purchased two beautiful books on eBay from a wonderful rug hooker, Susan. She showed me two pictures of hers and they are so beautiful. Just like Deanne, her pictures have touching stories attached to them.

Susan is living in another of Canada's secret treasures, Cape Breton Island. How often, when we get off the ferry in North Syndey, driving down the highway, just passed Baddeck, I will think I could live there...so easily.

This weekend, I am going to try my hand at drawing my own pattern. Pretty simple, primitive style, with a couple of chickens thrown in. I have to earn my wings in rug hooking and unlike, Susan and Deanne, I have miles to go in my learning.

Design Considerations

What do you do to overcome the lack of skill in the design area and still produce quality rugs? Well, I am challenged when it comes to drawing! Talk about primitive, you bet!!And worse than a kindergarten child. I overcame my drawing inability when doing cross stitching as there is a wonderful software package I bought a few years ago, which converts any picture into a graph complete with colour keys.

Although, I have thought about using that software package to design rugs, I haven't yet. In the meantime, another great idea came to me. I took stained glass classes several years ago and I wondered if the simplistic patterns in glass could possibly translate into rug design? I think so!

There are some wonderful sites on the internet complete with free patterns. Remember my inukshuk? I am not happy with the design and more than that, I am not happy with my shading ability at this point in learning. Here's what I am going to do!

Rip it...Rip it out and using the other side of the fabric, I am going to redesign it into something simple like Mr. Puffin head! Of course, this will not be until some time on the weekend as usual the Day Job has precedence.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

No where else in Canada, is St. Patrick's Day so revered, than right here in Newfoundland. At one time, more than 90% of the island, could trace their roots back to the emerald isle. Some to orange and some to green.

It is freezing this morning and we awoke to minus 20 degrees. But usually, St. Patrick's Day, it snows or rains, but not this year. Also, looking good to not have Shelagh's Brush this year. A storm just before or just after St. Patrick's Day.

A tip of the hat to all the Irish wherever you may be!

Countdown to Spring

It is hard to believe only 4 days to spring looking out from Gilliams Beach on the North Shore of the Bay of Islands. This is the time of year of brilliant sunshine and glittering ice.

I received a rug hooking basic skills book that I ordered from Amazon and looking at some of the pictures, I realized that I definitely need more skills! I started the inukshuk on the weekend and right now, it looks somewhat like a man looming on the icy shore. I need to get the colours and shading right and so much to learn from my list of hooking experts.

Where have all the Hookers gone?

This is a beautiful hooked rug, isn't it? Part of my routine during my morning break at the Day Job, is to go to the blogs of various hookers around the world and see what they are up to. The silence is deafening these days, and I am wondering just where all the hookers have gone?

With the spring on the horizon, everyone must be busy with other things. Of course, we on the east coast went from +3 to -15 in the same day, so spring is still some distance away. But we are hopeful, for sure.

I finished off the mug rugs and will probably bind all 6 of them on the weekend, but I will also be starting the next project. I am already working on my first pattern, well, in my head anyway.

Have a great day to all fellow hookers!

A Mother's Love

Why are our Mothers so important to us? I believe it is that invisible umbilical cord that never goes away. The tie between Mothers and Daughters can be loving, abrasive and strong, all at the same time.

Who else knows what your voice sounded like when you spoke your first word? Who else was there when you took your first step or the first day of school. Let's appreciate our Mothers every day because there's no one like them!

What makes you happy?

I thought that the subject of what makes people happy is simple. But when I sat down to make my own personal list, it was hard to decide what goes first, along with what makes my list in the first place.

20 Things that make my Happy List

1) Time spent with my family
2) All my little fur and feather friends I have ever had.
3) Fibre arts of any sort.
4) Sunny days.
5) A glass of good wine.
6) A good meal shared with special people.
7) A long drive.
8) Walks by the sea.
9) New projects.
10) A problem solved.
11) Starry evenings by the fire pit.
12) A good story.
13) A good laugh.
14) Beautiful music
15) My garden in full bloom.
16) Beautiful rocks.
17) Rainy days in the summer.
18) Wild birds and animals.
19) Good health.
20) Learning something new.


What makes you happy?

Not much..

Not much happening at this end in the way of rug hooking. I have been busy with the Day Job which hasn't left much time for the hobbies.

Anyway, the sun is shining and the snow is abating, so spring is not very far behind. I only have one mug rug to complete. I have to tell you that I was disappointed with the quality of this kit. I purchased it through eBay and was not a bad price. However, as soon as I opened it and sorted out the wool strips, I knew that I was going to come up short on some colours.

Also, the mug rugs are so close together; less than 1/2 inch of fabric between them, that there won't be much in the way of salvage edging when it comes time to separate them. I will have to come up with some alternate finish but thanks to seeing some great examples on several hooking sites, I will be just fine.

