My rug hooking obsession began on October 24. I knew about rug hooking . . but all I knew was that a friend did rug hooking probably 30 or more years ago and a couple of times, I chatted with her while she was hooking but I didn’t pay a whole lot of attention to any of it.
On October 24, a blog reader emailed me about something else and said she had passed close to my town while going to a rug camp. I asked “what is rug camp?” and 82 emails (really . . I counted) and two days later, we met in Abilene, shared a room for two nights. Two strangers became friends and I fell in love with rug hooking.
Showing Me How To Do It
She is a retired school teacher, is passionate about rug hooking and was the best teacher!
Vince couldn’t believe I was going to meet a total stranger and spend two nights with her . . I think her husband thought the same thing. Vince said “What if you don’t like each other?” I said “We will!” He said “What if there’s nothing to talk about and you just stare at each other?” I said “We won’t! Have you ever known me to have nothing to say?” 🙂
The first night, we turned the lights out a bit after midnight and kept talking. She finally grabbed her flashlight and turned it on. I was laughing . . I told her it reminded me of middle school kids when mom says “Turn that light off and don’t turn it on again!” so we turned on the flashlight and kept talking til after 2 a.m.
Practice
When I got home, Vince wanted to see what I made. I think he was expecting to see something finished. What I had done was work on the outer edges of one of her projects. She had finished the hooking but had not finished the project so I just worked on her scrap edges and didn’t bring any of it home with me. I think at that point Vince was wondering if I had really been doing what I said I was doing!
First Project
I did come home with a couple of projects. This is the first one I’m working on. Hopefully in a few days I’ll have a good progress photo for you. I’ve started it but I’m slow.
Rug hooking is an expensive hobby when starting but unless I pick up a whole lot of speed, it’s not going to be terribly expensive because this project is probably going to take me months to finish!
I do find it relaxing, though I’m still struggling to find the best position so I don’t end up with aches and pains. What I really need is more room in this house but I don’t think that’s going to happen.
Vicky says
Well, I personally think Vince needs to build a room on just for spinning and rug hooking!
JudyL says
I will tell him you said that . . or better yet, I’ll call you and let you tell him yourself so you can hear his response! 🙂
Sherrill says
That’s the main reason I never took up rug hooking..TOO expensive!! My fabric was already a big expense and I don’t think I could spread myself any thinner (well, I could but I don’t want to). Between crocheting, cross-stitching and quilting, that’s enough. As it is I don’t seem to get much of any of the 3 to completion (although I’m doing pretty good on the QOV’s and nearly done with the cross-stitch Carol at Polka Dot Chicken got me started on!!
Laura says
You’re doing way better than I am! Ever since I started quilting (about 10 years ago), the cross-stitch projects just sit in the cabinet. I’d love to keep cross-stitching, but I don’t seem to find the time.
JudyL says
You never know when you may feel more like cross-stitching than quilting though. Just do what makes you happy and don’t feel bad about neglecting one hobby over another.
JudyL says
It really isn’t that expensive. The startup costs . . a bit expensive but nothing compared to quilting. You need a frame and those, like anything else can be priced low to high. The one I got retails for a bit less than $400 but I got a used one and paid about half that. There are some I saw that are upwards of $900. Compare that to the cost of many of the sewing machines folks are using.
The kits, which come with pre-cut strips and the pattern, start as low as $30. I had ordered one and got two from the lady who taught me. I’m thinking some of the kits I saw for $50 to $60 would take me at least a month, maybe two to finish. Compare that to the cost of fabric, backing, batting and add to that if you’re paying someone to quilt it for you.
I’m not comparing a hooked rug to a quilt . . a quilt keeps you warm and a rug is pretty, but I’m comparing one hobby to another. At this point, we don’t need any more quilts . . we have enough to last us a lifetime, so the utility of another quilt for me, is comparable to a rug – something pretty to look at.
I’m just saying . . for someone who would like to try rug hooking, check the costs for yourself. You might be surprised.
