Thursday, September 30, 2010:
After I got off work, I went by Bullocks (the oldest BBQ restaurant in town, I believe) and picked up some chopped BBQ, sliced BBQ, slaw, and blackberry cobbler to take to my brother's house for supper. Also, I wanted to show him my locker hooked rugs so he could pick the one he liked the best. I also took the two hot pads/coasters I had hooked. We had our supper and Steve liked everything. The 2nd rug, tans/browns, looked perfect in front of his kitchen sink and, if I had tried, I could not have matched his counter tops any better - perfect! Then we went to his bedroom and believe it or not, the colors in his striped bedspread were exactly the colors in the #3 rug of curves!! He preferred to hang this rug on his wall as a piece of art rather than use as a rug. I am so happy that he liked them. Of course he offered to pay me for them - but then it wouldn't be a gift. Now I have to figure out how to sew a strip on the back for the rod that it will hang from; how wide, how close to the edge, etc.
It is so nice when another person really likes your creations and Steve has always liked mine. He showed me a beautiful piece of handmade lace that I had given him a few years ago - exquisite if I have to say so myself. It is a circle, similar in appearance to a round snowflake, very ornate. I made handmade lace for a while, it was extremely tedious and quite a challenge. I still have all my bobbins and materials needed, but I don't think I will be doing that any time soon.
I also tried tatting - no more though; however, I did manage to tat an heirloom doily (8-10 inches in diameter, I think), which I gave to my baby girl, Sharon (baby now age 34!) and she treasures it. I will try to get photos of these two items to show on my blog.
I have started back to work on my wool rug hooking, seems slow and it took a while to get the rhythm again. I want to locker hook but know if I start on one, I will never finish my wool rugs. We'll see how that works out.
Meanwhile I'm also working on the fiction book. I have edited through my first 16 chapters, of course still in draft form. Now I plan to start writing the rest of the story.
The rain has ended for a while, some areas received 6-12 inches! It is much cooler, so I believe fall has finally arrived - my favorite time of the year. In fact, in the next few weeks, I plan a little trip towards the mountains because I need to see a city that is included in my book so my descriptions can be somewhat accurate. Till next time.
/Deb
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Pictures 2nd and 3rd LH rugs
Wednesday, September 29, 2010:
I have finished my 2nd locker hooked rug, shades of tan-brown.
The 3rd one has curves! It is quite colorful as well.
Instead of another LH rug, I think I'll work on my wool rug hooking projects and finish the two I started earlier. I have included different views of each. The little froggy is real special to me. One day when Renee' was cleaning out her room after my brother had painted it her favorite color, blue, I was in the living room and she just appeared at the doorway and said "surprise!" I asked her what it was and appeared from behind her back, this little froggie. She knows so much, I did not realize she knew that I liked frogs. He sleeps on my bed all the time. Thought he would add a special touch to one of my favorite rugs. /Deb
I have finished my 2nd locker hooked rug, shades of tan-brown.
The 3rd one has curves! It is quite colorful as well.
Instead of another LH rug, I think I'll work on my wool rug hooking projects and finish the two I started earlier. I have included different views of each. The little froggy is real special to me. One day when Renee' was cleaning out her room after my brother had painted it her favorite color, blue, I was in the living room and she just appeared at the doorway and said "surprise!" I asked her what it was and appeared from behind her back, this little froggie. She knows so much, I did not realize she knew that I liked frogs. He sleeps on my bed all the time. Thought he would add a special touch to one of my favorite rugs. /Deb
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Various interests this weekend
Sunday, September 26, 2010:
I have enjoyed my weekend very much. In about 2006 I started writing a book, or trying to. I have started writing a couple of books, all going nowhere. But this one seems to be possible. So when I was having my coffee Saturday morning, I thought about it and realized a solution to one of my problems. Since I can't work on the book constantly, when I do start back to work, I can't remember what I have written, so I have to start at the beginning and then, by the time I get to where I need to write more, time is up or I'm tired. So, now I am going through the book, editing a little as I go but most importantly I am making an outline of the major and some minor details of each chapter. That way, when I start to work again, if it is much later, I can just read my outline and start from where I ended.
Writing a book is one thing I have always wanted to do but have never accomplished. I'm surely not doing it to become wealthy, not even to be published really (although that would be a wonderful surprise!). I just want to do it and hopefully it will happen.