By the way, I was able to match some wool that I had to the original colours where I was short, and you can't really see much difference. My morale of this story, is I won't be buying anymore kits on eBay. The next project is lined up on the lapframe and is an inukshuk and an iceberg. Following the completion of these patterns, I will strike out in the design world on my own.

Only in Newfoundland!

Here is the gripper strip for my new lapframe. As soon as the lapframe is ready, I will display it.

I have a funny story to share. This weekend, Pauline and I needed help to move a television. It is very, very heavy and although, we thought we might be able to move it, we decided to get help. I suggested N.P who had helped us one time before. So we looked up his telephone number in the telephone book.

NP wasn't at home, so Pauline left a detailed message with Mrs.P, telling the lady who she was and what was needed. NP returned the call about 10 minutes later, and said he would be right over.

Pauline met him in the driveway and brought him into the basement. She was laughing and I said to her where's NP? The man said he's NP! Can you imagine that there are two NPs in Meadows and Pauline got the wrong one in the telephone book!

What is the best part of my little story is that the wrong NP helped us move the television anyway! Only in Newfoundland, could this happen. By the way, we are still laughing about this mix up and I bet NP is still scratching his head too!

This is one of those moments we would never forget and neither will NP!

Be Still

How many times do we take a moment to be still? To have nothing on in the background. No radio, no television, no computer. Just some time to be still in our souls.

Too often today, we are bombarded by the distraction of everyday life. Sometimes, on the drive into work or on the way home, I turn off the radio and just listen to the hum of the tires and even, then, it seems too loud.

Imagine what the world was like before there were so many people and so much noise. Imagine just hearing the rustling of the wind in the trees, the sound of water in the brooks and the birds. You could hear someone walking miles away. Now, we have so much noise and no time to hear the stillness in our hearts.

I will take a moment this weekend to take some time, to be still.

Moments

My mother said to me a few years ago, that life is made up of moments. I think she was right. Moments that you remember forever, moments that are forgotten forever. All just moments in the clock of time.

That's what I was thinking on my short drive into the day job. And it struck me how many moments are wasted and forgotten in one's life. And how a split second of a moment, can change your life forever.

I spent some nice moments last evening finishing off the mug rugs and setting up the next project. Now, there are some moments that I enjoyed!

Day Job

Here I am at the Day Job. You see all the ads of quitting your day job and working from your home. I always remind myself of the fact if it sounds too good, it probably is too good to be true.

I have always had a Day Job except for a brief time when health matters took precedence. I have been able to keep things in perspective. Day Job supports hobbies and other things like expenses. I follow the blogs of different artists and crafters trying to make a living from their hobbies and it is extremely hard, if not impossible. Even Mozart and Michelangelo had to once in awhile, take on a paying job that didn't necessarily fit in with their music and art passions.

It seems in life that people always long to do the things they aren't doing, while busy doing other things. It is our nature, I suppose. Let's be open to the present and true happiness, is wanting what you already have.

Rain, Rain!

This is a picture from the Pynn's Brook webcam looking towards Deer Lake. I awoke to heavy rain this morning. Right now, the sun is trying to come out for a visit and is fighting with the clouds to do so.

The power was out for five hours and that meant a disturbed sleep as I had to get up at 3am to reset the clocks and more importantly, the coffee pot. I rarely need the alarm to wake up, ever. It is a gift, I guess.

I didn't do any rug hooking last night as Monday evening always seems to be a taking-it-easy type of day. I really enjoy the effort of keeping my blog current as it is a journal of my everyday life. I also enjoy that my mother looks in to see what "her curly top" is doing. Mothers! No matter how old their children are, they always seem to see them in terms of childhood memories! Gotta love them.

Next Project!

I started my next project which is a set of six "Mug Rugs" or coasters. The colours are quite nice and it is using wool strips.

Yesterday, I was able to visit a craft exhibit outside of the Pepsi Centre while the ECMAs were on here in Corner Brook. I got to meet Molly, the incredible rug hooker from Woody Point, Shawn, the wool designer/knitter and Urve, the wonderful glass creator. These three women are all extraordinary artists in their individual areas.

Meeting with Molly was informative and I realized in my few minutes with her, just how many mistakes I had made with my first project. Her pieces were absolutely gorgeous and she too, prefers using wool yarn. I will certainly be attending her classes this summer!

Pauline has made me a wonderful lapframe and this one with a hoop and large working area. She is going to make another one octogon shaped and with gripper strips that I ordered. I really like using the lapframe as it frees up both hands and with Pauline's design, I can tilt the frame in almost any direction.

Freezing rain and rain coming today but at least, you don't have to shovel it.

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!

Dreaming of the Weekend

I was sure when I woke up this morning, that it was Friday. It was a dream as it is only Thursday. I am not wishing my time away but having said that I am looking forward to 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.

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?

