The picture doesn't do it justice, but click this link for a sneak peek at the digital magazine: https://www.flipsnack.com/C5ACFC66AED/historic-gardens-introduction/full-view.html
The digital magazine is perfect for anyone who lives outside the US, wants to save some money, or maybe a tree? Both versions come complete with a free pattern insert.
The idea for creating a new magazine for fiber artists started when Deana David of Ribbon Candy Hooking and YouTube fame called me on the phone last fall. She asked if I wanted to work on a new project with her. Well, I didn't need to hear any more than that. My response, in a word, was YES.
Deana David is one of my very favorite people. Every time I see her talk, I want to stop what I'm doing and hook a rug. Her deep experience and knowledge of art history is always enlightening, highlighting many details I never would have noticed about style and creativity. If you've never tuned in to her Coffee Time shows, or read her books (Design Like An Artist and Easy Beautiful Handmade Rag Rugs) you must check them out.
This first issue of Magpie Times features the work of 33 artists and 21 free patterns that you can use to welcome in Spring. We are so grateful to all the contributors who shared their work and ideas. Maybe you’ll be encouraged to share your own work in the next issue?
The theme of our June issue is Midsummer Magic. We welcome photos, projects, and stories that make us think of Summer; country fairs, lazy vacations, games, hot air balloons, farmer’s markets, birds, bees, flowers, trees… We can’t wait to see what you come up with.
Beginning Rug Hooking Class project: Learn to hook with yarn, T-shirt strips, wool fabric strips, and cotton strips!
I’ll be teaching a Beginning Rug Hooking class and having my booth at the Shepherds Extravaganza at the King County Fairgrounds in Enumclaw, WA, April 5th and 6th. We’ll have fleece judging and sale, a fiber arts competition, used equipment sale, and lots of vendors. Click here to find out more. Maybe you’ll enter something you’ve made! Entry forms must be received by March 20, so if you want to take my class (or any of the others), or enter the fiber arts competition, show a fleece, or just hang out with a bunch of crafty people, download the entry form and get it in soon.
Well, I guess that's it for now. I can't wait till you see the Magpie Times!
]]>He mentioned that the blue line around the flag is the thin blue line and the number 16 in the corner is in memory of an officer friend who was lost in the line of duty. What a great job David did, and the personal touch is so meaningful.
If you are someone who has hooked one of my designs or kits, let me know! I like to share those pictures on my product pages because it shows how easily you can interpret any design and make it your own.
Another rug hooker, Emily Simpson, sent me pictures of a repair project she did (above). She did a fantastic job restoring a lovely Sun design rug. Thanks, Emily for sharing that!
When Deanna David and I announced we were starting a magazine for fiber artists called Magpie Times, we asked if anyone had any gardening/floral projects or stories they’d like to share. We were amazed at the response! We will be able to feature the work of 25 artists and crafters in our first issue, Historic Gardens That Inspire Us, coming out on March 17.
Keep in mind the topic for our next issue in June will be Country Faire/Midsummer Fun. We welcome summer-fun photos, articles, or recipes you’d like to share with us on rug hooking, plus all the other fiber arts we like to dabble in (quilting, embroidery, braiding, twining, felting, crochet, hand spinning, dyeing, etc. We love them all!).
We’re still hard at work putting our first Magpie Times issue together, but starting around March 1, we’ll be able to begin taking orders. Stay tuned! If you would like to be sure you get the release announcement, you can subscribe to my blog here.
But while you're waiting for the magazine to come out, check out Deanna David's newest book, Design Like An Artist. This book is based on her popular "Design Like..." class series on YouTube, where she teaches how to identify the style and motifs of your favorite artists to create your hooked rug designs. She covers 14 different artists in this book, some you already know, like Vincent Van Gogh and Gustav Klimt, plus some you may not have seen before (but will soon become your favorites). It's a beautiful book full of history and inspiration.
