Monday, January 25, 2010

Rugs from the weekend

One of my online rug hooking groups does retreats every month. This month's theme was to make something you love or would love to give away. This was my first time participating and I'm glad I did because I started a rug that I've been thinking about since September.
When I taught at Star Rug Camp in Fredericksburg, Alice Streibel of Kindred Spirits (Love this gal!) showed me how to roll wool into circles and I just loved the technique. I thought they would look good in the body of a sheep. Because I was so excited about these circles, I gently persuaded several of my students to incorporate them into their rugs.
Last week, Kris Miller (another sweetie), debuted an awesome rug she is working on for a class using the rolled circles...check out her blog. Anyways it made me start thinking about the rolled circles again and so I finally started the rug. I usually hook neutral colored sheep so I stepped out of the box and tried a black sheep!

I also found some time to finish up two other little mats that I had started back in September after camp.
Grinnin Guy

I'm trying to decide what to do around the border. As you can see, I started to bead around the edge and the orange wool I pulled is a little too bright. I've also been thinking about crocheting with some fun eyelash yarn...Wouldn't that add some jazz to the rug? Oh, but I don't know how to crochet.
This guy is my Butterscotch cat. I beaded around the edges of this rug.
Thanks for stopping by, Maria

18 comments:

Dianne said...

I love how the sheep looks with the rolled circles! I am not familiar with this technique. Is it a secret how to do this or would you be willing to share? Either way it is wonderful!
Thanks
Dianne

Cathy G. said...

Hi Maria,
I Love love love your rugs! I have always admired your use of textured wools in backgrounds etc. I like the texture on the sheeps face. I too would like to try a crochet border on a rug and as a way to finish a rug. The rolled wool looks great! P.S. ( we are having a hard time connecting on those little wool pin keeps through email it seems) My email is ( antcathy@charter.net) I hope we can still talk some more about them! Thank so much! Cathy G

Joanne said...

Your rugs are great Maria - loved the rolled wool - never saw that done in a rug before

Primitives By The Light of The Moon said...

The rolled wool really adds to the sheep! It's looking great.

The Grinnin' pumpkin is way cute!

WoolenSails said...

You have been busy with hooking and wonderful new pieces. I like the edge you have around the kitty, nice technique.

Debbie

moosecraft said...

They are all super cute... but, I'm really luvin' how the rolled wool looks on that black sheep! Crochet is very easy... youtube has many how to videos that will help you to learn quickly... have fun!

Laura said...

I'm working on my second hooked project and loving it! I agree with others in loving the rolled circles! Also that "beaded" edge...where could I find info on that?
You do great work!

Plumruncreek ♥ said...

I like the beading around your cat rug.I think that is so fun to do. Love the buttons on the pumpkin rug!!

BeFRuiTFuL KReaTioNS said...

I love the use of buttons in the mouth of the pumpkin.

JoEllen

Alice ~ Folk Art Primitives said...

Love that little sheep! I call the rolled strips of wool 'cats paws' ~ I must have seen that somewhere ~ I don't think I made it up! And I love the beaded edges ~ you're on a roll!!! Can't wait to see your finished sheep rug!

HomeSpunPrims said...

Your sheep rug is so great!! That's going to be one fun class! Your other rugs are special as always. I haven't tried beading yet either but do love the look of it.

Mary said...

Maria-Love your rugs but that sweet little lamb really speaks to me. She has the sweetest little face. Glad you had a fun weekend!

sandi said...

Love, love your latest little mats. You work is always delightful - methinks you should publish a book - hint, hint!! thanks for sharing!

Tammy Burks said...

Maria,
The rugs are great! I love seeing people try "outside of the box" type things in their rugs!

Carrie P. said...

Your sheep is going to be great. I like the circles.

Anonymous said...

Love those circles Maria, your sheep looks great. I have never tried this would love to learn. I love the beading on the cat rug, so sweet. I have tried this technique on a few rugs..gives a nice look.
Always love your rugs. I really want to see pics of your home with all these rugs you hook. I can only imagine how beautiful it must be! ♥

Cotton Eyed Jo said...

Aren't the retreat weekends fun? It is always inspiring to see what others have been working on. I love all the things you showed, but the lamb is definitely my favorite!

Unknown said...

Great collection of 6x9 Rugs for your modern home.