New Rugs to Hook

Well the show is over and for my first show it was a lot of fun. I had my two elves, my sisters, helping me and would not have been able to do it without them. I am still recovering from the hectic weeks of busyness so basically just vegging out and doing nothing much. Have to post to my website some of the goodies I set aside and some new kits I released this week.

Two are rug hooking and the other two are punch needle. You get everything you need except for the hoops. Here are the two rug hooking ones. A beautiful red cardinal using quite a bit of British wool with lots of texture and a quick and easy snowman - perfect for gift giving. I only have limited amounts available and that will be it for this year.

You can find them here on my website.



I also added some great little scissor snips and mother of pearl sewing accessories on my website. Wonderful to add a vintage look to your sewing box. These are a beautiful quality and each mother of pearl piece is different from each other. You can find them under the category Needlework Necessities.

I will be posting more new things in the upcoming days..Here is one of my punch needle ornaments that has been spoken for. When I have a minute I will post some pics of the show - I took them quickly so who knows what they will look like. Off to Vermont for the annual pre-Christmas shopping marathon that the ladies in our family love to partake in - It's girls weekend shopping!
G'nite.

Yes We Can!

source:Montreal Gazette

Last night was a very emotional and unbelievable evening. I waited with bated breath for the polls to come in and to hear that Obama was the new president of the USA. It was a magical evening filled with hope on the faces in the crowds of people gathered all over the world.

As a Canadian I am thrilled with the choice they have made. It was a day I wish that I was an American so I could vote too!

I wish Obama and the US much success in the new path they have chosen for the upcoming years.

YES WE CAN!

picture source: reuters/jim bourg

Picture source:emmanuel dunland/afp/getty images

First Signs of Winter

Well last night we had our first sprinkle of snow. OK it wasn't much but very pretty. I love snow until Christmas, after that it can go away!

Roby is a great dog for snow. He has lots of fur and never gets cold so he can sit and roll around for quite a bit. When it snows he wants out (frequently) so that he can lick as much snow as possible and then do a couple of self back scratches. You know where they flop on their backs with all four legs in the air and just squirm in all directions. I don't know why they do that. Peter says they are rolling in dead things - but I don't have dead things in my yard - well maybe dead leaves. I prefer to think it is just the joy and happiness of being a dog that is well loved and cared for :)



Have been very busy preparing for a show in mid-November, hence my lack of blogging this month. I am trying to keep to a theme of wool. Making lots of punch needle pincushions in little wooden boxes, some wool balls embellished with hand dyed threads and glass beads and rug hooking like crazy. I have a couple of kits in the works - one a snowman which you can see here and the other a cardinal on a fir tree branch. They are kitted using lots of British wools. I find the texture is so different when you use these types of wools. There is a movement to the wool that you don't see as much with a solid coloured wool. I am framing lots of my original punch needle designs.

I also plan on having bags of wax tarts (great for stocking fillers) with all the latest seasonal scents. So lots of stuff in the works with 2-1/2 weeks to do it all. Am i stressed? Not yet!:)

It's amazing how US politics have taken over our lives in our house. I am not even American but wish I could vote. I hope everyone does go and vote and exercise their right to do so. We had an election here in Canada and only 58% took part. It was pathetic - the worse showing of voter participation in all of our history. So go and VOTE! It is your democratic right. I have always voted since I could - never even thought that there were some people who did not.

I sit here in my big comfy leather chair with my laptop on my lap - feet up - the wind blowing the fir trees back and forth, Roby fast asleep by my chair, CNN politics on TV and eating Lindt chocolate halloween balls - what a perfect Wednesday afternoon. Happy Halloween everyone.

Just a few minutes ago the doorbell rang and my four legged warning system went off on cue. A box from Rebecca Erb from the Wool Studio arrived. Now all of us rug hookers know what that is about! Into the washing machine and dryer to get them ready for some blissful rug hooking on the weekend. A very perfect Wednesday!

Lots of Punch Needle

It's been a hectic week. I did want to post during the week but work has been busy. After work I end up in my big leather chair with my mohair throw watching some TV and snoozing for an hour. Then it is a full evening of creative work.

I am preparing for my show in mid-November so getting a lot of punch needle done. Did manage to design a couple of kits where everything is supplied except for the hoop. Great for those wanting to try this new craft. The first picture is a sheep on an Ohio Star quilt background. It is made up as an old fashion pin keep. The second piece is a pincushion based on a old applique quilt block.

