Sunday, January 26, 2014

Knitty Gritty


Trying something new this year with knitting....you see so many wonderful projects and while I have crocheted since the early age of ten due to some very patient grandma's.  This business of knitting is a bit of a learning curve but I'm getting the hang of it....slowly!  Two scarves finished and on to this cowl....and the yarn is absolutely wonderful.
If anyone knows of an absolute BEGINNER book for knitters that is easy to understand I am open for suggestions as there are so many to choose from and I haven't a clue!  Thanks in advance for any advice.
Well back to the knitty gritty!

Happy Trailers....Ginger

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Out Of The Scrap Basket

Wool mug rug coasters made out of scrappy wool worms.  A simple design perfect for holding a hot mug of cocoa on a cold winter's day!  Quick and easy project even a beginner can make.


Hoping you are staying warm and safe this week as winter lingers on!

Happy Trails....Ginger

Monday, January 20, 2014

How To Locker Hook


Do you have scrap fabrics?  Well locker hooking is the perfect way to use up lots of left over fabrics.  Even fabrics that you wonder what was I thinking buying that.....well gather it up and let's make some coasters.


Here is what you will need....a locker hook (looks like a crochet hook with an eye in one end, a tapestry needle, scrap fabrics, cotton twine, a rotary cutter or scissors, latch hook canvas, and scrap fabric.


Cut your canvas to the size desired.....I cut mine 24 holes x 24 holes.  Notice the edges are trimmed neatly.....makes it a lot easier to bind.  At the corner I cut away the corner so when folding it in it will reduce the bulk.

Fold in the canvas aligning the holes....try to keep them as aligned as possible.

Cut fabric strips 1/2 inch wide and thread through tapestry needle and whip around edge.  Notice I am going up to the 2nd hole from the edge.....It sure makes it a lot easier once I begin hooking to cover up the edge this way.


Go slow and untwist your material as you go.  I usually use about 22 inches length of fabric at a time any more and it will fray.

When you come to the corner fold it in and continue wrapping fabric around.  You will want to go two times right in the corner to cover up the corner edge really well.

Once you are completely around just take your needle and go between some of  the whipped  loops and hide your tail inside....clip off.

Next you will want to cut 1 inch strips.....there are two ways I connect my fabric strips together.  One way is to put two pieces of fabric together one on top of the other.


I then clip the edges off at an angle to reduce bulk.

Fold the fabrics up and clip about 1/4 inch slit making sure not to get to the end.

Here you can see the slit.

Take the one strip and place over the other and open up the slit.



Take and pull the other end of the yellow fabric up and through both fabrics through the slit.

Gently pull both fabrics here I am pulling the red and yellow fabrics and it securely ties it without making a big knot.


Here is the way I like to join fabrics when I plan to do a lot of locker hooking.  I just take it to my sewing machine and sew fabrics end to end and then snip the threads between and then it makes one long continuous strip of 1" fabric in various colors.

Now it is time to locker hook.  You will take your cotton thread and tie it to one corner of your canvas.  Thread your eye of your locker hook with the other end and insert your hook through the canvas from the front to the back.  


Take your strip of 1" fabric to the back of your canvas  and leaving about 1 1/2 inches of a tail lay your fabric over your hook and then bring the loop to the front of the canvas.

You will want to put a loop of fabric one at a time on your hook  and bring them to the front of the canvas as you slowly go over the tail of the fabric in the back to hide it.  


Once you get several loops on just run your hook all the way through the fabric and the cotton thread will hide inside the loops.

Load on more loops until you reach the edge continuing to glide your needle through the loops about every 4 to 5 loops to hide your cotton thread inside.

Once you are at the corner you go up one hole and pull up a loop and glide your hook through to lock this one in place with your cotton thread.


You can choose to work back and forth rows or go around and  around.   On this one I am working my rows back and forth.  Now once your cotton thread gets to short just tie on another piece  and then thread your locker hook again.


Load your hook with more loops and gently pull the knotted thread through hiding your knot inside the fabric loop.

Work all of your tows until finished.....leave about a 3 inch tail of fabric.  Thread your fabric strip onto your tapestry needle and bring the tail to the top of the coaster.  Gently weave the tapestry needle with the fabric through the loops on the front to hide through 5 to 6 loops.  Clip off close to loop.  


Here is two finished coasters the one on the left is worked with the rows back and forth and the one on the right is worked around and around until I finished in the middle.

These  coasters can be left just as they are or you can add a piece of fabric to the back.  If you choose to back your coaster  just cut a piece of fabric the same size as the dimension of the hooked coaster .   Then fold in the edges of the fabric just a smidge and  then press with an iron to make a fold. 
Place on the back of the coaster and pin in place....next take a needle and thread and slip stitch to back of coaster.  If you don't like to sew you can use heat and bond or you can use sticky back felt.  I like to leave them as is or whip stitch the backing on.

Happy Trails....Ginger

Friday, January 17, 2014

Frank Bielec Oxford Punch Rug Hooking Workshop New Date

 
UPDATE: THE WORKSHOP IS FULL AS OF MARCH 27, 2014.....THANK YOU!
 
I have had to reschedule the workshop that we had planned for March to JUNE 6th and 7th, 2014.  With the coming of a new lil' granddaughter it was going to be cutting it pretty close and after speaking with Frank we decided to have the workshop in June. 
 
