Pumpkins Don't Have to be Orange ~

We are leaving for Vermont in just under 10 hours.  I made it to Malabar Farm State Park today (about 1.5 hours south of me) for the antique/primitive/craft show.  Nestled in the hills of Pleasant Valley, Malabar Farm was built in 1939 by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Louis Bromfield and was his home until his death in 1956. On May 21, 1945, Bromfield hosted Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall's wedding and honeymoon at Malabar Farm.  Got home, went to my son's to walk the granddog, cut grass (thankfully I have a small yard), got things watered, had dinner, and dropped Ernestine off at "Auntie" Darlene's (the world's best pug sitter).  But guess who has not yet started to pack?  Yeah, right.  That be me . . . sigh.  I'm not yet stressed and it will get done :)  The list is made and if I forget anything important, I will just have to purchase en route. 

 

So, I have three pumpkins hooked with hand torn strips, black, blue and green.

 

The patchwork backs are finished Heavens to Betsy style.

 

So . . . I'm having a give-away and the winner will get her/his choice (not like many guys read my blog but don't want to leave anyone out . . . lol).  Simple rules . . . leave a comment on this post or send me an email with give-away in the subject line.  Winner must contact me within 3 days.  Please no sharing on any social media.  I will choose a winner next weekend.

 

Off to pack.

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Pug hugs :)

Lauren

Idle Hands ~

 

They (whoever "they" are) say that idle hands are the devil's workshop.  I think for the time being I am safe from his grasp :)

 

In addition to the rug that I cannot share, I have picked up my needle and am working on a little cross stitch piece ~ another Christmas present.  This year I am determined to get gifts made early and not stress at the last minute buying a gift.  Just a little design from Pineberry Lane.

I've also started another Rebekah applique.  (The wool it is sitting on is not the background wool I've chosen.)

Early Sunday, DSO and I are heading east ~ to Vermont and New Hampshire ~ to marvel at the fall colors.  I skied in Vermont decades ago, but we flew in and left after skiing.  I am so looking forward to the beauty . . . and the icing on the cake will be meeting Cathy (of Acorn Hollow fame).  It will be nice to meet up with her and hubby.  We've been blog friends for many years. 

 

That's it, dear friends.

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Pug hugs :)
Lauren

Applique Finish ~

I finally have an applique finish to share with you.  This House Sewing Caddy was started last month in a class with Rebekah L. Smith. 

 

I chose the 1884 date because that is the year my maternal grandmother Johanna was born.  If I had been blessed with a girl, she would have been named after her.

 

On the back I added a little stick to allow it to hang flat. 

 

I cleaned out a closet filled with craft supplies, books, rug patterns and much junk.  It is amazing how much room I now have.  Some stuff will go to hooking guild on Wednesday to be given away, but was wondering if anyone was interested in these items.  I always thought this very nicely done crochet piece would make a great pillow for a sunporch, sitting on a wicker chair.  The crochet piece is just over 12" x 14".  It is not attached to the brown fabric, but that is how I got it, though I haven't a clue when or where :)

 

A few years ago I learned of toothbrush rugs and thought I would give it a try.  After one unsuccessful attempt, I know I will never try again.  It is a technique using strips of cotton fabric.  There are two booklets and the tool. 

If anyone is interested in either of these items, shoot me any email with freebie in the subject line and I will be happy to send.  If not, they will also go to guild on Wednesday.

 

Happy Sunday.

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Pug hugs :)
Lauren

Goldenrod Dyeing & More ~

I did some goldenrod dyeing last week.  These are the before wools.

 

 

And these are dyed.  I did have two pots of dye and don't know if the results were different from pot to pot and I'm not sure which wool was in which pot.

 

 

In this picture the wool on top is dyed, the bottom is as it came from the bolt.  There is a little more difference in person.  A subtle difference, but it really was an improvement especially to the wool on the right. 

 

Unexpected gifts can really make your day.  Last week I got together with Lee who wanted a little hooking refresher course after not having hooked in five or so years.  (She did not need it!)  She gifted me with this oh so sweet little pillow and journal.  The cross stitch designs are hers.  She formerly designed as Falling Star Primitives.  She also gifted me with a bag of wool.  I can never say no to wool.  Thanks so much, Lee.  It was so much fun getting together. 

When I posted about the little Altoid tins purchased at Woolkeepers, Carolyn asked if I would like some.  I expected a few, not dozens.  I hope she has stock in the company :)  She also sent me this sweet little legal pad holder.

 

I am a list maker, so this will come in so handy.  Places for your pen and pencil and pockets for sticky notes and business cards.  Thank you Carolyn.  I will use this often.

 

 

Do I really have this many Halloween decorations?  I guess the answer is yes.  I know so many of you are simplifying, purging, making do with less.  I really do envy you, but I guess it is not in my genes.  My dear sweet mom bordered on hoarder, so I guess I come by it justly . . . sigh.

