Dog Days of Summer

I'm having trouble processing that today is Labor Day.  Where did the summer go?  Labor Day represents to me the end of summer even though the official end is not for a couple more weeks.  Today the weather here in Keedysville is cloudy and rainy.  Otis is doing exactly what I wanted to do all day....sleep.  We did get to take them for a walk at the Battlefield.  It was very nice walk.  We only ran into one person and that was on the way back to the vehicle.  No wildlife though.  I think the beagles were making way too much noise.

The poor puppies will be lonely tomorrow.  Ron was on vacation all week and took them for long and I mean long walks each and every day.  I think he enjoys them as much as they do.  Since he is a commuter he savors his time in the great outdoors.

Yesterday was our annual guild yard sale fundraiser. Each member can bring any hooking related item they wish to sell and if they sell it they are asked to donate 10% of the sale to the guild as a fundraiser.  I didn't take anything to sell, but I certainly bought some really nice items.  I got some old books and a Puritan floor stand.  I wanted something lightweight and easy to carry to outside events.  This should do the trick nicely.

On the way home from York PA my hubby and I stopped at an antique shop and they had a good selection of old rugs.  Several of them I wanted to take home with me, but the price tags made them out of reach for me.  I asked permission to take pictures, so enjoy.

I had a wonderful time in Ligionier PA.  I arrived a day early for my mini workshop with Barb Carroll and was able to go to the antique festival.  No major purchases for me, just a metal basket for the wool room,  Where else, right?  On Sunday we all went to the Rusty Angel in Greensboro (?) and I bought myself a couple items.  Sunday night we went to the Ligonier Diamond for a band concert.  I enjoy going to this concert each time I go to my mini workshop.  It's good music, but I love people watching.  The young and older couples holding hands and the little kids dancing along with the music just puts a smile on my face.  They even have a small antique car show.  It reminds me of a slower time...it gives me the Mayberry feeling.  I even look for Andy Griffith, but he never shows.

I hope you have a wonderful slow paced week.  Take time to hold hands with the ones you love and dance along with the music. 

Caroline

Oh what a week(s)

Sorry I have not posted in the last couple weeks.  Some of you know this, but after working 22 yrs for a local government my position was eliminated in the name of budget cuts.  Well, I was hired by the Dept of Treasury.  I started training last week and I'm not so sure my old brain can handle all the information they are throwing at me.  I'm doing fine, but I do feel like I'm back in college or high school again.  Everyone seems so very nice and willing to help if you need it.  I must say I have never worked at a place like this.  I have worked with some nice people over the years, but here everyone seems genuinely nice.

I am getting ready for my annual mini workshop with Barb Carroll at the Woolley Fox.  I hope to take the camera with me and get some good photos for you.  Maybe on Labor Day I'll have time to actually post them.

Summer vacation is over for the kids here in Washington County, Maryland and the evenings have been cooler...it's starting to feel like fall.  I know it won't last and the heat will come back it always seems to happen as soon as the kids are in school.

Enjoy and hope for no more earthquakes.  Us east coast people aren't use to them.

Caroline

Beautiful Friday

Ron and I took the doggies to the battlefield this morning.  We were a bit later than usual because we went to Goosecreek Ruggers Guild meeting last night in Leesburg VA.  I think we got settled into bed around 11:00.  This is way too late for us early birds.  Ron commutes to work 1.5 hrs each day so getting to bed early is a must for us. 

Anyway, I'm off subject aren't I?  The weather here in Western Maryland has been just beautiful the last couple days.  This morning it felt like a cool fall morning.  As we walked through the fields at the battlefield we came across several deers.  A couple were bucks which we usually don't see.  They ran for the woods as soon as they heard us.  The beagles got the scent and the beagle songs began.  Ron saw the Blue Heron down by the water, but I missed him.  We sat on a bench for a while hoping he would come back out, but he didn't.  I must admit I enjoyed our little bench break.  We gave the doggies some water and a half of a Milk Bone.  Yes, I carry treats for the dogs and no they are not spoiled at all (wink).

