Winter

Winter

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Odds and Ends


It is so nice to see the pictures of spring and the snow melting on your blogs. I feel like I don't have to hide my flowers so much now. :) I guess because of the warm weather we have had this spring, it has made moths and butterflies hatch like crazy. The moths are the dusty miller types and the tobacco moths that are called tomato horn worms when they are in the worm stage. Those moths are so big they look like hummingbirds and I like to watch them get drinks out of the pool.


The butterflies are monarchs and painted ladies. Ron washed the patio off on the weekend while we were BBQing and the painted ladies would land on the damp cement and get drinks. It was amazing to see those long tiny tongues.


While I was sick, and didn't do much, I would sit and think of rugs I would like to hook. When I finally started feeling human I took a day and sketched out rugs I thought I might like to hook. I drew out two patterns and these are what I have to do next.

This one, is just going to be one of those rugs that I only use worms I have cut. I know that it won't put a dent in my bags and bags of cut worms but it will be fun to do anyway.


The next rug will be the one I do next. I couldn't believe it took as long as it did to get it to the backing stage.
First I sketched it on paper. Then I put it on a big sheet of  paper so I could have the size I wanted. Then I drew it on red dot tracer so I could have it for a rug pattern. I drew it finally on backing and then had to go over it in the places it didn't go through to the linen.  Then of course, I had to get out my sewing machine to finish the edges. Next the fun part will be to dye and cut the wool. Hook the wool into the pattern, which is like having a big coloring book in my lap. Then steaming it and binding it and steaming it again.

That is how I know I love rug hooking. I would never have the patience to do this unless it was a passion.


I can draw two shapes, houses and flowers. I like squares. I also officially bought real dye spoons.


 I showed them to my oldest son Ben, who works with metal. He was impressed. I love showing him things like that because he always can tell me how they were made and what metal. Now I think I will have better
luck with my dyeing and my colors.


I hope to finish up my guinea rug today, but you have to stay at home for that and I feel like I have been such a gad-a-bout for the last few days.  Have a lovely Wednesday!

~Kim~

The one tiny lupin I found.
 
"Keep your eyes open to your mercies. The man who forgets to be thankful has fallen asleep in life."
Robert Louis Stevenson

13 comments:

Julia said...

Oh my goodness, don't hide your pretty flowers just because we still have snow on the ground. Seeing your flowers blooming is so refreshing. It may be a while before we can share our blooms but it will come when the right time comes.

I love your rug patterns and those roses are so gorgeous.

I have those spoons but there are 4 in the set. I bought them from the Cushing Co. and paid $65.00 US plus shipping, plus duty on them when the dollar was pretty well at par. Your son might know why they cost so much.

Happy hooking Kim.
Hugs,
JB

TexWisGirl said...

love your blooms. that house rug is going to be really neat!

Pom Pom said...

I love the flowers! Keep them coming! Your rugs are going to be stunning!
Cool dye spoons!

Kessie said...

Third time trying to comment ... Love your rug designs!

Christine said...

How exciting to be dreaming of hooking and dyeing wool!
I always love seeing your flowers so don't hide them!
Have a great stay-at-home day!

Kim said...

Don't hide your flowers. During our "white months" it's a bright reminder that our brief summer is on its way.

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Well we have bluebonnets around here...the state flower of Texas and they are sure pretty this year. All your flowers are pretty and I so enjoy your passion for your rugs. You go girl.

Nellie said...

I would never have the patience for rug hooking! Drawing my own pattern would be a challenge, too. xo Nellie

Kerin said...

Great to see the blossoms!!
What a wonderful reminder that no matter where we live, we will eventually get to enjoy spring-time flowers ***smile**.

Cute, cute rug patterns!
It will be nice to have one that will use up your worms too!
So happy for you that you were able to get the dye spoons... very cool!

Interesting tid-bit about all the moths. I guess it will be an interesting year gardening...etc..

~K.

Three Sheep Studio said...

I'm catching up on your blog, Kim.
Wow, your family photos are amazing and so valuable ;) loved the story about the old abandoned house. Your new rug ideas are great ! I am eager to see the guinea rug completed !
Rose

Sue said...

Love this post Kim, you and I seem to like so many of the same things, butterflies are one of my favs., ours have not hatched out yet, when I am in the garden and I see them, I love to follow them and see what they will do next, sometimes I feel so much like a child, and I hope I never grow up! ~smile~
You are so gifted and talented, I know if I lived nearby, I might just be creative too!~smile~
Enjoy your evening.
Blessings,
Sue

Joy said...

What beautiful roses! maybe a rug of roses???

Joy said...

Oh, the 'cut worms'. Took me a bit to figure that one out. Here in the Midwest, 'cut worms' are a worm that invades a growing corn stalk.