tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54524586248276643922024-03-13T12:38:17.113-04:00Kris Miller from Spruce Ridge StudiosMy adventures in wool....from raising fiber animals to rug hooking!Kris Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11951831571007880321noreply@blogger.comBlogger535125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452458624827664392.post-41177923519591321252021-04-30T17:23:00.000-04:002021-04-30T17:23:57.150-04:00Maryland Sheep and Wool Virtual Festival<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XdYCDsrOuqY/YIxgta4W1II/AAAAAAAAD5I/mcrmNi5KWOAI-oRJwzQaEPM71jEQHntvACNcBGAsYHQ/s332/Spruce%2BRidge%2BStudios%253AMDSW%2B2021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="280" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XdYCDsrOuqY/YIxgta4W1II/AAAAAAAAD5I/mcrmNi5KWOAI-oRJwzQaEPM71jEQHntvACNcBGAsYHQ/w338-h400/Spruce%2BRidge%2BStudios%253AMDSW%2B2021.JPG" width="338" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>The Spruce Ridge Studios booth at the 2019 Maryland Sheep & Wool </b></span><b style="font-family: georgia;">Festival</b><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>The Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival is always the first week-end of May and something that I always look forward to. This year the festival will take place virtually and Spruce Ridge Studios will be participating! I will have a "Festival" special and an exclusive decorative pillow for sale on Saturday and Sunday. Here is a link to the vendors (but you can't use it until Saturday):</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://sheepandwool.org/partners/vendors/" target="_blank">https://sheepandwool.org/partners/vendors/</a></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Please note that the marketplace/vendors will go live on Saturday around 8:30 am. So you won't be able to see much until then...but if you were attending the festival in person, you would not have access to the vendors until 8:30 am when the gates opened on Saturday anyway! I think that's part of the fun!</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>There were many new patterns added to my website over the past year...including two new pattern collections! I am proud to be representing the artwork of Robin Leuschen as rug hooking patterns. I have always loved her whimsical, wonderful designs and I could see a hooked rug in each one. I can't wait to start hooking my first "Robin" rug! There are so many wonderful patterns to choose from...but I think I really like "Just Keep Swimming"...oh wait! I love her little snowman in a snow globe too....or what about the turkey design...or the "Farmhouse Christmas?" I can see my summer is going to be busy hooking away!</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>I have also taken over drawing the patterns for Red House Wool Studio/Cathy Greschner. I have always been a fan of her Orange Sink blog and her lovely designs, so I was quite honored when Cathy decided to turn the sharpie marker over to me and enjoy her retirement!</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>I do hope you'll shop the Maryland Sheep & Wool Marketplace...look for my virtual page and check out my website. I plan on shopping too! I've had my eye on some yarns that are just delicious. I think it's important to support the other small businesses, especially now. The pandemic is not quite over yet and I know that every small business needs a little extra support until they can get back out on the road again.</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>See you tomorrow!</b></span></p>Kris Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11951831571007880321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452458624827664392.post-31817961158152716182021-04-11T13:59:00.001-04:002021-04-11T13:59:50.243-04:00More progress on Notforgotten Flowers<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qOTFnD6vp6w/YHMzth92PPI/AAAAAAAAD4o/UuMEePKeL0IRCx2Tq7u6oPVWNekjD2T8wCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2007" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qOTFnD6vp6w/YHMzth92PPI/AAAAAAAAD4o/UuMEePKeL0IRCx2Tq7u6oPVWNekjD2T8wCNcBGAsYHQ/w393-h400/IMG_2641.jpg" width="393" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Notforgotten Flowers</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Design by Lori Brechlin/Adapted by Spruce Ridge Studios</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Hooking by Kris Miller</b></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Just one more leaf to go and then it's all background! </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>I used a lot of textures and values of gray but threw in some gray blues and that wonderful pink and gray herringbone for the flower on the far right. It's more of a salmon pink, or maybe a brick pink. The scalloped leaf on the lower right was outlined with a gray herringbone and then filled with a grayish windowpane plaid. It had a lot of cream lines in it and I picked out the strips that were mostly creamy and just hooked the gray strips. Much to my surprise, the gray hooked up looking a little pink too, so it is friends with the flower above it. A match made in primitive, neutral heaven.</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Do you love to hook background as much as I do? I know some people do not but I find it very relaxing and rhythmic. It doesn't require a lot of thought so I find it perfect to work on while watching a movie or a program on Netflix. I don't normally hook squiggles into the background, rather I just echo around the shapes, like the ripples a stone makes when it's dropped in the water. However there are a few squarish shapes...I call them "blocks"... and if I continued to echo around those they would not look like they had any movement. Just a big old blob. A few squiggly lines hooked there should break up the area.</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>I am so happy with this color plan and honestly, I think it is my favorite version so far. Isn't it funny how a dumb drawing mistake ended up being such a great learning experience and such a fun rug!</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>You can find the pattern here (no drawing mistakes, I guarantee it!):</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/not-forgotten-flowers-24-x-24/" target="_blank">https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/not-forgotten-flowers-24-x-24/</a><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></p>Kris Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11951831571007880321noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452458624827664392.post-7758334041048627462021-04-02T12:49:00.000-04:002021-04-02T12:49:21.225-04:00Notforgotten Flowers update<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y0Gm_6tHudg/YGdHHs9ApzI/AAAAAAAAD4c/LV_6gX_CwdQkcnhCEHd0mlqTeYdWhm4VgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y0Gm_6tHudg/YGdHHs9ApzI/AAAAAAAAD4c/LV_6gX_CwdQkcnhCEHd0mlqTeYdWhm4VgCNcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_2609.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Lots of progress on my neutral color plan for Notforgotten Flowers!</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>I started calling this the "Goldilocks" rug because I've hooked in certain textures/values and then ripped them out again. Several times! </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Too dark, too bright, just right!</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>You can see in the picture that half of the gray petal of the big tulip is outlined in taupe. I left it that way temporarily to show you the difference between outlining vs. not outlining. I think that the photo shows the outline just a bit too bold. In real life, it looks more like a soft transition between the light gray and dark gray. I really like the way the outline looks so I'm going to go ahead and hook the rest of it.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>The large oak leaf was fun to color plan. It also needed to be outlined and I think the light gray was just the right touch. I'm not sure if I'm going to use the leaf texture again. It is sort of a wait-and-see situation. </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Next up is hooking the flower on the right. I need to get that completed before I finish up with the leaves.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Have a great week-end and a beautiful, blessed Easter!</b></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></p>Kris Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11951831571007880321noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452458624827664392.post-84792926451859296622021-03-29T10:33:00.000-04:002021-03-29T10:33:41.260-04:00Rug of the Day - Notforgotten Flowers<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rUUNkuiINIo/YGHYIwC0S_I/AAAAAAAAD38/29TuwpzjBrgUaB6Q8clkYVYTtZzAIKI3QCNcBGAsYHQ/s1680/Not%2BForgotten%2BFlowers%2BSample.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1680" data-original-width="1643" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rUUNkuiINIo/YGHYIwC0S_I/AAAAAAAAD38/29TuwpzjBrgUaB6Q8clkYVYTtZzAIKI3QCNcBGAsYHQ/w391-h400/Not%2BForgotten%2BFlowers%2BSample.JPG" width="391" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">Notforgotten Flowers</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">Design by Lori Brechlin/Notforgotten Farm, adapted by Spruce Ridge Studios/Kris Miller</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>I hooked this fun, cheery mat many years ago when I first started adapting Lori's artwork into rug hooking patterns. Now flash forward to 2021....</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jMvhEVWAMLs/YGHbsRYRT0I/AAAAAAAAD4E/xpclfT07cIoEaupjzN9zSL_s2myeoj7MACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jMvhEVWAMLs/YGHbsRYRT0I/AAAAAAAAD4E/xpclfT07cIoEaupjzN9zSL_s2myeoj7MACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_2554.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>A customer had ordered the larger size of Notforgotten Flowers and as I was drawing it, I made not one, but two stupid mistakes.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>I have been drawing patterns for over 20 years....I could probably draw them with my eyes closed! haha! I am quite picky about having them straight so when I am drawing the outside border line, I always try to use a very fresh Sharpie with a nice sharp point. When the tip starts to jump the ditch, I know it's time to switch to a new marker. Sometimes a slub in the linen or a piece of lint will make the pen jump too. If the overdraw is just a small line, I feel there is no harm done. I correct the jumped line and keep going. I think we all understand that it happens sometimes and it doesn't affect the outcome. </b><b>But when I drew out this pattern, my Sharpie jumped badly. In two spots. I tried to correct and made it worse. I thought it looked sloppy and I just could not send this pattern to the customer. So I drew another one that was pretty and perfect and without blemish.