August Hook-in at Lilydale

It was such a beautiful morning and we came from far and wide, all with a common interest. That of Rug Hooking. As we arrived, each in turn, Joy welcomed us warmly. Most of us were ready for a cuppa, especially Chris who drove 1 ½ hours to get to Lilydale. 

The food is great as always

After catching up on each other’s work, we headed to the dye kitchen, which happens to double up with the family kitchen as well [funny that].

With Gene Shepherd’s new book ‘Prepared to Dye’ ready and waiting, there were lots of oohs and aahs as we leafed through the beautiful book. 

Recipes were decided upon and we were off. Lis was looking for a dark background, to go with her multi coloured cat-paw rug, and after much discussion settled on an antique black recipe. Joy and Lis enjoyed all the ‘doing’ while we all watched as beautiful colours emerged. Ooh and  aah, once again at the results. 

Next Joy wanted a green and orange wool, for her next project which included a pumpkin, so a spot dye was suggested. Such fun

Over a most delicious lunch we chatted about the upcoming Stitches and Craft show in October. Each was delegated certain tasks and days to be there.

Robyne continued work on her Uzbekistan rug, Anne worked on her Santa Clause rug, Jen knitted and Chris continued work on her Hubby Rug. 

Both Lis and Joy were in the dye kitchen.

Joy had been working hard on her ‘Glimmers of Hope’ rug which was now finished. A beautiful rug indeed. Well done Joy.

My how the time flew. By 3.30PM, we packed up and headed for home. Another wonderful day of hooking with a bunch of wonderful ladies who are now firm friends. 

If you are looking to start a new craft, don't hesitate any longer. Come once and you'll be hooked- uhh, pardon the pun.

L-R: Chris, Jen, Anne, Robyne, Lis, Joy with some lovely newly dyed wool

Anne's Macaroons. Yeeum!

Almond Macaroons

 

Makes 20

2½ cups of whole almonds (plus 20 extra to decorate)

1 cup (160g/5½ oz) icing sugar

1 tspn Baking Powder

½ tspn ground cinnamon

2 large eggs, separated.

Finely grated zest of ½ lemon

Preheat oven to 180°C(360°F). Line a baking tray with baking paper.
Place almonds in a food processor and process until finely ground. 
Combine the almonds, icing sugar, baking powder and cinnamon in a medium sized bowl.  Add the egg yolk and lemon zest and rub together with your fingers to create a crumb line texture.  

Whip egg whites to form stiff peaks .  add the almond mixture and fold in gently to combine.

Shape the mixture into 20 even-sized balls.  Arrange the macaroons roughly 2 cm (3/4in) apart on the tray, press an almond in the centre of each and flatten slightly. 
Bake for 15 mins or until golden brown.  Leave to cool on the tray for 10 mins then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. 

Try not to eat them all by yourself as soon as they come out of the oven!

Lis and her Bird

Here is an update on Lis's rug, with her gorgeous pet bird along for a ride!

 

Next Get Together This Saturday in Lilydale

If you're interested in doing, watching, thinking about, meeting those who do or just piquing your curiosity about the group, come along this Saturday. We're meeting at Joy's house in Lilydale, which is due East of Melbourne about er... ah... an hour? Around about? Not far at all for loads of fun and learning.
I've promised to bring some Congee Soup, our staple diet of late here at my place, and I'm sure there'll be way too much else to eat too!

Please phone 97566868 AH or email us at victorianrugmakers@gmail.com for info about exactly where to go.

Anne's Proggy Rug

I'm finally half way and was almost tempted to take it off the frame and cut the rest off as it has taken me so long to make, and I'm not sure if I like it anymore.  But I will keep at it as think this design needs to be a bigger rug.  I will probably shear the top a bit as some of the proggy loops a longer.  I actually prefer the wrong side, but the right will provide warmth to feet when stepping out of the bed.

Uzbekistan Update

A few more pics and blether here.

Book Review: Gene Shepherd's 'Prepared To Dye'

I bought this recently and, in spite of my bull-at-a-gate attitude to everything, actually read it (most of it anyway). It is excellent! I had no understanding of the why's and wherefore's of dyeing fabric and have found it very, practically useful immediately. I did have a good section on dyeing in another book, a very old (and wonderful) book, however, Gene Shepherd's 'Prepared To Dye' goes into the middle of things and explains why as well as how.
An excellent book! I will be using methods found there this weekend, to reduce the colour intensity of previous efforts.