Also worked on making six little pincushions with old time quilt patterns that will go in six little boxes. I'll show those later in the week.

The upcoming week will be devoted to putting together some rug hooking kits for the show. A festive seasonal snowman rug and a round one for a chair (I love these designs) I usually do a geometric and add some flowing elements like flowers or leaves. I had read somewhere that a good design is a balance of both. It works for me!

I picked some lovely apples last weekend and they are still waiting to be turned into a strudel and apple crisp. I discovered a new one for me - honey crisp. They look like a gala but I find are much sweeter. Apple season is such a wonderful time of the year.

I signed up for an online felting course so I can use all that wonderful roving I have piled in my work room. Now to get down to doing it. I would love to make some sweet sheep to hang from my tree this year. Peter is busy making spicy beeswax Santa's. He has started candle production with the new Christmas scents for this year. This year he is trying wax tarts along with the seasonally themed wax embeds and votives. For the next couple of weeks I will walk into the house fragranced with the current scent of the day. Today was Winter Wonderland - peppermint wafting through the house!

A new punch needle pattern was released this week - finally! It is called Little Blue Jug and was a design that started one way and ended up looking like something else. That happens with me. I mull over ideas for a bit and them expand on that. I started with the background - I wanted it all monotone but enough of a difference so that you could see the basket quilt block emerge from it. I had a lot of fun with this one - although I agonized over colour choice. It is done with my hand dyed wool threads. You can find the paper pattern here on ETSY or you can get the pattern as an instant download here on PATTERNMART.

copyright - Joni Black c. 2008

Off to get some supper and finish punching the last of the pincushions. Good night and have a wonderful week. J.

To Be Thankful

http://www.autumn-pictures.com/

It's been awhile since I've posted. Time seems to just runaway. Today is our Canadian Thanksgiving, which means thoughts of what we are thankful for and turkey dinners. Our family celebrated yesterday rather than today because unlike the USA Thanksgiving not all businesses are closed today. To be honest I prefer American Thanksgiving as it is taken more seriously and it is a time for family get togethers. More attention is paid to it and for me it is the beginning of the holiday season. So although the sentiment for Thanksgiving is not as strong here, we as a family celebrated yesterday with all the pomp and ceremony that made it a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration.


We all went to my sister's "house in the woods", where we had an outdoor bonfire, the kids played pretend games in the woods and we gathered in the kitchen and talked about topics relevant for these times. In Canada we are also having our election so there was lots to discuss. It was a general melee of family atmosphere and I guess if I were asked what I was most thankful for it would be family. There were 15 of us from 7 years old to 79 years young. We are a very passionate family with different opinions but are always there for each other. So being together for a wonderful dinner of turkey and fixings is something to be very thankful for.



http://www.autumn-pictures.com/
I think that with what is going on in the world today we should be so thankful for what we have. I have always felt that as long as I was able to put food on the table and have a roof over our heads that would be enough. The rest is just glitter and it tarnishes with age. As long as you have the basics - to me my life has foundation. I think that is why I love my primitives so much. It evokes an era of simplicity. Not that I am giving up modern plumbing or anything like that, but I think that you need to put your wants and needs into perspective. There is so much unnecessary consumerism in today's world and I think that the current economic crisis brings that home. I guess it is a question of what you NEED vs what you WANT. I have been more conscientious of that mantra over the past few years and I always question my wants. With what has happened this year, we question ourselves more as to the necessity of "things". It helps to say NO to things that really add no value to your life.

So what am I thankful for:

a husband who takes care of the household chores while I create
a 4 legged best friend who loves me unconditionally with his puppy love
a great big passionate family
my quiet life

I think it is important to take stock of what you have and to be thankful for what you have. There are so many out there in dire situations - how can we not be thankful and appreciate what we have; maybe not complain so much of what we don't have and really don't need.



Be Thankful and Happy Thanksgiving.....

Happy Autumn & Fall Baking

It has been crisp and cool and that always brings to mind yummy baking. I don't bake during the week as I work outside the home but Saturday early in the morning is a great time for me. It is quiet and the sun streams into the kitchen window. This past summer I went to King Arthur's store in Norwich, VT. Oh my it was heaven on earth! I had been meaning to go for a few years. Here I found shelves of baking equipment and ingredients, the smell of freshly baked goods permeated the air.


On Sunday we have a family gathering and I've decided to bake a couple of desserts. 21 people and all sweet eaters! Happened to get the newsletter from King Arthur with this Caramel Apple Cake as their feature recipe. The recipe can be found here. Caramel Apple Cake Recipe.

