Yesterday I shared with you some inspirational photos
of sheep & lambs
that I have in mind for a new rug...
of sheep & lambs
that I have in mind for a new rug...
I sketched up a few looks and will begin the process of choosing the woolens today.
In the meantime,
I have been working on a little bird-inspired mat...
In the meantime,
I have been working on a little bird-inspired mat...
but before I share it with you, here is a quick snap of a Bluebird-boy setting on our picket post...
his blue feathers are gorgeous and you can see a hint of his salmon-colored belly there on his right.
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| he brings me happiness ~ |
and here are some beautiful wools that I purchased from
www.MistyPondPrimitives.com
(actually from her Etsy shop)
(actually from her Etsy shop)
are they not beautiful?
I prefer working with color, altho I will over-stain the finished hooking and mute them down just a bit....I like to begin with what I call 'poison' colors and tone them down with walnut dye.
I prefer working with color, altho I will over-stain the finished hooking and mute them down just a bit....I like to begin with what I call 'poison' colors and tone them down with walnut dye.
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| candy-colors |
So here is what I've been working on:
a little hooked mat of a Robin ~
here I show how I'm adding a cotton fabric binding to the back...
here I show how I'm adding a cotton fabric binding to the back...
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| I chose an ombre cotton floral for the binding ~ a good two inches wide... |
after cutting the linen back to within 1 inch around the last hooked row,
...then folding it back and tacking it down ~ I then start to straight stitch the cotton fabric binding down, puckering the cotton fabric as I go...
...then folding it back and tacking it down ~ I then start to straight stitch the cotton fabric binding down, puckering the cotton fabric as I go...
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| pucker your fabric as you stitch the fabric binding down, as you go.... |
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| close up of the puckers and straight stitch... |
here's a peek at the front ~
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| I see you! |
and another peek:
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| the early bird gets the worm... |
This hooked mat will be shown on our March 15th update on our "goods" page.
The paper pattern will be available :)
I'm off to choose those wools for my sheep rug...
will be back tomorrow to show you my design concept and start of the hooking!
have a wonderful day my Friends!
have a wonderful day my Friends!
Lori from
Notforgotten Farm
Lori - How do you "over-stain" your hooked rugs? You mention walnut shell dye, but my daughter is allergic to nuts, so I couldn't use that. Any other products? And do you apply it with a spray or brush or what? I have used "Distress It" spray on punchneedle and paper. Thanks...jan
ReplyDeleteGood morning Lori,
ReplyDeleteYour work is so beautiful...to look at something and be able to make it into a rug is incredible. I do get inspiration from you.
Oh such beautiful Wool's.
I looked at the site you bought yours from - oh how beautiful...so much to choose from.
Blessings,
Karen
Looking beautiful! Can't wait to see the finished product. One day I'll give rug hook a try!
ReplyDeletePat
I'm drooling over that stack of wool. Beautiful! As is your new Robin rug. Hope that the robin is a sign Spring is around the corner.
ReplyDeleteHi Jan ~ I use home made black walnut dye from my trees here on the farm. You can use coffe, tea, vanilla or a mix of all three for a wonderful dye (and smells great too!) After I steam, or block, my finished hooked piece, and before I turn the edges back for binding, I use an old paintbrush dipped in the dye to gently stain the piece. Then I let it dry fully before stitching the binding on ~ you can dry it in a low oven or in the sun.
ReplyDeleteBE CAREFUL of staining overdyed wools!!!! do not soak the wools with the stain, it may cause the dyed wool to bleed!
Hope this helps ~
~Lori
Beautiful Bluebird, wonderful wools and lovey rug.
ReplyDeleteLooking so lovely x
ReplyDeleteHi Lori!
ReplyDeleteLove the robin...your work is gorgeous!
Look forward to learning more as you work on your sheep rug. I'm determined to start hooking!
Martha
This little Robin matt is so cute ! When you made your pretty calico rug binding, did you leave the edges raw or did you turn back the edge that fits up against the rug ? Also I have lots of wool for hooking that was never washed , it was from my Mother's stash, from when she made suits. I am afraid to just throw it into the washine machine, but is that what I should do ? I am afraid of what may happen to the washing machine...the amount of lint scares me...
ReplyDeleteI LOVE bird motifs !!!!!!!!!!! I will need this pattern for sure, can't wait to see this !!! Your such an inspiration and your talent amazes me.
ReplyDeleteI just love your "go to it'ness"!!!
ReplyDeleteYou have an idea and go forward with the design, picking your wools, and do it.
That's just great.
I'd love to see that robin finished. I'll be keeping an eye open for that.
I just love your work! I overdye my wool in coffee and vanilla and smell lovely all day long!
ReplyDeletelove your bluebird and your wools! denise
ReplyDeleteBeautiful little bird and absolutely love how you are finishing the back! Your such an inspiration to so many :)
ReplyDeleteLove the Robin...but of course I would. OH YEH..
ReplyDeleteONLY 8 MORE DAYS!!!!!
Lori, Lori! Your projects are always sooo wonderful ~ I just can't wait to see your finished Robin!
ReplyDeleterebecca
Lori, thank you so much for highlighting my wool. Love the hints for antiquing rugs after hooking. Pat
ReplyDelete