So I did it. I manage to get through my first rug hooking project. Let's just say it's rough but a start and I wouldn't quite say a rough start. Some things I've learned...
- Taking a 3 hour starter class to get a taste of a new hobby was one of my better ideas. It was a relatively small investment ($65 and that included everything you needed including a beginner hook) and you really get a feel for if you're going to like it enough to invest more time and money.
- I like rug hooking now as much as I did that afternoon 30 years ago when the lady at the senior center showed me how.
- It's a perfect busy hands, quiet mind kind of activity that I need to de-stress after working all day in customer service.
- This is an acquired skill and now I see those perfect even little loops I saw on the sample are NOT easy.
I'm a textile tactile girlie through and through. From my earliest memories till now, it's gotta feel right in my hands. Something about the rough wool and the smooth - so lusciously smooth - Hartman hook really is soothing. (For Margaret - yes I invested in a #6 Hartman Ergo hook, my goodness - love it!)
Wool I have left from the kit - Finally, it's a start but fortunately not a finish.
What I mean by not a finish, is that I plan to just practice on small pieces and enjoy the ride with no agenda other than that. At least for now. Eventually, it will be May and I can take my week long class at John C. Campbell's.
Till then, I can hunt down wool remanent in thrift shops and spend time watching videos on hooking.
What Have You've Been Up to Creatively?
Rug hooking will be a very relaxing evening activity this winter. Happy hooking!
ReplyDeletewell done
ReplyDeleteLove the texture of your sheep! Sounds like a fun challenge--find some wool!
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful first sampling of rug hooking! I noticed from your photo that the kit included wool fabric strips, which is the traditional material. Rug hookers still use those (I do) but also use wool yarn, silk strips, wool roving and wool locks (un-carded sheep fleece locks). If the yarn is finer than worsted weight (#4 on the America Yarn Council yarn weight list), you can use 2 strands together -- though I admit that takes some practice! Anyway, I hope in your further explorations that you give these options a try, and have lots of fun!
ReplyDeleteIt is always good to have handwork to relax with. This is such a fun project.
ReplyDeleteHi Nina Marie, I did the same thing a few years ago. I did mean to get back to rug hooking but there is so many techniques that I want to learn! I've been embroidering in Fleur Woods course - that isn't as restful but greatly enjoyable. Best of luck!
ReplyDeletegreat creativity online embroidery digitizing nice designs &^$%^#$
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