a summer finish

With a deadline of April 2019, I surged ahead to finish this piece anyway. 

Many of you may be aware of the project undertaken in New Brunswick, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of L'église historique de Barachois which will be celebrated in 2019. They are looking for 200 hooked cushions to line the pews of the church. The timing is also tied in with the World Acadian Congress in 2019, with celebrations happening in summer 2019.  The 2019 WAC theme is « la Mer Rouge qui nous rassemble » ( "The Red Sea, which unites us").

I love New Brunswick and have visited this unique, beautiful church in the past for a rug hooking exhibit. It will be an amazing display of hooked cushions from, literally, around the world. If you want more information or would like to see some of the completed pieces, visit the group's Facebook page. There are specific dimensions provided for the cushions to fit the space, so it's important to register with the organizers and get the details. 

You'll see that I took the Congress theme and used it for inspiration. Once hooked, I began the process of making my piece into a cushion. 

Here's the finished project....

Across the top it says "la mer rouge" and across the bottom, "the red sea". The strait between NB and PEI is referred to as the red sea because the red dirt eroding into the waters sometimes lends it a reddish tinge. You'll see that I've exaggerated that! One of the wools i used was even named "PEI Dirt". Nice to find a use for those wools that never seem to get used. 

This was a lot of fun to work on, and I'm excited to deliver it in person this August! I'm really looking forward to seeing some of the other finished cushions. They still need more cushion donations, so if you're a hooker go to that Facebook page and sign up! You have until next April to complete and deliver a cushion, and to be a part of this amazing rug hooked endeavour!

1, 2, 3.... Go!

Reporting in with progress on the #18in2018 challenge. I have completed three UFOs so far, admittedly easy ones. I thought it would be good to give myself a boost of confidence by starting with a few that wouldn't take too long. Yup, that's the official word. Really I wanted to do the projects I was most interested in doing, and liked the idea of almost-instant reward. I'll admit it. Regardless, three finishes. 

I have before and after pics on my phone. But my phone is acting up.... don't get me started. So I have "after" pics here, taken with my camera. You'll just have to trust me. 

You did see the pile of tshirts, so this one can't be argued. Here's the finished (sort of) crocheted rag rug. Before I go further, let me assure you that these tshirts were all past their prime: stains or small holes or otherwise unwearable. Couldn't be donated. I saved them for a while, cut them up (there are instructions available online) and crocheted away. I only say it's "sort of" finished because it wasn't really enough material to make a full rug. When I have more available, I can add to this though so I'm calling it finished for now. The pile of tshirts is gone, and that's what counts. Beautiful it is not. Fun and functional, it is. 

Next up were two rugs that were finished being hooked long ago, but had never been whipped (the edges unfinished). Now they are. And now I'm shaking my head at how ridiculous it is that it took years (years!) for me to get around to it. Admittedly, I am far more fond of whipping rug edges now that I was years ago, so that's why this happened. One has already been put up, and the other is ready for its premiere next Christmas (ahem). 

I've even started #4. Though it might not be the 4th finish, as I'm planning on changing gears tomorrow. We'll see what's next to be reported. I'll try to get the before pics in order for the next batch. 

So that's it, folks. #3in2018 completed so far. Not bad for January 7th. 

And how are you doing with finishing some UFOs in 2018? 

#18in2018: A Twist

I may hate myself for this...or at the very least, kick myself. 

#18in2018 is a thing. Officially. And I'm adding a twist. Not only will there be 18 fibre projects completed in 2018. That's do-able, that's only one more than this year, and frankly I did far more than 17 this year. So I figured I needed a challenge. Here's where the kick comes in, literally and figuratively. I will find, with no problem, 18 UFOs (unfinished objects/projects) to dig out, figure out, and finish. Yup, I'm making 2018 the year of extreme punishment. 

What led to this insanity? I finished my Christmas projects early. I blame that. So I decided to clean my studio (fancy word for the extra bedroom where I make stuff). In doing so, I discovered quite a number of projects that I had forgotten about, ahem. 

So this pile of old tshirts on the floor? A crocheted rug waiting to happen. I best get to that one soon, since it's literally a pile on the floor! 

A basket full of yarn with patterns that haven't been knitted. What you can't see is the applique quilt in the bottom (what was I thinking?). That will be a doozy. 

Two rugs to be whipped, including a Christmas rug which was finished, um, 4 or 5 years ago (?) and hasn't ever been out for Christmas because it's not whipped. One queen size quilt to hand quilt. Pillows to be made. Oh ya, it's going to be a busy year. 

And that's just what I left out in plain sight. 

So, who thinks I can do it? Anyone up to the challenge? If not, you can follow along with my angst right here. Before and after pics will hopefully be shared throughout this joyous journey. 

Is it a leap year? Dang, it's not. 

Christmas in the Making

Ah yes, the making for Christmas has begun! And it's about flippin' time... it's amazing how the end of November creeps up on me. 

So far I've made a Christmas runner and wreath for the door. For myself. Hhhhmmm, that's a problem. 

Now on to gifts.... wish this mitten would magically duplicate itself. It took quite a few hours but this thrummed mitten is delicious to wear I have to say (pattern and materials by Fleece Artist), because yes it's important for me to try it on repeatedly during the making process. I might even wear it around the house beacuse it's that yummy. I'll likely be making both myself and Smidge a pair as well, in the next century or two. For now though this pair, once it becomes a pair (#%#&$), will be gifted to a special family member who for now shall remain nameless because who knows if she'll read this? :)

And finally, I'm still hooking when I can carve out a few minutes. I have to say it's rather fun to do a summer scene in November. Just zone out and focus on the piece, and POOF you're right there and not really in the midst of damp, dull November. Dang, there you are November, back in your grey splendourishness. Somehow this pic didn't capture my swimmer, but you'll see more of this rug next time (designed by Deanne Fitzpatrick). I've challenged myself to use nothing but leftover strips to hook this one - I've made it so far! 

I'm also prepping materials for Smidgie's upcoming Gingerbread Party. She's invited seven friends and we'll be making Christmas crafts, playing games and decorating/eating gingerbread. Yes, I'm a lunatic. It's on the 11th - you can sit at your own comfortable, calm and cheerful home and chuckle endlessly. 

Enjoy your Christmas in the making!

#14 & #15

Not even mid-November and I've completed #15 in my quest to complete #16in2016 fibre projects! One is a rag quilt for a new wee one in the family - pics after Christmas (groan, I know....sorry). 

But I can share with you a commissioned piece which was completed yesterday! My client wanted a red canoe pulled up on shore in a typical Canadian lake setting. So I started with some sketching, and created a pattern for some of the elements, but as you'll see my patterns are not thorough or set in stone.

After tracing through my large window, I had even less detail on my linen. 

Hooked in little bits of time here and there... made some adjustments... well lots of adjustments to be honest! 

And the final product will be delivered tomorrow. Here is (insert drum roll here) "Red Canoe". The owner is a visual artist, so fingers crossed that the rug is close to what she envisioned and has wanted for her home!

Update: The rug has been delivered and the client is very happy! She even changed her mind about where the rug will live in her home. Phew!