Yep, it's coming fast!

and finances, and have any funds left over for hobbies or fun. Luckily for us, thrift store wool and a little linen can keep us hooking if it comes down to that! But think of how much money you can save by creating holiday gifts yourself — and the joy it would bring to a friend to receive them! A stack of hooked mug mats tied up with pretty ribbons would melt my heart, for sure! To receive an actual rug created by a special family member just for me would make me feel so special. I know the retailers want us to buy, buy, buy throughout November and December (and I know we still will do that) but we can save on those post-holiday bills a little by giving rug hooked gifts to a few very special folks this year. I received and order for my Barn Star Mug Mat kit this week with a note from the customer saying, “please send this order asap – I want to get these hooked for a Christmas gift.” It got me wondering how many rug hookers give special, hand-hooked presents every year? Think about that . . .

I am presenting a new series of designs in Create and Decorate this coming year called Celebration Rugs. The designs are for rugs that you would give as special gifts to mark an occasion, like a wedding, a special birthday, or a housewarming. The first design will appear in the January/February issue – it’s a Wedding Rug. At any given wedding, how many of the couples’ closest guests might be rug hookers? Not many right? Probably only one – you! So how special would it be for that couple to receive a gift that would last all the years they are married? You couldn’t say that about the old standby gifts, like a toaster, or roasting pan, or even sheets. Our craft is one that is sustainable and one that creates finished products that are intended to last several lifetimes. That in itself is a gift.

Have you created gift rugs in the past? Will you give one this holiday season? Tell me about it!

Happy Fall Hooking, my friends! Stay warm, stay well, and hook on . . . .

Sally

I was unaware that the American Folk Art Museum was in trouble . . . it is the most awesome place I have ever visited! How can we let it fall and disappear?  Apparently, it has been rescued . . . but for how long? We need to do something to preserve and protect our folk art heritage!

The article goes on:

Please read the rest of the article at Etsy.com here:

http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2011/noted-the-future-of-folk-art/?ref=fp_blog_image

(note the gorgeous photo of all those red and white quilts hung for a show!)

Who would have ever thought that folk art would make it to the endangered species  list? Unspeakable! What can we do to make sure we don’t lose all this wonderful, historic art?

Sally

I occasionally run across a good deal on rug hooking wool. When that happens, I try to offer some at my web site. I just added some Shetland wools that are all great for hooking in the primitive style and add awesome texture to your rugs. They are offered with limited availability, so if you see one you like, better get some now before it’s gone. I will never sell a wool that I would not use myself and that is not suitable for hooking. Selling these by the fat quarter but if you need more than I have on hand, let me know and I  can try to get more for you. Each fat quarter comes to you washed and ready to hook!

 My favorite one! This blends great with the Cranberry Solid.

I haven’t offered wool on my site in a long time, but since the re-design, I just feel like adding more stuff that you will love!

SpoolMag Fall issue is out now – got my comp issues in the mail. the Spot the Cat pattern is on my web site now – and there are links to the instructions on my Home page.

I wrote an article for The Wool Street Journal, which is in the current issue for October (Fall/Winter issue.) Watch for that and let me know what you think of it. I will be writing another for the January issue. Bonnie is so good to me and I am so grateful.

Is the Fall weather making you want to stop all that weeding and mowing and start hooking? I just completed my project for the April 2012 issue of Create & Decorate magazine – a wedding rug! Got that shipped off yesterday. Magazines work so far in advance – just when Fall arrives and the weather is starting to turn cooler, we are creating projects for Spring when the weather is starting to warm up again. Sort of makes everything feel all wonky and backwards.

What are all of you working on? Do you have something fun on your frame? Leave me a comment and tell me all about it – Sharing is fun!

Well, back to my hooking . . . thanks for visiting!

Sally

Lauri Troutman for Rug Hooking & Susie Vohlken for Punch Needle!! Congratulations ladies! I have emailed each of you privately.

