Some friends coerced me into making some rug hooked trading cards. I'm sure most of you are familiar with the latest craze where you make small cards and then trade them with other people. I have never done it before and was surprised how fast they work up. I thought I'd share my first effort with you. I worked in a #3 cut and have a struggle keeping my small loops straight. I am making 3 other cards on the same backing before I cut them apart from the backing, finish the edge and put a label on the back. I'm playing more on the others and using proddy, yarn and glittery threads. It's fun! Many of you know I recently went ballooning so that was my inspiration. It's a great way to use up scrap wooly worms!
Chelle asked what a "standing wool rug" was so I wanted to post a picture. This one is in process and is made from a variety of wool that is torn or cut to 1/2" strips. Those strips are then rolled and secured to form the mat. I use a long thin needle and thin crochet cotton to sew it together. I sew through the center of the strips to secure it to the "base" and you don't see the threads at all. If you want I can post pictures of how I sew them together.
There are a variety of ways to create different looks, including beading (small rolls), and shirring (folding the strip on the row). This is an old pre-1850's technique (before rug hooking was popular) and creates a plush mat that is sturdy and great as a chair pad or hot plate mat. You can play and create as you go...no patterns! You can use a combination of wools from thick blanket weight to thin and thready. Great for scraps!
I need some advice. I began this sheep mat in the fall at the N.Y. Sheep & Wool festival, and just picked it up again. I completed the swirly sheep, head and legs and liked it. I decided to do something in the background (hence the leaves) but didn't like them after doing them twice so the background will be one color. I chose the red plaids because they go well with the sheep...but now I can't see the sheep's legs. But I really like the red! And I'm getting near the border...more choices. Antique black looks nice, but gold might be nice too. As I look at the picture the golds on the right look too green.
This is the next version with a few of the things changed I mentioned before. I decided on a brown border to bring it together, and might add more - I'll live with it like this for a bit first. The only thing I didn't change yet is the tail, which needs help. Too muddy looking, even though it is a bright pink - I think outlining with the tan would work better than the darker blue. Also still haven't decided whether or not to remove a cloud or two. I used all but one inch #6 strip of the spot-dye I used as part of the blues in the sky. Of course, it isn't pressed yet so I hope it will square up better then.
I finally finished pulling the loops on this rug! The pattern is by Monika Jones of Folk Art Landing. This is 32" x 32", cuts 6 - 9 and done in hand dyed wools. I added the wavy border which is done in re-cycled wool. The eagle was a challenge for me, particularly the neck feathers as they kept coming out square. I consulted the Rug Hookers Bible and found a lesson on "feathering" which helped a lot. Thanks Gene and Jane! On my monitor I can see many things I should change but I'm always learning and expect my next rug to be better. Don't we all expect that? Just don't examine my loopy loops too closely! And now...off to bind it!