A good excuse to use up some of those apples from the local orchard.

Then of course there is the zucchini harvest. I'm always up for trying a new chocolate zucchini cake recipe. For those who don't like this veggie - they don't have to know ;).

This was one I also found on King Arthur's web site.

Here is the link for the recipe and the link to their BLOG. Definitely worth a read.

Which one to make.. maybe both. Have to run Heroes is on and I have been waiting for months.

G'nite.

I love Your Blog

I was just awarded an "I love your Blog" from Eleanor of Thatchwick Cottage. So sweet of you Eleanor! I have linked you to the award listed to the right and the rules say I must now send this blog award to 7 other people (sorry was only able to do 6 as the poor pup was whining to go out - nature calls). This is the first time I do this so hope I am doing it correctly. Awarded bloggers must put the award on their site and link back to my blog and then you have to go out there and select 7 of your "Love" blogs and link them on your website. Have fun!

I LOVE THESE BLOGS!

29 Black Street

Honeysuckle Lane

La Donna Welter

Peach Street Primitives

Primitive Bettys

Sam I Am Creations

Free Hugs

It's a beautiful fall Sunday afternoon. A really feel good day. I have been cruising You Tube all morning, watching political speeches, interviews and listening to some music. I am a late bloomer and discovered You Tube a couple of months ago, but to be fair to myself my old desktop computer was such a dinosaur that any attempts at viewing anything was next to impossible. With the new laptop things are moving along at high speed :).

I came across this video/idea which I thought was a simple thing to do and really makes you connect with someone. People should do it more. We live in very dire times and I think it is important that we remember that essentially we are all the same. I am not going on my soap box so I'll just say give someone a hug! Enjoy.

Please note it has 30 million hits so may take awhile to download. I tried early morning so I was able to see it. If you can't see it now - come back later. It's worth it. Thanks Joni

Reality of Cross-Stitch and Age

I guess I have this thing about pincushions - one of my newest creations. I love making pincushions. They are small, can be made quickly and are very satisfying when finished. This one reflects my love of old quilt patterns. This beautiful pattern is based on the Rose of Sharon. I punched it using my hand dyed wool threads and stuffed it will sheep's wool from the western plains of the USA. I like to keep to my wool theme as much as possible. Besides wool is such a nice medium for your needles. This one is for sale on TDIPT Mercantile.

I'll be posting more in the upcoming months.. the ideas are there but it is the time to do it which is the crux of the matter. Oh to be able to stay home and just create would be my idea of heaven!

The days are cooler and the nights even cold, but I love it. This is the time of the year when all the yummy harvests come in. It is the time of year when I start thinking about my favourite vegetable - buttercup squash.

I bring in the squash - cook it - puree it - season it with butter, pepper and nutmeg - stuff myself with lots of it and then freeze the rest for the winter. Makes such a nice addition to the Christmas dinner. Came across this site What's Cooking America? which gets down to the nitty gritty of squash and lots of great recipes for all kinds of foods.

You know you are getting older when you need to use a magnifying glass to do your needlework. Eons ago I scoffed at these tools and said I would never use one. How the mighty fall! I started doing itty bitty cross-stitch a couple of months ago. Something I had done many years ago but since discovering Stacy Nash designs have found a new love for it.

I am now working with 28 to 32 count. Ok that is small. After trying to cross-stitch (now I know it is cross for cross-eyed) I ran to the local needlework shop and desperately asked if they had one of those magnifying things you need to use to see! I got myself one that hooks onto my Ott lamp and I am back in business and happy as anything to be able to see those teeny tiny stitches at a more reasonable size. Happy days. Motto of the day " Never say never".

To the left is a beautiful pattern by Stacy called "1782 Wall pocket and another one below called "Biscornu Pinkeep" Both are available on my website. Her style is so primitive and looks like something that has been around for years.

This evening is devoted to using that magnifying glass and getting the current project done - now that it is much more enjoyable! G'night.

All patterns copyright Stacy Nash except for the top one which is Joni Black.

Food Parties

Just a short note right now as I am off to an Epicure spice party this afternoon. Have you ever been? It is like a Pampered Chef one (great cooking tools and best of all food!) but this is using spices in food. It is the fall one so lots of spices for Christmas baking. Dried cranberries, cherries, Belgian chocolate, ginger, spices for stuffing, pumpkin spices - all fresh....to name just a few. It will be making a dent in my wallet - lots of taste testing ...hmmmm...delicious. Just perfect for this dull rainy Sunday.