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Now, I will tell you that I HATE to waste linen. It is expensive. What was I going to do with this imperfect pattern? My choices were to discount the pattern price and sell it as an "oops" or to turn it over and draw a different pattern on the other side just for myself. But wait! I started thinking that I could hook this pattern again...but in all soft neutral tones. A little challenge to myself since I had already hooked the small version in a colorful palette. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>I think I mentioned this in a previous blog post, but I started gathering up some textures that I considered "neutral," piled them up on my work table, and let them "stew" for a few days. I would walk by and glance at them throughout the day. Sometimes I'd find another piece of wool that I thought would work and threw it in the pile. Other times, I would eliminate a piece that would somehow seem out of place or just didn't catch my fancy anymore. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w2pMuLrKZAM/YGHfELJ6VeI/AAAAAAAAD4M/DSLtI_F5fmMlod9AVsTFcMvGD6prPlkVwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w2pMuLrKZAM/YGHfELJ6VeI/AAAAAAAAD4M/DSLtI_F5fmMlod9AVsTFcMvGD6prPlkVwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_2553.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>This is what my pile looked like. I had three piles for the three flowers in the pattern and there are multiple leaves to color plan too. The dark taupe-like texture that is scrunched up at the top of the picture was a candidate for the background, but I realized later that it was not dark enough for what my vision of the background should be, so I used it to hook the flower pot. A nice dark chocolate brown is working great for my background.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Even as I have been hooking, I have pulled some wool out and switched it to a different texture. But I think I am still on track with my goal to keep my mat in the neutral "neighborhood."</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wtG8e0ASAcg/YGHhXitXYqI/AAAAAAAAD4U/JMlhAXd_xFokxLe_w2g2Q5DmlVqaJGN-gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wtG8e0ASAcg/YGHhXitXYqI/AAAAAAAAD4U/JMlhAXd_xFokxLe_w2g2Q5DmlVqaJGN-gCNcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_2601.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Here is the start of my rug and I am very happy with the progress so far! I am outlining all the objects with one row of my chocolate brown texture. This holds the shapes in place and gives me a good idea of how the background works with my other color choices. I am considering another brown texture to mix with my chocolate brown but will try it out later when I am hooking the rest of my background. I am so focused on hooking the flowers and leaves so I don't want to lose that mojo by filling in background right now. Stay tuned!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>You can find the small pattern for Notforgotten Flowers here:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/not-forgotten-flowers-18-x-18/" target="_blank">https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/not-forgotten-flowers-18-x-18/</a><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>and here is the link for the larger pattern, which I am working on now:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/not-forgotten-flowers-24-x-24/" target="_blank">https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/not-forgotten-flowers-24-x-24/</a><br /></b></div><b><br /></b></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><b><br /></b></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span> </p>Kris Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11951831571007880321noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452458624827664392.post-20372577212516811032021-03-22T18:28:00.001-04:002021-03-22T23:44:07.607-04:00Rug of the Day - Matilda Hornbuckle<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UJ1g_EOQRPQ/YFkTi62fGNI/AAAAAAAAD30/KsnrUN8_gd0Ua1uzjBMMrNnJ0jkrS1qkACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Matilda%2BHornbuckle%2Bsample.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1588" data-original-width="2048" height="310" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UJ1g_EOQRPQ/YFkTi62fGNI/AAAAAAAAD30/KsnrUN8_gd0Ua1uzjBMMrNnJ0jkrS1qkACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h310/Matilda%2BHornbuckle%2Bsample.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Matilda Hornbuckle</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Hooked by Kris Miller</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>A Notforgotten Farm/Lori Brechlin design, adapted by Spruce Ridge Studios</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Here is the adorable Matilda Hornbuckle! She was my unfinished project that I mentioned in my last post...I had some background to hook in and I had not completed her face. As is often the case, once her cute little face was completed, I had a smiling and mischievous friend looking back at me! She really made me happy and the rest of the hooking was a snap!</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>When I hooked the shoe, I pulled up some scrap pieces of wool (just a tail and then another tail) to mark the spot where I wanted to sew the shoe buttons after my mat was steamed. I could have hooked them but I have a small collection of old shoe buttons just for this occasion. I think they add just a bit more whimsy to my mat.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>I had quite a collection of light colored, textured left-over pieces so I promised myself that I would cut up, mix up, and use those scraps instead of cutting into a new piece of wool. It's pretty strange how you can plan to do that and still have a bunch of scraps left over when you are done hooking. </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>This little mat is a fun, quick project. She could be displayed all year round and not just in the Fall or around Halloween. I'm going to smile every time I see her!</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>You can find the pattern here:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/matilda-hornbuckle-18-25-x-14/" target="_blank">https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/matilda-hornbuckle-18-25-x-14/</a><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><br /> <p></p>Kris Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11951831571007880321noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452458624827664392.post-31394633302014495022021-03-12T14:48:00.001-05:002021-03-13T01:29:22.409-05:00Rug Of The Day Update-First Heavy Snow<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oEbhvlrJRc4/YEvDHnGNDtI/AAAAAAAAD3g/PfiRoyq43pYpKGKe0A4lCU8NEm_dbysggCNcBGAsYHQ/s3366/IMG_2559.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="3366" height="111" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oEbhvlrJRc4/YEvDHnGNDtI/AAAAAAAAD3g/PfiRoyq43pYpKGKe0A4lCU8NEm_dbysggCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h111/IMG_2559.jpg" width="400" /></b></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>First Heavy Snow</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Designed by Cabin Creek Designs/Faye Schilling</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Hooked by Kris Miller</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>I have been trying to wrap up some unfinished projects and here is one of them. I just hooked the last loop on Monday night...it's not steamed yet but will be soon. Then I'll bind the edges with the crochet finish, using the same Christmas plaid in the border. </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>This was so much fun to hook! I think my favorite part was figuring out how to dress up the snow people. I can't wait to hang it up next winter when the snow starts to fly. In the meantime, I've got another UFO (unfinished object) on my frame....mostly just hooking the background but oh how I love hooking backgrounds!!!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>You can find the First Heavy Snow pattern here:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/first-heavy-snow-49-5-x-12-5/" target="_blank">https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/first-heavy-snow-49-5-x-12-5/</a><br /></b></span></div> <p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>I know most of you don't want to think about snow, now that the weather is warmer and the flowers are starting to poke their sleepy little heads through the dirt, but I think I could hook winter patterns all year round because they are so much fun!</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Have a great week-end!</b></span></p>Kris Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11951831571007880321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452458624827664392.post-43269812743059644332021-02-25T14:31:00.000-05:002021-02-25T14:31:02.664-05:00Rug Of The Day - Puddle Duck<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o6Acfg8eebg/YDf31XNuYOI/AAAAAAAAD3M/sFFx46I1oGwn79nAPOcOJclclFaxICPiQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1350/Puddle%2BDuck%2Bwatermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="940" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o6Acfg8eebg/YDf31XNuYOI/AAAAAAAAD3M/sFFx46I1oGwn79nAPOcOJclclFaxICPiQCNcBGAsYHQ/w279-h400/Puddle%2BDuck%2Bwatermarked.jpg" width="279" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Puddle Duck</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>PJ Rankin-Hults design, rug hooking pattern adapted by Spruce Ridge Studios</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Here is a totally adorable design that is in my pattern queue to be hooked very soon. I have always thought that this would be really cute hanging in a nursery or in a child's bedroom and now that I have 2 grandchildren, I want to hook it! It should be a very simple and straight-forward color plan...I think I'll stick close to the colors in Pam's artwork but I still have to figure out a background. This pattern should be a quick hook because it is only 12" x 18". I'm going to pull out some textures and see what speaks to me. Sometimes I pile or stack them on my worktable and let them "stew" awhile. By that I mean that I'll walk by and take a glance at the the pile, sometimes I rearrange the order of the colors or pull one out and add another. It gives me time to think and plan. This one shouldn't take too long to speak to me.