2008-Jan-15
My Way of Rug Hooking
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It's a wonderful day on the farm. The sun is out and while it's cold, it's not that bitter cold we have been having. I have my candles burning in the living room, the candle warmer on in the kitchen so my house is not only clean but it smells wonderful! Since so many people have expressed an interest in my "Turkey Tracks" rug I thought this might be a good time for me to tell you about my rug hooking adventures.
For years I would look at decorating magazines and simply drool over all the wonderful antique rugs scattered through out peoples homes. Where we live on a limited budget I knew I would never be fortunate enough to own one so along with a lot of other dreams of mine, primitive rugs were pushed to the back of my mind. Over a year ago I was talking to my Aunt Erma and the subject of rug hooking came up. She told me that was one thing Grandma Fillmore never did (With eleven children who had time???) but she used to walk up to the neighbors farm and watch Elsie hook. Believe it or not, I remember Elsie from my childhood (Those were the days when neighbors really were neighbors in every sense of the word!) and as I listened to Aunt Erma talk an idea was born.
If Elsie could hook with a bent nail, burlap and old clothes, why couldn't I????? So began my newest addiction. First to get started. I had a gal make me up a "kit" and that was a big mistake....She sent thin wool that raveled, inadequate backing and a pattern no one would want to do. The only thing to come out that $50 kit was a cheap hook and the need to know more. Thus began "Sher's Way of Hooking"!
Please note ~~~~The following information is MY WAY and that's sure not the RIGHT way!!!! I am doing this for ME and I want my stuff to be as primitive as possible. If your wanting to do REAL rug hooking please follow the directions of experienced hookers. NOT MY WAY!!!! That being said, let me tell you how I do it!
Since the cheap hook did work for me, I decided it would be my one and only hook! Second, I knew I was going to have to cut all those little strips so I did invest in a cutter. I decided all my rugs would be hooked on burlap just like Elsie had used and any experienced hooker will tell you this is a big no-no....Over time burlap will pull apart so you should use a quality backing. Again, I figured if it was good enough Elsie it was good enough for me!
To tell you how dumb and inexperienced I was, I figured a few yards of different colored wool would be enough to make several rugs! WRONG I learned real fast that even though you have a million "worms" (As the wool strips are called) and lots of colors you'll not only never have the colors you need but those worms will disappear mighty quick as you start hooking!!!!
SO, with that knowledge my next step was to buy as much wool in as many different colors as I could afford. (And sometimes I couldn't afford it, I just bought! HA) At this point I learned rug hooking is an expensive hobby. Not only is wool not cheap (It will run anywhere from $17 to $25 a yard and the hand-dyed wool even more!!) but it becomes a serious addiction.....You will look at every piece of clothing in terms of "Gee, wouldn't that make a neat background"! HA Oh, I DO use old wool skirts but unless they are cheap, you really don't get much wool for your money.
Of course I wasn't content in just BUYING wool....I decided I had to DYE my own!!!! That was another big expense...Those little packets of dye don't go far! HA However, if there is one thing I love about hooking it's the dying process. Not only are you able to get the colors of wool you want but it's like a Christmas present every time they are dry to see the color you actually get. [I really do adore this area of hooking.]
Of course there are patterns and books to be bought (Check out my friend Betty's PictureTrail as she has many booklets that have wonderful patterns that can be used for rug hooking: http://www.picturetrail.com/primitivebettys) and the list goes on.......................
I've now told you "Sher's Way of Hooking". Do you have any questions???? If so, just ask and I'll be glad to try and answer them. I would encourage each and everyone of you to try this wonderful, relaxing hobby. While it might be expensive (And dirty...When you cut wool it makes a lot of "fuzz") I can't explain how you feel when you see something coming to life right before your eyes. It's like having a baby....It's YOURS and no one can take it away from you! You'll also be making something for your home that will be passed down to your children, a real heirloom!
Now for a picture of what I've been working on. This is a pattern from The Country Cupboard called, "Turkey Tracks". As you can see, I've got a long ways to go before it's completed but at least it's starting to come to life! (Since I like everything primitive, I'll be brushing a walnut stain over the finished pieced to tone it down!) If you think this is something you might like to try please do. You'll never be sorry! Hugs, Sher  |
Comments
2008-Jan-15 - Untitled Comment
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Posted by 2008-Jan-15 - Rug Hooking Your Own Way!
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Posted by 2008-Jan-15 - Turkey Tracks
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Posted by Anonymous