Damn, I wrote that headline and realized that it looked vaguely political, something I try to avoid on social media especially these days. At least the freaking election is finally over, and we can only wait to see what January will bring. In the meantime, the holidays are rushing at us like there’s no tomorrow. A portend? (Sorry. I said I wouldn’t say anything political. I won’t.) And there is hooking, always hooking.
So, what am I working on these days (always hooking)? In hopes that I’ll get a call from the waiting list at the Rail Yards for the holiday market next month, I’m still creating rug mugs. I’ve also come up with a new item; it’ll be a great stocking stuffer, gift card holder, hostess gift, or little girl’s purse. Here’s a pic of the prototype. Like it?
I plan on filling them with candy canes for Christmas time and maybe some faux flowers or something next spring. The bags are from Hobby Lobby, too inexpensive for me to bother making. The hooking’s a bit tricky since there’s no frame involved, just your hand to stick in and hold it all. (I don’t know how Rachelle LeBlanc hooks without a frame ALL THE TIME and then gets those beautiful results.)
Albuquerque’s Fiber Fiesta is also keeping me busy and not just because I’m a guild rep to the Fiber Arts Council. I think I know what I want to create for next May’s show, and I’m doing some research, though I’m not ready to share just yet. But I better get a move on as it has to be pretty much finished by the March 1 entry deadline. For those who are interested, the Call-For-Entries is open and waiting. Consider joining us.
In between projects, I’m still working on my “fall” tree of life rug, the one I started last month. It’s coming along despite being thrown to the side on a regular basis. Always hooking….
As an aside, how many of you saw this rug on page 56 of the newest ATHA magazine?
I was flipping through it the evening my copy came, when I caught sight of “Kenya Flora and Fauna.” That’s really familiar,” I said then looked a little closer. “Ha, I do know this rug!” Nancy Huntington submitted the pic; it’s a large mat that her mother-in-law Sylvia hooked after an adventure in Africa. Nan brought the rug to one of the demonstrations our guild does at the Albuquerque BioPark a couple of months ago. Kids loved it! Here are a couple of close-ups I snapped at the BioPark. (Nancy generously shared the photo above.) Fabulous rug!
What’s your current state of affairs? On your frame, that is.
PS – Before I let you go, for anyone in the general New Mexican area, if you’re in the mood for a field trip this coming weekend (Friday-Sunday), make sure you look into the Santa Fe Fiber Festival brought to us by the Española Valley Fiber Arts Center. My partner in crime, fellow native New Englander and new New Mexican, Melinda, and I are heading up there Saturday. Hope to see you!
Read it!
Loved it!
You are the best!
Ah, says the woman whose rug was in Laura Pierce’s blog today. 🙂
You’re a busy bee! Love the little bags and I bet they are hard to hook. No frame -and- so tiny. Putting little goodies in them is a cute idea. What will you price them, if I may inquire?
I can hook without a frame and sometimes have to do it on difficult corners/edges, but I find it’s hard on my hands. I feel like I’m going to get carpal tunnel from the way I do it.
Years ago, before I was a hooker, there was a little general store that had the best crafts. One woman made dolls and the faces were hooked. The clothing was usually wool and she’d often hook little motifs on them. I’m not sure why I’m telling you about this – just that hooking looks nice on wool too!
And thank you for staying out of politics. I have deleted without reading blogs that just had to give their 2 cents…. It’s been a difficult year for sure.
We have a hooker in our guild who is incredibly creative and prolific; she hooked a large piece on what looked like a violetish wool blanket, but was really fabric that they make office cubicles with. It’s gorgeous.
Oh, I hate hooking those little bags, but I can do one in an afternoon/evening and when you’re done, you’re done. I hear you on the hand pain. My arthritis is really about as bad as it’s ever been. I’m on my fourth or fifth med attempt and it’s not going well. Some days I can’t wear my wedding ring! But hooking has to be good for my fingers, keeps’em working!
And you had a great blog post today! https://adailydoseoffiber.wordpress.com/2016/11/17/all-about-hand-dyes-batiks/#comment-1997