I noticed all the beautiful hooked wool rugs in the primitive shops last spring. I found them so appealing (the designs, not the prices!) Even if I could afford to buy the rugs already made, I’d be missing out on the satisfaction of having done it myself. Once again, many colors of natural fibers, how fun! They had to be simple to make once I knew how.

     I began my quest to learn this art at the library of course. Thankfully, our library stocked the perfect book for beginners: Hooked Rugs, by Ann Davies and Emma Tennant. There wasn’t much to read about the procedure. It seemed too simple to be true. The materials and tools perplexed me, however, as everything was unfamiliar territory. Our local Jo Ann Fabrics carried no rug hooking supplies whatsoever! I searched online and became overwhelmed at the choices and price ranges. However, I decided to take one step at a time and chose my pattern first of all. A rug measuring 36” X 45.” Twenty colorful squares outlined in black with a black star in the middle of each. I’m not one to fool around with dinky samplers in order to learn and then progress to what I really want to make. I prefer to cut to the chase and just DO IT! Next I would have to have a wooden frame. Although some people have success using quilt hoops, I knew better. My capable hubby whipped up a lovely LARGE frame for my LARGE project. I planned on securing the fabric with thumb tacks temporarily. Now what?

      The next week held a scheduled field trip out of town to WV’s own Fenton Glass factory. On the way we passed a quaint looking little shop called The Woolen Willow. Hmmm… Wonder what they sell?? I vowed to stop on the way back. Later in the parking lot, I nestled the kids in the car with their sack lunches and went in the store to experience “Rug Hooker’s Heaven!” Thank you God! Two very sweet and helpful gals not only demonstrated how to hook, but showed me everything that I would need to do it. I ended up buying Monk’s cloth (you can’t buy this type at our Jo Ann’s) rather than linen because I liked the nice even weave. I got a small hook for $6. I was also shown how to quickly rip and cut strips of wool fabric for my project. There was a huge bin of scrap wool which they offered by the sack-full for only $25. Lastly, I discovered that the frame my husband had made was a tad bit too LARGE and I noted the design of their hooking frames so that we could make some adjustments. Although it was a bit pricey (around $30,) I also splurged on some gripper strips for the edges of my frame. I left the shop a very inspired “hooker-to-be!”

      Well, that was six months ago. I’ve still not progressed much on my rug, but it sure is fun and relaxing when I do make the time to sit down and hook. This year’s ballet schedule gives me a little extra time to sit and watch the girls, so I keep my hands busy on my rug at the same time. For my  birthday last week, Hubby took the time to make the alterations to my frame and we applied the gripper strips (a VERY wise investment!)

Now back to homeschooling! "All things in moderation"…that’s the key to making time for “everything” you want to do!