Down On The Farm

Oh sunny days we are so ready for you!  It's been a cold time here on the Oklahoma Prairie's.    So it's always nice to pull out the scrap wool of yarns and wool strips and create a plain and simple rug.  It is very similar to the rug I hook a few weeks back but I wanted to use my oxford punch for this one. 

I used scraps of  wool 4 ply yarn that I hand dyed  and wool strips that I pulled from my scrap basket.

Danny has been wearing overalls since we dated way back when we were 16 years young!

He was the only guy for me....my first date!  

Not my first kiss....oops stole one in 2nd grade from a lil' red headed boy!  

We had a fun little wool class "Crazy Clutch " it is a pattern my Cricket Street Wool.

Such fun to make :)

Each gal did a little something different on the inside of the clutch.

We had such a good time visiting and stitching.  Thanks to all the ladies who made it out on a cold day.

This lil' boy has been out of school for snow days.  We are mainly a rural school so the buses have a tough time so it is better to play it safe when the roads get snow and ice.

He was sacked out while I was busy at work.....

The lil' girls came over for a visit one afternoon.  Look at Miss Betty standing so tall.  She will be celebrating her first birthday next week!  Eva is such a good big sister and is always ready to tell Sissy about how things should be!

I've been working on some new patterns and hope to share some with you soon.  It's going to be a busy spring and summer and I can hardly wait!

Wishing everyone lots of SUNSHINE and a Happy WEEKEND!

Happy Trails.....Ginger

Around the Farm!

We have new little calves being born and they are so sweet to watch!

We have Prairie Chick days once a month at our farm where gals come to stitch, hook, punch, and visit!

I've been putting together a lot of projects....little pinkeeps for gifts.

A Year In Stitches blocks by Buttermilk Basin that I am going to make into a quilt.

A long hooked flag I finished and hung above the french doors...the pattern is by Woolley Fox.

A free monthly mystery pattern by Buttermilk Basin..... your not too late so pop over and stitch one up yourself!

Then I've been crocheting the border around my farmstead rug.

Dyeing and Washing Wool

Then onto stitching up another month of the Year In Stitches by Buttermilk Basin.

There is more that I have been working on but I will save it for another day :)

This coming Saturday...February 21st we will be having a 

One Day Workshop on putting together this

Crazy Clutch a pattern by Cricket Street Wool

The dirt pad for the big barn is ready and in the next few weeks the cement work will be done and we will have a barn up then there will be lots of work to be done to make it into a  bunkhouse, a shop for goods, a large workshop area, restrooms, and a dining area!

Happy Trails.....Ginger

Hook~Stitch~Punch

I've been using up many of the scraps from the overflowing basket of worms....Love to make really scrappy rugs.  Danny told me I should have gave the boy overalls!  Guess I should have :)

I've also been working on applique patterns by Buttermilk Basin so relaxing and fun.

The oxford punch needle has been getting used, too.  Just a little bit of everything :)

It's been a busy week but never too busy to do a little hooking, stitching, and punching!

Happy Trails....Ginger

Crab Crawl Finish For A Hooked Rug

 

I've been busy hooking, punching, and doing a little applique!

 

I thought I would share with you how I am finishing this rug.  The actual hooked rug pattern is by Laurie of The Wooly Red Rug.   She has some really awesome rug patterns to chose from!

 

Now on to how I am binding this rug.... First you will want to  single crochet all around the rug making sure to add 3 to 4 single crochets in the corners  then came back over the top of the single crochet with a crab crawl stitch. 

 

I used an F size crochet hook and some of my hand dyed 4 ply wool yarn "warm browns" and it gives it a nice rope twist look on top! 

If you are wondering about the noise in the background :) Sloan was busy coloring!

 

Just another way to finish a hooked rug.

 

Happy Trails.....Ginger

Meet a New Oxford Puncher

 

I met a lot of folks while vending at SDC in Branson, MO.   Miss Michaela who happens to be 10 years old has become a new oxford puncher!  Didn't she do a great job on making this little house and flowers :)

I'm sure she will be busy making lots of new things and it just so happens her mom has caught the punching bug, too!

 

 

 

I have been crocheting around one of my rugs and have been working on a video to show you something I learned back during the summer.  It is a really great way to finish a rug using crochet.....

So maybe by next week I will be able to share the technique with you!

 

 

I am off for a few days to Eureka Springs, Arkansas for a few days  to hook and stitch with some friends.  Hoping all of you are staying warm and have a wonderful weekend planned!

 

Happy Trails to You.....Ginger

 

 

 

Big Red Barn... A Dream Coming True

(photo found on pinterest)

 

Danny and I both like BIG RED BARNS and a dream is looking like it will be coming true.

 

For a very long time I have wanted a shop to sell my wares, supplies, and to teach handmade crafts of all kinds.  For the most part I just enjoy being around folks that have a desire to make things.  I have always kept busy making something even from a very young age. 