I worked a lot on my #3 LH Curves rug. I should be able to finish it this week. I've wrapped the edges. It is so colorful. I will post a picture when I finish. Also, I made a visit to the fabric store and bought several yards of various blue fabrics. I thought about buying old bed sheets or other items from yard sales or bargain stores and dying them different colors. I have never dyed fabric, so this would be something I need to learn how to do. It would make my rugs fit in the "green" craze to today! Maybe I could cut all the cloth in strips and dye them different colors. I'll have to give this some more thought though. I sure like hooking all the colors of fabric I buy.
One other thing I have started is handwriting letters. I don't know if you read my earlier post about the "nothing and now" - but I decided it would be a good thing to do. I love the old ways of doing things, pottery, hand quilting, rug hooking, and now even letter writing. So far I have only written to my three children, but it will give them something they can keep, read in the future and even pass down. It takes a little effort to get started but, just do it, I said, and I did. I may even start sending birthday letters.
It is finally raining - a nice slow but heavy rainfall. The bushes and trees are smiling even in the moonlight.
/Deb
I have enjoyed my weekend very much. In about 2006 I started writing a book, or trying to. I have started writing a couple of books, all going nowhere. But this one seems to be possible. So when I was having my coffee Saturday morning, I thought about it and realized a solution to one of my problems. Since I can't work on the book constantly, when I do start back to work, I can't remember what I have written, so I have to start at the beginning and then, by the time I get to where I need to write more, time is up or I'm tired. So, now I am going through the book, editing a little as I go but most importantly I am making an outline of the major and some minor details of each chapter. That way, when I start to work again, if it is much later, I can just read my outline and start from where I ended.
Writing a book is one thing I have always wanted to do but have never accomplished. I'm surely not doing it to become wealthy, not even to be published really (although that would be a wonderful surprise!). I just want to do it and hopefully it will happen.
I worked a lot on my #3 LH Curves rug. I should be able to finish it this week. I've wrapped the edges. It is so colorful. I will post a picture when I finish. Also, I made a visit to the fabric store and bought several yards of various blue fabrics. I thought about buying old bed sheets or other items from yard sales or bargain stores and dying them different colors. I have never dyed fabric, so this would be something I need to learn how to do. It would make my rugs fit in the "green" craze to today! Maybe I could cut all the cloth in strips and dye them different colors. I'll have to give this some more thought though. I sure like hooking all the colors of fabric I buy.
One other thing I have started is handwriting letters. I don't know if you read my earlier post about the "nothing and now" - but I decided it would be a good thing to do. I love the old ways of doing things, pottery, hand quilting, rug hooking, and now even letter writing. So far I have only written to my three children, but it will give them something they can keep, read in the future and even pass down. It takes a little effort to get started but, just do it, I said, and I did. I may even start sending birthday letters.
It is finally raining - a nice slow but heavy rainfall. The bushes and trees are smiling even in the moonlight.
/Deb
Friday, September 24, 2010
3rd LH rug - progress
Friday, September 24, 2010
Where did August get to? Time is just flying by. Here is the progress of my 3rd LH rug with the curves. The white strings you see are my locker strings, waiting for the next fabric color to be added. This has been a really fun rug to hook. When hooking curves, I have to be careful not to miss any of the holes, so far, so good.
The weather here is still very hot and very dry. Hopefully this weekend we will be getting some very much needed rain. /Deb
Monday, September 20, 2010
The Nothing and the Now
Monday, September 20, 2010:
First of all I hope no one calls in the "white coats" to come and take me away - ha ha.
After having lunch today with a friend, our conversation got me to thinking. How many people do not live in the "now". We remember yesterday, the past, we plan for the future, tomorrow, next week, next event, plan our day, etc. The "nothing" is taking us away from the "now" - the electronic gadgets growing more popular every day, more people and businesses becoming totally dependent on them. Text messaging, email, google, internet, cell phones, DVRs, and on and on I could go. Without them there would be the "nothing" but the "now". I'm not complaining about the advances in technology - I love my washer and dryer, gas heat, freezer, and my cell phone and internet, and even fast food, etc. Even online banking and bill pay - how long has it been since we actually hand wrote a personal letter and licked a stamp. Hallmark can not say it better.
I believe that is why rug hooking is so special to us rug hookers. It brings us to the "now". We stop and enjoy our moments as they happen. Each loop of fabric is a happening, an accomplishment in the now. At least that what it seems to be for me. When I go camping, sitting on the porch in the early morning, the sunrise, the calm water, just the "now" - I treasure all those moments.