The New Joy of Hooking With Yarn is on the shortlist for the Chanticleer Instruction & Insight Book Awards! Woo hoo!
I’ll be at the Shepherd’s Extravaganza at our new location on the King County Fairgrounds in Enumclaw, WA, April 6-7. I’ll have my booth, and I’ll also be teaching my All-In-One Beginning Rug Hooking class on Saturday, April 6, 1-4 PM. In this class, students will get a chance to practice hooking with yarn, T-shirt strips, wool fabric strips, and cotton fabric strips, such that they’ll be able to go home, look at their stash, and say, “Yup, I can hook a rug with that!” Click here to sign up and see all the other classes we’re offering at this year's Shepherds Extravaganza!
And to find out where I'll be doing shows and classes this year, click here.
Happy Hooking everyone!
(from Judy and Maybelline)
]]>Big Announcement!
Deanna David (of Ribbon Candy Rug Hooking and YouTube fame!) and I are partnering to create a new magazine for crafters, called Magpie Times. We’ll have rug hooking and punch articles of course, but lots of other fiber arts as well. As you know, magpies are known to be collectors of pretty things. We find that crafty people are like magpies, in that we tend to dabble in other crafts, to recharge, or to flex new creative muscles. Trying new things helps jumpstart our inspiration.
The theme of our first issue is Historic Gardens. We’re looking for contributions of all things floral (hooked, knitted, embroidered, quilted, felted, etc.), photos of projects you’ve made, free patterns you’d like to share, recipes including flowers, stories about herbal medicine, any historic gardens you’ve photographed (in your hometown or on vacation). But most of all, we want to share your stories.
Send us all you can, and we’ll use as much as possible, even if it doesn’t have a floral angle. Your project might just suggest a theme for a whole future issue. And if you’re someone who is interested in writing a whole article, we’d love to hear from you, too.
Our first issue is scheduled for March, so the deadline to send in your contributions will be February 17. We’ll have a print option, as well as a beautiful online magazine for our international crafters (or folks who just want to save on the postage!). Next month, we’ll have more information on how to subscribe.
In other news:
Folk Basket, 9"x7," hooked with yarn, T-shirt strips, wool fabric strips and cotton fabric strips.
Here is my beginner class kit for 2024. It's a sampler where students can practice hooking with yarn, T-shirts, wool and cotton strips, so they can go home to their stash and say, "Yup, I can hook rugs with that!"
To view the show and class schedule for 2024, click here. Lots of dates have yet to be finalized, but at least you know where I'll be!
And to view what's on sale this month, click here!
Happy Hooking everyone!
Judy
]]>
I've been repairing hooked rugs for the past 30 years. I find that the skills involved are not too different from hooking rugs from scratch. There are different strategies you can employ, based on your experience and materials, but repairing old rugs can be straightforward. Let's face it, when you put a rug on the floor for several decades, stuff will happen to it! The great thing about hooked rugs is that they can almost always be fixed, and enjoyed for many decades to come.
The demand for rug repair is growing, as rugs made in the 20th century have been passed down and are showing signs of wear. I get a few requests every month, but my waiting list for repairs is over two years at this point! I've often heard rug hookers say that they could never sell their rugs, but how about making some cash and using your skills to save some of those old treasured rugs from previous generations?
Rose, 44"x72." Hooked by Jean Volland Sullivan, 1953. Wool strips on burlap, restored.
Having a book to share my repair techniques has been very helpful, but it's always bothered me how much it costs to ship paperback books, especially outside the US. Books like mine don't translate well to e-readers. The files are far too large to download to Kindle, and the devices are so small you could never make out the details in the pictures. So instead, I created PDF files of my repair book, so the layout and photos look exactly like they do in the print book, but you can read them on your computer.
Here's a sneak peek at the introduction.
