Sheep Talk

Knitting Sheep/Design by PJ Rankin-Hults and hooked by Kris Miller

I recently finished hooking my Knitting Sheep! 

When we first enlarged Pam's drawing, it came out to a whopping 30" x 43.5" size!  "Yikes!" I said, "that's a bit too big!"  So we tried it again with a 22" x 30.25" size and this proved to be much better.  However, I decided I was going to hook the larger size anyway.  I did hand-torn strips in a 1/2" size for the sheep, the background, and the floor.  Some of the outlining was done in a #8 cut.  The bench and slippers are a combo of #8, #8.5, and #9 cuts and I used a wool with a slightly fuzzy nap for the slippers. (get it?  fuzzy slippers!)  The "yarn" is hooked roving from my animals, a combination of mohair and wool.  

Both sizes are available for sale on my website.  Look under the PJ Rankin-Hults tab.

And more sheep news!  Last Friday, we traveled to the west side of Michigan to pick out a new Finn lamb.  My intention was just to get a ewe but when we got there, we had a cuteness overload.  Little lambs were running all over the barn, hopping and skipping about.  One little ram lamb kept coming up to us for scratches on the neck and pats on the head.  How could we pass him up? It seemed he was begging to come home with me!  So the next thing you know, I'm paying for a ewe AND a ram lamb!

 Sister and Brother

Ram lamb

He has such a sweet face!

Little ewe lamb

The ewe will be named Suvi, which is Finnish for "summer".   We are still trying to think of a Finnish name for the ram lamb and we are narrowing it down to just a few choices.  The lambs will come home later in May so we still have time!

I am so joyful...the promise of Spring!

All The Trimmings Show This Saturday!

Just a little reminder that the All The Trimmings show is this Saturday. I love this cozy little gift show and so will you!  Ken and I always buy our fresh holiday greens here.  We do a little Christmas shopping too!  To thank you for "shopping small" with us, we are offering $5.00 off your purchase of $25.00 or more. This special discount is only good on December 2nd at the All The Trimmings Show in Chelsea, MI. Please print out this post or show it to us on your cell phone and you will receive your discount. Happy Holidays from Spruce Ridge Studios! ⛄⛄🎄🎄

(we usually mail out discount postcards but we could not do that this year, 
so we are offering this post instead)

Spruce Ridge Studios Tent Sale and Open House 2017

Hello blog friends! 

(Willie is waiting to see you)

I thought I'd pop in to tell you that the Spruce Ridge Studios 2017 Tent Sale and Open House is this Saturday, September 30th from 10 am to 2 pm.  The sale starts at 10 am sharp ~ no early sales please, because we are always scurrying around until the very last minute, trying to get all the goodies out on the tables! 

All the sale items will be outside under the tents/canopies in our back yard.

There will be lots of clearance priced wool and rug hooking patterns (some are marked down as much as 50% and if you like to hook on monks cloth, you will have a large selection to choose from!)  There are also craft related products at reduced prices.  Look for our vintage, one of a kind, and antique treasures.  We will feature a "free box" this year...anything in the box is yours for the taking!

Enjoy complimentary cider and donuts while you visit.

My studio will also be open for regular shopping.  Due to a hectic travel schedule, I am not usually available to open my home to shoppers ... so this is a rare opportunity to come and shop my regular stock of wool and patterns! (We are working on a dedicated shopping area for next year - hopefully - keeping my fingers crossed!)

We accept all major credit cards for your purchases.

I look forward to seeing you this Saturday.  The weather will be much cooler and the weatherman is predicting a pleasant day!
PS:  Look under the "schedule" tab above for my address...just scroll down until you see the info for the SRS tent sale.

Rug Hooking Etiquette-What exactly is it that you do?

I am in my final preparations for rug hooking camp next week.  Do you know what a rug hooking teacher does to get ready?  Every teacher has their own way of preparing for their students. I'm going to give you a peek behind the scenes and I'll tell you what I do!

(my fabulous class in Santa Fe!)

When I get my list of students from the camp director, I will send out a welcome letter and a student questionnaire.  It may take me a week or two to get this out but I always do it.  If you haven't heard from your teacher and it is getting close to rug camp, let the camp director know.  Sometimes e-mails don't get delivered or get dumped into your spam file.  The teacher won't know this unless she is contacted.

My student letter briefly explains a little bit about my teaching method and how I conduct my class.  The student questionnaire is important to me.  Please fill it out and send it back!  It gives me information about what pattern you are hooking, what colors you like, and a little info about your rug hooking style. I usually follow up a couple weeks before camp if I don't hear from you.
When I get your questionnaire, I read it over carefully and then I look on line to see what the pattern looks like (if I'm not familiar with it).  I will often print out a color picture to attach to your questionnaire.  This is just a reference for me, it helps me in my planning.
If  you have any questions, please contact me.  Give me time to answer...I may be traveling and can't get back to you right away.  If you sent me your questionnaire and you don't have any questions, we are good to go.  You won't hear from me until we see each other at camp.

