How I became a hooker...

Over twenty (yes 20!) years ago, I signed up for a rug hooking class. I believe it was maybe four classes. None of the pattern choices really caught my eye, but I did chose a quilt star, if my memory serves me correctly. I swear we were hooking with spaghetti and I hated every loop I pulled. It ended up in the craft closet for the next decade and when I was packing up to move ten years ago, I think I threw it all away ~ frame, hook and project ~ because I had no intention of ever picking up a hook again.

Fast forward to late 2004. On ebay, I began to discover primitive rug hooking. I found a local teacher and signed up for a class. Unfortunately, the class was cancelled, but I figured "What the heck. I can teach myself." and so I turned to my best friend ebay and began to purchase hooking supplies. Luckily, I did purchase a Hartman hook from the teacher, but everything else was bought on ebay. I bought some linen (that I still buy to this day). I bought a frame, only to discover that the frame would not hold the linen taut. I didn't have a cutter, so I bought pre-cut wool strips. And I bought some more ~ and more ~ and more. (Get the picture?) Thankfully I never kept track of what I spent or I may have gone into cardiac arrest! I bought so many unbelievably poor quality strips, not knowing any better.

I drew out my first pattern ~ a small mat. I chose my colors. I'll never understand the ugly colors I chose ~ NEVER! So I began to hook. WOW! It was much more difficult and awkward than I thought it would be. Here is that first mat.

I still display it on a table in my living room ~ as a reminder of how far I have come!

My second attempt was much more pleasing to the eye.

I didn't hook it for the stool, but it's a perfect fit.

This is mat #3. Sorry it's a little blurry, but the colors were just totally wrong

taking it with a flash.

Most of the things I have hooked have been small rug/mats. I guess since I hook so slowly, I needed to feel as if I could accomplish something. Last fall I hooked a 13 x 25" Woolley Fox pattern and currently I am still working on my cat rug that is about 20 x 32". I'll post an update of that soon.

Thank you for dropping by.

I hope your week is off to a great start.

Pug hugs :)
Lauren