Just catching up . . .

Wow, time flies by.  My 'Farmer in the Dell' has been finished for quite some time now.  Finished size 28x46, and glad it is done.   I didn't mind hooking the animals so much as the faces of the family.  I must have reworked them 5 times a piece.

I was inspired by the November/December 2012 Issue of Rug Hooking Magazine's article on the Sincerely Jane Rugs, especially one hooked by Saundra of Woodland Junction.  See her blog here.  I loved her style, colors, and the border she used is fabulous.  I tried to make my version as different as possible, and in looking at hers against mine . . she wins big time.   My rug is much smaller with 15 blocks to her 28 blocks.  Saundra's is definitely more charming and more of a quilt feel with the extra blocks she hooked.  I used #8 cuts and my favorite colors with the background of a tan and cream check wool giving it a worn look.  As I look at the picture, I notice two 9 patch blocks on the bottom row.  I may change one of them, then again I may not.  Oh well, you can see a lot from taking a picture of your work!  If you want a fun rug to hook and very little color planning, try a Sincerely Jane Rug. 

I finally tried my hand at punch needle.  I had bought this kit by Brenda Gervais because I fell in love with with the little bunnies.  However, I was so intimidated by actually punching it that I just enlarged the pattern a little and hooked a small mat (see earlier post here).  After finishing the Sincerely Jane Rug and not wanted to start another rug just yet, I pulled out the needle punch and kit and dove in.  It is amazingly simple and goes very quickly.  I found the perfect frame and easel at Hobby Lobby . . . 50% off.  I have another one of Brenda's patterns (they are just so stinkin' cute) called "6" Ditty Pocket".  And so, I have added yet another new hobby to my list of things I don't really have time to do.

Happy Hooking!