I begin washing/dyeing wool and drawing up student patterns if necessary.  It can take me several weeks to do all the washing and dyeing and drawing!  Don't hesitate to bring wool from your own stash.  Often times, a student will have a wonderful texture that is perfect for their rug!

Oh yes, textures.  I love textures.  Plaids, stripes, herringbones, windowpanes.  Don't ask me to do shading.  Don't ask me to do dip dyes, spot dyes, graduated swatches!  There are other teachers who teach that.  I do not.  And that's what I love about rug hooking....there is something for everyone, and a teacher for everyone.  Just as I have stated in one of my other Etiquette posts, please research a teacher and stick to her style. Please do not ask her to teach outside of her specialty.

Behind the scenes, I make lists!  Lists for what to bring to camp.  Stapler, pens, notebook, etc.  Wool, patterns, possible alternative materials, special request patterns. I try not to forget a thing! If I am flying to teach at a rug camp, it limits what I can bring.  I ship most of my wool (more on this later) but I won't ship my rugs.  So I am limited to a few rugs in my suitcase.  Likewise with bringing books or extra patterns.  BUT if I am driving, it is a whole different story.  I can fill up my van with all kinds of wonderful things!  Have you seen Big Mama?  Well, here she is and she can carry a lot!

Teachers make the big bucks, right?  

Um, no.  Usually a rug camp will pay the teacher a set amount for the whole week or however long the camp lasts.  At most camps, we get a lump sum, regardless of how many students are in a class.  This covers a typical day of teaching and sometimes a walk-through in the evening. It doesn't cover any time before or after class officially starts and ends, or spending hours in the evening in the class room.    Now please, don't get me wrong....I love, love, love to teach (really! it's not always about the money!) but after a good 6 to 8 hours in the classroom, my brain needs a reboot.  My color choices are not always good when I am tired.   Remember to let your teacher wind down and rest!  Tomorrow is another day!

Teachers usually get a stipend for travel.  Sometimes we get reimbursed for the actual travel cost but most of the time it's a flat amount to travel.  This has to cover my gas and meals on the road, plus possibly a hotel bill along the way.  Or it has to cover a plane ticket and baggage fees (if I am not traveling on Southwest).  If I go over the stipend amount, it is on my dime.  Same with shipping wool.  It is always on my dime.  And I usually ship 6 or 7 really LARGE boxes of wool.  I want to make sure I've brought a nice variety of textures.  In my case, I ship via UPS and to ship those 6 boxes costs me about $200.00 one way.  Yes, that's right.  I have to sell $200 worth of wool to break even for shipping one way.  Hey, I'm not complaining!  I just don't think it is something rug hookers think about.  Please consider buying wool from your teacher.....it is really and truly the way we can make a living.  And just know we are not making the "big bucks."

To tip or not to tip, that is the question....

This has been a burning question on some rug hooking discussions/forums, do you tip your teacher?  First off, let me tell you that I never expect a tip.  It is always a very, very lovely surprise when I get a card and a monetary tip but I do not expect it.  Sometimes I get a card signed by all my students.  One class purchased a massage for me while I was at camp.  Sometimes I get little gifts that are handmade.  They are all very lovely thoughts and very much appreciated. I know rug camp can be an expensive proposition with your hotel bill, camp tuition, pattern and wool purchases, and food bill.  Do what your heart tells you to do.  

What do teachers do before camp?  Correspondence and research, washing and dyeing wool, designing and drawing patterns, packing up everything, traveling by plane or by car.  Many, many hours go into your workshop before you ever get there!  So now you know!

Another Copyright Discussion (Part 4)

This is another post about copyright...one that is based on a conversation I had with a couple of attorneys several years ago.  Remember, I am not a legal expert so if you have legal questions, please contact a copyright attorney.

When I taught myself rug hooking about 18 or 19 years ago, I purchased the book Basic Rug Hooking by Alice Beatty and Mary Sargent.  One of the things that really appealed to me was the rug on the cover of the book.  I thought the colors were gorgeous and I wanted to hook that rug some day! I made a few phone calls and eventually found a rug hooking store that sold this pattern, New Hampshire Antique, so I bought it.  The description in the book said it was "too intricate for a beginner's first," so I saved it for when I would be a better hooker, but I never did anything with it.  Lately, I've been thinking about digging the pattern out of my closet and finally hooking this rug.  I still love everything about it!  But way back when, it was only available on burlap.  It's not even the really nice premium burlap, more of a flat, slubby angus burlap.  So I worry about the age of the burlap (probably more than 20 years old) and the weight of the rug when it is finished.  You see, it's a very large 42" x 81" size.  It is too big to be hung on a wall so it will have to be used on the floor.  I do not think the burlap can take the weight of the wool nor the wear and tear of walking on it.

So what can I do?