Last Saturday we had our With Hands and Hearts Antietam Fiber Artist Guild meeting.  The rugs everyone brought to work on and to show were simply beautiful.  Enough of me running away with the fingers I'll just show you the photos.  Enjoy!

I believe this is a Woolley Fox pattern.  Great Goat!

Elinor is working is working on this beautiful floral.  She is also a painter and quilter.  Very talented lady.

I love the soft colors in this rug. I think okay I know this is my favorite Emma Lou's Salt Box rug I have seen so far.  Okay Mary is my bestie and one of the Wool Princesses, but I don't think I'm wrong to say this rug is GORGEOUS!!

Not a good picture I know, but I had include a photo of my hubbie's wonderful horse.  He will be working on this one for a long, long time.  He hides each and every end....yes everyone.  Another Woolley Fox pattern and color plan done by Barb Carroll.  Not sure you can really see, but the background is many different greens and the horse is several different reds.  I want this rug done yesterday so I can hang it, but with his schedule it won't happen.

I have more photos, but some are dark because my battery was dying on me.

After a good charge I have some photos from Goosecreek and I'll post them I hope this weekend.

I'm going to the West Virginia Fiber Fest Hook-in tomorrow and I'm taking my camera with me.  More photos.

Mary or should I say Princess Woolley Bear are riding together and have plans for a stop at the bakery for some glazed knots.  If you don't know what they are, you don't want to because they are just soooo very good, but not good for you at all.  Also, we are leaving early enough to have time to stop at any and all yard sales we come across.

Have a great weekend!

New Wool

My wool order is here, Yippy!  Aay the joy of new wool!

The other side of the table is just as full and I have this really nice photo showing all the beautiful wool, but, the system won't let me post it.  No photo for you to see, sorry.

A couple weekends ago I bought some great tables at a local yard sale.  I painted the legs black to match the rest of the furniture.  As you can see they are already buried underneath a ton of wool.  I am pleased with how it all looks.  The new wool is so fabulous. 

Can you find Otis, my beagle?  His back legs are showing.  They enjoy hanging out with me in the wool room.  

Don't forget this Saturday the Hands and Hearts Antietam Fiber Artist Hooking Guild will be meeting at the Boonsboro Free Library in Boonsboro, MD 11:00 to 2:00.  Hope to see you there. 

I almost forgot.  Our guild is hosting a three day workshop with Kris Miller in November.  We have a couple spots left if you would like to sign up or if you want more information, just email me.  The deposit to hold your spot is $50.00.  It looks like it will be a great time. 

Good Friend Thursday

Yesterday was a pretty friend filled day for me.  When I worked for a local goverment a bunch of us would go out to lunch every Thursday.  Some co-workers just couldn't understand the longevity of our lunch gang.  I think they were just jealous (it was that kind of place).  We were co-workers, but first and foremost we were friends.  Three of us out our gang had our positions eliminated and one decided to retire (smart move).  Only two of our gang members are still employed there.  We still try our best to meet every Thursday for lunch.  Yesterday was extra special because we had a couple new members join us.  They are also former employees.  Both retired last year and it was so good to see their faces again.  We have talked via the Internet and over the phone, but there is still just something special about getting together and sharing a meal.  Okay, that may sound old fashioned, but I think it is the truth. Technology is wonderful, but being able to hug someone is so much better than an email any day of the week.

After lunch I headed across town to meet my friend Sherry.  We meet a couple years back at the Woolley Fox.  We discovered we had a lot in common and hit it off right away.  We kept telling each other that we should get together, but it just didn't happen...not until a couple weeks ago.  We made plans to go to Grant Street together to hook. 



Sherry hard at work



When we arrived at Grant Street a couple ladies where already hooking their hearts out.  Sorry, I didn't get their photos.

Joannne is hard at work texting.  She was working on some small projects.  I think it was almost too hot to hook yesterday.

