Shady Hill Rug Hooking
Shady Hill Rug Hooking Blog
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Mon
05
Jul
2021
July update, waiting on the storm!
It's seems kind of quiet around here but there is a lot of planning happening! We were away recently for a couple weeks to finally visit one of our new grandsons, born during the pandemic. Great trip! Home in time to wait for the tropical storm Elsa!
I have a new supply of colorful Sari Ribbon which I will post on the website soon, as long as the power stays on! Sari ribbon can be used in rug hooking and weaving projects. It is versatile for fiber artists. This order came quickly, which I am happy for. Ordering and supply, and shipping is still a challenge for everyone.
My hooking slowed down for May and June. Still working on the huge one, Gainesboro. Only a couple roses and scrolls left. I have been hooking the background as I go. I am always happy to not have background left at the end. I do find it hard to have a large heavy rug on my lap during the summer. Picture will be soon.
My next rug will be sea turtles designed by Carolyn Stitch, available at rughook.com, Honey Bee Hive rug. My collection of wool, sari ribbon, yarn, hand-spun yarn, roving and more is over flowing in a large bag, ready and waiting. I throw things in and take something out. I know I need contrast, definite light and dark values.
Thu
18
Feb
2021
Organization time in the studio
February is almost over and way past due to really clean up the studio. The wool wall is refolded, restacked, reorganized today. The picture shows only a portion of the wall. The rest will be done later this week, at least before March rolls in.
Fri
05
Feb
2021
Weaving a little bit for now
I enjoyed taking an online weaving class to learn overshot technique on my rigid hedddle loom. So many patterns to learn when I made some adjustments to use a 4 shaft pattern! Cant wait until I find the perfect yarn for the scarf pattern in the class. Class by Kelly Casanova weaving school. I highly recommend.
Until the yarn is chosen I will get back to hooking my large rug. Making progress with hooking an hour a day. Hope to be done by my self imposed June deadline.
Tue
08
Dec
2020
Brrrr.... It's cold here in Florida!
One way to stay warm!!! Hook a large rug that covers your lap, and all the way to the floor! This picture is a month old so there is more done now.
I probably should take a break and put up some Christmas decorations.
Tue
29
Sep
2020
Blue, Red and Purple wool now in the store!
Lovely purples, radiant reds, and a brilliant blue, herringbone, tweeds and plaids.
I washed these so you don't have to. You can start your project right away!
Available in my website store!
Mon
28
Sep
2020
More wool listed in the store!
Wow! Can you imagine a rug braided with these three! I can!
They are listed in the website store ready to ship out to you! I washed all this wool so it is ready for you to use right away.
I will be adding more in a couple days!
Wed
02
Sep
2020
Braiding a new rug, perfect practice butting
I started this a week ago as a gift for our daughter. Polka dots and zigzags are the focus in this rug. I am using darks and lights to have great contrast for the design to show up. The pattern comes from Nancy Young, a well known braiding teacher in Maine. This is her Killer Chair pad pattern. I understand the "killer" now, as each row is individual, and therefore, butted. 9 rows here, 9 times to perfect the butting.
This measure 18" in diameter now. I would like it larger. The decision to make is what color row next. Yellow and light green? all three? I will braid some samples to help make up my mind.
Wed
08
Jul
2020
Use up those noodles!
The noodle bags are overflowing like a cascading waterfall! This little round footstool has been wanting a new cover, so it's time! A few tips and techniques to help you. When you want to use up noodles for a hit & miss project I find the finished piece easier to look at when you make a rule or two to follow. My rules beyond using only noodles, were 1. use lime green for the center of circles. 2. only use blue to red on the color wheel for the circles. red, red violet, blue violet, blue. 3. use all lightest pastel values, any color.
Now I have a plan, ready to sort the leftover strips and begin.
I used a rummage sale footstool. Kind of old but solid and sturdy. The hardware was in good shape so I was able to reuse it. The legs do need refinishing but it's way too hot to work in the garage, so will wait til winter. When I finished hooking I put cording on top of the backing right next to the hooking and whipped with two strands of wool yarn. Then measured how much backing I needed to fold to the back.. Remember to measure twice before you cut! I left the old cover on so I did not have to add layers of padding. The cording did cause a bit of waviness at the edge, so on a future round piece I will consider a row of chain stitch instead. Staple the backing on, stretching from side to side. Add the liner to cover the raw edge of backing and tack in place leave space for the leg braces. Screw in the leg brace. Using a screw through the layers of fabric caused a problem. The screw snagged the liner and the linen backing pulling threads unevenly. I had to use sharp pointy scissors and exacto knife to cut tiny holes to make space for the screw to not catch any threads. Are you ready to tackle your footstool project? Have fun!
Sun
24
May
2020
May Show and Tell
Happy Memorial Day everyone.