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>I have another pattern, too, in which I made a drawing boo-boo and instead of scrapping it or discounting it, I decided to challenge myself and hook it...I'm going to keep that sort of a mystery for now because the color plan and hooking would make a good blog post...so stay tuned and I'll walk you through it someday soon.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>You can find the Puddle Duck pattern here:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/puddle-duck-12-x-18/" target="_blank">https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/puddle-duck-12-x-18/</a><br /></b></span></div><br /> <p></p>Kris Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11951831571007880321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452458624827664392.post-62286967682688571402021-01-28T17:53:00.004-05:002021-01-28T20:08:50.899-05:00Rug of the Day - Have Ye Any Wool<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P-CYNDaOr2o/YBMzrcfFaII/AAAAAAAAD2U/Jl8fMDBuofMrfq9_rygih0yDHmJIl-YIgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1210/Have%2BYe%2BAny%2BWool%2Bby%2BKris%2BMiller.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1210" data-original-width="1119" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P-CYNDaOr2o/YBMzrcfFaII/AAAAAAAAD2U/Jl8fMDBuofMrfq9_rygih0yDHmJIl-YIgCNcBGAsYHQ/w370-h400/Have%2BYe%2BAny%2BWool%2Bby%2BKris%2BMiller.JPG" width="370" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Have Ye Any Wool</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Designed and hooked by Kris Miller/Spruce Ridge Studios (c) 2009</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>I just finished watching all 7 episodes of All Creatures Great and Small on PBS. I don't know why the PBS app let me watch all seven shows before they have aired entirely on TV, but I couldn't help myself but binge watch all of them. </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>I have never read the books but I have been to "James Herriot" country, the Yorkshire Dales, 3 times so I was anxious to see the beautiful scenery portrayed on screen. When you are there, it is so beautiful that you feel like you could be looking at a postcard...it seems almost unreal and you just can't fathom that you are actually there and seeing it for yourself. A "pinch-me" moment at every turn of the head. </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yyJMRlQbKt0/YBM3zOFOiLI/AAAAAAAAD2g/lxlbZcCkWkk6WMcEL84GK3_5Lgm9ciBXwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6636.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yyJMRlQbKt0/YBM3zOFOiLI/AAAAAAAAD2g/lxlbZcCkWkk6WMcEL84GK3_5Lgm9ciBXwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_6636.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SaAGZucad4g/YBM32D7GTqI/AAAAAAAAD2k/cNJK3uGOAhghe2_Z9FFwtcxCtEn8dFkQgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6440.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SaAGZucad4g/YBM32D7GTqI/AAAAAAAAD2k/cNJK3uGOAhghe2_Z9FFwtcxCtEn8dFkQgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_6440.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>The TV series is charming and gave me the warm fuzzies. It has animals, of course, but deals so much more with human emotion and the feeling of belonging and togetherness. I can't wait for Season 2!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>All of this reminds me of my Have Ye Any Wool pattern. I designed the rug for a workshop where we learned various techniques but the rug has a much more personal meaning behind it. The sheep is inspired by my pet Wensleydale sheep, Emma. Wensleydale sheep originate in the Yorkshire Dales and they are beautiful creatures. I was fortunate enough to visit a farm that raised Wensleydale sheep. You might have heard me talk about Emma...she was seriously a sheep with a queen-like attitude and so full of antics! However, it is not Emma's fleece that I have hooked into my rug but Mikko, my pet Finn sheep that crossed over the rainbow bridge at an early age and I used his roving to commemorate his short life in this rug.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>The goat is inspired by my beloved goat, Zack. I don't have any chickens but I thought a rooster should be up at the top...it gave me the excuse to use some fabulous black and white, honey-comb textured wool. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>This design is the classic folk art of stacked animals but made extra personal because I portrayed some of my very special creatures in the pattern.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>You can find the pattern here:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/have-ye-any-wool-25-25-x-27-2/" target="_blank">https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/have-ye-any-wool-25-25-x-27-2/</a><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><br /></b></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Kris Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11951831571007880321noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452458624827664392.post-38601925397416268392021-01-25T15:49:00.001-05:002021-01-25T15:59:48.812-05:00Pattern of the Day - Basket of Hearts<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6SSNectRij0/YA8qn1Lzl2I/AAAAAAAAD2I/m-UcfWzq6Ksy479WEs2tMQtRZ3vowBZoQCNcBGAsYHQ/s563/Lori%2BBasket%2Bof%2BHearts%2Bwatermarked.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="440" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6SSNectRij0/YA8qn1Lzl2I/AAAAAAAAD2I/m-UcfWzq6Ksy479WEs2tMQtRZ3vowBZoQCNcBGAsYHQ/w313-h400/Lori%2BBasket%2Bof%2BHearts%2Bwatermarked.JPG" width="313" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Basket of Hearts</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Artwork by Lori Brechlin/Notforgotten Farm</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Pattern adapted for rug hooking by Spruce Ridge Studios</b></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>There are times when I am hooking on a project and I find myself overthinking the color plan for the design. I end up making things much more complicated than they need to be. Often this leads to frustration because I can't quite figure out what I'm going to do next. I have learned to stop and tell myself "you need to simplify!" By scaling back all the "busyness" and making things less fussy....keeping it simple...I find more creative satisfaction and joy in my project. </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>So! When I look at the Basket of Hearts pattern, I see lovely, sweet simplicity. You don't need to overthink the color plan. Just yummy shades of reds (hearts), greens (leaves) and browns (basket). I envision the background as being light because it gives a fresh, clean look. </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>If you want to switch up the hearts a bit, you could use some lovely plaids with pops of red, along with some textures in warm barn red. Use several values of greens for the leaves. You could use the darker green values for the leaves closer to the basket and then choose the lighter values for the leaves toward the top. </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>You could also use the basket-weave technique for the basket or eliminate the wicker lines all together and hook the name of your favorite Valentine in the middle of the basket. You are still keeping it simple but making it more personal.</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>The original size of the pattern is 20" x 26" but I had a friend who requested a larger size of 27" x 35" to fit a space in her house. I have to say that if I hooked this pattern, I definitely would do the larger one...terrific for those wide cuts! The smaller version is perfect for those of you who like a quicker project or smaller cuts of #6 and #8. However, I am a #8.5 girl and I'd find a way to work those cuts into the background somehow ! Haha!</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>You can find the smaller pattern here: <a href="https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/basket-hearts-20-x-26/" target="_blank">https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/basket-hearts-20-x-26/</a></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: georgia;">And the larger one here: </b><b style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/basket-hearts-27-x-35-large-size/" target="_blank">https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/basket-hearts-27-x-35-large-size/</a></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></p>Kris Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11951831571007880321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452458624827664392.post-32994671796640437152021-01-21T16:08:00.000-05:002021-01-21T16:08:01.130-05:00Pattern of the Day - Be Still My Heart<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rqh18Ol_ZzI/YAnopmkDeaI/AAAAAAAAD1w/KtAJ-sIn9-8Pr4Uga4rNxpE8k9_fJ2kpQCNcBGAsYHQ/s326/Be%2BStill%2BMy%2BHeart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="248" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rqh18Ol_ZzI/YAnopmkDeaI/AAAAAAAAD1w/KtAJ-sIn9-8Pr4Uga4rNxpE8k9_fJ2kpQCNcBGAsYHQ/w304-h400/Be%2BStill%2BMy%2BHeart.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Be Still My Heart</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Artwork by Lori Brechlin/Notforgotten Farm</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Rug hooking pattern adapted by Spruce Ridge Studios</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>This is a really darling design and a sweet, sentimental Valentine! I have seen it hooked up several times but I must not have saved the pictures because a search of my computer files does not come up with anything. I knew it had appeared in the ATHA magazine several times, too, but I could not put my hands on which issue (or issues) have featured it.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b> However, a Google search came up with the following link:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://farmhousenotforgotten.blogspot.com/2014/04/be-still-my-heart.html" target="_blank">https://farmhousenotforgotten.blogspot.com/2014/04/be-still-my-heart.html</a></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BffYHzhXac0/YAnqJXzVYaI/AAAAAAAAD18/GG973qmQTnYR2gTMFSuhc9ugK-82Bm6BACNcBGAsYHQ/s1024/DSCN9312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BffYHzhXac0/YAnqJXzVYaI/AAAAAAAAD18/GG973qmQTnYR2gTMFSuhc9ugK-82Bm6BACNcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/DSCN9312.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Lori wrote a really nice blog post in 2014 about the ATHA article and Marguerite Evans' rug. I love the plaid for the rabbit which easily creates "instant" fur, and also the soft plaid for the background which adds a lot of interest and movement. The rabbit's red dress is perfect and using red again in the lettering and the tulip moves the color around the rug. Wouldn't we all agree that red is THE perfect color for a Valentine!?!?