Linda (shop owner) is helping Jill with some color planning.  I had met Linda a couple times over the years at hook-ins and she attended a workshop our guild sponsored.  It was very nice to get to talk to her yesterday.  We talked about different teachers and her quest for her McGowan certification.  I believe Grant Street is closed next week due to Linda attending her teachers workshop up north.  Linda helps many of the hookers who come to her shop with technique and color planning.  A gifted lady for sure.

This is a rug that Pat drew up and is doing a wonderful job hooking.  She is a very neat hooker and her color choices are great.  She was laying out wools for a couple birds that you can not see.  The blues wools is what she picked out for her background.  This rug is going to be truly grand when finished.

I didn't realize until I tried to download my pics that I didn't get any pics of Kathy.  She was busy working here and there.  Sorry I missed your photo.  I'll make up for it my next trip up there. 

Yesterday was a joy.  I got to catch up with some very dear old friends while I got to know some newer ones better.

It takes me a good hour to get to Chambersburg, but I bet as long as I'm not working I'll try to get back up there.  I had a very good day indeed.

THANKS MY FRIENDS!!!





Woolley Princesses

Once upon a time in the Kingdom of All Things Wool lived five fabulous wool princesses.  They love each other very much, but distance kept them apart more than they liked.  Two lived in the southern part of the Wooley Kingdom and two lived in the north and one lived in the mountains.

One glorious morning they arose early with their hearts full of excitement and anticipation for they knew this day the Wool princeses would gather with the Queen of Textures at the palace of the Woolley Fox.

The Princes of Wooly Bear Woolens in the Village of Sharpsburg left her palace and traveled in her carriage, Passat, to the Village of Keedysville where she was greeted by the Princess of Eagles Nest Woolens.  They greeted each other with love and spoke of their excitement for they knew the faithful carriage,Civic, would quickly and safely get them to their destination. 

After a few hours of travel and a stop to partake of some magic Sweet Tea the Wooley Princesses gathered at the Fort of Ligoner.  This was a safe place to meet and greet as they waited for their audience with the Queen of Textures at the Palace of the Wooley Fox.

The first to arrive was the Princess who lives in the Mountains.  She is the Wooley Princess known as the Princes of Nice.  She has a smile that melts the hearts of all who she comes in contact with. The Princess of Nice is known far and wide for her gentle spirit and her generous heart.  She came bearing gifts for all.   

Princess Wooly Bear and Eagles Nest arrived next and soon Princess Shepherd arrived from the North.  Princess Shepherd raises sheep and horses in her part of the Kingdom of All Things Wool.  She is the youngest of the Princesses, but is a wise beyond her years.  A natural leader, trusted by many.

The last to arrive was Princess Warrior who is a fierce fighter known for the many glass ceiling she has broken in her life time.  This Princess is not afraid to battle knights many times her size.  All the princesses celebrated her arrival for they knew she had to battle dragons and beast before she could leave her part of the Kingdom of All Things Wool.

All drove their carriages to the magical Palace of the Wooley Fox where they spent their day with the Queen of Textures.  They laughed, cried and fellowshipped together until it was time to return to their own villages.

When they parted from each other they were sad, but they knew it would not be too long before the Wool Princesses would gather together again to celebrate their friendship and love of all Things Wool.

Receiving wisdom from the Queen of Textures

A couple baby raccoons were sleeping on a stone wall.  I wonder where Momma had gotten to?

A flock of rubber duckies enjoying the pond on a beautiful summer day.

Through this door lays many magical patterns and wool of every color.

Princess Shepherd and Princess Wooly Bear pause under the mighty pines which grow around the Palace of Wooley Fox.

All five Wooly Princesses returned home to their part of the kingdom  where they will live happily ever after and dream of the next time they can gather together to celebrate friendship and their love of wool.

 The five wooley sisters who are princesses in my eyes are Mary, Crystal, Becky Wesley and me, Caroline.

We send our thanks to the Queen of Texture (Barb Carroll) for her love and guidance.  We all love you bunches!!

Summer Shade

I thought I would show you my new project.  I drew it off yesterday and I'm pleased with it so far.  I'm sure I'll change a couple things before it's finished.  I think it will be a fun summer time rug to hook. 