I have been quiet here since March and you might think I have not been creating anything. Here are some pictures of a few things I have actually finished during the last three months. A few new techniques to learn that took some time to figure out.
The cotton baby blanket was sport weight cotton woven on my 32" rigid heddle. I learned double weave... two heddles, two pickup sticks, two layers to weave through so I was able to weave a 40" wide fabric. The cotton was super soft after washing and drying. The new baby girl (niece) will like snuggling under it on cool summer evenings.
The pinwheel braid had me going in circles! So many color changes to make the pattern spin! The knitted crescent shawl using Blue Heron yarn. Beach towels on the bed do work for blocking. Not much of a knitter, but it works. A bit of weaving using bits of fun fibers, from wool locks, to sari ribbon and velvet, novelty yarn. I lined it with cotton fabric, a pocket is inside, and a magnetic snap to close. Silk scarf dyeing with ice was interesting. It was so difficult to wait overnight and not peek or stir the pot. Water was muddy in the morning, but look what came out! This will go with anything anywhere!
And rug hooking. Finished the welcome mat with a braid border, always a nice finish. The Multicolores design is bright and cheerful.
I am still working on the huge Gainesboro rug. More on that later. The next two weeks are dedicated to that 5 year project.
I simply can not wait until we can all get together in person for a show and tell marathon!
Mon
30
Mar
2020
March is over already?
Many thanks to everyone who came to the Spring Fiber Fling two weeks ago. We had a great turn out! We all liked the new location for space to spread out, parking, lighting, and the patio outside for picnic lunch!
Mon
09
Mar
2020
Pack your go bag for this weekend!!
Pack your go bags everyone! Remember to bring finished items for the fiber exhibit, a wearable fiber art for the fashion parade, a pet supply donation to the Humane Society of Marion County, a project to work on for the day, rug hooking, spinning (a spinning vortex will be in the middle of the room), weaving, knitting, kumihimo, any fiber art is welcome! We will be at the Klein Conference Center at the College of Central Florida in Ocala Fl. Pre-registration required at ShadyHillRugHooking.com.
Sat
22
Feb
2020
Spring Fiber Fling update!
Less than one month away! We do have a few spaces available for the Fifth Annual Spring Fiber Fling in March. You can pre register by clicking on the Fifth Annual Spring Fiber Fling on the tool bar at the top of the page. Remember to check out the mini-classes on Friday afternoon.
Bring finished items for the fiber exhibit.
Bring a wearable fiber art for our fashion parade.
Bring a donation for the Humane Society of Marion County.
Bring a project to work on.
Shop with the terrific vendors!
Meet a new fiber artist and share ideas!
Enjoy the educational demonstrations!
Maybe win a fabulous door prize!
If you would like to come to only shop you may purchase a shopping pass at the door after 11 am.
Contact me if you have questions. I can't wait!
Wed
05
Feb
2020
Door Prize for donation to the Human Society of Marion County
This year at our new larger location for the Fifth Annual Spring Fiber Fling we will be collecting pet supplies for the Humane Society of Marion County. When you bring a pet supply donation at the Spring Fiber Fling you will receive a chance to win a special door prize surprise!!! Take a look at the wish list for the Humane Society at thehsmc.org/wish-list. The adorable friendly pets will certainly appreciate your donation!
Fri
31
Jan
2020
Check out new vendors for the Fifth Annual Spring Fiber Fling!
Our newest vendor is Alaina Trout, owner of the Wooly Trout, specializing in hand-dyed wool for rug hooking and wool appliqué!
Also, Brigitte DeMaster, owner of Bahr Creek Llamas in Cedar Grove Wisconsin will be joining us again. Brigitte was a vendor at our very first event way way back in 2016. Welcome back Brigitte!!
Check out the whole list of exciting vendors by clicking on the Fifth Annual Spring Fiber Fling tab at the top of the page!
Mon
16
Dec
2019
Spring Fiber Fling is only THREE months away!
The Fifth Annual Spring Fiber Fling is only three months away! Be sure to register before the space is filled.
We have added a new mini-class on Friday afternoon for the rug hookers. Carol Shewan from willowcreekrughooking.com will be joining us to teach a color workshop. Untangling Colour! Click on Fifth Annual Spring Fiber Fling on the tool bar above to find out more details and register.
Fri
29
Nov
2019
End of November already!
November 15th was the Strawberry Rug Hookers Annual Hook-in in Dover Florida! Always an exciting day full of shopping, vending, door prizes, raffle tickets and most of all - friendship!
Here is a picture of my booth before everyone came through the doors.
Put this event on your calendar for next year!
Wed
30
Oct
2019
WOW! Registrations for the Spring Fling!
Wow! Registrations for the Fifth Annual Spring Fiber Fling are rolling in at high speed. It's a good thing we found a new larger location!
The mini-classes on Friday afternoon still have a few openings so choose one and sign up soon. Remember, only registered students are allowed in on Friday.
