I made it back to the shoes after several weeks and finished the background. It’s always a happy event when I go to my wool baskets and find the perfect skeins for whipping. The top one I bought years ago on Queen Street in that pricey wool store and the bottom one is Alpaca (should I really use this beauty for whipping??) given to me by a very dear friend. It is from a local farm. As I pull the wool through my fingers, the city and rural images will play through my mind. I should be able to finish this soon and hang it in my studio. It says everything I want to say.
You know, I don’t put anything here that I don’t think is top-notch. But there are some items that for one reason or another have that edge. I had a recycled cobalt skirt two years ago and some special people got pouches (you know who you are). I love to see them pull that cobalt from their bigger bags. I was in my favourite recycling shop twice within the last 6 months and each time I found another cobalt skirt! So–I made a small pouch yesterday and today, taking advantage of the V on the front of one of the skirts, I made a bigger pouch. And I think it is great. I love the slightly bigger size, the playful lining and the wristlet.
Check the on-line store for this one. 
Christine, I can’t remember if you told us what inspired the background for your shoes but it is simply perfect, and so unusual! The whole piece is just wonderful! And all the recent pouches are beautiful, too.
jill in Ontario
Hey Jill
I have had a love of squares since I started hooking–and am always looking for new ways to incorporate them into the background of my works. This was a challenge to go from the mid values to the light ones on the outside, but I think it works. I am so glad that you like the red shoes. After I whip it I will hang it in my studio.
xine
OH! this is a great mat. Great textures. Noticing the subtle shape of your background hooking and it’s artful change in values. Also like the way the rug appears to float! and those comfy shoes. Lots to look at here Christine. Thanks for posting it.
I absolutely love your background of your red shoes!! Great use of color and dimension!
The boots rug is one of the best pieces I have seen in a long,long time. Very creative background and beautifully chosen colors just to highlight the subject(red is my favorite color) This inspires me!!!!