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.

Happy Monday

Well, it's Monday again and so quickly, the weekend flies by. Sunday, we went snowshoeing in the nearby Prince Edward Park. It was a glorious day of brilliant sunshine and blue skies and not too cold. This is the best time of the winter in the Bay of Islands where you get to enjoy some outdoor activities besides shovelling, shovelling and more shovelling.

I finished off my first attempt at rug hooking and it looks pretty darn good, if I must say so. I am now going ahead with the mug rug kit which uses wool strips. I got used to the rug hooking style with wool yarn, so it is a bit different with the wool strips. I've looked at some of the professionals like Gene Sheppard and really, there stitches are so perfect. All the wool strips leaning in the same direction. So much like little soldiers. Deanne Fitzpatrick's style is more relaxed and as she says in her video, let the stitches go where they want.

We are supposed to get a storm today but that's alright as we are on the downside of winter. Only 26 days to spring!!

Wonderful World of Hooking

Isn't this a beautiful hooked rug! We had dinner last evening with a classmate of Pauline's and we were having great conversation, when out of Bobbie's mouth, came the words I didn't expect to hear.

"I'm a Hooker" she said impishly. I blinked twice and asked "You mean rug hooking?" And that was it, the rest of the dinner conversation was about rug hooking and the story behind Bobbie's first pattern. It was exactly as Deanne Fitzpatrick idea of Hook Me A Story. This rug pattern represents a wonderful story of memories of laughter in the kitchen late at night between her mother and grandmother.

I was telling Bobbie of my plans to get a wool cutter and projects I was planning, when she piped up "It isn't a bit early for that; you're still working on kits and yarn." Well, we had such a good laugh over my exuburance; one of those laughs that make you feel so good. Exactly, like the laughs shared between the two women in a kitchen many years ago in the Bay of Islands.

Here is Bobbie's description:

Laughter between Two:

My mother once gave me a book mark worked in needlepoint. It read "Laughter between two is a greater sign of love than any other." The story depicted in this, my first hooked mat, is about just that - shared time, love, a sense of communion and the healing, regeneration of laughter.

This is my memory of these two women I love dearly - that they could laugh at nothing, especially during hard times when it is difficult to find anything to laugh about. My Mom, lived most of her married life with her mother-in law. Nan had her kitchen and Mom had her kitchen at the other end of the house, but the rest of the house was communal space. There were 8 children and for a while other uncles and aunts living there. Life was very, very difficult with worries and troubles galore and few pleasures.

The kitchen scene with Mom at the stove really speaks to the fact that even when she was having fun, Mom was getting things done because "the things needing to be done" were endless. Nan in her rocking chair evokes for me a sense of warmth, comfort and soothing. She would give us all a turn getting rocked as she sang old songs like "Show me the way to go home" and "Far Away Places".

After the homework was done, the children were put to bed, the oats put to soak for morning porridge, and Nan having finished her Rosary, Mom and Nan would spend time together in Nan's kitchen. When they were lonesome, they shared stories about their families and home communities.(Nan was from Port Aux Port and Mom from Bonavista Bay.) They also shared their worries, their dreams and were simply there for each other. It was common for them to do some little thing for each other - that cup of tea served, maybe with a piece of toast with cheese or jam was true communion. They were each other's best friends, loyal supporters and they shared the most ridiculous sense of humour that had them laughing at very little and it gave them the courage to face another day.

Just as the stove warmed the house, these two women brought warmth and kindness to each other, to our family and all sorts of other folks.

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

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!

Internet dreaming

I have always thought that the internet is a marvellous resource tool. I was first introduced to it in 1995 and was using it mainly for work. At that time, there were only a handful of people that I know even had the internet available, at home or at work.

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!

Hooked!

It must be a mid winter rambling that brought me to blogging last February. And here I am one year later, finding new directions.

My mind has always been abit of a mine field. Going from one thing to another and in the middle, discovering something new that again, tweaks my interest. This year and I can't even tell you how it happened, I googled rug hooking and that simple action, set up a whole new world of crafting.

I have always loved fiber arts such as petit pointe, cross stitching, knitting, quilting. I discovered a fresh new way of self expression. Then, I ordered a starter kit from Molly Made in Rocky Harbour. When it arrived, I looked it over but didn't start it until I had watched Gene Sheppard's video on Youtube. I must have watched that a dozen times before I opened my kit.

I had the kit sitting on the dining room table and once I had the nerve to open it up and give it a try a couple of times, it was as if I was born to this craft. Rug hooking is so much faster than the other fiber crafts I have done. And another added bonus is that you can be as creative as you want or as simple.

I don't know but it may be because of my surroundings in the beautiful Bay of Islands, Newfoundland, that has a profound effect on my creativity. Or it just may be my everchanging diversity as a Gemini.

Life, one thread and one stitch at a time!