Here's a photo, might I say not a very good one, but a photo none the less.  I've started with the stems and next will be the leaves.  After that I think I'll play around with the flowers.  I am hoping to use up some of my wool worms.  I think I may have a few, what do you think?  The sad part is the boiler is full and I still have some more that are hidden under my work table. 

Under my pattern is my Sante Fe rug.  This is the biggest rug I have hooked so far.  After I finished this rug I told myself I would never hook anything that big again.  Well we all know what happens when we say a thing like that....I now want to hook a bigger rug for my living room.  Time will tell.

Here's a closer look at the pattern.  I'm calling it summer shade.  The bunny is resting in the shade of the flowers.  I was thinking about calling it a Bunny's Buffet, but decided against it.  If you garden you can relate to the frustrations of watching and waiting for your flowers to come to bloom only to find them eaten before you get to enjoy them. 

Happy hooking to you.

Lion and the Lamb

I just finished my Lion and Lamb rug.  One day the Lion and the Lamb will lay down together.  Peace will rule the land.

I think it turned out pretty well.  I have to laugh though I seem to be putting teal in all my rugs or at least the last 4-5 rugs.  No more teal for a while.  Too many other colors to play with.

Did everyone get their Wool Studio swatches?  I got mine yesterday and I placed my order this morning.  The Eagles Nest Woolens shelves will be stocked full.  This mailer had some really nice colors and textures.  I hope to have them in stock next week. 

To change the subject a bit, okay more than a bit. 

Do you have a place where you can go and re-energize your spirit?  If you follow the comic strip Rose is Rose it would be like Rose and her "Lean on Tree".  A place where you can get your peace back.

I count myself lucky because I have a couple places that I am able to re-focus.  I have written about the Battlefield before, but it is such a peaceful place for me.  This morning it was hot as heck, but as I walked through the fields I was able to think through some things and calm some raw nerves. 

Hooking is another way that I can unwind.  Are you like me and hooking allows you to be transported to another place?  A place of peace and creativity?  After having 6 dogs in my house since last week I will be spending my day in the wool room just having a peaceful day.  House cleaning can happen tomorrow, for today is a day for hooking and chocolate.  No worries or work allowed.

Take time today lean on your Lean on Tree.  Wishing you a peaceful day.

With Hands and Hearts Antietam Fiber Artist

Ron and I went to the With Hands and Hearts Antietam Fiber Artist Guild meeting on Saturday.  We had a pretty good size group considering it was July 2nd.  Around here that means the big fireworks display at the Antietam Battlefield.  This years event was attended by over 30,000 people.  I'm not a large crowd kinda girl so Ron and I viewed the fireworks from the Pry House Hosptial Museum and had a wonderful time.  The Pry House is right at the end of our road so it wasn't far to go and no crowds.  We very much enjoyed the show, it was a good one this year.

Everyone is enjoying themselves either hooking or fellowshipping.  We are very lucky as a guild.  The Boonsboro Library allows us to meet there once a month in their large community room.  It's a great space wtih great lighting.

Of course I had to include a picture of my handsome husband. :-)

This is what Jenn was working on.  The pattern is by Susan Feller.  The outside border is Fraktur while the middle is left blank for you to come up with your own design.  I love the neutral middle.  This makes the colors in the border just pop.

This beauty is being hooked by Kathy.  The Goosecreek Ruggers had Eric Sandberg for a three day workshop and everyone in the group worked on the same pattern.  Each rug that I have seen so far is different as can be, but each is great. 

If you are free on the first Saturday of the month, please join us at the Boonsboro Libray.  We meet from 11:00 to 2:00.   We would love to have you come and visit with us.

View of the Antietam Creek

Not only am I a hooker, but I'm also a walker. I was lucky enough to walk to work for years  When I bought my first home I adopted Miss Beezley from the local shelter.  She loved her Bye Byes  / Walkie Walks.  We would walk together mile after mile.  My friend Heather once called Ron and I the walkingest people she knows.  I wouldn't go that far because we only do a couple miles at a time, but I do walk our dogs at the Antietam Battlefield almost everyday.  Walking clears the mind and helps me focus. 