Just wanted to share some of my thoughts./Deb
First of all I hope no one calls in the "white coats" to come and take me away - ha ha.
After having lunch today with a friend, our conversation got me to thinking. How many people do not live in the "now". We remember yesterday, the past, we plan for the future, tomorrow, next week, next event, plan our day, etc. The "nothing" is taking us away from the "now" - the electronic gadgets growing more popular every day, more people and businesses becoming totally dependent on them. Text messaging, email, google, internet, cell phones, DVRs, and on and on I could go. Without them there would be the "nothing" but the "now". I'm not complaining about the advances in technology - I love my washer and dryer, gas heat, freezer, and my cell phone and internet, and even fast food, etc. Even online banking and bill pay - how long has it been since we actually hand wrote a personal letter and licked a stamp. Hallmark can not say it better.
I believe that is why rug hooking is so special to us rug hookers. It brings us to the "now". We stop and enjoy our moments as they happen. Each loop of fabric is a happening, an accomplishment in the now. At least that what it seems to be for me. When I go camping, sitting on the porch in the early morning, the sunrise, the calm water, just the "now" - I treasure all those moments.
Just wanted to share some of my thoughts./Deb
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Nice day
Sunday, September 19, 2010:
Today has been a very nice day. First of all, I got a good night's sleep last night which always help. While having my morning coffee, and a little snack for breakfast, I contemplated the yard work that needed doing. Needless to say, my locker hooking won hands down over that chore, even though it was cool enough outside to work in the yard. I had to work on the curves some more.
At the store, I couldn't resist a few more pieces of fabric at 1.58/yard, and Barbara got some fabric with purple and other colors in it. We also found out that this store, the ONLY fabric store , in town would be relocating in January more than likely about 20 miles from my house.
My friend Barbara was supposed to come over this morning so by 9:00 when I had not heard from her, I was going to give her a call. I had a missed call and evidently I had not heard my cell phone ring because I didn't have my hearing aids in and also because I was listening to my audiobook. I returned her call and she was on her way to my house. It was a cool, beautiful morning, so we sat outside in the front yard for a while. We talked about rug hooking and went inside so I could show her what I had been working on. One of my neighbors was having a yard sale and two of my coworkers had come to it and when they saw us outside, came over for a quick hello. Barbara and I planned to go to the fabric store, so while I took a shower and got dressed, Barbara started on a mat she was going to make for her table. She sewed the cotton cord to the edging in preparation. She wanted to find some purple and red fabric at the store.
We drove to Chapel Hill and had some lunch, Barbara had a fruit plate and I had a Greek Gyro. We then went to check out a fabric store there. They didn't have a "sale" table, so I bought 1/2 yard of a few colors. Barbara had to get home to fix supper. It was really nice having someone to spend the day with and share in our hobby.
I was interested in finding out exactly how much 1/2 yard of fabric would cover of the canvas. This blue hot pad is four of the blue-lined squares on a 3.75 canvas. So, that would be an inexpensive gift idea. It took about two hours to make, maybe less when I get used to making them.
Here's the update on my LH #3 rug, Curves. /Deb
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Curves? YES!!!
Saturday, September 18, 2010:
Thanks to Kathy - I now can do curves!
I cut my 36x60 canvas in half. Last night had done one "L" shape of hooking before I went to bed. When I got up this morning and read Kathy's comment, I said, okay I can do curves. So, the curves began. It's silly to feel such excitement when hooking the colorful fabric through the canvas and locking it down. I tore a couple of strips from on of my palette colors, hooked, then picked another fabric, tore 2-3 strips, then designed that into the rug. I have no idea how it will look when it's done because I am just going with the flow. I might call this rug "Flowing with the curves" or something like that. /Deb
Thanks to Kathy - I now can do curves!
Friday, September 17, 2010
Shopping, anticipation, and photos
Friday, September 17, 2010: YEAH - it's Friday. I know I keep promising pictures and I really will post some when I get home tonight because I want to show everybody the fabric I bought today. My first big LH (locker hook) rug was a real bear of a learning project, my second LH rug is almost done. I just couldn't help myself - today I went to the fabric store and had the best time. I picked out really off the wall colorful fabric that will be quite interesting when hooked, I am sure of that. I bought 2 yards of each fabric, except one was on sale for 1.58, so I got the rest of the bolt which was only 5 yards - but at that price - wow. The others were 2.95. If I ever see a sale for 1.00/yard - I may need to call a transfer truck to help me get it home!! Anyway, I will add pictures to this post tonight of my fabric and of my progression with LH rug #2. /Deb
Okay - here's the pictures (I'm home from work now!!)
