BirdBrain Designs

Archives for April 2012

dyeing and glimpse of #3

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One of my favourite methods to dye is Wanda Kerr’s wandering method. Wanda is a master at understanding dyes and making beautiful combinations. The subtle changes of these light wanderings will work well for the small squares I plan to use in the sky on the next rug. I want to make more of these in slightly darker values to give the sky some depth.

Because it is a gift, this is all I can show you of the third chair seat–the troublesome one. We have finally come to  a truce–but only because I made several concessions demanded by the piece. As I was thinking about all of this, I rediscovered Mary Ann Wise’s article in  Rug Hooking Magazine, Jan/Feb 2010. (What a resource these back issues are!) This article is well worth checking out–there are tips to help you analyze your rug when you know things aren’t right. Tip 1 warns that you have to avoid getting too attached to images “that make the composition trite or sentimental”, or as she says, you must “kill the darlings”. I had wanted to have hearts in the sky and I thought they would work as the circles did in the second piece here. Instead they seemed too cute and very distracting, actually tacky! They are still there now if you squint, but in the same value they don’t irritate. Big lesson learned before the big rug.

We decided on the size of the new rug last night and the border. I now need to confirm the style of the main motif. The third sample veered too close to a real landscape for my liking, so I am hoping to stay more primitive and symbolic–but it’s quite a journey, as you know, with discoveries all along the way. Off now to cut and serge the linen backing–that I know is straightforward!

CB2

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I’ve been back at the sewing machine–and this small pouch with detachable wrist strap is for my favourite girl whose favourite colour is purple. This is made from a great piece of remnant leather–have enough for at least one more–with a zipper from an old jacket. The lining is perfect–bright in purple and pink with two small pockets for the things you don’t want lose like subway tokens or secret notes. The pouch is made to fit inside a bigger bag, or step out on its own. Just for her.

wave inspiration

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My son often starts the day off on the St. Lawrence on his surf board (even a sprained ankle doesn’t stop him–he just modifies!) The pictures taken by his friend are beautiful.  Here on dry land, I am struggling with chair seat #3. This happens to me sometimes–the hooking takes over and starts to boss me. This piece is very temperamental, demanding this, rejecting that, and being satisfied with none of my attempts. Yesterday at our hooking gathering, several suggested I pull out one of my trees — which I did. Last night I rehooked part of the sky. I tell myself it’s only a sample — relax, you are learning. But it sits on the stand clamouring for  attention–and it’s hard not to listen. I am trying to ignore it for a while and instead take inspiration from those amazing waves.

steal like an artist

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I’ve been thinking about Tony’s post  about how lame it is to steal or pirate someone else’s idea or design without giving credit to the originator of the idea or design. We have all had that sickening feeling when we see our work copied, or worried that we have been too influenced by a teacher or work we admire–but it is really is a multi-faceted issue. Austin Kleon’s poster on stealing like an artist came to mind. I had seen it some time ago on Brain Pickings and thought it would be worth reproducing here. Kleon clearly outlines the difference between what he calls good and bad theft–something we all need to keep in mind–we should always credit, honour, transform, remix. He maintains we are a ‘mashup’ of all we have experienced–that experience gets put through our own lens and we come up with our own work–and we all can be creative.

Kleon has written a whole book on the topic and has a blog. I particularly love his sketch book entries (of course!).

trees

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These are some of my favourite trees. First up, are Jule Marie Smith’s delightful pine trees, (look at her colours!) followed by my version of Susan Feller’s winter scene. Susan says she saw these trees driving one cold winter night.

 

 

 

 

I have been saving this cover for years. I think the wooden trees would translate so well into hooking. On the right are my cedars from chair seat two and below the spruce from the new chair seat. I am experimenting to see just what style will work in the new rug.

fireworks steamed and in situ

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I took all 23 pounds of Fireworks to my local dry cleaners to have it steamed. And now it is in place in our house. We have to figure how and where to hang this 6.5’x4.5′ plus rug to photograph it properly. The only suitable large plain wall seems to be the back of the garage! So stay tuned for that. In the meantime, I am hoping the tiny bumps along the one side smooth out, now that is in its final resting spot–if not it will be time for a little more steam.

spring, generosity and a rug hooking spine poem

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We have had some signs of spring in the garden. The first few stocks of asparagus–soooo good–and a mother cardinal building a nest just outside the kitchen window. We have a perfect view of the goings-on!

And the postman just delivered a nice surprise package! My dear friend, Shelley in Mahone Bay, recently raided a Frenchie’s, (those of you who have visited this east coast hooker’s mecca will know how exciting that is!), and sent along three skirts, two in yummy shades of orange. The fourth leather garment in the photo was brought to me at the hook-in (my reputation is preceding me!) by Nancy–and what a lovely piece of leather it is too. Thanks so much to both of you!

And this is my attempt at a book spine poem defining what rug hooking means to me. Btw,  the bottom book is my Grade 12 English textbook!

If wool could talk:

famous lasting words 

open secrets 

the telling of lies 

and poems to remember

saturday hook-in

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Wonderful colour and design were the order of the day at the hook-in hosted by the Moira Mat Makers.  Just under 60 people made the trip to Belleville to share ideas, wool and delicious goodies. And what a great day it was!Four vendors tempted those attending with beautiful wool. Above is one of Loretta Moore’s vintage suitcases full of dyed textures and below Karen Kaiser holds one of her lovely dyed pieces.I certainly was not immune to the lure of the wool.  (Jennifer introduced me to the existence of my inner hooker here, and believe me, she was clamouring today!)  Below is the pile I added to my already substantial collection of wool. The Briggs and Little yarn from Gudrun Heiss is what I dye for whipping my rugs and the textures from Loretta Moore will be over-dyed for the upcoming wedding rug. I love to split a yard of texture into four quarters and dye each piece a different, but related colour.

There is so much to learn at a day like this. Look at this rug being hooked by Gudrun Heiss using both yarn and wool yardage. I love the rooster with his bright feathers and long thin feet–but look at the background–it is every bit as interesting!And look at the colour play in this rug by Pam Duncan and the charming design and use of complemetary colours in the runner below by Linda Hetherington.

I made a start today on chair seat #3 and with all the inspiration I soaked up today, it should soon be well on its way. Thanks to all who came to Belleville and made this such a wonderful day.

ready for #3

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The hooking on the first two samples is done and I think I have determined the tone of the wedding rug. The first sample is just too sedate and ordered. This rug is going to be playful and a little off-kilter, more like the second chair seat. I have one more sample to do–this one depicting a version of Owen and Carissa’s home–before I actually begin to plan the rug. Background colour is a big question right now. And type of border. Both things need to be determined before I begin the rug.  Meanwhile, I better get design #3 on backing so that I will have something to hook at the Hook-in in Belleville this Saturday!!