My best option is to retrace the pattern again on a piece of linen and hook it for my floor.
Wait! you say...you can't do that!  What about copyright laws?

Actually, yes, I can redraw this again on a different backing and then hook it.  Or I could use the original pattern for a template for a bed-size wool appliqué piece, if that is what I desire. Remember, I purchased the pattern and the obligation to the designer ended when I paid for it
BUT   
I can only use it for one time/one use only,  regardless of how I use it (remember in one of my previous posts, I mentioned that patterns drawn on backing are for one-time use only).
Here's the catch:  if I decide to redraw it on a piece of linen (or use it for wool appliqué or any other medium), I am obligated to destroy the original pattern.
Why?  Because I paid for one pattern and I can only use it once.  In essence, to keep the original  and the copy would mean that I have created two patterns.  I only paid for one.  I cannot resell the original, I cannot donate the original, I cannot hook the original for personal use as a second rug, I can't gift it to my guild, I can't use it as a door prize.   That is where the copyright violation would be.  You can't create two patterns from a single pattern and use both. Period. Amen.

I know this could be confusing and I have tried to explain it as best I can.   Just remember:  one pattern = one use.

I've been thinking about advice for rug camp again and I think I'll go back to that for my next post.  Cheers!

Copyright-Personal Use vs. Commercial Use

Just when I thought I could move on, that pesky copyright monster has been hanging around my door again...today's post is about personal use vs. commercial use.

What is Personal Use?

Property that an individual owns or uses for personal enjoyment.  It may not be used in any way in which money is charged

What is Commercial Use?

Using property in or for a business for financial gain.  Income generated using any kind of property.

Now let's talk about free patterns and personal use vs. commercial use.

I am going to be specific and talk about the free patterns you see/use in magazines.  However, this is also applicable to books and other publications that offer free patterns.

As a new rug hooker way back when, I didn't have a computer or internet or social media to be able to find any rug hooking information.  I had to depend on books and magazines, particularly Rug Hooking Magazine.  Believe me, I practically wore those pages out!  And I loved the free patterns because it gave me an option for something to hook.  All I needed was a piece of backing and a sharpie and I was ready to go!  

Fast forward to 2017...I have designed and written my fair share of free patterns and articles for many magazines.  It's fun but a lot of work too.  I have to design the pattern, hook the project, write the article, figure out prices for a kit (if one is offered), photograph the rug and the samples of wool that I used.  All working under a deadline.   But there is great satisfaction to see your free pattern being enjoyed by other rug hookers. I love to see the different colors and variations that people choose for their personal project.

Take a close look at those free patterns.  In Rug Hooking Magazine, they are a separate piece of paper inserted next to the article.  Unfold the pattern and take a look at the little box in the corner...do you see what it says? 

"You may make up to ten copies of this pattern, without the express written permission of Rug Hooking Magazine, for any purchaser who states that copies are for personal use. Not for resale." (my bold letters, not theirs.  I want you to take notice of that).

In the newly published Wool Works magazine, there is a disclaimer next to every project/line drawing/free pattern

"Templates Provided for One-Time, Personal Use Only"

(again, my bold letters)

So!  If you are going to use these patterns for your home, a gift for your sister or mother or uncle, you're good to go!  You are using it for personal use.

BUT!  If you are a small business (or any kind of business) and you are making them for your customers...oops!  You can't do that...copyright violation. That is my intellectual property and you are making money on it!!!

Honestly, I would think this is a no brainer but recently, I have discovered two different businesses that are duplicating my free patterns and offering them for sale to their customers/students.  Some of the patterns were from a few years back but that is certainly no excuse.  One of the patterns was changed a little, removing some (very small) details and adding a few tabs to the side of the mat.  Refer to my last post about "significantly similar."  You can't change a few things and call it your own.  And believe me, this piece was really significantly similar!  You could pick it out while riding on a galloping horse from a mile away.

So let me talk to all the sellers out there.  The small business in your home, the person who packs up their car and vends at shows, the person who sells patterns to their students, the person who is paying rent in a store front....you are commercial.  You can not resell the free patterns offered in books or magazines without permission!  Don't compromise your business image, your integrity, your customer's trust, everything you have worked to accomplish.  Do not be labeled a copier.  And don't think it will go unnoticed.  In this day and age of electronic information, things seem to pop up everywhere.  And don't think that I don't notice.

I want to give first time offenders the benefit of the doubt. Hey, I've made some mistakes early on.  Maybe you just didn't know.  But now you do, so stop it.  Like right now.

I'm here to tell you that we all need to give each other a little respect.  I love to design patterns but I'm not going to submit them for publication anymore if they are going to be misused.  And then everyone loses. Let's do the right thing!

A Few More Words About Copyright...

Just a few more words about copyright that I think are worth talking about...

(Remember, I am not a legal expert.  I am only speaking and writing from what I understand.  If you have any legal questions, it is wise to consult with a copyright attorney).