 

So we have talked and planned and drawn sketches of plans and we have come up with a  BIG RED BARN that will be here at our farm.  It will have a store for me to offer my handmade goods and also, supplies of wool, punchneedles, yarns, rug hooking supplies, and much more.

 

There will be two porches with rocking chairs and tables to gather around for visiting and relaxing outside, then a big, bright room with plenty of workspace for quilting, rug hooking,  punching, and wool applique workshops or retreats.

 

 

A place to gather around the tables inside  to enjoy some good ole' home cooking and a bunkhouse built in for 16 gals to spend a night or two. 

 

I want this to be a place that everyone that comes can enjoy a taste of the country life,  make new friends, and leave feeling refreshed and wanting to return again. 

 

 

 

 

We have already  measured off where it will go....next is the dirt work to level everything up. 

 

 

In the waiting process I am still planning on several workshops in the big gathering room we have now. 

 

Check back soon for some upcoming workshops on Crazy Clutch, Shirred Rugs, Needle Punch, Oxford Punch, Beginning Rug Hooking and A YEAR IN STITCHES Block of the Month.

 

I will post the dates soon with more details.

 

If you are in the area we also have a Prairie Chicks day once a month.

This month we will meet Saturday, January 10th from 9:30 to late afternoon.

Just bring something to work on and I will provide the lunch....no charge just a good old fashion day of visiting and stitchin', hookin', and punchin'

 

 

Happy Trails......Ginger

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy New Year 2015

As a New Year begins I have to say I am thankful for 2014.....

 

The days of our lives pass so quickly and we should take time and enjoy the many blessings and learn from the ups and downs we all have.

 

Some days are more enjoyable than others for all of us.  I'm very thankful for a Lord that sheds his grace on me.....family that brings so much joy to my life, friends that are silver and gold, and to live in the great USA.

 

My friend Cyndi of Ivy Jean's Ozark Farmstead who I met this last June designed and punched this fun oxford punch piece.  She has been punching only for a short time and I think she did a fantastic job.  She owns and operates a small family farm where she host retreats for quilting, rug hooking, scrapbooking, weddings and lots more!  She is one sweet gal that makes her farm a fun place to visit!

 

 

I have a lot of things planned for this year the good Lord willing.....

I hope to share them with you in the upcoming days.

It is a dream that I have had for so long and it seems it is finally coming true ♥

 

Wishing you and your family a Happy, Healthy,  and Joyous New Year

 

Happy Trails.....Ginger

 

 

Scrappy Rugs and Keeping Warm

I have lots and lots of worms left over from projects and the scrap baskets always seem to be overflowing.  I made this wonky penny hooked rug and just love how it turned out.  Simple and no worries about keeping anything perfect.

It measures 20 x 26 inches.....guess what I still have a lot of woolly worms left!

Just about every Sunday after church we make a trip to Home Depot and most of the time I just work on a project in the truck.  This is my Home Depot project this week......crocheted fingerless gloves.  I just made it up as I went.  They are made of a nice wool yarn and with the colder temps on the way bet they help keep me nice and warm ☺

Well with the basket of woolley worms still overflowing I started yet another scrappy rug!

Just some random wonky hearts ♥

It's been a busy December lots of time spent with family and friends.  I do hope each of you had a wonderful Christmas and wish you a Very Happy New Year!  Thanks so much to all that stop by and visit my blog ♥

Happy Trails.....Ginger

Wool Applique and Rug Hooking

 

Sometimes it is nice to simply use a kit and make some wonderful things.  I recently purchased some patterns from Cricket Street Wool while I was in Branson.  Carolyn Snyder owns the shop and does incredible work.  I purchased several patterns and several kits.  Her instructions are easy to follow and easy enough to make in a day.

In no time I had the little church pillow and the Wintertime with the deer pillow made.  I also, made two of the crazy clutches and they will be great for holding little tools for take along projects.

 

 

Then after finishing the wool appliques it was time to get busy with a little rug hooking.

 

 

 

I ordered this project in the beginning of 2014 from LJ Fibers at the Wooly Red Rug it is one of her annual hooked rug kits.  Primitive Medallions is quickly becoming one of my favorites.  I hooked all of this up in just one evening and I'm sure to be back at the frame often.  The primitive colors of wool look wonderful as each loop is pulled!

 

Thanks for stopping by to visit....hope you are having a great week and finding a little time to do something you enjoy!

 

Happy Trails....Ginger

Lil' Bits

 

Cordelia the Lil' Sheep

Sly The Fox

 

 

Little hooked mats made on a cold wintery day!

 

Happy Trails...Ginger

Simple Christmas

Oh to remember the days of past where life was simple.

 

So were the days of childhood

 

the delight of looking through the Sears catalog

 

dreaming of candy canes in the stockings

 

packages beneath the tree

 

visiting with family far and near

 

A simple little Christmas

 

Can really be the very best!

 



Getting Old

 

Getting Old is Not Bad!

