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.
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.
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!).
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.
I am beginning the wedding rug in the dye pots. Thinking about colour on this drab rainy morning.
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.
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
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.
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!!
I’ve mentioned the book reviews in the blog Pas Grand Chose before. While some of my favourite authors are there–Rose Tremain, Sebastian Faulks, Julian Barnes and Kate Atkinson–there are also some unfamiliar ones. Based on Karen’s recommendations, I have recently read The Hand that First Held Mine by Maggie O’Farrell and Brother of the More Famous Jack by Barbara Trapido. I had never heard of either author before–and found both books to be new favourites. I highly recommend Karen’s reviews and in particular these two books. I will be looking for more by these authors!
Brainpickings is my favourite website, bar none. Each day it makes connections to some of the most interesting books and ideas going. Today’s post features the TED lecture given in March by Frank Warren. I encourage you to listen–it will give you a boost on this cloudy day. And I encourage you to make Brainpickings one of your favourites–it will take you to places you never dreamed.
And just so we don’t stray to far away from things hookerly, my absolutely favourite wool is honeycomb from Rebecca Erb. It dyes beautifully in every colour and has multiple uses. You may have noticed I have begun using it in the windows of my houses. But just so we don’t all forget, I included an ‘as-is’ turquoise piece of 100% wool, already cut for the back of one of the chairs seats. And the source of this skirt? My favourite local thrift shop for less than $5.00!