Thanks to everyone for all your wonderful comments regarding my newly re-designed web site. A few of you took me to heart and shared a couple of things that you didn’t like very much – I appreciate that, and I made some changes per your suggestions. Overall, your comments were very positive and I thank you all for your input. I am only sorry that you could not ALL win. You can however, get into the giveaway action at my Facebook Page every month. If you have not LIKED my FB Page, you’ll find me here.

Remember everyone – I am offering  free shipping on any order from anyone who entered but did not win – through the end of September (I can’t offer free shipping on Frames because those are drop-shipped from the manufacturer in Texas directly to you.) When you place an order between September 20 and September 30, just enter FREESHIP in the coupon box when you check out. You all win!!

Sally

—————————————————————————————————————————

Done! What a lovely word . . . I thought I’d never get there. If you haven’t visited my web site recently, you’ll be surprised at the new look and organization. I completely re-designed the site, making it more relevant, easier to navigate, and all around prettier. It has been growing and growing over the years, and like anything that grows, it has a tendency to take on a life of its own – out of control and sort of all over the place (like the weeds in my gardens – which have not gotten the attention that the web site has!) Anyway, stop over and take a look.

So, after all that work and thought (taxing at my age,) it’s finally time to celebrate with a

Grand Re-Opening of the redesigned site!!

First – a big old giveaway! I have put together two giveaway packages – one for rug hooking and one for punch needle, that will be awarded to two lucky, randomly drawn winners on September 20th – one week from today. You do have to work a little bit to get yourself in the running . . . go to Folk ‘n’ Fiber and send me a comment via my Contact page, telling me what you like best about the new web site (if you have a “what I like the least” comment, I am happy to hear those as well.) Tell me if you are a rug hooker or punch needler, so I know which package you’d like to win. That’s all . . . so what does the winner get?

Rug Hooking

1. A pattern of your choice, on red dot tracer, from this page of my web site: Seasonal Designs (Halloween & Christmas are approaching fast – but you still have time to hook something special for those seasons!)
2. One yard of red dot tracer fabric – for easy transfer of a future project or two to your favorite backing.
3. An eco-friendly zippered project bag - measures 15″ x 15.5″ x 8″ – that’s plenty of room for carrying tools, supplies, wool and projects to guild meetings, camps and workshops! Hard flat bottom to support your cutter and all your essentials.
4. 30 yards of 3-ply 100% wool Paternayan binding yarn in Mustard
5. A copy of the book Folk Art Friends by Polly Minick and Laurie Simpson – rug hooking and quilting projects, including patterns
6. Plus some little goodies that I will throw in at the end (surprises are fun!)

Punch Needle

1. A pattern of your choice, on weavers cloth, from this page of my web site: Seasonal Designs (see above – haha!)
2. Snip-Eze threads snips
3. Square tin pin back frame by Twisted Threads to create a pin from your punch needle creation
4. My tile topped punch needle storage box
5. A thread assortment (it’s fun to play!) including DMC cotton, Gentle Arts wool, and Old Willow silk threads
6. Plus some little goodies that I will throw in at the end (yes, punch needle surprises are fun, too!)

And, if you don’t win – you still win. I will offer free shipping on any order from anyone who enters and does not win – through the end of September (I can’t offer free shipping on Frames because those are drop-shipped from the manufacturer in Texas directly to you.) When you place an order between September 20 and September 30, just enter FREESHIP in the coupon box when you check out. See? I really love you all!

Okay – don’t delay! This is a short window to get entered, so do it now! I want you to all have your names in the drawing! I will announce the winners of the give away packages here at the blog on Oct 1, as well as on Facebook! You can’t win if you don’t enter. Why are you still here? GO!

~~Sally~~

PS – I hate to have to mention this, but, it seems I am having intermittent PayPal problems with my cart since the re-design. If you place an order and can’t get it through PayPal, PLEASE email and let me know and I can help you. You do not need a PayPal account to pay for an order via PayPal! I am trying to get this figured out, but in the meantime, please don’t give up if you have trouble. Just email me and I can fix it! Thanks!