After I sewed the cotton cord around my edge (on the wrong side, the back side) I couldn't find my cotton yarn, so I decided to use a matching wool yarn for wrap the edge of the rug.
As I hooked around the edges, I was not happy with the way that wool yarn looked, so I wrapped it with the actual cotton fabric I was using. It was like wrapping ace bandage, trying to keep it smooth and untwisted, but I liked it better.
Just for fun - this is the pile of loose strings from when I tear the cotton fabric (this much came from about a yard or so.) It seems there should be a use for this stuff - any ideas?
As you can see, I have maybe 10 rows left - but I went ahead and put the picture on here, because I would be too tired later tonight after I hopefully have finished it.
NOW - for the whimsical colorful fabric I bought today for my 3rd LH rug!!
I have no idea yet how I'm going to design these fabrics. I need to figure out if I'm going to start in the center and work in rectangles, or start around the outer edge and work inward, or work in rows - just don't know yet. But, first I have to relax and finish LH rug #2.
/Deb
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Almost there
Thursday, September 16, 2010:
It's been a rather busy week for me. I have actually taken pictures but haven't taken the time to download them from my camera. I am anxious to finish my second locker hook rug. My brother comes back from his vacation to Maine and New Brunswick and I want to give it to him. I usually give him the first piece of artwork I do in all the mediums I have tried, especially if they turn out nice. I had to keep my first locker-rug though because I made it just for my bedroom. He truly appreciates my handiwork.
Hopefully I will have my second rug finished and will post pictures by Saturday morning. For my third one, I'm thinking about buying 1 yard of ten different fabrics and making sort of a country mix-match type rug. We'll see. I NEED to finish my abstract wool hooking, but the locker hook keeps pulling me to it so - I just go with the flow.
All is well with Renee'. She is slowly managing to work on her new small latch hook rug- the head of a horse in front of a white fence. I want to take a canvas, use watercolor or acrylic to paint squares or a design on it and buy the precut yarn for her to make her next one. We'll see.
Better hit the sack. Tomorrow is Friday - yeah!
/deb
It's been a rather busy week for me. I have actually taken pictures but haven't taken the time to download them from my camera. I am anxious to finish my second locker hook rug. My brother comes back from his vacation to Maine and New Brunswick and I want to give it to him. I usually give him the first piece of artwork I do in all the mediums I have tried, especially if they turn out nice. I had to keep my first locker-rug though because I made it just for my bedroom. He truly appreciates my handiwork.
Hopefully I will have my second rug finished and will post pictures by Saturday morning. For my third one, I'm thinking about buying 1 yard of ten different fabrics and making sort of a country mix-match type rug. We'll see. I NEED to finish my abstract wool hooking, but the locker hook keeps pulling me to it so - I just go with the flow.
All is well with Renee'. She is slowly managing to work on her new small latch hook rug- the head of a horse in front of a white fence. I want to take a canvas, use watercolor or acrylic to paint squares or a design on it and buy the precut yarn for her to make her next one. We'll see.
Better hit the sack. Tomorrow is Friday - yeah!
/deb
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Starting another Rug
Saturday, 9/11/10:
Yesterday I went to the fabric store and bought almost 20 yards of fabric, shades of tan and brownish cotton. They only had around 19 yards on two bolts. Last night I rested, but thought about what I wanted to make. I need to continue working on my abstract wool piece, but the locker hooking keeps calling my attention! So, when I got up this morning, had my coffee, I looked at my canvas sizes and decided instead of making a large 36x60 like my previous one, I would do half that size. It took about an hour to sew the cotton cord around the entire folded canvas. Now I'm trying to decide whether to use cotton yarn (like I did before) or the fabric itself to do the edging.
But duties call first. I must go to the grocery store, and do a couple of other errands. Today it is only in the 70's, very nice, but it may rain a little. Tomorrow is supposed to be rainy. So, first things first, then I can enjoy hooking the day away!
Just want to say thanks for your comments. It's nice to stay in touch.
