More Playing Hooky

There were just so many great photos from the rug hooking retreat this past weekend, that I had todo another post.  Plus, I have a recipe for you.

I wanted to post this little polar bear again.  Please click on the photo to enlarge it so you can see the detail.  This mat is hooked in the Grenfell tradition - with nylon hose.  Traditionally, these mats were hooked with silk stockings.  Dr. Wilfred Grenfell traveled on missionary trips to Newfoundland, where he found very spartan conditions.  History has it that to help the women earn money, Dr. Grenfell aided them in selling their rugs.  He would provide materials and the women would hook the patterns.  Dr. Grenfell would take the finished mats back to the states and sell them.  He would then return to Newfoundland and pay the women and give them more supplies. 

Grenfell mats are worth a bundle!  Years ago, there was one listed in Country Living Magazine in the "What is it?" column.  The mat was 6" x 8" and they estimated the cost at $425.00.  It is said that Grenfell rugs that measure 26" x 40" can command over $10,000.00 each.  Grenfell mats/rugs typically feature fish, polar bears, penguins, dogsled teams, etc.  Here's another site for more information on Dr. Grenfell and the Grenfell hooked mats. 

Here is one of Jane's pictorial rugs.  I love the people in the stands watching the polo match.  Jane has written one book on pictorial rugs for Rug Hooking Magazine.  That book is out of print.  She is now hard at work on writing another one.  Be sure to look for it sometime in 2009.

Here are two great kitty rugs!  One very primitive and one a little more stylized. 

When knitters or rug hookers get together, there's always good eatin'!  This past weekend was no exception.  Here's a delicious salad by Joan.

------- Pinto Bean Salad --------

Ingredients - 1 small box corn muffin mix, 2 cans Luck's Pinto Beans (rinsed), 1 cup chopped green pepper, 1 cup chopped green onion (Vidalia or Spring), 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes, 1 lb. crumbled cooked and drained bacon. 

Dressing - 2 cups mayonnaise, 1 cup sweet pickle juice.  Mix well.  Joan uses the juice from Bread & Butter Pickles.

Directions - Mix and cook corn muffin mix.  In 9"x13" dish, crumble cooked corn bread on bottom.  Then, layer next 5 ingredients in order - pinto beans, green peppers, onions, tomatoes, and bacon.  Top with dressing listed above.  Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Here are two of Jane's floral pictorials.  She is doing a show next year where she will exhibit watercolor paintings and the hooked rugs to match.  I'm a lucky owner of the watercolor painting of this sunflower hooked piece.

Jane was working on this little daylily pictorial.  I really like both of these pieces.

Remember, I mentioned that our youngest participant was eight years old??  Well, meet Jenna.  She just hooked up a storm!  She really took a shine to LeeAnn.  Jenna, her mom and grandmother came and visited us in July during Hookin' At The Lake.  She visited with LeeAnn then and LeeAnn let her hook a bit on her rug and let her keep the hook.  Jenna says the hook is her "lucky charm".  I was so glad LeeAnn was there this weekend for Jenna to hook with on her own project.  

I have added a photo album in the right sidebar for rug hooking pictures.  I'll add more soon.

In addition to working on my hooked robin, I took the spinning wheel for a spin!  I'm working on a bag of merino from The Woolery.  The color of this roving is pure jewel-tone ---- deep rich colors ---- it even seemed to have a sheen.   Really pretty!

I also have a new pair of socks in the works!  Stay tuned for pictures! 

 

 

Comments

[Rosanne - Firefly Nights]

The beauty of the many rugs that you've shown on your blog now and over the past few months always impresses me. I didn't know until I met you how pretty this type of rug can be. I'd love to actually see some of them in person.

[Sydney]

The rugs are beautiful and it looks like fun. I really don't need another hobby you know. :) Your robin is looking good! I like the colors in that roving too.

[Sharon]

Green! That's me after seeing your roving and spinning. As Tim Gunn says - make it work~

[Wendy in NoCA]

Wow! Love your blog...thanks for giving us the ability to click on the rug pictures and see them up close--it's almost as good as being there! Thanks from a newbie rug hooker!!!

[Lindy]

Hey Robin

Love your blog. Check out pictures of the money pit on my blog.
I's so glad you started hooking again. I am constantly giving praise to fellow hookers regarding the large frame and stand your hubby made! Click on my name.....
Lindy

[Jackie]

Hi Robin!

It all looks wonderful..I so wish I could have "popped in" for a visit! The rugs are just wonderful and its great to have Jane back in the fold! Love her newest endeavors! Loved the spun yarn.....

[Robin C]

what inspriation. These rugs just call my name. One of these days I'm going to take the plunge and it will all be your fault!!
and then you'll be stuck with me at the Strippin retreat too!

Friday is my surgery (12th) keep me in your thoughts!!!

[Charlene]

The rugs are beautiful! It's wonderful to see that the craft of rug hooking is still alive and well. I'm so enjoying your blog and your pictures of the hooking as well as your wonderful spinning. It's amazing how intense the colours are on the bobbin compared to the roving. I just have one question about the wool strips used for the rugs...do you cut them all by hand with scissors, or do you use a hand crank cutter?