</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>You can find the pattern here:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/be-still-my-heart-18-x-24/" target="_blank">https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/be-still-my-heart-18-x-24/</a><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Just a note: Marguerite was an exceptional and kind woman who loved the fellowship of rug camps and rug hooking. She passed away in 2015. It was an honor and a privilege to know her and see her wonderful rugs.</b></span></div> <p></p>Kris Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11951831571007880321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452458624827664392.post-18653986797520799012021-01-17T11:45:00.000-05:002021-01-17T11:45:26.981-05:00Pattern of the Day - A Bushel & Peck<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S62VIxOEQpM/YARgDeOO3BI/AAAAAAAAD1Q/BkNItvw-hGoleNHeBVHPPYPqDFk97iEPgCNcBGAsYHQ/s753/A%2BBushel%2Band%2BA%2BPeck%2B%2528Lori%2527s%2529%2Bsample.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="753" height="303" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S62VIxOEQpM/YARgDeOO3BI/AAAAAAAAD1Q/BkNItvw-hGoleNHeBVHPPYPqDFk97iEPgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h303/A%2BBushel%2Band%2BA%2BPeck%2B%2528Lori%2527s%2529%2Bsample.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A Bushel & A Peck (Lori's)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cross stitch by Lori Brechlin/pattern adapted for rug hooking by Spruce Ridge Studios</div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">I drew up this pattern for an order last week and I'll admit, I had forgotten how truly cute this design is. As is often the case when I am drawing out a pattern, I start color planning in my head and get pretty excited about the results.</p><p style="text-align: center;">This sweet little mat is 28" x 20" so the bird is drawn pretty big on the rug pattern...however if you are a wide-cut hooker, this is the perfect size to use your 8.5 and 9 cuts (bird and background).</p><p style="text-align: center;">I can envision a light background, maybe more parchment or creamy colors. My first reaction would be to hook the bird as a robin (our state bird) but after I thought about it for a few minutes, I think the colors of a bluebird would be really lovely! I would consider using a medium brown plaid or texture for the basket, and if you are feeling <i style="font-weight: bold;">really </i>creative, you could try the basket-weaving technique. I'd have lots of fun with the hearts...either several values of primitive reds...throw a couple of purple textures in there! Or maybe various shades of dirty primitive pink would look lovely if you hooked a robin.</p><p style="text-align: center;">The words are important but you don't want to upstage the bird and the basket so I would choose a soft brown or even a soft charcoal. </p><p style="text-align: center;">If you have hooked this design, please do let me know! I would love to see your version.</p><p style="text-align: center;">You can find the pattern here:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/a-bushel-and-a-peck-loris-28-x-20/" target="_blank">https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/a-bushel-and-a-peck-loris-28-x-20/</a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Lauren asked yesterday about my favorite plaid that was used in the Three Hearts kit, so here it is:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MATCjbhxGvw/YARoRwsYIeI/AAAAAAAAD1c/DUylY0s1xsQsxA9UsBpGxU6EgBjTsZWRgCNcBGAsYHQ/s533/Flowers-Friend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MATCjbhxGvw/YARoRwsYIeI/AAAAAAAAD1c/DUylY0s1xsQsxA9UsBpGxU6EgBjTsZWRgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/Flowers-Friend.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't remember what the original name of the plaid was, but I call it Flower's Friend and you can buy some here on my website:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/flowers-friend-14-yard/" target="_blank">https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/flowers-friend-14-yard/</a><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Kris Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11951831571007880321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452458624827664392.post-43014428063379992222021-01-15T14:48:00.000-05:002021-01-15T14:48:20.094-05:00Happy New Year and a new Rug Of The Day<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Happy New Year!</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>The holidays were busy here at our home. My grandson was weaned off his oxygen at the beginning of December which means more babysitting time for me. When you add in all the duties of Christmas, such as decorating, wrapping, cooking, baking, it meant that my blogging had to be set aside for a while. I also did quite a bit of knitting over the holidays. Knitting was my first fiber hobby that I took up, maybe at the age of 10 or so. It really feels good to get out the knitting needles and yarn every once in a while. It is soothing and meditative...and hey! I'm still using wool and textures and color!</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>But now it's back to rug hooking! Hooray!</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>I still have to take down some Christmas decorations but lately I've been really inspired by Valentine's Day. Somehow those little red hearts are <i>speaking</i> to my heart...and in contrast to that, I have been really inspired by all things white too. I know this is the way a lot of people feel at this time of year, but I have not always been so inspired by Valentine's Day. </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>So the next few blog posts are going to be either "Rug Of The Day" or "Pattern of the Day" with the theme of valentines, hearts, and spring.</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Three Hearts Kit</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TxEBl4aEXlc/YAHtHVEoqbI/AAAAAAAAD1A/dYtEDFIJ60oO2wwr66UwYYYcKLB28UNqQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Three%2BHearts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2029" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TxEBl4aEXlc/YAHtHVEoqbI/AAAAAAAAD1A/dYtEDFIJ60oO2wwr66UwYYYcKLB28UNqQCNcBGAsYHQ/w396-h400/Three%2BHearts.jpg" width="396" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>I created this kit a couple of years ago for a customer who was asking for a simple kit with hearts. Those of you who know me will smile when you see that I used my favorite plaid with colors of red, turquoise, and just a touch of gold. A lovely charcoal background makes the hearts sing! The wool is just a bit lighter on one side and darker on the other, so I mixed them all together and I didn't care which side was showing when I hooked it. This gave a subtle variation and movement to the background.</b></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>I really loved hooking this...one of those projects that practically hooks itself!</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>This would be a wonderful project for a beginner or a quick and fun project for the more experienced rug hooker. The mat is 10" x 10"... just the right size to use as a mat/hot pad for your favorite tea pot!</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>You can find the kit here, with the wool cut into #8 strips and a basic hook:</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/three-hearts-kit-new/" target="_blank">https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/three-hearts-kit-new/</a><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>If you would like a Three Hearts kit with uncut wool and linen pattern (no hook), please contact me through my website and I can put one together for you.</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /><br /></b></span></p>Kris Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11951831571007880321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452458624827664392.post-60693664151990691402020-11-29T14:01:00.001-05:002020-11-29T14:01:53.367-05:00Rug Of The Day - Joy<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zjf7_dd-mkc/X8PjyM1KY2I/AAAAAAAAD0M/fA7y7-hy7DEj5Zmgd9TLturg5iSif-l1gCNcBGAsYHQ/s636/Joy%2Bpix%2Bwatermarked.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="483" data-original-width="636" height="304" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zjf7_dd-mkc/X8PjyM1KY2I/AAAAAAAAD0M/fA7y7-hy7DEj5Zmgd9TLturg5iSif-l1gCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h304/Joy%2Bpix%2Bwatermarked.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Joy</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Designed and hooked by Kris Miller (c) 2005</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>"Tis the Season!" Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, it's time for all things Christmas. Christmas is really my favorite holiday. I love to decorate, I love to bake all kinds of goodies, I love Santa and evergreen trees and snow and shiny old ornaments.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>I have been decorating all weekend long! The little studio shop looks darling. I've set up my snowman collection in my dining area, decorated my own little Christmas tree with all my childhood ornaments, and set up my vintage Nativity scene (it's been in our family for 3 generations and I am happy and honored to be its current caretaker).</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>I thought I'd highlight my Joy design since Jo Wick recently posted her rug in a lovely setting. You can see it in her post here:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=3884658318219595&set=a.256237477728382" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=3884658318219595&set=a.256237477728382</a></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>I designed Joy as a project for the now defunct Country Marketplace magazine in 2005. I was doodling one day back then and came up with the design. I wanted a project that could be left out all winter long. Childhood memories were an inspiration. Oh, the joy I felt when I saw snowflakes falling! It meant sledding until your toes and fingers were numb, and then hot cocoa with marshmallows afterward!</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>I used a light gray herringbone for the snowflake. If you used white, it would end up being too bright for the rest of the rug. I liked the idea of using Christmas reds and greens but mixed a little gold in the side tabs for some variation. The background was a fabulous plaid of evergreen and red. It was not impressive to look at but when it was hooked, it was perfect! I call plaids like that "chameleons" because they might look a bit boring until they are hooked...they are the ugly ducklings that turn into beautiful swans!