/Deb
Yesterday I went to the fabric store and bought almost 20 yards of fabric, shades of tan and brownish cotton. They only had around 19 yards on two bolts. Last night I rested, but thought about what I wanted to make. I need to continue working on my abstract wool piece, but the locker hooking keeps calling my attention! So, when I got up this morning, had my coffee, I looked at my canvas sizes and decided instead of making a large 36x60 like my previous one, I would do half that size. It took about an hour to sew the cotton cord around the entire folded canvas. Now I'm trying to decide whether to use cotton yarn (like I did before) or the fabric itself to do the edging.
But duties call first. I must go to the grocery store, and do a couple of other errands. Today it is only in the 70's, very nice, but it may rain a little. Tomorrow is supposed to be rainy. So, first things first, then I can enjoy hooking the day away!
Just want to say thanks for your comments. It's nice to stay in touch.
/Deb
Friday, September 10, 2010
Piano and Christmas 2007
As requested - so far these are the only pictures I can find of me playing the piano. It is from 2007 at Christmas. We are at my parents' home. At Christmas, Renee' always sings her favorite song "Silent Night". Wonderful memories. (That's my parents sitting on the couch). /Deb
I have recorded 3 long playing albums (yes, I'm that old), and have had two piano concerts. I made this CD 3-4 years ago and everyone tells me how much they enjoy it. It contains my piano arrangements.
Contents:
1-9: Medleys of How He Is
10. Meditation
11. Majesty
12. In the Image of God
13. This Love Is Mine
14. He
15. Without Him
16. He Touched Me
17. The Lord's Prayer
18. My Tribute
19. The King is Coming
If you would like to order a CD, please send me an email at deborahreardon@msn.com.
The price is $15, plus $4 shipping to USA, $12.00 shipping to Canada.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Finished rugs
Wednesday, September 8, 2010:
During our camping trip this past weekend, both Renee' and I finished our hooking projects. It was such a warm feeling to be sitting with Renee', both of us just quietly working on our rugs. You know, Renee' has always worked for a scheduled amount of time each day, but on this occasion it was different. I guess since I finished mine she felt compelled to finish hers. I went to bed and left her still hooking away. The next morning when I was making my coffee, Renee' sat up on her bunk and said "I finished" and pointed to the table. I was so surprised and happy for her. I asked her "Renee' my goodness, what time did you did it done? It's beautiful!" She said "12:40" - and lay back down and went back to sleep. Later we took photos.
During our camping trip this past weekend, both Renee' and I finished our hooking projects. It was such a warm feeling to be sitting with Renee', both of us just quietly working on our rugs. You know, Renee' has always worked for a scheduled amount of time each day, but on this occasion it was different. I guess since I finished mine she felt compelled to finish hers. I went to bed and left her still hooking away. The next morning when I was making my coffee, Renee' sat up on her bunk and said "I finished" and pointed to the table. I was so surprised and happy for her. I asked her "Renee' my goodness, what time did you did it done? It's beautiful!" She said "12:40" - and lay back down and went back to sleep. Later we took photos.
I put my rug on the floor in the cabin and it was perfect for the decor, a real homey feeling. Sadie, must have thought it was her magic carpet because she immediately sniffed a couple of times and made herself really comfortable on the cushy new rug.
Renee' looking at her new latch hook project.
My rug on the floor next to my bed at home!
Now it's back to work on my wool rug hooking, contemporary design - Sunshine had to get in the picture too. I really enjoyed the locker hooking, but I do like to make designs with my wool hooking.
/Deb
P.S. I've also added more slideshows to my artwork posting below. Hope you will take a look.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Finished my locker hook rug
Tuesday, September 7, 2010:
While off work for four days we went camping at Lake Mayo. Renee' finished her latch hook rug and I finished my locker hook rug. I didn't get home until late afternoon and I have not had time to post the pictures, but hopefully will get to it tonight. I missed reading the blogs and RHD but will catch up on that soon also. Just wanted to let everybody know I had not vanished from the web!
/Deb
While off work for four days we went camping at Lake Mayo. Renee' finished her latch hook rug and I finished my locker hook rug. I didn't get home until late afternoon and I have not had time to post the pictures, but hopefully will get to it tonight. I missed reading the blogs and RHD but will catch up on that soon also. Just wanted to let everybody know I had not vanished from the web!
/Deb
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