The class runs for 2 full days beginning at 9 am and runs until late in the evening.  We serve snacks as well as lunch and supper. 
The fee for the workshop is $100 and includes your meals and snacks and there is a kit fee that will cover all of the generous patterns, wools, yarns, and extra goodies that Frank brings for your projects. 
If you have ever taken a class from Frank you will know it is filled to the brim with patterns, supplies, extra goodies, and 2 days of fun and laughter!  At the end of the workshop you will go home with finished items and a lot of inspiration!
We have a large well lighted room for the workshop and live out in the country not far from I~35 near Wayne, Oklahoma and there are hotels available nearby.
 
The class size is limited to 18 so be sure and sign up early.  You can email me at
prairiemoonprimitives@yahoo.com  if you need more information.
 
Happy Trails......Ginger
 
 

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Three of Hearts


A simple hooked rug from lots of scrap worms....it is amazing how many extra wool strips I accumulate.  Didn't have to cut a one for this little rug.


Mixed old mustard yellows


Old reds


Vintage blues

Worms from the scrap basket makes some of the best rug!

It was such a nice day that I loaded up the kiddos after I picked up Sloan from school and we went to the park then of course we stopped for slushies!

Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do.....but how much love we put in that action.  
Mother Teresa

Happy Trails....Ginger

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Punching, Hooking, and Fishing!



Found a little time to punch up a bowl of heart pins.  A little boy has been keeping me busy after school going on scavenger hunts and fishing.   It's been a little cool for fishing but we have been giving it a try!




The scrap basket of wooly worms is still piled high but I did make a small tote.  I lined it with fabric and backed it with wool.  It's simple and will be a good little tote for small projects.

Tomorrow and Thursday Eva Mae will be over for a visit and Sloan is looking forward to seeing her after school.   She is getting to be a big girl and is always busy!  

Hoping your week is off to a great start.

Happy Trails....Ginger


Thursday, January 9, 2014

In The Jungle

 
 
More times than I care to admit my craft room looks like a jungle! 
 
 
Even this lion feels at home :)
 
 
Laundry is getting done, dishes are all cleaned up, but the vacuum needs ran over a few rugs and a few more last minute chores and then maybe I'll find a few minutes to hook before I need to go pick up a little boy from kindergarten!
 
Hope you are enjoying your day whether it be in a jungle or huddled in an igloo!
 
Happy Trails.....Ginger

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Lucy Locket Lost Her Pocket




Lucy Locket Lost Her Pocket,
Kitty Fisher Found It;
Not A Penny Was There In It,
Only Ribbon Round It!

Well I made three little pockets yesterday and finished the last one up this morning.
This is what was on the frame yesterday and for a first attempt It turned out okay.


This is the back of the sheep pocket

When you open it up it repeats the sheep....I added a magnetic heart closure but can you see the mistake???




This is the little pocket just big enough to tuck in some spare change or folded bills.


A little pocket that opens at the top.....maybe to hang a sprig of flowers or herbs!

I've been thinking about doing a pocket booklet....think I'll go find my rug hook and see if I can find Lucy Locket's pocket!

Happy Trails....Ginger



Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Once Upon A Snowman!



Well it warmed up just a bit today before the next cold blast comes in tonight....Oklahoma is famous for the wind and today it finally calmed down a bit.  I made a few needle punch snowman coasters....I have to say snowmen are some of my favorites to make.  Even got these little guys finished off with a wool backing and jute cording around the edge....now for a cup of hot chocolate!


Next on the frame I am trying a new little project and will see if it works out like I have planned.


I have a bit of time before our son comes to pick up Sloan this afternoon and the little kiddo fell asleep after a hard day at school so guess I make use of some punching time with that hot chocolate!

Stay warm and cozy it is cold out there!

Happy Trails....Ginger

Monday, January 6, 2014

As If...

 
I didn't have enough different types of crafts I like.....
I tried knitting and in two evenings finished this scarf.  I had actually tried knitting before and gave up this time  It was actually easy and fun!
 
Now what to try next???
 
Guess your never to old to learn something new!
 
Happy Trails....Ginger

Sunday, January 5, 2014

January Farm Girls Day


For the last few years about 15 to 20 of us gals gather out here at the farm for a day of rug hooking, needle punch, and stitching....just about any kind of craft goes!
Kay made the above rug it is a pattern by Linda Brannock and is available through  Wooley Woolen.


Ann made this rug it is a bodkin rug and is about 3 inches thick and reversible.



Laura was working on binding this rug that she made of all her scrappy worms.



Kay got some binding done on this rug....it is a pattern my Star Rug Company.


WE had postponed our December dirty santa due to bad weather so we had a great time playing yesterday.  Below is what each person went home with after lots of stealing!  The theme this year was something with a heart and hand.



Ann went home with Karan's heart and hand apron.




Kathy went home with tin ornaments with a heart and hand on the inside as well as little heart and hands that hold threads  they were made by Carol W.


Teresa went home with a vintage platter painted by Kathy.

Carol W. went home with a needle punch by Carolyn P.


Dee went home with a heart and hand penny rug made by Sue (my mom)


Karan went home with a needle punched book cover by me.

Carolyn P. went home with a stuffed heart and hand pinkeep by Dee.


Veronica went home with an appliqued box made by Teresa.


Sue (mom) went home with a notepad and scrapbook covered clipboard.


I got this needle punch heart and hand that holds a battery operated candle made by Ann.


WE had a great day with a buffet style lunch and lots of visiting and of course lots of laughter!

We have already planned our next dirty santa and will be doing a house and heart so lots of time to be deciding what to make for the end of 2014.

Those farm girl days are always one of my favorite days of the month!   I hope you enjoyed seeing what a simple little pattern of a heart and hand can be made into so many different and fun things.

Happy Trails....Ginger