Significantly Similar

There is no magic bullet or formula for how you can change someone else's design to make it your own.  If a work is "significantly similar" to the original work, it is a copyright violation.  You cannot change a design 10% or 20%.  You cannot simply reverse the direction.  You cannot change a design "seven times" to make it yours.  If a "Regular Joe" can see that the new design is significantly similar to the original, it violates copyright law.

I know you will say that there is nothing new under the sun.  But that's still not an excuse to copy, OK?  You have lots of options.

There are things called "common design elements."  Stars, snowmen, geometric shapes, etc.  You cannot copyright these things.  But the more detail you use, the more specific you make the design, then it becomes copyrightable.  Everyone can use a basic snowman design.  But when you draw the snowman, put a golf club in his stick hand, draw a rabbit for his caddy, and the golf bag is full of carrots, then that's when it's your own copyrightable design!

I need to correct myself.  I think I was misunderstood or misspoke in my last post about copyright vs. antique rug patterns.  Remember that anything prior to 1923 is in the public domain.  That means you can adapt vintage/antique rug patterns prior to that date.  I also mentioned that designers often sell these antique adaptions.  But what I meant to say was that if you are going to adapt an old rug design, go directly to the original rug design.  Use your photo of the antique rug and do not copy the adaptation from the designer!  Yes, the design is in the public domain but if the designer added extra "stuff" to the pattern, you are also copying that newer stuff. It's public domain vs. a few new things someone else added.  I think it's a sticky wicket that I would want to avoid. 

I read an amusing story once where old map makers would design a map but purposely put one small error into an inconspicuous spot on the map.  Then they could often identify someone who was copying the map because the offender would also unknowingly copy the mistake.  Pretty clever, wouldn't you say?

Intent

OK, I don't know if I'm using the right word by saying "intent" but this is really what I mean:

Patterns drawn out on backing or foundation cloth are intended for one-time use only.  I mean that you cannot buy one pattern on the backing of your choice and trace it or redraw it for all your friends.  It doesn't matter if it is for personal use, you still are violating copyright laws. If you know someone who is doing this, DO NOT take part in this activity.  I know it goes on because I have had people call me and tell me that it has happened with my patterns.  My best advice to you is to not take part in this type of sharing and kindly purchase your own pattern.   I had a friend who once showed me the cutest little goat pattern.  It was an older pattern but certainly not pre-1923.  She said "oh, I know you like it so go ahead and retrace it.  I won't tell anyone."  Nope!  I would not do it.  It would have been so easy because who would have known if I traced it or not? After all, it was for my personal use.  But I could not compromise my core belief and to this day, I'm happy I stuck to my guns.

One other thing...one of my conversations with an attorney was about one-time use patterns.  Once you purchase the pattern, you may hook the rug and if you choose to sell the finished rug, you may do so.  The obligation to the designer was satisfied when you purchased the pattern.  The designer cannot prohibit you from selling the rug.

When you purchase my book, Introduction To Rug Hooking,  there are 8 patterns included that you are free to use for your own personal use.  You can use them as many times as you want and enlarge them, add to them, etc.  I own the copyright to the patterns but the intent of the book was for the reader to copy and use the patterns for personal use. There are lots of other books you can buy that offer free patterns too.  But be careful...not all line drawings that appear in magazines and books are for free use.  Sometimes they appear for educational purposes or for reference.  You need to do your homework and make sure that they are for public use before you copy them.  
I believe that most patterns you buy on paper or PDF have the same intent...you may copy and use them for your own personal use as many times as you wish.  However, please check for any disclaimers that come with the paper pattern.  They may limit you to a certain number of copies.

I hope this extra information adds to your copyright knowledge.  I appreciate your comments and input!

Rug Hooking Etiquette - Part 3

** I have a confession:  I have been working on this post for longer than a week.  Writing, editing, writing, and editing again.  There is so much information I want to tell you but I fear it might get too "preachy" somehow.  So I hope you find this helpful and please bear with me.**


In this post, I am going to be discussing the dreaded "C" word.......

COPYRIGHT!

(I can already see some of you passing out in front of your computer.  Or maybe your eyes just glazed over a little bit.)

There is nothing so fraught with controversy than to have a discussion with a rug hooker about copyright laws.  Let me say first that I'm not a lawyer, I don't have a law degree, and I am not an expert about copyright laws.  I have, however, had several discussions with attorneys about copyright law and I have done enough research to feel fairly comfortable when talking about it.  A great resource that I often refer to is the Copyright Office website at www.copyright.gov. Please use it as a reference if there is any doubt. Another great book to read is Copyright Plain & Simple by Cheryl Besenjak.

So there you have it...my disclaimer before I discuss copyright vs. rug hooking etiquette!