 

Sloan nailed it with this handmade card.  He has me needle punching and watching tv and just look at PaPa with his cane and hot coffee!    Don't you just love the tv with rabbit ears how funny!  I don't think Sloan even knows about rabbit ears on a tv then again maybe he does.

Think I will frame this card and put it in my craft room!

 

 

 

I've been doing a little embroidery and applique.  Simple little things :)

 

These little snowmen will be coasters.

 

Off to finish a rug on the frame...

 

Have a great start to your week and stay warm.

 

Happy Trails....Ginger

O Christmas Tree

 

I've been keeping the wool and hook busy making some fun rugs.  Can't you just imagine this dear ol' snowman singing.......

 

Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree!
The leaves are so unchanging
Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree,
The leaves are so unchanging

Not only green when summer's here,
But also when it's cold and drear.
Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree,
Thy leaves are so unchanging!

 

 

Finished up this simple flower and sure like how it turned out!

 

Happy to say I have bound 4 rugs but as always still have more to bind!

 

Think I will go pull a few loops and see what those wooly worms will turn into :)

 

Happy Trails....Ginger

It's Chilly Out There!

 

Boy it has been cold and with the Oklahoma winds it chills ya right to the bone!  Hot chocolate sure tastes good on a cold and windy day.

 

It's a good time to bind on some rugs.  The snowman was oxford punched using a #14 mini punch with some of my hand dyed wool yarn.  Doesn't he look happy!

 

The penny rug was made using up lots of scraps and was hooked.    I love all the different ways rugs can be made I can't say that I am ever bored :)

 

Stay warm out there it sure is chilly!

 

Happy Trails....Ginger

Locker Hooking How To Part 2 and 3

If you have wanted to learn how to locker hook it is really easy.  Just gather up your supplies and get started.

Here is two simple videos to help you make a rug!

Yes, I'm an Okie and so hope you can understand me :)

Happy Trails....Ginger

Part 2 Binding The Rug

Part 3 Hooking Your Rug

Locker Hook How To Part 1

 

Recently one of the things I demonstrated at Silver Dollar City was how to locker hook.  Here is a short video on the supplies you will need.  Join me in a couple of days and I will show you how locker hooking is done.  If you are like me sometimes seeing how things are made makes things much easier to do.

 

Supplies needed

Latch hook canvas

Locker hook

Scissors

Cotton yarn

Large eye tapestry needle

Fabric strips for binding 1/2 inch wide by 22 inches

Fabric strips for loops 1 inch wide in various lengths

 

So gather up your supplies and if you need a locker hook and can't find one I have them in my etsy shop!

 

Happy Trails....Ginger

Holiday Finishes with a Helper

 

I finished a couple of hooked pieces.  A fun little snowman hooked in wooly strips from 8 to 9.  Fast and fun to hook.

 

 

Added a patchwork piece to the back.

 

 

A chunky Christmas Tree with hand cut strips.

 

Another patchwork finish to the back.

 

 

Now to show you my help....

 

 

 

Don't you love the little monster peeking out behind the tree :)

 

 

Sloan wanted to do some tree trimming so he snipped off the tails.    Notice my son in the background with his big bushy beard...reminds me of the young red headed Santa we see on the old Christmas show.

 

Next he wanted to try hooking and wow he pulled 5 loops! 

 

I should have got a picture of him grinning he has lost his first tooth,  maybe next time :)

 

Happy Trails....Ginger

 

Snowman Coaster Patterns Free For You!

 

 

 

With the upcoming winter season I thought I would share the pattern with you.  Just right click and print and Enjoy!

 

 

 

Happy Trails.....Ginger

52 Days Oh My!

 

Fifty two days is a long time to be away from HOME!  It sure is good to be back although I had such a great time at Silver Dollar City being one of their craftsman for the National Harvest Festival. 

Everyone was so nice and I met so many wonderful folks.  The days began with opening ceremonies and this Awesome Eagle was brought out as the Veterans led a parade with the American Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem was done right in front of our booth each morning.

 

 

Here I am with my new found friend "Oreo" and if you know me I like cookies so Oreo is a fitting name!

 

 

We had several days that were on the cool side.  Danny was quite the sport demonstrating oxford punch needle and he has become quite good at it!  Ann helped with all the different things we had such as needle punch, oxford punch, rug hooking, and locker hook. 

 

We sure appreciate each and everyone that stopped by to visit us!  WE had several repeat customers from last year that have made many new things and loved seeing some of the pieces they made.

 

Special thanks to Miss Cathy for helping out when we were super busy.

 

Well with being back home it has been a whirlwind of visiting the grands, unpacking, getting back to work with Danny, ballgames and catching up on laundry.

 

I've been listing supplies, patterns, and finished goods in my etsy shop and on the website. 

 

Hoping I can settle down and catch up on blogs and seeing what all of you have been doing!

 

Thanks for stopping by and have a safe and Happy Halloween.

 

Happy Trails.....Ginger