Last night I did a pot of casserole dyed wool for the specific purpose of blinding several of my close, rug hooking friends.  Before you get too upset about that confession, let me state that this wool is going to be used for making blind folds for the upcoming, International Rug Aid, Rug Rave for Gambia, November 21 - an event designed to increase awareness of the work of Heather Ritchie with sightless Gambian rug hookers.  On that day, rug hookers around the world will be gathering in various locations to experience how it would be to hook a rug without the use of sight.  It just so happens that my ATHA Guild, The Orange Coast Classics, will be having their annual holiday party on that day and I have received permission to have a couple of stations set up so those that want can try their hand hooking blindfolded.  As anyone can use rags for for blindfolds, I decided we might all hook better if we had classy wool ones.  And, if the participants want to make a donation to Rug Aid, I’ll be glad to let them keep their blind fold.

anew wool2

Since no one wants a blindfold that slips, I decided to make long ones that had could be easily tied in the back.  The wool I used is the bolt ends that go the entire width of new fabric.  Since I measure my wool before it’s dyed in half yard increments, it seems like there is always an old piece left at the end of each bolt that is less than the needed amount.  These are usually reserved for my personal use, or for very long dip dyes.  Yes, I cut it the wrong way  when it’s time to hook … no, it does not make any difference as long as the cut # is 5 or above.  (Besides, I am getting to where I prefer 52 inch long pieces  over  regular lengths as one does not have to start and stop so often.)  However, for Heather’s project, I will give up my stash, dyeing them up in a rainbow of various colors so participants can pick the ones they want.  Whatever $’s are collected that day (and people don’t have to make a donation unless they want to) will go to Rug Aid. I will get 6 blindfolds (each about 4″ by 52″) from the two pieces shown above.  (The total amount is about three and a half, 32’s of a yard.)

If you hook with a group, November 21 would be a good day to invite over a few friends so you can all join in this international experience.    (It also happens to be Heather’s Birthday, so why not use the day as an excuse to have  a party?)   To make sure all the kinks are out of the process, I will probably do some sightless rug hooking, and report on it, before the 21st.  Of course, the day one contemplates this project is not nearly as important as calling attention to Heather’s work with the sightless.  I’ll make sure you are not in the dark on this one.