</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>This is a quick little project to hook because it is only 13" x 17" - just perfect for a table mat with all your other holiday decorations.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>You can find the pattern here:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/joy-13o-x-17o-2/" target="_blank">https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/joy-13o-x-17o-2/</a><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>I also have a limited amount of kits available here:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/joy-kit/" target="_blank">https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/joy-kit/</a><br /></b></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></p>Kris Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11951831571007880321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452458624827664392.post-8754489713663594892020-11-24T15:17:00.000-05:002020-11-24T15:17:15.962-05:00Rug of the Day - Old Tom<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gXHgTT0Loyo/X71kw-NRqqI/AAAAAAAADz0/Jf6DBQkEzOsQgmtjm6T-zjA5W13nHtIGwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Old%2BTom-K%2BMiller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1633" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gXHgTT0Loyo/X71kw-NRqqI/AAAAAAAADz0/Jf6DBQkEzOsQgmtjm6T-zjA5W13nHtIGwCNcBGAsYHQ/w319-h400/Old%2BTom-K%2BMiller.jpg" width="319" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Old Tom</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Adapted from the design of Lori Brechlin/Notforgotten Farm</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Hooked by Kris Miller</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Old Tom is a fun little rug for any time of year but it's perfect for this week. It measures 15" x 19.25" so it can be a fast project to hook. I hooked my mat in almost all #8.5 cuts. </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>I thought my Tom should have a little more of the "traditional" turkey colors so I found a scrap of blue/gray plaid that I used for his head. Then I used a plaid that I call "Spice Cake" for his wing and body. </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-3SyN3EjBI/X71mhkhXhII/AAAAAAAAD0A/6D1tXoVgVsk3vkX7pksJ8WjpRYocorP6gCNcBGAsYHQ/s519/Spice%2BCake.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="519" data-original-width="462" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-3SyN3EjBI/X71mhkhXhII/AAAAAAAAD0A/6D1tXoVgVsk3vkX7pksJ8WjpRYocorP6gCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/Spice%2BCake.jpeg" /></a></div><b>As you can see, there are bands of red running through the plaid, so I cut it in such a way so that there would be strips of red and strips of brown. I separated the two colors and used the red strips for Tom's wing and the body was hooked with the brown strips. I was a little sneaky and used a bit of the gold that was contained within the red for most of the outline around the wing. It gives the wing a bit more subtle definition.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Last year when I taught in Ocean City, MD, I was talking to my class about separating colors in plaids and mentioned how one could hook Old Tom with the Spice Cake plaid. I was holding up a quarter yard and Saundra Porter stood up and snatched it right out of my hand....we all had quite a laugh and it remains a wonderful warm memory of my class. And then I believe there was a mad rush to my wool table to find the Spice Cake plaid.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>PS: I have used it in rug borders and it has an equally wonderful look, even without the colors being separated.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>You can find the Old Tom pattern here:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/old-tom-15-x-19-25/" target="_blank">https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/old-tom-15-x-19-25/</a><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>You can find the Spice Cake plaid here:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/spice-cake-14-yard/" target="_blank">https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/spice-cake-14-yard/</a><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving holiday! Gobble Gobble!</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /><br /></b></span></div><br /><br /><p></p>Kris Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11951831571007880321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452458624827664392.post-22122289542035394842020-11-21T12:30:00.003-05:002020-11-21T13:29:39.848-05:00Rug Of The Day - First Heavy Snow<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Rug of the Day is back! Here's what is on my frame right now:</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pUDZQa_CYss/X7lEW9Y6jYI/AAAAAAAADzU/8yPtBJWoIJQRng_V6FUZrBLjg7P-aXfEQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2209.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1258" data-original-width="2048" height="246" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pUDZQa_CYss/X7lEW9Y6jYI/AAAAAAAADzU/8yPtBJWoIJQRng_V6FUZrBLjg7P-aXfEQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h246/IMG_2209.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>First Heavy Snow</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Designed by Faye Schilling/Cabin Creek Designs</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Available exclusively through Spruce Ridge Studios</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Hooking in progress by Kris Miller</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Every time I drew up this pattern for an order, I thought "Wow, this is SO cute...I need to hook this myself." Then, last week, someone posted a picture of their completed rug on Facebook and that was the tipping point for me.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7e-I92NLKwE/X7lFlZmYPwI/AAAAAAAADzg/iqpyFLoFtVkeJQNnIXbqmB6wmsMXSqNqACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2210.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7e-I92NLKwE/X7lFlZmYPwI/AAAAAAAADzg/iqpyFLoFtVkeJQNnIXbqmB6wmsMXSqNqACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_2210.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>I love how I can "dress up" each snowman (or lady!) in their own winter attire...it's so fun to decide on which textures would make the best knit hats and scarves! The best part is that each little hat or scarf doesn't take much wool so I can sort through my scraps and use up some of them without cutting into a big piece.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jtVzrNyfayk/X7lGOl9oKWI/AAAAAAAADzo/iKY13PpIsXU4mW9feI41XDvzNxttTlv4gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2211.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jtVzrNyfayk/X7lGOl9oKWI/AAAAAAAADzo/iKY13PpIsXU4mW9feI41XDvzNxttTlv4gCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_2211.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>I don't often do this when hooking a rug, but I started working on the border first and then decided to work from one end of the rug to the other. You see, I wanted to fool around with the border and try out a Christmas plaid that I had in stock. I have to admit, I wasn't convinced that I was going to like the way the plaid hooked, so I added one row of red and green beading to the first inside row, then I "auditioned" the Christmas plaid by hooking several rows next to the beading. When the plaid was cut into strips, it sort of gave me a selection of red strips and green strips so I made a plan in my head to stagger the red and green strips when they were hooked in rows next to each other. It dispersed the colors a bit better and made it more of a hit-or-miss kind of feel (whew, are you following me on this?). </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>So the verdict is in! I LOVE, LOVE the Christmas plaid and I'm going to keep the beading too. Sometimes there are places where the beading fades into the Christmas plaid but I love it that way and I'm not going to change a thing! So now it's on to the rest of the rug! </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>A few observations: </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Since there are many small details in this runner, I have had to use a wide variety of cuts. The border is #8.5 cuts, the background is #8.5 and #8 cuts, the snowmen are also a combination of #8.5 and #8 cuts. However, the carrot noses are a #6, as well as the stick arms, and the eyes are a #4 cut (I found a little bundle of #4 cut black strips that I had set aside - I have no idea why I cut them that small in the first place but they have come in handy now!)</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>I also have scraped together various shades of primitive "white" for the snowmen, since there are a bunch of them. I may do some outlining for the ones that overlap and I can repeat some of the lights. Three or four shades of "snow" is a good variety, I think.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>I have taken a little break from hooking since October...I picked up my knitting needles and I'm working on a blanket for my granddaughter and need to start knitting a Christmas stocking for my grandson. Sometimes my hooking urge becomes so great that I have to put down the knitting needles for a day or two, but with this wonderful variety of fiber arts, I will never be bored or regret having to stay at home. Bring on the first heavy snow!</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>You can find the First Heavy Snow here:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/first-heavy-snow-49-5-x-12-5/" target="_blank">https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/first-heavy-snow-49-5-x-12-5/</a><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>If you feel the runner is a bit too big, there is also a smaller pattern that features just three snowmen and a tree:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/first-heavy-snow-22-x-12-5/" target="_blank">https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/first-heavy-snow-22-x-12-5/</a><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>And you can find the marvelous Christmas plaid here:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/christmas-plaid-14-yard/" target="_blank">https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/christmas-plaid-14-yard/</a><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><b><br /></b></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><b><br /></b></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Kris Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11951831571007880321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452458624827664392.post-41915898868286099962020-10-04T17:22:00.001-04:002020-10-04T17:35:49.804-04:00Coming Soon! Shop Grand Opening and Tent Sale<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Just 6 days away! You are warmly invited to the Grand Opening of the Spruce Ridge Studios rug hooking shop and our Annual Tent Sale. If you haven't peeked at our 2020 Show & Travel Schedule (tab located at the top of the page), you might want to read about all the details for next Saturday, October 10th.