"I Keep Forgettin"

Just posted below and forgot to mention a few things! Sorry!

First,THANK YOU all for your nice comments on the blog and to me personally about my rugs in my living room.  I'll try to answer a few questions since some of you I do not have emails for.

I have been hooking since the fall of 2004.  When I started I didn't stop.  I had already made three rugs before I took my first workshop.

Rarely do I get unmotivated  but this past year I have been.   Not sure why - but I think it's because I put it on myself not to make anything for myself but only rugs to sell - and I'd much rather make things and give them away than sell them - weird I know.  However with no income, I have to do what I have to do now and am really trying to find motivation!  When I was working full time I actually produced more rugs - go figure.  Oh well! (I"m getting disgusted looking for a job - but if you get me started on that subject right now it will only go downhill from there! Just having a feeling sorry for myself day)  ON the other hand, I'm still staying positive...

Those rugs in the post last week were rugs in my living room only - not all were done at the same time - I think the whale was 2007, Mouser was 2005, I can't remember the rest (Bop Bop Bop on my head  - I know Kathy, had I labeled them I would know).   The thing I find most amusing about them is they all are different styles - I call my style "Early Flea Market" - which is a mishmash of everything.

A few months ago I did show the rugs in the "pink" room which prompted something I'd rather not repeat (blogwise) so at first I wasn't sure whether to show some more rugs, but if  I am not boring you too terribly, I will pick another room and show you some more soon.

Someone asked about wools and how I treat thrift wool. I used new and "found wool" -  Whenever I buy a skirt or whatever from the thrift store I bring it home and wash it first - then cut it apart - I used to be particular and cut very carefully each seam and whatnot - not now - I cut off the waist band, if there are pockets, I cut them out - if the hem doesn't come out easily that gets cut etc.  Before you wash it examine it for any small holes which may indicate moth damage - a few here and there - the wool is still usable - so just pop it in the freezer for a week in a plastic bag and then wash.  You will be good to go.  I've never had to do this but know some people that have.   Even if you find something really ugly but good wool at the thrift - buy it - you can throw it in a dye pot!  I tend to stay away from jackets because of the interfacing unless it's a texture that's wonderful - you really do not get that much usable wool.  Pants are okay but of course you get long pieces.  I tend to buy only things marked 100% wool (keep a lighter in your purse so you can steal a few threads - run outside - test it - if you light it and it disingrates to nothing it's wool - if there is sticky residue  - chances are there is man made fibers in there) and stay away from worsted wool for sure.  Watch a lighter weave wool too - sometimes no matter how much you try to felt it it won't tighten up and then it falls apart when hooking.  Oh and some people save linings of skirts - I never have but apparently there is a lot of dye in those linings - you can use them to dye your wool with .

Hope I didn't confuse anyone.

Well my swiffer is calling me - and it's rare I answer!  Have  a good day!