PegD says
My best friend is a rug hooker and her mom is rug hooker and a teacher. She has taught me how to dye wool but so far I have resisted starting on hooking. It sure is cool though. My BF won 3 ribbons at the fair this year for her rugs. I love the imagination that goes behind it. They only do original designs usually from some cool memory past or present. I just gave her my late mama’s red wool coat, am hoping to see it in some of my friends rug art.
Suzanne says
Love Rug Hooking!!
I have traveled to Vermont, Nova Scotia, Florida, St. Louis, New Orleans and Ohio to rug hook. We always have a great time. I find wool at Good Will and DAV.
Iowa has a great group here!! Enjoy the Adventure!!
JudyL says
WOW! It would be so nice for her to be able to use wool from her friend’s mom’s coat!
Erin says
That’s a nice that you both became friends! My sil goes to hook ins and camps! I love the fabric u r using is that linen? Looks like it will hold up well!
JudyL says
It is linen.
Melody says
Sounds like fun. Thanks for sharing it with us. I will be excited to hear more about this adventure.
PattiLynn says
Oh, that’s not what I thought you meant! Years ago I did a few pillows, I think it was called Latch Hook tho. It was made with pre-cut short lengths of yarn and the finished project (rugs, pillows etc) were shaggy looking. Years…ago!!
Your rug hooking looks really interesting and they have a great finished look (I googled them).
And it’s TOO FUNNY about your meet-up to learn how to do it…but it sounds like a great adventure and a lot of fun!
JudyL says
I did some latch hook rugs back in the early 80’s and this is quite different but a bit the same in that instead of using the canvas, I’m using linen with finer holes and instead of pulling the strips of wool all the way through, I just bring them up 1/4″ and lots of little “humps” (though I know that’s not the right word), come from the same strip of wool.
Carolyn says
Space? There never seems enough space! My husband has a nice shop for his woodcarving and recently built an even nicer patio for it. I have a friend who suggested that I trade my quilting/rug hooking room with the master bedroom since it is much larger. Yes, it sounded good until I considered the furniture to be moved and such. Oh well, some days I quilt, but I hook everyday for at least ten minutes.
JudyL says
It does seem crazy that master bedrooms are way bigger than any other rooms and rooms like our hobby rooms are where all the activity takes place. (I think this comment is leaving way too much room for the imaginative mind but I know you know what I mean!) 🙂
Joyce says
I really should not have gone looking for images of hooked rugs on the Internet. Big mistake! 🙂 There are some gorgeous pictures out there…
Carolyn says
Being a slow hooker is not a bad thing. I’ve been rug hooking since 2012 and there is nothing fast about me. Honestly think it is the perfectionist in me. You will also find that reverse hooking is a whole lot easier than grabbing a seam ripper in one hand a quilt block in the other.
JudyL says
But, tell us . . how many rugs have you done since you started? A lot! And they’re all gorgeous . . and perfect!
maggie says
here in arizona we call that Sherrit. it’s done with a really long needle with a hook on the end and wool fabric strips. what we call rug hooking is using a background mesh and knotting short individual pieces of wool yarn thru the mesh.
you just need to get Vince involved in the process.
have fun.
Penny in So CA says
I am so excited, actually more than excited that you have started rug hooking! I hope that you will keep us informed every step of the way & post pictures, too!!
Sue Lord says
Sounds like you had a great time.
Frieda Z. says
When we moved I got rid of my rug hooking equipment. If i still had it I would send it to you. It was one you could sit on the base and it made it quite easy to stitch. I made a couple of things but decided I liked knitting and quilting/sewing more.
AnnieO says
I’ve always loved hooked rugs but knew it is an expensive hobby, having paid for wool for appliqué on a quilt! However, I just bought 3 100% wool skirts at a thrift store for $4 each. All were pleated and one was a Pendleton skirt. I’m planning on felting these. I may try needle punch embroidery in the future for a fix. Quilting is still #1 for me :).
Ava says
Judy – Your enthusiasm makes us all want to jump in. We’re all at that impressionable age. Ha Ha It’s a good thing you’re not a salesman or alot of your readers would be in trouble. I did some research and vid watching. Rug hooking looks like a lot of fun.
Jackie says
If I was to take on another interest it would be traditional wool rug hooking. We have a guild here. I’m really interested in reading about your new adventure!