</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Ken and I are in the final stages of putting the little shop together. The last minute paint touch ups and final construction details are being done today. This coming week will be the stocking of wool on shelves and patterns in bins and rearranging display pieces. If you are coming and would like to purchase a specific pattern, please send me a message or email before Friday so I can have your pattern waiting for you.</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YLJw6QO4p8s/X3o4Y8hvQKI/AAAAAAAADyk/4wB2z8A0mrs018vcV7m0cW6A9EYoglA2wCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2003.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YLJw6QO4p8s/X3o4Y8hvQKI/AAAAAAAADyk/4wB2z8A0mrs018vcV7m0cW6A9EYoglA2wCNcBGAsYHQ/w320-h240/IMG_2003.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Hope has approved the new flooring. She says it's really nice but it will be a lot more comfortable with a few hooked rugs put down there.</b></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ljR_ucN1xBg/X3o43lE3RFI/AAAAAAAADys/HsJkV8UpTxAwyy7CEahrSTFiS4iaT6q_ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2010.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ljR_ucN1xBg/X3o43lE3RFI/AAAAAAAADys/HsJkV8UpTxAwyy7CEahrSTFiS4iaT6q_ACNcBGAsYHQ/w320-h240/IMG_2010.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dLGSOOQJcpE/X3o46Pxym9I/AAAAAAAADyw/G1RiCH8bgSInjOyHRAFYfo6jKPiOl5lZgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2011.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dLGSOOQJcpE/X3o46Pxym9I/AAAAAAAADyw/G1RiCH8bgSInjOyHRAFYfo6jKPiOl5lZgCNcBGAsYHQ/w320-h240/IMG_2011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><b>Here's a few teasers of our decorating...we just couldn't resist putting a few fun treasures in place, especially the "up high" ones. Still lots of tweaking to be done but I like it so far!</b></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>The tent sale will be set up in our front yard. It's probably going to be a much smaller version of what we normally do but we are going to try to spread the tables out a bit more. We would like everyone to distance and wear masks...we can do this and be safe at the same time! Also just two shoppers allowed in the shop at one time but everyone will get their opportunity!</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>After October 10th, I will be scheduling regular shopping hours or you can also contact me and set up an appointment for the day or time that is convenient for you. </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>I am happy for this wonderful new adventure...the pandemic has changed so much of our rug hooking life. I miss the hook-ins and rug schools but at least you can still come and put your hands on all our lovely rug hooking goods!</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Hope to see you Saturday at 10 am sharp!</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>P.S. Forgot to mention that the weather will be gorgeous on Saturday!</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /><br /> </b></span></p>Kris Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11951831571007880321noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452458624827664392.post-76791394157808811582020-09-30T18:45:00.002-04:002020-09-30T21:03:44.295-04:00Rug Of The Day - Wool Witch<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dbAESiFD_ZM/X3UFVRDVmsI/AAAAAAAADyI/yKpCPKDUBHcfit5kDvZ4SWHZCADbEBdCQCNcBGAsYHQ/s533/Wool%2BWitch%2Binspiration%2Bby%2BLori%2BBrechlin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="533" height="358" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dbAESiFD_ZM/X3UFVRDVmsI/AAAAAAAADyI/yKpCPKDUBHcfit5kDvZ4SWHZCADbEBdCQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h358/Wool%2BWitch%2Binspiration%2Bby%2BLori%2BBrechlin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Wool Witch</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Designed and hooked by Lori Brechlin/Notforgotten Farm</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Pattern available through Spruce Ridge Studios</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>I can't think of a more darling pattern for a rug hooker to hook. Perhaps to adorn your studio or hooking room, or perhaps to gift to a special rug hooker in your life. We all love sheep and we all cherish our hooks...and don't we all create a little "witchy magic" while we are picking out colors and working our wool strips into the design? Our rugs come to life right before our eyes!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Lori was extra-playful when creating her rug by adding a little braid for the witch's hair and a ribbon with a jingle bell for the sheep's neck. The beauty and magic of rug hooking is making your rug personal to YOU and knowing that no two rugs will ever look the same. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>What I love about this design is the border! Oh my goodness! It adds energy to the rug and draws you in. I think it's clever that only the <u>corners</u> were done this way, with some dark in between. Of course, it's a great way to pull the colors from the center out to the edge. You could add a few other noodles that have been hanging around in your stash too. A great hit or miss incorporates the colors you used in your rug PLUS a few random strips of color that you didn't. The only other suggestion I have is that you would not want to put your lightest nor your darkest color in the hit or miss. Just a little "rule" that buzzes around in my head...</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>I know I didn't post for a while and I was surprised at how much time had gone by since my last Rug Of The Day. We had family visiting from out of town and it was my granddaughter's first birthday. We had a lovely picnic/party and we did wear masks and distanced as much as we could. She loves Peppa Pig so her mama's friend made a bright pink smash cake for her to have fun with.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qnp_pZxbqn4/X3UJQLNxSiI/AAAAAAAADyU/yvQ2upWk-fABK-FUde57IrP16gnHWdOxwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1974.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qnp_pZxbqn4/X3UJQLNxSiI/AAAAAAAADyU/yvQ2upWk-fABK-FUde57IrP16gnHWdOxwCNcBGAsYHQ/w240-h320/IMG_1974.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><b>I think my fingernails are still tinted pink from trying to help clean up afterward.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>You can find the Wool Witch pattern here:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/wool-witch-30-x-27-25/" target="_blank">https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/wool-witch-30-x-27-25/</a><br /></b></div></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></p>Kris Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11951831571007880321noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452458624827664392.post-74964327448872256282020-09-24T14:18:00.003-04:002020-09-25T00:43:14.501-04:00Rug Of The Day - Olde Hallow's Eve<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RHGjvQFM0ko/X2zeskfnYxI/AAAAAAAADxw/irjx1kyyudwbfOik0TDSiATfxZFgXGmOwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Olde%2BHallow%2527s%2BEve%2Bhooked%2Bby%2BK%2BMiller.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1994" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RHGjvQFM0ko/X2zeskfnYxI/AAAAAAAADxw/irjx1kyyudwbfOik0TDSiATfxZFgXGmOwCNcBGAsYHQ/w390-h400/Olde%2BHallow%2527s%2BEve%2Bhooked%2Bby%2BK%2BMiller.JPG" width="390" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Olde Hallow's Eve</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Adapted from the artwork of Lori Brechlin/Notforgotten Farm</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Hooked by Kris Miller</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Here is a really fun and simple rug to hook for Halloween! I only used three different wool textures....an orange plaid, the ever-popular reversible black stripe, and a speckle tweed that was ivory and black. You could use a light value of gray to get the same look for the wings.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>I decided to jazz up my mat by making some quillie circles and using them for spooky eyes on the pumpkin. I also wound some quillies in black and orange...I placed one in the big O at the top and then used two for the smaller dots between the letters at the bottom. You know how I love to hook letters! The lettering is a little bigger so they would be easy for a novice to tackle. And they are kind of wonky so you don't have to worry about precision for this mat.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>My husband is a professional picture framer and he's always thinking outside the box and beyond the limits. He built a gravestone display out of wood, texturized and painted it, then mounted my mat on it. We had it in our booth in Lancaster in 2011 for the ATHA biennial. I picked up a few leaves from outside to add to the spookiness.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uYSiReR5s7k/X2zhiQlLexI/AAAAAAAADx8/xh_fWOnSjMEKFqqpPXCthip9lOEIDkuqQCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/OHE%2Bby%2BKris%2Bat%2BATHA.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uYSiReR5s7k/X2zhiQlLexI/AAAAAAAADx8/xh_fWOnSjMEKFqqpPXCthip9lOEIDkuqQCNcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/OHE%2Bby%2BKris%2Bat%2BATHA.JPG" width="300" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>I have to admit that I'm not sure quite where this is right now...not the easiest thing to store and my husband wrapped it up and squirreled it away somewhere (he is notorious for doing that). I think I'm going to have him dig it out for my new studio shop!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>But you don't have to build a tombstone for your mat...it's only 16" x 16" so it is the perfect size to place on a table or display on a cupboard. And it's simple enough to have it hooked in time for your spooky decorating and gatherings!