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

Binding a locker hooked rug

Sunday, August 28, 2010:

When I started this rug, I didn't know how much fabric I would need. I began hooking in the middle and worked my way out.  After buying more fabric and getting almost finished with one side, I decided to bind it.  I did not clip my backing because I don't like for the threading to break and I believe it is more difficult to stitch and hook a small doubled fold.  So I folded over about 10 rows.

Then I took my cotton cording, sewing needle with quilting thread, and stitched my cording to the top edge of the last row, keeping the holes in line. When I got to a corner, I trimmed what was necessary to not have so many layers to hook through.  After I had my cording stitched all around, I then used cotton yarn, two strings, and whip-stitched the edges over the cording.  I went into each hole twice so it would cover well.  It is important to keep your yarn untangled so it will cover good.  Occasionally you may need to run the yarn through the hole three times.  If you see any bare spots when you're done, you can take a single strand of yarn and work over those spots, burying the tails under the back loops.

I do not cut my yarn on both ends, but thread the cut ends through my needle, pull it through my backing, and run the needle through the loop at the end of the yarn; this way, there is less ends to work in.  When coming to the end of my yarn, I work the ends under the loops on the backside of the rug.  

After I finished wrapping the cotton yarn around all edges, I then hook a row snug against the bound edge. This helps keep my fabric squares in line.  I will hook 4-5 rows before trimming off the extra backing that I had turned up initially.  So far I think this is a good way to do it, at least for me.  

These pictures are not exactly in the right sequence, so I will label each one.

 The cotton cording sewn onto the top edge of the canvas.

When I come to the end of my yarn, I work it through the back looks to hide the ends. Clip off the extra.

I keep my yarn untwisted as I wrap. 

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This is where I am hooking two rows of fabric as I continue binding.




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This shows the loop at the beginning to run your needle through to prevent so many ends.

Bound edge with two rows of hooking.

I have to say I get so excited when I'm nearing the end of the binding.  This was a good experience, figuring out how I wanted to do the binding.  I wanted to add it to my postings so I can refer to it in the future and also it may be helpful to someone else.  

NOW, I must get dressed and go to the grocery store before Renee' and I starve!   This rug hooking could be a detriment to our health! 

P.S.   If anyone reading this sees something I need to do differently, please leave me a comment.  This is my first time binding a rug. 

/Deb

Small mat, rug progress

Saturday, August 28, 2010:  

After shopping with my friend yesterday, I started this small piece last night. I used a 5-size canvas, and cut about 1/2" strips from one yard of cotton. I used almost the whole yard of fabric for this.  I didn't like the 5-size as much as the 3.75 canvas, it may be better for yarn or ribbon.  I put the border on, my first time, and now I know more how to border my big rug, or at least I know what not to do.  Since I know how far a yard will go on 5-size canvas, now I want to see how much a yard of fabric will make. It would be nice to be able to estimate what I need for different projects I do.

This is the progress in my big "bear" rug.  I can see the difference in the green fabric, but the other end will be the same, so I think it will be okay.  Also in the picture are the two fabrics for the outside border row and edging. I'm going to use the cotton cord I bought yesterday when I wrap (or whip?) the edges.  It's going to be so great on the floor beside my bed. 

 

This weekend I need to do my usual chores, go to the grocery store, wash some clothes, and make more progress on my locker rug.  I may just cook out on the grill tonight.

My computer seems okay, I have no idea why - or what was wrong or if it's fixed.  But it's okay for now.  /Deb

Sharing with a friend

Friday, August 27, 2010:
We must concentrate on the good things, not worry about such things as computer - my new motto for the week! 
This evening I met my friend, Barb for supper and to talk about locker hooking. She treated me to Chinese.  I shared a piece of my canvas with her, and showed her a couple of things I had learned, the way to cut the cloth to keep the strips together, and the way I pull my ends up and/or weave them in the hooking process.  We also went by Hancock's Fabrics and got some fabric. Barb bought some ribbon to go around her edges that match the fabric - neat idea.  I found some cotton cording that I'm going to try on my "bear" rug.  It was nice to share my hobby with my friend. Who knows one day we may start a hooking club around our area. 
When I got home I didn't feel like tackling the "bear" or working on my wool, so I cut canvas about the size of a place mat, (size 5) and stripped cloth that I had bought today.  I just sat and hooked and relaxed my mind after talking to my brother who eased my mind about my computer issue. I have a small netbook and I'm going to use that for a while.  I just mainly need a computer to read/write blogs, check emails.
So things are looking up. 
Til next time/Deb

Temporary computer problems

Friday, August 27, 2010:
I've been having some computer problems, so I may not be able to get online for a few days. I have a new modem being mailed to me, but not sure if it will help. I may need a new computer. 
I don't know if I can stand not being able to read the blogs I follow and the RHD - but maybe I will spend the time rug hooking.  I just hate it when there is an upset in my great life like a computer and what's worse is the impossibility of getting anyone but an automated voice when you call anywhere! 

Okay, ya'll have a good weekend. Just wanted you to know, so you wouldn't think I had disappeared.
Also, if you have some suggestions on your experience with a good or bad computer - feel free to comment or email me.  
/deb