A new rugger in the making

 Nicole is Anne's daughter who lives in Philip Island.  After seeing the bright
colours in the proggy rug Anne was working on, she thought she would like to try making one for herself.  She did very well indeed and it only took her 6 months to make hers, it took Anne a year to make hers.  Not bad for a first effort from someone who doesn't really  have any interests in any craft.  But then she is a busy mum of two lovely girls and works full time. She found it very therapeutic and can't wait to start another one. 

Soooo, anyone can be a rug maker in the making. All you need is a hook, some backing fabric and some wool, and if you wish, a frame. please consider yourself invited to our next Rug Hooking gathering in August. watch this space for details or send us an email in the contact form on the top right of the page.

The Ruggy Seat Covers

OK, here they are. I like the first (pink tabby) the best.

I want to avoid the direction I'm heading, style-wise, and need to think on it a bit.

I like him, and I love the colours, but...

Blossom. You can still get a pattern for Blossom if you email me at r.m.square@bigpond.com. For free that is. If you're new, there are a few tips you might find useful.

There is minimal dyeing here, just the tan colours in the ears. It makes for a different look I feel, and may be part of what I like. I love dyeing though, so there's loads to ponder.

Foxy didn't feel as if it needed bobbles. It's quite chunky. Overall, Foxy gives a lovely warm hue to the kitchen.

Developing your own (my own) style means thinking about (and applying) what you like and don't like. I find that if I have references around me while I work (in Foxy's case it was various photo's of foxes) then I will go in that direction unless I purposely redirect my thinking.

I guess that indicates that there is a style that comes unbidden (and is therefore my own natural tendency), and a style that I seek to satisfy my brain (for example, I can truly hate my drawing style. I have always to apply discipline to avoid going to a hateful place). It's better if I draw my picture, from whatever references I like, then refer to my drawing instead of the photo's. If I get that right, the rest will follow. Ish.

But, it's not a biggie. It's not Rembrandt. It's all fun and when I say fun I mean heaps of fun. Rug hooking is a lovely thing to do.

Joy in the UK

We've just received a photo from the UK from one of our members. Joy is visiting her daughter and while there, stopped in at Heather Ritchie's studio in Reeth.
This photo was sent on by Mirriam Miler, Fibre Artist and Rug Hooker from Narrawilly Proggy Rugs in Milton, NSW.

Left to right- Heather Ritchie, Joy Marshall

Next Rug meeting for the Yarra Valley Rug Makers

It's that time of the month again when we meet together for chatting, hooking and fellowship.
Wouldn't you just love to learn how to hook a rug? Well, the opportunity to do just that plus meet lots of interesting new friends at the same time, while enjoying lunch together, will happen next Saturday 12th July at the home of Chris in Loch, South Gippsland.

We also have the privilege of having Miriam Miller and Jacqui Thompson join us for the day. Miriam is the author of Proggy and Hooky Rugs. For further details of her book click on the 'Book Review' label on the right side of the page.
'Proggy and Hooky Rugs' Books are available on the day as well as one copy of Heather Ritchie's book 'Hooked Rug Story Telling; The Art of Heather Ritchie' by Lesley Mary Close, which features  comprehensive record of beautiful story rugs. hooked by Heather.

For more information contact us at victorianrugmakers@gmail.com or leave a message in the contact form. 
Hope to see you there. Cheers

Foxy Seat Cover Almost Done

I've changed the eyes quite a bit.
With the very dark surrounds, you saw nothing else. Just the eyes.

 Compare it to the previous post.
I may take out some of the red to the right underside of the right eye too.

The most exciting thing about it is, now I can figure out my next project! I have a few pictures in mind. My major drawback is having such a small house. The bar-type stools have been a good introduction, oh and the Uzbekistan rug. Being for the kitchen, they don't have to be too serious.

Looking forward to next Saturday too, with the gals!!