I simply love the trails at the Battlefield.  It's a safe place so I'm not afraid to walk most of them alone, but there are a couple that are too remote for me to walk alone and feel safe.  Call me chicken if you wish, but I'd rather lean towards caution.  I save the remote trails for the weekends when Ron can come along.  Walking is another thing we have in common.

Now, I know I should be in a church on a Sunday morning, but I just love the inner peace I get from walking under old shade trees with the loves of my life.

I spent 25 yrs worth of Sunday mornings in a church, now I just want to be outside come heat or cold.  Maybe I'll find another church until then you can find me at the Battlefield.  I know the Lord understands.

I would like to show you one of my favorite Sunday morning trails.  The name of this trail is Snavley Ford.  It's approx.  2 miles.  Most of the trail is in the shade and hugs the Antietam Creek.  This trail is pretty easy except for the hill at the end, but if I can manage to climb it I think you can too.

Heading down the first hill.  The puppies love the scent of the deer trails.  We get lucky now and then and spot a deer, but the puppies are pretty noisy through this section of trail.

Wild Day Lillies grow along the trail.  They break up all the green with some brilliant orange.  The butterflies are usually close by.

Maryland's state flower offers a bit more color along the trail.

Okay, I have several other photos of this wonderful trail I would like to post, but after several tries I'm giving up.  I tried on the desktop computer and now on the laptop, but no luck posting more photos. 

I guess this means you will just have to walk it to see it.  Early morning is best if you ask me.  Maybe I'll see you one weekend.  Happy trails to you.

Wool and more Wool

Okay Jen and Mary here are some pictures of my wool.  As you will see below I have just a itty bitty amount of wool.  I would say I have a passion for wool.  At least I hope it sounds better than admitting I have a wool obsession.  I do use it!  Okay maybe I will never us all of the wool I have, but I should have what I need when I need it.  

Please remember all of this wool is not my personal stash.  A lot of it is what I have for sale in my in-house shop.  Enjoy and I hope to see you soon.

This is some of my personal stash.  As you can see I favor dark rich textures.

Yes, I have a barrel overflowing with thrift store finds.  That's how my wool stash got it's start.  I would go to the thrift stores searching for anything with a Pendleton tag.  I don't shop thrift stores so much anymore, but I used to love the thrill of the hunt.  Nothing like the rush you get when you find a treasure.  The table behind the barrel is where I keep the fat quarters and 1/2 yd pieces of wool in my shop.

The wool on the back shelf is all mine, but the other wool is for sale in my shop.  I found the old cabinet in Laughlintown PA at one of my favorite antique shops.

Some great wools for over dyeing.

Speaking of over dyeing wool.  Here's what my kitchen looks like after a dyeing marathon.  I was so glad to put everything away yesterday so I could cook a decent meal for my hubby.  We are having a baked turkey breast with glazed carrots and a cucumber (first one from our garden) salad.

Happy Saturday and relax and rest tomorrow.

Blast from the Past

I just found this photo buried in a sub file on my laptop.  It shows my wonderful hubby, Ron, but what I really want to show off is what my attic used to look like before he converted it into my wool room.  In my last post I have a photo of my big hooking chair.  This is the same window.  How's this for a before picture?  What a difference!  Thanks to Ron for not giving up on this project.  It was horrible when we first bought the place.  This very window is where the momma buzzard would come and go. 

Jen has asked for some photos of my wool.  I'll post them tomorrow (I hope).  I have been in the kitchen the last two days over dyeing wool.  I have some pictures to post, but  first I have to download them into my computer up in the attic.  I just don't like leaving the pots while they are on the stove.

Have a wonderful Thursday night.  The weekend is coming!