Copyright is the legal protection of one's intellectual rights and it protects original works including music, writing, artistic works (including pictorial and sculptural works), movies, photography, and even computer software.  Here is a link to general copyright information (really great information for inquiring minds):
https://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-general.html

Basically there are two important facts for rug hookers to remember:

1. Copyright laws cover the life of the creator + 70 years.
2.  Anything published before 1923 is in the public domain (no copyright)

So...you are wondering how this applies to rug camp etiquette? Well, it works like this:
You cannot hook Sponge Bob Square Pants at camp or anywhere else, even for personal use (yes, this is true.  Sponge Bob belongs to Nickelodeon.  I really did have to investigate this). You also can't copy/hook The Simpsons, or Winnie The Pooh, or anything else that is licensed by a corporation (unless you get permission). This includes sport team logos because they have strict licensing rules.  You can't create designs by copying images/photos you find on the internet or Pinterest or Facebook or Ebay or Etsy without finding out if they belong to someone. In other words, most pictures and images you find on the internet are copyrighted and to use them would be an infringement when you use them without permission.

I realize I am not the police when it comes to this but I can tell you that you cannot hook these things in my classroom.  Nor can you hook any design in my class that appears to be a copyright infringement. And I hope you don't do it in any other teacher's class either.

There are lots of really, really wonderful rug hooking patterns out there by many talented designers.  I like when my students pick one of the patterns from my website because I am familiar with them.  But I never, ever limit what a student can hook in my class to just my patterns, because of all the other wonderful choices (I always welcome any primitive/wide cut pattern in my class).
If you have an eye on a design that you've seen on the internet, or in a book, on a note card, etc, please don't make the assumption that you can copy it for rug hooking!  Do your best to find out who owns the design and ask for permission. It's not out of the question. I've heard of many artists who will allow you to do this for personal use.  Ask.  I love the adage "the answer is always no unless you ask!"
If you get permission, make sure it's in writing so you have proof that you can legally use the design.  But what if they say no?  Or what if you don't get an answer?  Just move on.  Think of all the other terrific design possibilities and find something else to hook.  It's the right thing to do.

One other thing....just because you purchase/own the artwork, whether it be a painting, note card, etc, it does not give you the right to copy it.   The creator still owns the intellectual rights/copyright.  Remember:   lifetime of the artist plus 70 years.

Can you copy an old postcard, poster, or greeting card?  Yes, as long as the design is pre-1923.
Can you copy an antique or vintage rug design?  Yes, as long as the design is pre-1923.

Many pattern designers do offer patterns from antique rug designs but beware!  If they have added a few extra elements (maybe a different border), or put their own spin on the design by adding a few extra doodles, they have essentially created a copyrightable design, and of course you can't copy that!  I often take my own pictures of antique rugs when I'm traveling somewhere or visiting an antique store.  When you do that, you are using your own photo and adapting the design just as you have seen it.

Complicated?  Confusing? You bet!  Will people jump all over me for this?  Probably.  Is this important to our rug hooking community?  Yes, it is.  Let's all do the (copy)right thing!

Rug Hooking Etiquette Part 2

Thank you for reading my previous post on Rug Hooking Etiquette!  I am amazed at all the positive comments and your suggestions!  Since I believe there is still a lot to say, I'm going to continue with a few more tips today. 

(Honeybee Chairpad, a Notforgotten Farm design, hooked by Pat Hagadon)

The first day of rug camp is always as busy as a bee hive. Everyone is picking where they want to sit, getting their frames and cutters set up, and there is excitement in the air.   They want to get started hooking on their rugs!

Here are some "B's" for the first day (how did you like my pun?):

Be on time (especially the first day)

I know a teacher who starts out the day by giving a talk/lecture. It might be about color theory or technique or copyright. Wouldn't you feel bad to walk in late and miss out on some of that wonderful information? On the first day, I always give a little talk about how my class works, how my wool is priced, how I color plan, a little personal information about me, and then we draw numbers for color planning. I like to have everyone there so I don't have to repeat myself over and over.  And if you are not in your seat when we draw numbers, you will get pushed back to be one of the last to be color planned. Hey, it's only fair to the students who did get there on time.  

I get it....there are times when you can't help but get there late. Try to tell your teacher ahead of time so she knows you won't be there until later. 

Which leads me to the second "B" .....

Be ready

Be in your chair when the teacher comes to your spot and she's ready to help you. It's fun to shop in the camp store or see what your friend is working on, but if you are away from your seat, I'm going to continue on to the next person who is waiting for me.   

Please stay off your phone or iPad if you see the teacher is coming to help you. I have had the experience where I stopped to help someone and they were so busy sending a text or looking at Pinterest that they never even lifted their head. Again, I don't want to interrupt you so I will move on to the next person who needs help!

Another big complaint at rug camp is phone conversations!  Try to keep your phone on vibrate. Or if your phone rings, step out of the room and continue your conversation. It might be a great achievement that your grandson finally ate carrots but not everyone in the room wants to hear it. I know there are emergencies and I've had a couple myself. But I've stepped out of the room so no one had to hear the details. 

