A Lesson Learned ~

Before leaving for Tennessee, I started this little oval mat.  I've never hooked an oval mat such as this before, and started on the outer edge.  After getting the first four rows done, I took a good look at it off the frame.  I didn't like what I saw.  The exposed inner linen was wonky and not lying flat.  I wasn't sure if I should proceed, but decided what the heck.  That was a lot of hooking to tear out.  

I have found that hooking in DSO's Honda Pilot is easy, and since it is a larger SUV, I have plenty of room . . . and thankfully he does not have a problem with the wool dust.

There is even a built in snippet bowl in the door 😁

I got lucky because it ended up ok.  In fact, it lay perfectly flat before I even steamed it.  But . . . by the time I got to the center, I no longer had oval rows.  They ended up being rectangles.  Not exactly what I wanted, but no way am I reverse hooking any of it!!!  Friend Heidi, who also teaches, says that I should have started in the center and worked my way out.  The finished size is about 15" x 19".

Here are some of the ties I will be using for the "tongues".  They all belonged to my older brother and the mat will be a birthday gift for his long time significant other, Lyn.  Her birthday is the 24th of this month.  She may will be getting this a few days late.

My brother spent his career at Nordson Corporation, and I think it is so cool I can even incorporate his Nordson ties.

I am off bright and early Thursday for four days of hooking heaven in Millersburg.  I was not going to procrastinate this time and be ready early.  Guess what?  Isn't happening . . . LOL.  

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Pug hugs 😊
Lauren