 

 

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Pug hugs :)
Lauren

Weekend ~

 

Yesterday's hook in at the Catawba Island Club on the shores of Lake Erie was heavenly.  Glorious sunshine and blue skies  ~ perfect for sitting near the water and hooking.  About half of the attendees hooked outside and enjoyed the lake breezes.  Others preferred the cool (COLD to me) comfort of the hooking room.  Rita, hostess with the mostest, knows how to put on a first class event.  Next year's date is already in my calendar.  I was asked to vend and despite its small size (it is limited to 40 hookers), I was pleased with my sales.

 

Since this picture is much better than any I took, I snagged it from friend Jane's Facebook page.

That is a heron sitting atop the rock.  He spent a good part of the day coming and going.

I started a new little rug but can't show it.  I don't want to ruin the surprise.

 

Today I attended an outdoor show in Wellington, a quaint town a half hour south.  Got some mums at a great price and a few fun things for the garden.

 

This is carved sandstone.  The neighboring town where I was born, Amherst, Ohio, is known as the sandstone center of the world.

 

 

Just a fun piece.  I need to find something to raise it off the ground.  For $10 I could not resist.

 

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Pug hugs :)
Lauren

 

Rebekah L Smith Applique ~

I finally have progress to show on my applique from a recent class taken with Rebekah.  Considering the class was two weeks ago, you'd think I would have more done.

 

I use a Lap App when doing applique.  You can learn about it here if you are not familiar.  I find it handy to rest my hands on it while stitching.  It has a pocket for your scissors, magnet for your needle and posts to hold spools of thread if desired. 

 

I also discovered if I add this little cutting board (there is a piece of rubbery shelf liner underneath to keep it from slipping) I can rest the piece on it and not worry about stitching it to the cover.  The battery operated light clips on and is a welcome addition to these old eyes if I am not sitting under an Ott light.  There are many of these lights that can be found on Amazon for under $20.

 

That's the quick update for today.  I need to pack my goods for tomorrow's hook in.  I also have goldenrod simmering on the stove to do some dyeing.  I will show you the results in another post.

 

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Pug hugs :)
Lauren

NEVER Forget ~

~ GOD BLESS AMERICA ~

Woolkeepers Hook In ~

 

Thank you all for your kind comments on my last post.  I, too, can't believe I have been retired for two years.  I still don't have my blog set up where I receive emails so I can respond to you personally.  It's on the very long list of things to do.  Julie wanted a tutorial on how I put the little mat on the picnic basket.  I will show pictures.  Really not much explanation needed.  I normally don't use rug tape, but thought maybe it would be better for attaching the elastic.  I made an X with the 1" black elastic.

 

 

 

Then tacked it in each corner.  Easy peasy.

 

Put Woolkeepers hook in on your bucket list of hook ins to attend if possible.  There were so many wonderful vendors selling much more than hooking related items.  Of course I neglected to take many pictures.

Betty (aka the dress form) anchored our booth.  We were rather amazed that we did not get one comment about her in the 2 days. 

 

 

Our booth ~

 

My things

Melissa's amazing creations

 

This rug was displayed in the booth of Elinor Barrett.  One of the most stunning rugs ever.

 

 

A few pictures from the rug show.

 

 

Isn't this the best necklace ever?  Frozen Charlottes and bisque head dolls.  She said it was quite heavy but I just LOVE it.

 

 

I could have spent all my profits and more, but I restrained myself.  Just a few drab wools and a necklace all from Jan Adams.  Oh, and a Maggie B applique pattern that I did not take a picture of.

 

 

These fun little tins are Christmas gifts ~ though I may end up keeping one.  They are Altoid tins covered with polymer clay, I think.  They were so creative.  A very unique gift.

 

 

Even though 5+ hours from home, I knew quite a few attendees.  Hookers are a rather close knit group and we travel to many of the same hook ins.  It was so nice to speak with hookers I see maybe once a year and I had quite a few people introduce themselves as Facebook friends or blog readers.  Thanks to all my blog readers who had such kind things to say about my blog.  It is why I continue to do it.

Next on the agenda is a small hook in on Saturday on the shores of Lake Erie.  So far the weather looks near perfect to sit outside listening to the sounds of the lake while hooking.  I have been once again asked to set up my wares, but I don't have to sit at my booth all day.

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Pug hugs :)

Lauren

Two Years Ago Today ~

I retired.  These two years have flown by.  I must say, I absolutely LOVE retirement.  I highly recommend it :)  I have not been bored a single day and life is usually crazy busy.  I just wish there were more hours in the day or I could get by on less sleep. 

 

I finished binding the little hooked mat for the picnic basket.  I wasn't sure how to attach it to the lid.  I knew I didn't want to glue it on. 

 

 

 

 Connie of Wool Yankers suggested going from corner to corner.  I found some 1" black elastic and it worked perfectly.  The mat sits snugly on top.  Now I just need to label it and it will be ready for Christmas giving.

 

Bright and early tomorrow morning, friend Melissa and I are heading 5+ hours to Danville, IN, for the Woolkeepers hook in.  We are excited to be vending there for the first time.  Wish us luck and safe travels.

 

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Pug hugs :)
Lauren