Be Patient

Trust me. I know how hard it is to wait.  I have been one of the last students to be helped in a large class. As a teacher, I am acutely aware of the wait time, especially on the first day. I have had students sigh and/or roll their eyes as I walked by, on my way to help the next person.  Some students need a little more time than others. We have all been there at some point in our rug hooking life. My hope, by the end of camp, is that I have spent about the same amount of time with everyone. 

On the other hand, don't be a "time hog."  Remember in my first post, I said I liked to build your rug by only planning a motif or two at a time. I want to make sure your colors are working and I can move on to help the next person while you are hooking.  

Be Honest

I want you to love your rug when you go home.  Be truthful with your teacher if something isn't looking like you want it to be.  Just say "I don't think this is working for me."  There's a 99.9997% chance you won't hurt my feelings if you don't like the colors. So speak up! 

There's still more to talk about so I will save that for the next post. Thanks for reading!  

Rug Hooking Etiquette

I have done a bit of traveling already this year...Florida, Texas, Kansas, and I'll be in Tennessee next week.  Since I am a one-woman operation, I find myself drawing patterns, dyeing wool and preparing for the "next big thing."  Everything else has to wait, including my blog.  But many of my friends have encouraged me to write again, so I'm going to try it and do my best.  Thanks for the kick in the pants!

Not too long ago, I was talking to another well-respected rug hooking teacher.  We have so much in common so sometimes I feel that we are really kindred spirits.  We started talking about rug camp etiquette and how something needs to be written about it.  I'm going to extend that to just plain "rug hooking" etiquette because I think we can apply it to just about any situation that involves our craft.   So over the next few posts, I will discuss some etiquette that I think will be helpful to everyone. 

Here's my disclaimer:  I am not criticizing, pointing fingers, making fun of or singling out  anyone, or otherwise being a bad apple about what I am discussing.  These are observations and helpful tips for those of you who go to rug camp or hook with a group.  I hope you will find them useful and maybe learn something too.  The seasoned rug hooker who goes to a lot of rug camps may already be familiar with this etiquette.  The newer rug hooking may find some benefit in my tips. Most of these tips are from my experiences and are my opinions.

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Rug hooking workshop in Bryan Texas, 2017

My 2016 class in Cape May, NJ

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Do you know what is the #1 complaint that I hear at camp?

Talking too much/talking too loud!

(I'm not talking about me...haha)

This is really difficult subject but it is unpleasant for the other participants when someone talks too much or too loud.  Usually we are in a small room and believe me, voices are magnified.   When someone is constantly talking, it is hard for the teacher to discuss lesson plans, techniques, etc.  Don't get me wrong, it's fun to chatter with your friends....but try to be aware of your volume.  Even harder for me is when a student asks me to tell that particular person to stop talking so much...it puts me in a really bad situation that I don't want to be in!  

Consider what your teacher specializes in and go with it, learn from it

I am a wide cut/primitive rug hooking teacher. That is my specialty.  I teach #8 cuts and above.  Sometimes I use small cuts for details but not too often.  If you are a fine cut hooker who wants to learn 8-value swatches and shading, you would not be very happy in my class because that is not what I am going to teach you.  So when considering a teacher for rug camp, read the class description and choose wisely.  You will be much happier if you learn from a teacher who matches your style. If you want to learn something different, that's great...but plan on doing something within that teacher's specialty.  

You wouldn't go to a ENT doctor (ear, nose and throat) and ask him to do your pap smear, would you?  He probably learned to do it in medical school but you certainly wouldn't enjoy the experience!  

Don't color plan your rug before class

I may not be speaking for all rug hooking teachers, but when I teach at a rug camp, I am there to help you with a color plan.  We are there together to build a lovely rug for you.  I never color plan my whole rug in one sitting and I don't expect to do that for you either.  Sometimes, especially with textures, you have to hook a few motifs or elements to begin and then see how the colors are building.  We can get some surprises with wools/colors that we thought would work perfectly and once they are put into the rug, they don't work at all.

Take advantage of your teacher's knowledge.  Watch as she color plans and see why she picks the colors.  If you don't understand, ask questions. Every teacher does things differently.  I always say that if I learn one new thing from a class, it was well worth my money.

If you come to camp with a rug that is already color-planned, what is the point?  You could have stayed at home and hooked that rug on your own.

That's all for now, but I have lots more to say...so we will save it for the next post!

Happy hooking!

The Twelve Days of Christmas Rugs - Day 12

Glad tidings we bring, to you and your kin; glad tidings for Christmas and a happy New Year!

Glad Tidings

Design by Lori Brechlin/Notforgotten Farm and adapted by Spruce Ridge Studios

Hooked by Deb Nees, Maryland

I love how Deb hooked this pattern...it's actually more spectacular if you see it in person.  The sheep curls are perfect for Santa's beard and she used a bit of glittery yarn for the jacket buttons and the strap of the horn.

Thanks for following along on this twelve day rug hooking journey.  It's been great fun for me to post and comment on these beautiful rugs!