I mentioned in an earlier post and on my Facebook page that I will be featured in a new magazine, called SpoolMag, in their September issue. I just had a peek at the layout as they are getting ready to go to press. I am getting so excited! The new issue will be in shops and mailboxes on Sept. 15th. They ran a nice article about me and one of my designs as a free pattern for you to hook. When the magazine hits the stands, you will be able to download the instructions and more images of the featured rug from my web site. Just watch my home page for a link (after Sept 15th.)

I am very grateful to Diane Selby, editor extraordinaire of SpoolMag, for the opportunity to spread the word about rug hooking to a new group of crafting enthusiasts. If you have not seen the magazine yet, go to their web site and take a look. You can also use their shop finder to see if a shop near you carries the magazine. Or better yet, get a subscription! Here is a sneak peek:

  Now, doesn’t that leave you just a little curious?

Hook-a-Month Kits

There are a few of these new Fall Hook-a-Month kits left for the taking. If you are thinking about it, don’t wait too long – they are going fast. I will start shipping mid-September, so you still have time to grab one! You can read all about it here.

That’s all the news that’s fit to print for now . . . til next time, Hook On, my friends!

Sally

I am closing out the cotton punch needle threads, so you can get great deals by the bagful while they last.

And there are tons of downloadable tutorials for both rug hooking and punch needle. Lots of helpful information for beginners, too.

Also, don’t miss the free punch needle pattern of mine from Weeks Dye Works!

That’s just the beginning . . . stay tuned for the Grand Re-Design Celebratory Opening! More good deals and fun things in store! Whew!

I’d love to know what you think about the new design – is it easier to find things?

I’ll be back soon with details about the Grand Opening . . .  I just announced the winner of the free red dot pattern and 1/4 yard of overdyed wool on my Facebook Page. If you haven’t visited there (or LIKED me there) come on over. I have been giving away a free pattern every month to my Facebook Fans. Get in on that!

Have a safe and fun Labor Day weekend everyone! As always, pray for our troops and never forget 9/11!

Sally

Similar to the quilters’ block-of-the-month projects, this kit will come to you in six monthly shipments from Sept, 2011 to Feb.2012. If you order a kit with cut wool, you will receive cuts in #8 and #9, depending on the area of hooking.

Original Rugs Circa: late 1800s-early 1900s    Origin: unknown

Hook-a-Month Design ~ Star Birds 32 x 14

Hook-a-Month adaptation

Project Options & Info:

• If you pay monthly, you pay for the monthly shipment plus shipping charges ($6.00/month) before each shipping date. I will bill your credit card before each shipment.
• Due to the amount of coordination and paperwork needed for this offer, payments must be made by credit card or PayPal.

• If you need more information, please email or call me. I hope to begin sending out the first shipments at the middle of September. Kit availability is limited, so be sure order now to reserve your kit.

One-Time Payment with Free Shipping ~ Save $36.00

• Pattern and uncut wool = $220.00
• Pattern and cut wool = $292.00

Monthly Payments

• First payment when you order your kit (Sept.); I will bill your credit card monthly Oct-Feb.
• Total for Pattern and Uncut Wool: $220.00 + $36.00 shipping = $256.00
• Total for Pattern and Cut Wool: $292.00 + $36.00 shipping = $328.00
• PAYMENTS FOR UNCUT: Month 1: $ 96.83; Months 2-6: $31.83/month (includes shipping)
• PAYMENTS FOR CUT: Month 1: $108.85; Months 2-6: $43.83/month (includes shipping)

Shipping Schedule:

• Sept 2011: Wool shipment #1
• Oct 2011: Wool shipment #2
• Nov 2011: Wool shipment #3
• Dec 2011: Wool shipment #4
• Jan 2011: Wool shipment #5
• Feb 2011: Wool shipment #6

If you are not yet familiar with the magazine, check out their web site: SpoolMag.com

I’ll appear in the Fall issue, which you’ll find on newsstands and in retail shops on September 15th. Check the map of retailers on their site to see if there is a shop near you that carries the magazine. If you have a stitching-related shop, you might consider adding this publication to your racks. The editor, De, is wonderful to work with and I sincerely wish her so much success with this magazine.