Wanted to tell you that Lana of Honeysuckle Lane is having a blog giveaway so get yourself over there and post your ideas on the August 19th post which ends at midnight. She makes the most wonderful pieces. To own one of her artistic pieces is a must. Check out her cards on her website.

When I get back I will tell you about this new little rug that the lovely postman delivered to my door on Friday!

all for now....

8:45pm

I had a fun time at the Victorian Epicure party. I bought more than I should have and the fragrance of fresh spices and herbs will be filling the upcoming baking months. There was a bit of everything to sample. A lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

The pic above is my treasure that I bought - a Deanne Fitzpatrick original. I cannot afford her larger rugs but then she recently did a series of ladies (within my budget) and I asked her to pick out one for me and this is what she sent. Isn't she a grand madame? All decked out in her red dress and pocketbook getting ready to go to town from a little seaside Maritime village - off to visit the big city. Anyway that is how I see the rug and each person can have a different story which is the beauty of art.

G'night...

Nip of Frost is in the Air

The weather has turned cooler and the nip of frost is in the air and I love it! For me September has always been a month of new things, new ideas and new challenges. This is the home of Fully Wooly Primitives where the dye pots simmer and Christmas fragrances are in the air - we start our candle making and soap making for the upcoming holiday season. These next few months are a busy time for us.

In November, I have a local art show in Hudson, Quebec where I will be selling my finished rugs and punch needle pieces. It's a new venue for me and very exciting - it's the unknown element of what to expect that can be a little daunting.

Yesterday I announced to Mom that we were going on a road trip. Unfortunately, here where I live, there are no craft stores to speak of so I have to drive 2 hours to Ottawa to visit a Michael's - where they have everything you need and more. At the same time we make a trip to one of our favourite restaurants - Red Lobster - none here either. It was good but does not compare to the seafood restaurants of Maine. Then we head off to my favourite packaging store where I pick out all the holiday packaging I want to use to enhance my product for the upcoming season. Visual is everything and when selling I have always held that taking that extra step makes your product more appreciated. It only costs pennies (well nickles now) to make something look WOW! and the customer will remember that you packaged something with thoughtful care.

It has been blueberry season and that warrants a blueberry dessert. I used up my little blue berries making Maine Blueberry Grunt. So easy and yummy delicious with a dollop of premium vanilla ice cream. You just simmer your berries in some sugar, water ( have to have lots of juice to pour over those dumplings), lemon juice and cinnamon. Make your dumplings, flour, sugar, butter and buttermilk and plop them on the simmering fruit. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Voila - a most perfect tasting concoction.


Make sure you go over to Pfatt Marketplace in the coming month to check out some of the great offerings from the artists there.

A couple of new items I have listed on Pfatt Marketplace.


Twilight Stroll

Harvest 1839

Now off to finish a punch needle for the new listings on the 15th at To Dwell in Primitive Times, come by and visit us. G'day... Joni

"Always remember the past, as it will remind us that life is precious. Never forget."

Joyful for

blue sky with big fluffy clouds

a perfect day with Mom

the happy barking of Roby when I come home

yummy red jujubes

This & That

What happened to September? I am ready for fall - that's my season. We are having weather that is hot and muggy. There is rain tomorrow so that should cool things down and gives me a good excuse to stay in and finish up a couple of items for Pfatt Marketplace.

I have a couple of my original punch needles that I have turned into very practical items - one a pinkeep and the other a little pouch that can hold your favourite tiny scissors and needles. Make sure you come and take a look on September 15th at all the wonderful pieces being offered by very talented artists.


Speaking about scissors aren't these the cutest ones you ever saw. These pink ribbon scissors (4" long) are made by Kelmscott Designs and I will be carrying them on my website after September 24th. Part of the price that I buy them for is donated to charity. They will be $13.00. If you would like to preorder a pair just drop me a line and I will put one aside for you. I think they are wonderful and I will also be carrying a little wool kit you can make to hold these scissors.

I will be offering other little scissors perfect for needlework, that look very prim. There is also a line of mother of pearl needlework necessities, thread holders and winders - each one is wonderfully unique since they are made from mother of pearl.


I am sitting in AC, I am a person who does not function in heat. I don't think I have ever had AC running in September. Roby is barking up a storm, he does that when we are going to get bad weather. He is kinda of high strung, I say with a chuckle.

