Monday, April 25, 2011

Hooking



Today I finally gave myself permission to sit down and start hooking on the mat I started last winter, before leaving for California for so many months. It is fabric that my friend and I bought that is a wool/synthetic blend of some sort, so when we dyed it, we didn't get very dark colors. In fact, most of what I ended up dyeing looks remarkably like Easter eggs. They're pretty, but not necessarily colors I'd have picked if I had purchased them.

I decided that since I'd made the investment (both financial and in dyeing time), I should suck it up and make something with it. I drove myself crazy, figuring out square footage of fabric and trying to calculate what size rug I could hook with it. I eventually decided on something much smaller than I had fabric for, and drew it up myself. I think I even showed you the photos of it after I started it last spring (too lazy to go back to find that blog post, sorry).

Anyway...while happily spinning yesterday afternoon, I finally opened and watched the video I purchased from Deanne Fitzpatrick last winter. It was, as I expected, just wonderful. It was like having a visit with Deanne in her studio (only I didn't get to chat with her and eat some of those delicious oat cakes she baked for us when I was there a couple of years ago, sigh). Her use of colors and textures just makes my heart soar. I love how free she is.

Meanwhile, back to my little mat...after watching the video, I decided I pretty much couldn't stand what I started and wished I had the courage to take it off the frame and give it up. I slept on it, and decided this morning that what it needed was something that popped...so I found some 100% wool in a lovely teal color and started outlining. I think I helps...what do you think?

11 comments:

Sassafras and Winterberry said...

I like the teal. Even though the colors are not as prim as you might like, they are pretty and the flower works. Sometimes it's just good to experiment with different color schemes...don't you think?
Courtney

Unknown said...

those look like san fransisco colours! i'm beeing drawn more and more to the quieter shades but still love that contradsting pop.

Kim said...

I love it. Its funky and unexpected. I think its good to work outside our comfort zone once in awhile.
And yes, Deanne's oat cakes are yummy. I'm lucky enough to be able to pop in at least once a week and there is usually some kind of treat. (Last week it was lemon cake)

Taos Sunflower said...

Courtney: thanks for weighing in. I agree with you and Kim, it probably is really good to work outside my comfort zone.

Taos Sunflower said...

Shawn: I've been planning to write you about your trip. Oh, how I have enjoyed your photos and postings. Thanks for pronouncing those San Francisco colors, that will help see me through to the finish line!

Taos Sunflower said...

Hi Kim: OMG! I'm so envious that you can just pop into Deanne's when you feel like it. I hope one day to get back. Maybe I can twist your arm into meeting me at that Tim Horton's down the street for coffee and doughnuts!

Ter'e said...

YIPPIE SKIPPIE! YIPPIE SKIPPIE!!!!!! I am so thrilled to see you are posting. This is better than Christmas!!!!! Can't wait to get the time to settle and read.
Sending you a huge hug! So happy to see your little fingers playing with the keyboard again.

Taos Sunflower said...

Ter'e: I sent you an e-mail a while back, thanking you for kicking me in the fanny about the blog...and see? I started posting again! I missed you all too much, in the end. :0) XXXX

RuthieJ said...

I love the colors Martie. Can't wait to see more of your creation.

Anonymous said...

Yes, I know about having to suck it up. I say, "If I don't do it, it'll never get done."

Kim said...

Hey Martie, Absolutely! I have already bumped into another blogging while visiting Deannes. Next time you get this way we will make it happen :)