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