Too hot to cook so what is fast and easy. My little tomato plant had a crop of cherry tomatoes, that I put to good use. Some cherry tomatoes, little cucumbers, fresh parsley, basil, sundried tomatoes and salad dressing poured on egg noodles. Voila! fast and easy.

Now to settle in front of the TV watching all the political pundits on what's happening in the race to the presidency. Whichever way it goes history is being made. For a Canadian I sure spend a lot of time discussing, watching and casting my fictitious vote for the next president of the United States. . I think it is because our political process in Canada is so ho hum.

Off to punch needle and see what is new in the political arena...g'nite...

Rainbow of Colour

Yesterday I spent the day in my dye pots with my wool threads. It takes me awhile to get going but once I do I can't seem to stop. when my back starts aching I know I have reached my limit. It was a perfect day - to hang out the dripping threads...aged red, aged black, blackeyed susan, bee skep, Queen Anne's lace, lupine fields, pine needles and early settler's blue. The only thing you have to watch is not to get them tangled - my pine green was so intertwined that it took me an hour of patience to get it untangled. I thought I had perfected a method but I guess not.

I have been watching Gustav's approach to the US coast. I am sure it is terrifying for the people fleeing and also wondering if their homes will be there when they can return. I can't even begin to imagine what they are thinking. I would much rather deal with my foot snowfalls, we don't have hurricanes or tornados here. As I watch - it is a good opportunity for me to catch up on some punch needle. I am finishing up my next pattern - it is a bigger piece than I usually do - so lengthy to punch but challenging too in the colour choices.

Made one of my original pieces called Meadow Sheep into a pin keep and have that for sale on Lemon Poppy Seeds along with a doll that I made a couple of years ago and can now part with - MS Pear (pattern by Folkart by the Bay). If you love the extreme primitive look - than this is for you - all kinds of items to drool over on that site.

You will soon be seeing me on Primitive Gatherings - a new group of primitive artists I will be joining on October 15th. Please drop in on some very talented artists!

Working on a new idea which will combine mixed media - should be interesting if I don't flub it - but hey that is being creative. Just gathering my materials - too many ideas and not enough time. Oh the days I can devote to just creating will be the day I will be doing the really happy dance.

Been busy all morning - and I forget to eat - not that I can't lose a few pounds :) but it makes what I am going to eat so much sweeter. A really simple thing - toasted tomato sandwich but oh so yummy with those nice big field tomatoes, a slice of red onion, secret spices :), and Hellman's mayonnaise slapped on wonderful 9- grain bread. My mouth is watering - off I go. G'day..

My Mom

Mom and her kids - 1969 (L-R, Lorraine,Michael(the baby),Ronald, me (with the braids) & Carole)

A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"
"Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."
The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."
God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."
Again the child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"
God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."
"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"
God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."
"Who will protect me?"
God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking it's life."
"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."
God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."
At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."
"You will simply call her, 'Mom.'" - unknown

Lady of Shalott

I am totally engrossed in my latest read, "The Illuminator" by Brenda Rickman Vantrease. It's a wonderful tale that takes place during the late 14th century at the time of the feudal lords and on the eve of the Renaissance. Where books are a rarity and owned by the wealthy churches and are illustrated with such rich colours, symbols and gilt. Hence a glorious story of an illuminator and the love, faith and treachery he encounters.

And to make it even more interesting for me there are details of raising sheep, shearing the wool and going to market. Not really surprising though considering sheep played an important part in the livelihood of the manor. There is your wool connection (All About Wool). :)



I love the cover of the book - a painting by Giovanni Bellini, Woman at the Mirror. 1515.,
which brought to mind a painter that I really like -John William Waterhouse whose obsession with Tennyson led to a series of paintings he did of Alfred Lord Tennyson's (1809-1892) poem The Lady of Shalott. A Victorian poem loosely based on medieval sources.

I am halfsick of Shadows - 1888

Water Effect

This is a painting I used as an inspiration for an applique pictorial quilt that I drew up. I am afraid it will never be a quilt but there is hope that it will be a rug. It will be my challenge piece. I drew it up while listening to one of my favourite songs - The Lady of Shalott by Loreena McKennitt. She is a hauntingly powerful singer who never fails to amaze me with her vocal abilities. The music you heard when you came to visit me here is her Lady of Shalott. Her song inspires me to get that drawing out again and see if I can't make it into a hooked rug. It will be my Christmas holiday project where I spoil myself and do some of the things I never seem to have time to do.