Merry Christmas to you!  

The Twelve Days of Christmas Rugs - Day 11

Jolly old St. Nicholas,

Lean your ear this way.

Don't you tell a single soul

What I'm going to say.

Christmas Eve is coming soon.

Now, you dear old man,

Whisper what you'll bring to me.

Tell me if you can

---Emily Huntington Miller

Merry Christmastime

Designed and hooked by Keith Kemmer

Pattern available through Spruce Ridge Studios

Keith has perfectly captured the essence of Christmas in his sweet little mat. I love the candy cane "C" and the lighted candle in the corner.  I also love that the snow on the ground is hooked in a bluish-purple hue, just as it would look on a starry, cold night!

The Twelve Days of Christmas Rugs - Day 10

Soon our stockings will be hung by the chimney with care.....

The Stocking Was Hung

Design by Lori Brechlin/Adapted by SpruceRidge Studios

Hooked by Rebecca Erb

  This pattern can be hooked in so many different color choices...traditional Christmas colors or soft neutrals.  I love Rebecca's choice of soft coral red and turquoise. This is a great Christmas rug that isn't too "Christmasy." For a fun embellishment, you could sew a real skeleton key to the rug instead of hooking it.

My childhood Christmas stocking is still placed next to the fireplace every Christmas Eve.  The little tab for hanging ripped off long ago and it's just big enough for an orange and a piece of candy and a small trinket.

The Twelve Days of Christmas Rugs - Day 9

Dashing through the snow!

Dashing

Design by Lori Brechlin/Notforgotten Farm adapted by Spruce Ridge Studios

Hooked by Julie Neumiller

Julie hooked this in a workshop I taught in Sebastapol, California in November 2015.  She changed the pattern just a bit to personalize it: she changed the donkey to a reindeer and put her family name in the word bubble.   She wanted  to create a rug to put under her Christmas tree and she had a vision for how she wanted this rug to look. This is another rug that hits it out of the ballpark!

Putting a halo around all the objects really makes this rug a winner because it gently lifts everything off the background. The tree literally glows!

The Twelve Days of Christmas Rugs - Day 8

Wish Upon A Star

Pattern adapted from the artwork of PJ Rankin-Hults by Spruce Ridge Studios

Hooked by Kris Miller

The first time I saw this design, I knew I wanted to hook it.  I love the snuggly stocking cap on the snowman!  I used roving to hook the pom-pom on the top of the hat.  The basket was hooked in a red/gold/green texture that I hooked vertically to give it the effect of being woven.  It was a little bit thready but definitely worth the effort.  A nice maroon and navy plaid made the perfect border to tie everything together.

The Twelve Days of Christmas Rugs - Day 7

Old Saint Nick

Designed and hooked by Kris Miller

This rug was originally designed as a project for the book Designs For Primitive Rug Hookers by Jenny Rupp and Lisa Yeago.  I believe the book is out of print now but I still sell the pattern on my website.  Santa's beard is hooked with roving from a Lincoln sheep.  The roving is hairy and has a beautiful luster which is perfect for Santa.  I hooked a burnished gold herringbone wool in my border because it reminded me of the rich gold borders around vintage Christmas postcards. This design was indeed inspired by those lovely old postcards.

Here is a little Santa trivia for you today:  did you know that many people believe that Santa Claus lives at the arctic circle in Finland?  The Finnish name for Santa is Joulupukki, which literally translates to Christmas Goat!

The Twelve Days of Christmas Rugs - Day 6

Ho, Ho, Ho!

St. Nick
Adapted from the artwork of Lori Brechlin/Notforgotten Farm
Hooked by Sue Clark ~ Adrian, Missouri

I think Sue Clark hit this one out of the ball park!  I have always loved this pattern and wanted to hook it, but how can you do any better than this?  Total perfection!

My son and I were talking the other day and he reminded me of something I did when both my sons were just "tweens."  I used to tell them that if they helped me clean the house and get ready for Christmas, on Christmas Day they could do anything they wanted.  Anything.  Now, this could have gone really bad but it didn't.  "Like....not change our underwear, or stay in our pajamas, or play video games all day?" they would ask in astonishment.  My oldest son loves cranberry sauce, so one year he told me that his free pass would be to eat the whole can of cranberry sauce.  And he did.  He reminded me the other day that eating all the cranberry sauce was really gross....and that I only fooled them for a year or two and then they realized that mom had gotten the better deal over the years.

The Twelve Days of Christmas Rugs - Day 5

It's a snowy day in Michigan...today's rug is more of a winter rug  (rather than Christmas) and it's certainly appropriate for today.  But, hey!  We could pretend that someone is snuggled in that warm little cabin and they are baking Christmas cookies or preparing their Christmas ham.