Saturday is the Spring Fiber Fling. Finish up your UFO's and bring them to display in our fiber exhibit!
Tue
01
Oct
2019
Fifth Annual Spring Fiber Fling Registration Opens October 7th!
Thu
12
Sep
2019
Started and finished in 2019!
Yes, it's true! I started and finished a rug in the same year! I have a habit of starting many, many projects, way too many projects. Then working on all of them, and soon they will be finished at the same time. A couple weaving projects, knitting projects, rug hooking projects ready to enjoy. That means piles of stuff all over the place.
The big news is the Spring Fiber Fling registration will open on October 7th! Details are in the Spring Fiber Fling section. Check it out!
Sun
25
Aug
2019
Hanging hand-spun yarn in the studio
I wanted to display my hand-spun yarn on something other than a nail hammered into the wall. So, my husband and I went to John Campbell Folk School in Brasstown NC to participate in the blacksmith class. You can see tools of the trade in the photos. The anvil, the forge, the tongs holding a hook. There I am, as hot as the fire to bend iron. Got it hot, hit it hard and ready to display my hand-spun yarn.
Sun
07
Jul
2019
Progress during hot days of summer!
A little messy on the frame this week. Steamy hot week with temps in the high 90's. So it's hooking in the afternoons. I can see some adjustments need to be made on the rose, one petal is a bit too dark. I like hooking the background as I complete a design. A row or two of background help to define the design, and confirms the background choice is a good one. Plus, the rug is mostly done and only a little boring background to do at the end!
Plans are shaping up for the Spring Fiber Fling in March 2020. Friday afternoon classes will be listed soon, just waiting for information from the teachers. Check back soon!
Tue
18
Jun
2019
Sneak Preview - new hooking project!
Sneak preview of my current rug hooking project. I attended the Off the Ocean Rug Camp in Jacksonville FL in January and thoroughly enjoyed a class with Sybil Osicka. After a busy spring I am getting back to it. More pictures to come with progress.
We are working on details for the 2020 Spring Fiber Fling too!
Mon
27
May
2019
Time to finish some UFO's
Finished, finally! Colchester Vase, available from Honey Bee Hive Rug Hooking.
I added the braid to make a border. The first one I tried was green and yellow, trying to bring the yellow from the center to the outside. The contrast was too sharp and all I saw was the braid, not the flowers. Red made it look to Christmasy. I think the final decision of three strands of green plaid for the braid is the right one. It takes trial and error sometimes to get it right.
Mon
20
May
2019
New Location For Fifth Annual Spring Fiber Fling!! 2020
Fifth Annual Spring Fiber Fling with be held at the:
Klein Conference Center
College of Central Florida Ocala Campus
3001 SW College Rd, Ocala, FL 34474
SAVE THE DATE! March 13 & March 14
More Details to come!
Thu
28
Feb
2019
Spring Fiber Fling is one week away!!
March 9th is the Spring Fiber Fling in Wildwood Florida! Registration is full!
Remember doors open at 9:30 am. Event finishes at 3:30 pm
Yes, we are having a fashion show, so bring your finished wearable fiber art, knitted socks? Wear them. Woven a shawl? Bring it along! Hooked a tote bag or poncho? Let's show them off!
Yes we are having a spinning circle! Bring your spinning wheels and join us!
Lunch is by TooJays Deli, always delicious.
Fiber exhibit will be set up to display finished items, from wool applique to art yarns, to hooked rugs and woven towels. Bring your finished items to inspire everyone!
IF you would like to do some shopping, you may come AFTER 11 am and the fee is $7.00 at the door, for shopping and viewing the exhibit only. And watch a demo of course.
And of course, door prizes!
Demonstrations are scheduled throughout the day, there is always something to learn!
Wed
20
Feb
2019
Decorative Stitches in Rug Hooking
This is Oscar! Anne Doucet from Titusville FL hooked this charming sea turtle using several fun decorative stitches. I had the pleasure of teaching the class in January in Titusville. We focused our fiber fun on learning these stitches to add texture and interest to our rug hooking. Thank you for inviting me to teach, and sharing the picture of your finished Oscar!
Thu
31
Jan
2019
Florida Tropical Weavers Annual Conference
Florida Tropical Weavers Annual Conference is being held March 14 thru 17, 2019 at the Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center. Check out all the information and class listings on their website. FTWG.org This year is the 75th Anniversary Celebration!
I will be vending during the conference and teaching a mini-class on Thursday afternoon, a simple wool braided ornament.
FTWG.org
Tue
29
Jan
2019
Spring Fiber Fling is coming up!
Spring Fiber Fling is coming up fast! Check out the vendor list so you can plan your shopping list. Websites are listed! Contact them if you see a pattern, wool, fiber, or other supply you would like to purchase from them and they will bring it to the Spring Fiber Fling to save you shipping!!