My wool studio

I figured it was time to let you see my wool room.  My dear husband, Ron, took two years to convert our attic into our wool studio.   I'm not complaining (though I did in the process).  He commutes 3.5 to 4 hours a day back and forth to work so he really doesn't have a ton of free time.  Sorry I'm off the subject again.  Gotta love getting older.

Anyway, when we bought our home we discovered a momma turkey buzzard and her baby living in our attic.  It was wide open because he previous owner just stopped working on the house and never bothered to put windows in the holes he cut into the attic walls.  I didn't want to call my wool business Turkey Buzzard Woolens so I named it after the Eagle I saw fly by following the Little Antietam Creek that runs behind our home.  Also, one of my favorite bible verses is Isaiah 40:31 "But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint" 

Here's where I do most of my hooking.  I love my extra wide chair.  I put all my worms right on the chair beside of me and I can hook away.

I find that my wool attic is a very peaceful place and I'm discovering that I almost "need" to spend at least a couple minutes a day up there.  Since I'm no longer working outside of the home I find this to be my safe place where I can dance, sing, hook & create without any interruptions.  It also helps that nobody can see me except the birds in the trees.

Enjoy and stop by sometime to see me.



Big Fish

WooHoo!!  I finished my Big Fish rug.  This is the rug I mentioned a couple posts back...the one that was giving me a fit.  Once I gave into the rug it came with a bit more ease.  I still reversed hooked a couple places more than once, but I got her done. 

The inspiration for this pattern came from a reproduction bone box I own.  I changed it to meet my needs or should I say my wants.  The whale makes me smile.  I think it turned out pretty good for being hooked between 1:00 am  & 4:00 am.  My 13 yr old beagle, Miss Beezley, is afraid of thunder and we were hiding in the wool room so I hooked.  

I guess I'll dig out the sewing machine and zip zag the edges and start whipping it.  Tonight is looking like a good night for a movie and some whipping.

Here's an Irish blessing for you......



A Wish for a Friend

Wishing you a rainbow For sunlight after showers— Miles and miles of Irish smiles For golden happy hours— Shamrocks at your doorway For luck and laughter too, And a host of friends that never ends Each day your whole life through!



Fab Five

Let me introduce you to the Fabulous Five.  That's what I jokingly call us.  From the left to the right is Wes, Crystal, Me, Becky & Mary. We met at rug camp and hit it off right away.  One night we stayed up until 3:00 am just talking.  These ladies are fabulous woman who just happen to be fabulous wives, mothers, friends and hookers.  Distance keeps us apart, but when we get together it's a fabulous time.

Do you sense that I just love my friends?  I hope you have girlfriends that you can call fabulous.  They lift me up when I need it and gently correct me when I need that too.   It's kinda funny that 3 of us cross over into the dark side once in a while.  The other two are known as the nice ones.  By crossing over into the dark side I simply mean that sometimes we don't hold back our tongues and just maybe we could be a bit nicer in some situations.

Let me give you an example of crossing over to the dark side for me.  Yesterday I was waiting for a traffic light to change and a car pulled up beside me and then raced to get in front of me when the light changed.  I gassed it so he couldn't but finally let him over.  The two nice ones would never do that.  I choose to cross over into the dark side just for a couple moments, but I didn't have to.  I just sometimes can't help myself though.

Those of us fab five that are the dark ones joke that it just doesn't pay for us to do anything nice.  Today my beloved hubbie asked if I would go to the local community college to get his text book for the class he is taking in the fall.  Okay, so I told him I might or something like that.  I had a few moments to spare before I met some old work buddies for lunch.  I climbed this big hill in 100 degree weather to get his text book.  When I get into the store my cell phone doesn't have reception.  The young kid behind the counter just looked at me and told me the fall text books don't come in until July.  I call my hubbie when I get outside just to get his voice mail.  Back down the big hill I go.  A few feet from the truck the hubbie calls.  I couldn't believe it another example of me trying to be nice and it not working out.

