With the extra down time this week, I was able to get the #12 cut rug hooked with a little less than an additional 5 hours of work – not a problem when sitting around watching Christmas movies. That makes a total of less than 12 hooking hours for this 21 by 36.5 inch oval. I ended up putting one less row of black on the outside edge than I originally intended. There was just enough black in the studio to perfectly hook 2 rows … and, since I did not want to go digging around for more, decided that with a black whipped edge, it would be enough. Fortunately, there is enough black yarn left from whipping “Babushka” so that I don’t have to make a special yarn run to get this rug done. You don’t have to have 12 inches of snow on the ground to not want to go out during the holiday season!
While I enjoyed making this rug, I am glad the diversion is over and I am ready to get back to “Big Momma.” However, I did accomplish my goal with this project and learned a lot about the cut. I also got rid of a lot of wool, using only scrap pieces out of my “as is” stash. In some ways, it is a very traditional, old fashioned hooked rug in the sense that I used up all sorts of wool that was “not just right” for other things. Some probably wasn’t 100% wool … all strips were cut in whatever direction was the longest, regardless of selvedge, etc. – just like great grandma used to make. Still I liked the finished project and it will be nice on the floor. It reminds me of a braided rug, but did not take the time or effort. Some time I will have to tell you about my braiding experience – a process I truly hate. All told, the rug used up about 2.5 pounds of wool. When whipping, the round ends will be notched a little every so often so that the backing will lay flatter when finished. I have already tried it out … using the best sensory preceptors there are – my bare feet. The rug works like a charm.
FYI – While I drew all the straight lines and used a compass to draw the first 3 or 4 little arcs on each end of my paper pattern, I had no way of getting the bigger arcs precisely drawn. Close inspection of other photos may show wobbly lines where those arcs were supposed to be hooked. Using the same process I do for a chair seat, I set the first 2 or 3 arcs, getting them as perfect as I could, then “eye balled” it after that. Consistency is the name of this game … still, I wish I could find a really big compass that could hold a Rub a Dub!
Arline Keeling
December 28, 2008 at 7:39 am
I have a couple of questions…..Is it hard on your hands using such a wide cut? And where do you find a rub a dub? I was told that the new Industrial markers were good,but the ink comes off on my hands………
Your rug is like jewels glistening against the black……I was thinking those colors or similar would be great for a braided rug. In fact when I finish mt current project I was going to start a braided rug. I would love to hear your braiding story. I teach braiding and hooking.
But, I love being a student and trying new things.
Gene Shepherd
December 28, 2008 at 8:09 am
Arline – I will give my unique secrets on “The Easiest Way to Braid a Wool Rug” in tomorrow’s post.
As for your other questions:
I Google “Rub a Dub” and several online store sites come up. I just buy from them as I learned a long time ago that Rub a Dubs often seem to be out of stock, or not carried any more, etc., and after driving around one day for about 40 mins. to 5 or 6 different stores that should have them, I ordered on line and got them the next day I think. They were cheaper than if I bought them at the store and certainly easier to find. I actually buy in bulk any more – several dozen at a time and they are even cheaper that way. Elizabeth Black go me on to the Rubs as opposed to the Sharpies – not only do the Sharpies get black on your hands but if you read the fine print they advertise that there are not permanent.
As for hands – There are 2 very important things needed – the 8mm Hartman and primitive linen. That said, it is harder to pull than a #6, of course. I did do some hand and arm stretching exercises …. which I normally do, but they were needed more as it does put pressure on everything being used. I was sort of doing a hooking marathon, which exacerbated the situation – so if a person only worked on it an hour or so a day, it would be easier on one’s “parts.” But, since all I have been hooking since August is cuts #9-12, I am a bit more used to it I think.
GRS
Jo
December 28, 2008 at 11:52 am
I’m curious as to where you will put this JEWEL? Does your bare feet dictate you’re side of the bed? ;0) Jo
Gene Shepherd
December 28, 2008 at 3:34 pm
Dear Jo – Like most of my rugs, I just made it with no particular “spot” in mind. I have had several people offer to give it a good home, but have made no decisions as of yet. At the moment, I am thinking of putting it under my computer table right where my feet rest … GRS
jamie_doll
December 29, 2008 at 7:55 am
Gene, I love your new rug! You can find a large compass at a teacher supply store. They make them to hold chalk or whiteboard markers. Woodworkers also use something similar to draw circles & arcs, called trammel points, and they make a set big enough to fit on a yardstick. Hope that helps! Jamie in TN
Gene Shepherd
December 29, 2008 at 8:22 am
Jamie – Thanks. I will give it a try. Gene
fanxstitch
December 29, 2008 at 10:28 am
I Love your rug. Beautiful job. Now you’ve really got me itching to try one. I’ve got 2 weeks house/dog sitting with no internet and no distractions so that I can work on projects starting Tuesday night . I’m going to try doing a #12 cut to see if I can hook it all during this time. I’ll be experimenting using the other kind of Monk’s Cloth to see how it works for hooking since it has nice large holes and it a heavy cotton material on par with the regular Monk’s Cloth and the linen. I’m going to try a primitive angel design I came up with to see how much detail one get with this size cut maybe mixed with some #10′s I have already cut too.
Vickey in SC
Saundra lotsawool
December 31, 2008 at 6:32 am
Gene I’m not usually drawn to such bright colors but this one knocks my socks off and makes me want to do one. It must have something to do with the contrast of the color and black. You say it is a #12 and I only have up to a #9 blade so would hand cut the strips. Great rug GRS.
Saundra from slower, lower Delaware
Gene Shepherd
December 31, 2008 at 6:44 am
Saundra – Nice to hear from you. You can hand cut inch strips OR tear them, if the wool is good enough quality to do that. That’s easily done by making snip every inch, then ripping. Since the snips never seem to be perfect, even when I lay a ruler on top of the while while snipping, you will get some irregularities, but I don’t think they would matter all that much with this rug. If you are going to start it anytime soon, email me privately. Since I have been researching for a RHM article, I haven’t shared everything I know about this process, leaving that info for the publication. Good Luck. GRS