My feature will include a design for one of my rugs that I have never offered as a pattern or kit: Spot the Cat. He is a fun, silly cat who wears his spots like pennies on a rug (pun intended.) So watch for the magazine to appear in shops, or subscribe online at their web site. I’d love to know what you think . . .

Before I go, I wanted to tell you that I am doing the monthly giveaway over at the Folk ‘n’ Fiber Facebook page - leave a comment under my post about the giveaway for August and get your name entered to win any of my patterns on red dot tracer AND a beautiful 1/4-yard selection of overdyed wool from LaceyJanePrims.com. If you are selected you can choose the pattern you want from my web site (Hook-a-Month patterns are the only exclusions.)

Oh – one more thing (I told you it was an exciting time . . .) I am completely re-designing my web site. So, don’t be surprised, in the near future, if you visit my site and it looks completely different. It has been around for so long, and gotten pretty busy-looking, and sometimes it’s hard to find what you are looking for, so it needs a facelift (gee, I could have said that about myself, too.) I am working on that big project in between everything else, so it might be a month or two before it’s ready – just letting you know it’s in the works.

If you stopped by to read this – thank you! I know my content gets stale waiting for me to come back and blog, so I am grateful for any of you who take the time to read my posts. Spread the word about SpoolMag and the FB giveaway, will you? And when you need beautiful wool, visit LaceyJanePrims.com – Jo has beautious colors and great prices! You will not be disappointed!

As Always – hook on!

Sally

This is another limited edition pattern, adapted from an antique rug. All the info is on my site, but here is a taste and feel for what it’s about . . . I hope you will join in so we can compare rugs when the project is over, and even during the hooking process. It’s fun to hook the same pattern with a group . . . even if you don’t meet with a group locally, you can share with the Hook-a-Month group right here!

The Old Pomegranate Tree

My sketch for the Hook-a-Month rug:

The dull, flat colors in the sketch just give you a general idea of the color plan, so I created a swatch card so you can also see the wools that are planned for this kit:

That’s  a small pic - but gives you an idea and you can see it larger, along with all the information and more at my web site where you can reserve your kit and join the group! Just go to Rug Hooking/Hook-a-Month from the top nav bar. There are a limited number of these kits up for grabs and when they are gone, that’s the end. It will be helpful to know how many of you would like the kits, so I can get the correct amount of wool ordered and kits ready to go . . . I can’t wait to start hooking this one! I hope you love it, too.

What are you working on right now? Would you like to share photos and comments with other rug hookers about projects, supplies, camps, etc? Come over to www.Facebook.com/FolknFiber and feel free to comment, post pics, ask questions — it’s a great sharing group.

Thanks for visiting today . . . Happy Summer!

Sally

I have been getting so many emails from new rug hookers who want to use the recycled wool they’ve collected from thrift shops but the colors aren’t quite right, and emails from rug hookers who have not tried overdyeing and are not sure how to go about it. Intimidation seems to be a factor that holds them back from getting started – it seems complicated and they don’t want to ruin their wool. I totally understand – I remember being afraid to try overdyeing, too, so I started collecting wool from Goodwill to recycled for my rugs, but when I pulled it out, the colors were wrong or didn’t go well together.

So to that end, I decided to create a webinar of sorts that explains a whole lot about the process and walks you through it step-by-step. It’s a Power Point presentation with audio, which lasts about a half hour. Believe me, it took a whole lot longer than that to create it — it seems old dogs really can learn new tricks!

I am offering it here first to my blog readers. My long-term plan is to add different modules and create a series of How-To presentations that will be helpful to new rug hookers, or to those who want to expand beyond what they are currently doing. At this point, I sure could use some feedback. So if you would be so kind, have a look and leave a comment to let me know what you think.  That feedback will give me a direction for producing the next module (or not.) I hope you enjoy it and I hope you find it useful.

Here goes . . .