Okay so I'm a slow learner.  After lunch I go back up the big hill in 100 degree weather.  This time I have the class name at least and a guarantee from my hubbie that they should have the book since they are using the same book from last semester.  I get there and yes they have the book, but the book company may have a newer version out by July and the book they have which will cost me over $100.00 may not be the book used by the teacher.  Back down the hill I go shaking my head and wondering why I even try to be nice.  From now on I'll leave that up to my nice fab five sisters.

Who said it's just for doggies

I couldn't help myself so I  had to take this photo.  When we converted our attic into a wool studio we built in a doggie cave as we call it for our beloved beagles.  Well, as you can see Miss Emmeline likes it also.  She climbed into the doggie cave and Otis immediately joined her and fell asleep. 

The puppies had a rough day that day and I guess Otis was just worn out.  He somehow got his mouth caught on Maples collar and was dragging her around the yard by her neck.  I heard this awful noise and I went running.  I can't remember the last time I ran so fast.  When I got there Miss Maple was limp and I wasn't sure she was breathing.  I blew into her little face and held her tight as I prayed.  She is okay, but her eye whites are blood red.  I think all is well, but they are no longer wearing collars only harnesses.  I was scared, but I think they were both in shock.  I held them extra tight for a couple days.  Okay I'm still holding them close.  Over protective....just a little.

Now to a happier note.

Yesterday was our monthly meeting of the With Hand and Hearts Antietam Fiber Artist Rug Hooking Guild.  Yes it's a mouthful,  but it's a name we (almost all) agreed upon.  We are a fairly new ATHA guild and we currently have 30 members.  Most of our hookers are wide cut primitives hookers, but we have some fine hookers also.  Nice mix I would say.

This beauty is a Wooley Fox pattern and was hooked by Susan Harris and colored planned by Barb Carroll.  I love the soft colors.  Susan came to my shop to pick out the yarn she is whipping with and I fell in love with this rug.

These two fabulous rugs were hooked by Jennifer.  I'm not sure about the patterns, but I know the top rug was done in a Cynthia Norwood class she taught at the last McGowan national meeting.  Not sure you can see the details of the finishing, but Jenn used the method taught by Cynthia and it looks spectacular. 

The runner below is also a rug rug colored planned with Cynthia's help at our last guild workshop held in  Sharpsburg MD.  I'm so sorry it's not a good picture.  My flash was not working correctly yesterday.  I know it's most likely me, but I'll blame it on the camera anyway.  The colors in this rug are bright and gorgeous.  Jenn dyed the purple background by using up her worms.  She used the darks in the middle and then pulled all the light worms to the edge.  This rug sparkles.  Love it!

With Ease

This rug is another Woolley Fox pattern I did at a mini workshop with Barb Carroll way back in 2008.  It was an easy rug for me to hook.  It just came with ease.  Oh how I long for that ease again. 

Alright, I admit to being a bit dramatic.  I'm currently working on a rug that is not coming with ease.  The sad part is I am the designer of the pattern.  It is a whale pattern called Mary's Big Fish.  I hooked the whale very quickly and just love it.  Now I'm struggling with a border which separates one background color from the second color.  I just can't get.  I have hooked it about 5 times so far.  Good thing I reverse hook well. 

Do you ever struggle with a rug?  I'm sure it will come, but right now I just needed to walk away and focus on something different.  I'll post a picture as soon as I get it to where I kinda like it. 

Remember steady plotting...at least that's what I keep reminding myself. 

God Bless America

God bless America the land that I love.  Thank you veterans...all who served and all who are currently serving.  Thank you for your sacrifice and thank you for my freedoms.

Here's Stash enjoying her Memorial Day.  My friend Mary helped me pick out this rug on our recent trip to Ligonier PA.  It was a perfect pick since my wool supply business is called Eagles Nest Woolens.

Do you love surprises?  I do.  My dear friend Crystal and her husband, Jude came today for a visit and she gave me this rug.  I was so surprised and grateful.  I love the teal horse and the tan duck and the bird, you just have to love the bird.  Okay, I guess you can tell I love everything about it, especially since it is something she hooked herself.  I have already hung it it a place of honor in my living room.  I love you girl!!! Thank you.