Boy Scout

Designed/adapted and hooked by Kris Miller

I know I've told the story of this design before...I saw this old rug at an antique market when I was still a beginner rug hooker.  Not being able to spend the money to purchase the rug, I asked the antique dealer if I could take a picture and he agreed.  It took me a couple of years before I had the courage to hook it.  I painstakingly tried to replicate the colors and I think I came close.  But I just couldn't create the wonky, uneven stitches that the maker had done.  It was sort of an "ah-ha" moment for me.  I realized that I had to embrace and accept the way I hooked (even loops) because that was my style and I had to be happy with what I created.

The Twelve Days of Christmas Rugs - Day 4

Santa will soon be on his way!

Holly & Ewe

Designed and hooked by Kris Miller 

I designed this rug for a workshop a few years ago and included several fun techniques:  sculpting (holly berries and pom pom on Santa's hat), hooking realistic primitive eyes, hooking with roving, and  binding a crochet edge with wool strips.  My inspiration for the design came from old Christmas postcards and of course, my love of sheep.

 One year when I was a kid, Santa left a sooty boot print on the hearth in front of our fireplace. That was all the proof I needed that Santa had really and truly visited our house sometime during the night.  I don't even remember what he left for us...I just remember that boot print!

The Twelve Days of Christmas Rugs - Day 3

Brrr...it's really cold outside today...let's have some Cocoa and Cookies!

Cocoa and Cookies Alphabet Sampler

A Notforgotten Farm adaptation by Spruce Ridge Studios

Hooked by Kris Miller

This is another rug that was so much fun to hook.  I believe it was the first rug I had ever hooked a lot of letters or script.  Since the plaid background has a teeny reddish purple line in it, I hooked the letters in similar colors.  I mixed up the colors just a bit so it gave variety and interest to the whole rug.  Just like the Midnight Clear rug, I used a taupe/cream plaid for the ground so it looks like dirty snow.  I gave the snowman a red ware plate and cup but I know some people have hooked the plate like a cookie instead, and I think that is a cute idea.  

What makes me smile is the cute little chin on the snowman...how many snowmen actually have a chin???  Charming!!!

Oops!  If you look closely enough, you will see I haven't done a binding on this rug yet.   I hooked this years ago and couldn't decide on how to finish the edges.  I think I will crochet around the edges with matching wool strips and call it good.  A perfect "cold weather" project to do before the end of the year!

The Twelve Days of Christmas Rugs - Day 2

There's no denying that Midnight Clear is one of my favorite rugs!

This is a Notforgotten Farm design and was hooked by me.  What a joy it was to hook!  I love Old World Santas and I loved bringing this Santa to life.  One of my favorite parts of this rug was hooking the little patch pocket with the snowman peeking out.  It's this type of whimsical detail that makes us love Lori Brechlin's designs so much!

I was very humbled and honored when this rug won an honorable mention a few years ago in an issue of the Celebration Of Hand-Hooked Rugs Magazine.

The Twelve Days Of Christmas Rugs - Day 1

Well, let's see if I can actually do this! 

 I am going to post 12 Christmas or winter-themed rugs each and every day.  The last rug should be posted on Christmas Eve.  

Meet Tomte The Elf! 
Designed and hooked by Kris Miller (c) 2013

A tomte (Swedish) or a tonttu (Finnish) is a small elf-like man. In Nordic folklore, he was the guardian in care of protecting a farmer's house and barn and often did his work at night when everyone was asleep. In modern times, a tomte traditionally has a white beard, wears a red cap and delivers packages to children on Christmas Eve.

Sauder Village Is Around The Corner!

In two weeks, I'll be packing my van and getting ready to set up and decorate my booth at Sauder Village.  We will have a different look there but it will still have the Spruce Ridge feel to it.  I am working on some beautiful new tablecloths (does anyone look at them?-I don't know) and I'm gathering up some new display pieces.  It's fun for me because I get to dig out all those great vintage pieces that I have stashed away.  I love all things from yesteryear!  My husband laughs at me because when we go antiquing, I am always saying "this would make a great display piece!"  It seems like I can't look at vintage things any other way.

 We will also have some great new merchandise.  I'm keeping it a secret for now...but wait until you see it!  I love the new stuff and I know you will too.  Just like Christmas morning, the anticipation is building!

One thing is for sure, we will have 6 new Notforgotten Farm patterns.  Actually, there are 7 but one is new to us...another mystery that you will have to come and find out for yourself! I have been working non-stop drawing patterns.  I hope you find your favorite....I can't bring them all but I've been stocking up on the most popular ones.

I am teaching a class on hooking 3 different kinds of eyes at Sauder on Friday evening.  The class is full but you can always inquire about the waiting list.  I will have a few extra kits from the class available for sale in my booth on Saturday.  The kit will contain a linen pattern and uncut wool and handouts.  Another secret...even the class has not seen the project yet.  Oh how I love surprises!!!!

PS:  I'll be doing a book signing too.  I believe it is scheduled for Wednesday but check the posted schedule to be sure.  I'd love to meet you and sign your copy of Introduction To Rug Hooking.  If you don't have one, you can buy it from me!