It took all day – 6 to 6 – but I did get Big Momma completely hooked on Friday.
Most of the day was spent hooking background for three of the big recatangular sections.
I also did a bit of de-pinking. On several occasions I have mentioned that I thought the ribbons were too pink. This version was achieved by replacing the hot pink with some Tahitian Sunset – a color that can’t quite make up it’s mind whether it’s gold or pink. FYI, this is the signature spot – ‘09 is obvious and, opposed to my normal procedure, this rug has a G S, (it’s upside down here) instead of just my usual S, taking full advantage of the ribbon.
Before I hung up my hook for the evening, I did vacuum the rug and then steam it. Blocked rugs look different than rugs that aren’t blocked. Therefore, I don’t like to make final tweaking decisions until I have had a chance to take a long hard look at a steamed rug. By the time you are reading this, I will be doing final corrections before starting to whip the edge later in the morning … that is, if I can find the wool I bought for the whipping about 6 months ago.
LC
November 14, 2009 at 6:44 am
Big Momma is over the top. The new ribbon colors are just perfect! Your G S is hidden well for anyone who wouldn’t know how it is you sign your rugs. Fantastic rug! Love it! LC
LC
November 14, 2009 at 6:46 am
Forgot to ask– what’s the cut?
mossrose
November 14, 2009 at 6:48 am
It is a very beautiful rug. You do some very amazing rugs.
Gene Shepherd
November 14, 2009 at 7:21 am
LC – Thanks for the nice feed back. The rug is made with cuts #9 and #10. Most of the flowers are #9, the straight background around the edges uses #10 and the alternate striped background is #10 (dark green) and #9 (tweed).
mossrose – Thanks. It seems like it has taken me forever to get this rug done, but I do like the results.
GRS
Teresa
November 14, 2009 at 7:33 am
There is great satisfaction in getting big projects done. Your rug is beautiful. It is a happy rug!
Arline Keeling
November 14, 2009 at 9:01 am
I can’t tell you what an impact your colors have had on me……They are wonderful……..The Tahitian Sunset glows…….You are truly a man of many talents…..And to think I can go back into your blog and pull these wonderful pictures up is amazing……..V. Sharmay
debby
November 14, 2009 at 10:14 am
WOW. I wish I could print that in great big letters to match the big impact of ‘Big Momma.’
SueL
November 14, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Just gorgeous Gene! Beautiful, beautiful colours. Do you have a spot picked out for ‘Big Momma’ in your home, or have you got other plans for where it will reside?
Gene Shepherd
November 14, 2009 at 5:34 pm
SueL – While there is no specific spot chosen for this rug, I have been informed, by the powers that be, that it will go down on a floor somewhere in the house. GRS
Sarah P
November 14, 2009 at 9:06 pm
Gene, What are the dimensions of that rug, “Big Momma”?? I am amazed at how much you can do with such wide cuts! Your colors “knock your socks off!”
Kate
November 14, 2009 at 10:07 pm
Gene~I just want to tell you I LOVE your Big Momma just as much as I do my own… I’m so happy to see the “pink” gone… Wish I could be as careful w/my loops as you are.. May it bring you as much joy as mine does me..
Gene Shepherd
November 14, 2009 at 11:27 pm
Sarah – Thanks. This version of Big Momma is 33 by 78 – I draw it a couple of different sizes. GRS
Gene Shepherd
November 14, 2009 at 11:29 pm
Kate – Thanks so much. I knew the pink needed to go but just wasn’t ready to deal with it until everything was done. I particularly like this rug – the design, the colors and, particularly, that it reminds me of you and Marny. GRS