I'm hooked..

...on hooking peedie (Orcadian word for small/little) simple pictures with my hand spun wool.  I have a small wooden frame that I stretch a piece of hessian over and fix with drawing pins.  I then draw the design (although that sounds like a rather grand term when applied to what I do) and fill it in using a crotchet hook and hand spun wool.  I tend to do around the edges first. 

I first started making the pictures last year having been on a short workshop to learn the technique using old t-shirts.  It took me some time to work out how to present the finished item.  At first I backed them with calico and put a small ring on so they could be hung up.  However, this didn't seem to do them justice. 

 

I now leave hesian around the edges which frames the hooked picture.  This is then stitched on to a piece of calicao and stretch over an artist stretched canvas. 

The overall size of the picture below is 10" x 8" (254mm x 203mm).  The hooked piece is 7" x 2.5" without the hesian border.  I’ll think I will have to work on neatening up the edges. 

I don't just do hearts.  I really like the flowers in a vase and have other ideas floating around in my head.

Cilla Cameron Rug Maker http://www.ragrugsuk.co.uk/ and Hooked by Design http://www.hookedbydesign.co.uk/ are two sources of inspiration.  I am setting some time aside this week to do some more so watch this space.

A fine time

I had a good trip sooth and came back with a fine stash of brightly coloured fleece to spin and weave - and that's what I've been doing.

I  like the vibrant colours.  Does the scarf need some buttons added to the ends?  If yes - which colour?  I'll have to think about that one.

I have also been spinning some Art Yarn.  The sample below is a combination of thick yarn with a low twist, thin yarn with a high twist and slubs. 

The next project is to introduce some add-ins. 

If you are interested in all things woolly then I recommend you visit the website http://www.woolfest.co.uk/ Woolfest is a celebration of natural fibres, especially all aspects of wool, wool products and wool crafts and is taking place just outside Cockermouth in Cumbria on Friday 22 and Saturday 23 June.  I have wanted to go for a few years now and I am hopeful that 2012 will be the year.  I'm getting excited about it already.  It’s an area we know well having lived there many years ago.  Must get the campsite book. 

Even if you don't plan to go the website contains details of the stall holders websites and blogs providing a couple of hours happy browsing time.