G'night..J

PS Susan, I know you are not fond of music on blogs - but I think you will make an exception to Loreena :)

Dog Days of August

It has been a lazy kind of day. Started my day at 5:30 am with all the good intentions of getting some much needed things done. As the morning progressed the day got hotter - even more humid than yesterday and I am just not a summer kind of person in the best of circumstances. I wilt terribly in anything over 24 Celsius. So I could tell today was going to be one of those days. I did watch the closing ceremonies of the Olympics and thought to myself what am I going to watch now - your focus has been for two weeks on one thing. It was my background noise when I did my needlework. Since Fall is approaching and the days will get cooler I will make a place for myself in the breezeway with the radio on.


I love this time of the year - the blueberries are in the market- my favourite berry..especially good in a vanilla yogurt with granola on top, it's my standard breakfast fare. Tomorrow I will have blueberry muffins. They are easy to make and taste scrumptious.



Of course one must sample! and of course Roby is there waiting for his fair share. He has this look in his eye - Mommy please - how can one refuse :)

Isn't the Internet a fascinating tool? For children today it is an everyday item they use with such confidence. For my generation it is something learned sometimes very cautiously and with trepidation. I think I have adapted very well and have taken to it like a duck to water. I use the Internet quite a bit and today was one of those days where I was on the hunt for information.

I am planning to do some punch needle pincushions using historical quilt patterns, so off I went to find out what I could. There is a wealth of information out there and in my travels came across this website, The Quilt Index, which documents old quilts from long ago to more current. The sources come from private collections to museums pieces. Definitely worth a look!

I always wonder at how my taste for quilt design has changed over the years. When I first started quilting in the mid 8O's, the fabrics I chose were very modern in look as were the patterns. I bought a lot of batiks and Hoffman florals. Over the past few years I have fallen in love with the traditional quilt designs and the beautiful reproduction fabrics. My shelves are now stacked with those fabrics which I use to make pillows and other items to set off my punch needle or other needlework. A great site for reproduction fabric is Bonnie Blue Quilts.

Although I don't quilt anymore it is never far from my mind and I do appreciate a well turned quilt especially when it is hand quilted.

G'night....

Ocean Breezes

I have been thinking of the Maritimes a lot - it is my home away from home and a place which I love. This is the time of year we normally go, so it is in my mind. It is again a hot and still night. Poor Roby is flaked out on his back in much appreciated air conditioning after his walk.

Bath time tomorrow...my furry rug xxoo - you can just see his head peeking out :)

Thinking of the Maritimes and a much wanted ocean breeze on this hot muggy night brought to mind my first hooked rug I did which certainly captures ocean breezes. It is designed by Deanne Fitzpatrick and if you have not been to her site - you need to go and look at her gallery of quilts. She is one of my favourite artists and lives in Amherst, Nova Scotia not far from where my husband's family - the Black family has lived all their lives in Sackville, New Brunswick. Her rugs depict Maritime life and her portrayal of people is amazing.

I hooked this rug using all hand dyed wools and some roving for texture in the sky. It was very ambitious on my part having never done a rug to take on a sky using so many different wools while the ground amazingly uses only one hand dyed wool with lots of variation. This is one of my favourite rugs as it combines my love of quilts and a feeling of things past. I like to think of this Maritimer hanging her quilts on the top of a hill overlooking the ocean catching those wonderful sea breezes.

I came across this poem while reading about Maritime rugs...

19th C. CANADIAN RUG RHYME

I am the family wardrobe, best and worst of all the generations from the first,

Grandpa's Sunday-go-to-meetin' coat,

And the woolen muffler he wore at his throat;

Grandma's shawl, that came from Fayal;

Ma's wedding gown, three times turned and once let down,

Which once was plum but now turned brown;

Pa's red flannels, that made him itch;

Pants and shirts; petticoats and skirts;

From one or another, but I can't tell which.

Tread carefully, because you see, if you scuff me.

You scratch the bark of the family tree.

Good night!

Still Hot Night

Sitting in the breezeway at 10:00 pm, watching the recap of the Olympics and our two medal wins today. The cicadas are making such a noise tonight - it is one of those hot heavy nights we have rarely been getting this summer. It reminds me of the days we spent up North in the mountains last September when you could hear a pin drop. The water was so still and glassy, any sound reverberated off the mountains. It was a place of peace and relaxation. This year I will have to make do with my small little island of peace on Queens Road.

Roby and I say good night.....lots to do tomorrow. Hopefully will have some new wool threads dyed and hanging in the breeze to dry. A tray of scrumptious blueberry muffins ready to be eaten while musing on some new projects to be started.