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>You can find the pattern here:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/olde-hallows-eve-16-x-16/" target="_blank">https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/olde-hallows-eve-16-x-16/</a><br /></b></div></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p></p>Kris Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11951831571007880321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452458624827664392.post-35899189037698850862020-09-21T11:59:00.000-04:002020-09-21T11:59:14.744-04:00Rug Of The Day - Merrie October 31st<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q3n7mOMaBNc/X2jGLjuHv7I/AAAAAAAADxk/VfhW5QSID5QvxfwupslJqp1TxQYa5S3kwCNcBGAsYHQ/s620/Sandi%2BLucero-Merrie%2BOctober%2B31st.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="620" height="297" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q3n7mOMaBNc/X2jGLjuHv7I/AAAAAAAADxk/VfhW5QSID5QvxfwupslJqp1TxQYa5S3kwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h297/Sandi%2BLucero-Merrie%2BOctober%2B31st.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Merry October 31st</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Adapted from a design by Lori Brechlin/Notforgotten Farm</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Hooked by Sandi Lucero</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>This is one of the newest patterns that I recently adapted from a Notforgotten Farm design. Isn't it terrific? It comes in two sizes and either one would hook up quickly. Just think, you'd have it ready for Halloween this year!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>I love the color palette that Sandi used for her mat. The background is light and faded, which she achieved by using wools that are similar in value. I also like the way she hooked the house with a brighter value on one side so no dividing line is needed at the corner. Her witch is "prim perfect" too! You really don't need a lot of different colors to make this one fabulous.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Bravo, Sandi, thank you for sharing your wonderful work!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>You can find the small pattern here:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/merrie-october-31st-small-17-75-x-14/" target="_blank">https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/merrie-october-31st-small-17-75-x-14/</a><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>And a little bit larger pattern here (a good size if you a fan of wide cuts):</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/merrie-october-31st-large-25-x-19-5/" target="_blank">https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/merrie-october-31st-large-25-x-19-5/</a><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><p></p>Kris Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11951831571007880321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452458624827664392.post-21121234306486480232020-09-16T17:18:00.000-04:002020-09-16T17:18:44.014-04:00Rug Of The Day - Ghost Genie<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1936" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NjDccNRAL40/X2J9o6-_7QI/AAAAAAAADxM/CxiquEHSEuo7mXqWPxsYDmqrttUQKedbwCNcBGAsYHQ/w378-h400/Marion%2BWilson%2BGhost%2BGenie%2Bwatermarked.jpg" width="378" /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Ghost Genie</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Adapted from the artwork of Johanna Parker</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Hooked by Marion Wilson</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>I posted about Marion's rug back in February so if you are a regular reader of my blog, this will be a repeat story for you.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Marion was in my class at the Historic Franklin Rug Hooking Retreat last October. She wanted to hook this pattern but she did not want to use any orange in it...perhaps a little challenge for me as a teacher because I had already seen the original artwork and it was pretty much all orange and black. So the next thing I thought of was purple. I set about dyeing up several pleasing values of purple that I thought would work. I had to keep reminding myself of the old phrase "keep it simple, sister" (KISS). I think as rug hookers, we sometimes overthink our color plan and make it more complicated than it really needs to be...at least, I can relate to that!</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>The best solution for the pumpkin was to make it a dusty green. Then, of course, the use of off-white for the ghost and stars and black for the outlining and spider. </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>I had to keep my fingers crossed that Marion would like the colors I brought her (because THEN what would I do???) but lucky for me, she loved them and away she went! She hooked quite a bit on her rug during our retreat and I think her rug is pretty amazing, don't you? Of course, most of the awesomeness is the skill of the maker! So "bravo" and applause to Marion for her beautiful Halloween rug!</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>You can find the pattern here:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/ghost-genie-26-25-x-29/" target="_blank">https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/ghost-genie-26-25-x-29/</a><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><p></p>Kris Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11951831571007880321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452458624827664392.post-3885497248092519192020-09-15T11:58:00.001-04:002020-09-15T11:58:39.291-04:00Rug Of The Day - Merrie Halloween<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dZne1LXrpmU/X2DeT6J8XuI/AAAAAAAADw0/07AbT7DKln4-zzkZZl3FXZe5gDh0Qa5sgCNcBGAsYHQ/s960/Merrie%2BHalloween%2BKimberly%2BMaggion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dZne1LXrpmU/X2DeT6J8XuI/AAAAAAAADw0/07AbT7DKln4-zzkZZl3FXZe5gDh0Qa5sgCNcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/Merrie%2BHalloween%2BKimberly%2BMaggion.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Merrie Halloween</b></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Adapted from the artwork of Lori Brechlin</b></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Hooked by Kimberly Maggion</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Did you know that Mr. Pumpkin Thyme has a companion and her name is Merrie Halloween? She is quite the party girl and loves to dress up for the Halloween Ball. She's put on her finest gown and a proper top hat (her favorite one) with a magnificent plume at the top. It makes her feel so festive and giddy! She brought her mask along to disguise herself but she's pretty sure that everyone will guess who she is anyway. She can't wait to see Mr. Pumpkin Thyme again so they can dance the night away under the moonlight.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>I have always thought of Merrie as a white pumpkin person so I am happy that Kimberly hooked her "Merrie" in this way. She used a light background so </b></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>there had to be a pop-out line around Merrie's face and upper body. Kimberly kept it thin so it doesn't overwhelm Merrie's delicate features. Merry is wearing a beautiful ball gown and that is one of the things I love about rug hooking....we can "dress" our hooked figures in some wonderful clothes. Sort of reminds me of playing with paper dolls, don't you think? We are the ones who are creating the finery!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>There are some fine details in this pattern so I think it is important to mix your cuts to achieve the delicate nature of the design. </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kK_UJHve9rc/X2DhP0VmpWI/AAAAAAAADxA/5W4NhnpZbwgB3Cu_j_6J9prwblwK1R8vwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/Merrie%2BHalloween%2Bby%2BMelody%2BBryan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kK_UJHve9rc/X2DhP0VmpWI/AAAAAAAADxA/5W4NhnpZbwgB3Cu_j_6J9prwblwK1R8vwCNcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/Merrie%2BHalloween%2Bby%2BMelody%2BBryan.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Hooked by Melody Bryan</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Here is another terrific version of Merrie Halloween. Melody hooked an orange character, who is very lovely with the dark background. I love the purple hat that coordinates with her dress and a few of the flowers in the vine! Super fun!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Congratulations to both ladies for a job well done and your rugs are beautiful inspirations!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>You can find the pattern here:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/merrie-halloween-28-x-35/" target="_blank">https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/merrie-halloween-28-x-35/</a><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>The Merry Halloween pattern was sized to coordinate nicely with Pumpkin Thyme.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/pumpkin-thyme-25-x-35/" target="_blank">https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/pumpkin-thyme-25-x-35/</a><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /> </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p></div>Kris Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11951831571007880321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452458624827664392.post-54246034519191011322020-09-11T16:54:00.001-04:002020-09-11T16:54:56.799-04:00Rug Of The Day - A Witch's Walk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y5SF4wNyVjA/X1vV9N5STEI/AAAAAAAADwU/e7bmm1TVZMUW0P-bh0T2VPb8_A9QT1riQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2011/A%2BWitch%2527s%2BWalk-Joan%2BTreis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2011" data-original-width="1636" height="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y5SF4wNyVjA/X1vV9N5STEI/AAAAAAAADwU/e7bmm1TVZMUW0P-bh0T2VPb8_A9QT1riQCNcBGAsYHQ/w406-h500/A%2BWitch%2527s%2BWalk-Joan%2BTreis.jpg" width="406" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>A Witch's Walk</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Adapted from a design by Lori Brechlin/Notforgotten Farm</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Hooked by Joan Treis</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4S2oovv2JIM/X1vWg0NHHwI/AAAAAAAADwg/U6nPqNZzAxcLNda9iQyLs46wLYeUP9zvgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/A%2BWitch%2527s%2BWalk%2Bsample%2Bby%2BPat%2BCross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1551" height="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4S2oovv2JIM/X1vWg0NHHwI/AAAAAAAADwg/U6nPqNZzAxcLNda9iQyLs46wLYeUP9zvgCNcBGAsYHQ/w379-h500/A%2BWitch%2527s%2BWalk%2Bsample%2Bby%2BPat%2BCross.jpg" width="379" /></a></div><b>Hooked by Pat Cross</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Here are two outstanding samples of A Witch's Walk. The background contains circles, with stars and a moon within each circle, so I think a dark sky is the perfect choice. Both ladies created movement in the sky by using several different textured wools for variation and they echoed the rows of hooking around the circles. The witch's dresses are both fabulous...I can't pick out a favorite because both are good color choices...but I am really glad that there is some purple used in both! I also think it's great that they both pulled some of that purple over to the windows and doors of the houses.<br /><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Both rugs are super-fun and a lovely inspiration for our Rug Of The Day. Thanks so much for sharing your talents, Joan and Pat!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>You can find "A Witch's Walk" pattern here:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/a-witchs-walk-24-x-32/" target="_blank">https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/a-witchs-walk-24-x-32/</a><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div>Kris Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11951831571007880321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452458624827664392.post-70130629424500888152020-09-10T13:30:00.000-04:002020-09-10T13:30:42.609-04:00Rug Of The Day - Happy Halloween Moon and Cat<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vI3q-d2U5SA/X1pflND1OLI/AAAAAAAADwA/MFlbgp39bIARUBsuZaYSLDCeX9950vXygCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Happy%2BHalloween%2BMoon%2Band%2BCat-Donna%2BMiller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1674" data-original-width="2048" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vI3q-d2U5SA/X1pflND1OLI/AAAAAAAADwA/MFlbgp39bIARUBsuZaYSLDCeX9950vXygCNcBGAsYHQ/w500-h410/Happy%2BHalloween%2BMoon%2Band%2BCat-Donna%2BMiller.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Happy Halloween Moon and Cat</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Adapted from the artwork of Johanna Parker</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Hooked by Donna Miller</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Spruce Ridge was a vendor at the Merry Mountain Hook-In last September and I took a picture of Donna's rug in the rug display. She used a lot of alternate materials and really made her piece special! Lots of fuzzy fun yarns with yummy textures. Don't you love the way she used pearl beads for the teeth on the cat and snake? Genius! If you look very closely, you can see she put little ghost beads all along the cat's collar and the snake has a glittery rhinestone eye. She captured the moon's expression just perfectly. You really can't help but smile when you see Donna's super-fun rug!</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>I have to point out that the pattern does not have a snake drawn on it (there is more of a "ribbon" type line drawn there). That just shows how clever Donna's imagination is, to make it her own and make it playful.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Bravo, Donna!</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>You can find the pattern here:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/happy-halloween-moon-cat-22-x-18/" target="_blank">https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/happy-halloween-moon-cat-22-x-18/</a><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>How would you hook your version?</b></span></div><div><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Kris Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11951831571007880321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452458624827664392.post-12716734445052313862020-09-08T19:33:00.000-04:002020-09-08T19:33:08.731-04:00Rug Of The Day - Do Goode, Be Nice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SnJiRmLjZXg/X1f5Kbn4kyI/AAAAAAAADvs/gRsxIBYepTIyf7kR3ufRO6s_aw5-jbZcACNcBGAsYHQ/s1901/Saundra%2BPorter%2BDo%2BGoode%2BBe%2BNice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1901" data-original-width="1598" height="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SnJiRmLjZXg/X1f5Kbn4kyI/AAAAAAAADvs/gRsxIBYepTIyf7kR3ufRO6s_aw5-jbZcACNcBGAsYHQ/w420-h500/Saundra%2BPorter%2BDo%2BGoode%2BBe%2BNice.jpg" width="420" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Do Goode, Be Nice</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Adapted from the artwork of Lori Brechlin/Notforgotten Farm</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Hooked by Saundra Porter</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>I know I have probably blogged about Saundra's rug before but it sure does put a smile on my face and I think it's worth showing again.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Saundra and I worked on this color plan together at Cape May several years ago. I really love that the witch has green skin and red hair. Just as a witch would want, she is dressed in black. The purple flowers are super fun and work well with the orange colors in the rug. Saundra used the beading stitch technique to get those lovely hairy little petals on the flowers. </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b> Another thing I love is the red fingernails! </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>There are some fiddly little details in this pattern but they are so worth spending time on them. Don't you love the word bubble? It's really an important part of the pattern so the letters needed to be hooked smaller so you can read them easily. A nice little pop-out line around the word bubble sets it apart from the background. One other thing I want to point out is that Saundra hooked the words in brown....many of us may have had the notion to use black, but the brown is just a tad bit more subtle. The letters show up but they don't take over the rug. The witch is really the star of the show and she doesn't need to be upstaged!</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>And of course, Saundra hooked the eye using my suggestions...one of the lessons I love to teach in class.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>You can find this fabulous pattern here:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/do-goode-be-nice-21-x-27-25/" target="_blank">https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/do-goode-be-nice-21-x-27-25/</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Kris Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11951831571007880321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452458624827664392.post-69203432044236404312020-09-07T11:55:00.005-04:002020-09-07T16:25:54.605-04:00Rug Of The Day - Moonlight Glow<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1491" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JcsJDbzf51s/X1ZQaTmIzFI/AAAAAAAADu0/_VPVuSYCKO8M9w9bZbswuALfI1OzENGDgCNcBGAsYHQ/w291-h400/Moonlight%2BGlow%2B-%2BKris%2BMiller%2Binspiration.jpg" width="291" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Moonlight Glow</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Designed and hooked by Kris Miller</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>This fun and playful Halloween design appears in Chapter 10 of my book, <i>Introduction to Rug Hooking</i>. I designed it for a lesson for teaching dimension with directional hooking. Basically, hooking in a certain direction to suggest an object's shape. </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Since I really wanted a black cat, I chose a purple plaid as the background for my mat. It makes a great Halloween sky and works well with the pale moon and orange pumpkin too.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>It's really fun and inspiring to see how other folks have hooked this pattern and I have gotten several pictures of their versions:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gIngF99o0mk/X1ZVpUOl-pI/AAAAAAAADvA/p_ObJPQ6Kr0mtmNbjh8ChUPM5riMAmLIACNcBGAsYHQ/s640/Moonlight%2Bglow-Sherri%2BCrawford.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gIngF99o0mk/X1ZVpUOl-pI/AAAAAAAADvA/p_ObJPQ6Kr0mtmNbjh8ChUPM5riMAmLIACNcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/Moonlight%2Bglow-Sherri%2BCrawford.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><b>Hooked by Sherri Crawford</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3KQOgyr0yr8/X1ZVupQq_bI/AAAAAAAADvE/s3LPCfElV9sKfkQR9NkpRbDnP2Tt-DbBgCNcBGAsYHQ/s596/Lois%2BDeitrich-Moonlight%2BGlow.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="460" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3KQOgyr0yr8/X1ZVupQq_bI/AAAAAAAADvE/s3LPCfElV9sKfkQR9NkpRbDnP2Tt-DbBgCNcBGAsYHQ/w309-h400/Lois%2BDeitrich-Moonlight%2BGlow.jpg" width="309" /></a></div><b>Hooked by Lois Deitrich</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GpHNu3GUusM/X1ZVxiYOpfI/AAAAAAAADvI/rXLYGSXpSTwzag0sA3l-iRDUUCRVsuzygCNcBGAsYHQ/s1809/Moonlight%2BGlow%2BJudy%2BBruns.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1809" data-original-width="1294" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GpHNu3GUusM/X1ZVxiYOpfI/AAAAAAAADvI/rXLYGSXpSTwzag0sA3l-iRDUUCRVsuzygCNcBGAsYHQ/w286-h400/Moonlight%2BGlow%2BJudy%2BBruns.JPG" width="286" /></a></div><b>Hooked by Judy Bruns</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IV_p00ZcCX4/X1ZV5rw2VjI/AAAAAAAADvQ/BzOPrGPvYTUsw15FZetpemDskE7SOZJfACNcBGAsYHQ/s960/Moonlight%2BGlow%2Bwith%2Bproddy%2Bedge.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="694" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IV_p00ZcCX4/X1ZV5rw2VjI/AAAAAAAADvQ/BzOPrGPvYTUsw15FZetpemDskE7SOZJfACNcBGAsYHQ/w289-h400/Moonlight%2BGlow%2Bwith%2Bproddy%2Bedge.jpg" width="289" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Hooked by Karen Jablonski</b></div><b>I love the proddy edge on this one - so creative and fun! </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>If you want to buy the pattern, you can find it here:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/moonlight-glow-14-5-x-21-5/" target="_blank">https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/moonlight-glow-14-5-x-21-5/</a><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>If you already own a copy of <i>Introduction to Rug Hooking, </i>you can find the pattern and complete hooking instructions in Chapter 10.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>If you want to purchase a copy of my book, you can find it here:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><a href="https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/introduction-rug-hooking-beginners-guide-tools-techniques-materials/" target="_blank">https://www.spruceridgestudios.com/product/introduction-rug-hooking-beginners-guide-tools-techniques-materials/</a><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br />Enjoy the rest of your Holiday!</b></span></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></p>Kris Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11951831571007880321noreply@blogger.com1