So if you're someone who is looking for information on repairing old rugs and you don't need to have a book on your bookshelf, or if you live outside the US and want to avoid the crazy shipping fees, or you're just a person who wants to save money (and a tree!), the digital version might be perfect for you. It's $12.50 (half the cost of the print book) and no shipping!
If this digital version is successful, I'll convert my other rug hooking books as well, to give people a choice. I also started a Facebook group Repairing Hooked Rugs, where you can share your repair projects, ask questions of the group, and meet rug owners looking for repair help.
Check out our Monthly Specials to save 20% off gifts, gift cards, kits, and hand-hooked rugs!
Have a safe and happy holiday season everyone!
Judy
]]>November always makes me feel like home, so this month, I've picked a bunch of homey designs for 20% off.
You can choose from kits, patterns on linen, even hand-hooked rugs.
And as always, I welcome custom orders.
Would you like to receive our monthly blog in your email? Click here to subscribe!
Have a lovely November everybody!
Judy Taylor
"Finally, finally, finally, I have finished the cover for my little re-purposed footstool.
I appreciated your book for reference (note: she means T-Shirt Treasures!). Using the flower pattern I attempted to create a Pansy footstool cover."
"A backstory on my t-shirt yarn. My original plan was to hook a Sunflower using the yellow t-shirt from my favorite uncle who passed away last year. Unfortunately, I was only able to salvage a small amount of the yellow fabric you see in the design. Thus, a Sunflower became a Pansy. The light purple is from a tie-dye t-shirt I made with my Mom for an Alzheimer's Walk a couple of years ago. My uncle was her brother.
This was my first foray into Rug Hooking. Thanks for your online encouragement and assistance. Now onto other projects! ~Kathleen"
I can't tell you how much pleasure it gives me when people send me pictures of their projects! Send me yours and I'll share it with my corner of the world!
I had a great time at my rug hooking class last weekend in Port Angeles, WA. I have only one more class this year, this one is at Oregon Flock & Fiber in Albany, OR, Sunday, October 15, 1:30-4:30. The online registration for this class is closed, but people can still show up on the day to sign up!
This is an action-packed class, where students will try their hand at hooking with yarn, T-shirt strips, and wool fabric strips. Basically, they'll be able to go home and look at their stash and say, "Yup, I can hook with that!"
I'm continuing my 20% off sale from last month. Click here to see what's on sale!
Happy Hooking Everyone!
Judy
]]>Have fun this month with kits, patterns, and hooked rugs featuring some of our furry friends for 20% off!
And check out the deals this month for Rug Hooking Magazine!
Congratulations! You’ve qualified for a $10.00 credit that you can apply to your Rug Hooking Magazine subscription—a special limited-time deal! You’ll get tons of benefits that are reserved for subscribers only... when you join now and claim your credit!
Here’s what you get when you subscribe to Rug Hooking Magazine and join our community of rug hookers:
Inside every keepsake issue of Rug Hooking Magazine, you’ll discover something new to inspire your creativity, whether it’s a new skill or technique, a beautiful pattern, or an intriguing journey behind a hooked rug.
Take a peek at some of the features in our September/October 2023 issue that our readers will enjoy:
This email is a special offer from our friends at Rug Hooking Magazine.
Commonly asked questions:
I’m already a subscriber to Rug Hooking Magazine. Can I claim this offer? Yes! You can apply this special offer to the next annual renewal of your subscription. Please email us at amprypublishing@emailpsa.com. You may also call (877) 297 – 0965 (U.S.) or (866) 375 – 8626 (Canada). Don’t forget to mention this promo code: RTLHRF
I have questions about my current subscription, or want to cancel my current subscription. No problem! Please email us at amprypublishing@emailpsa.com. You may also call (877) 297 – 0965 (U.S.) or (866) 375 – 8626 (Canada).
Happy Hooking Everyone!
Judy Taylor
]]>Bayeux Tapestry, hooked by Barbara Kyle, Port Hope, Ontario
Happy August everyone!
William Kit, 18"x20" On sale for 20% off
This month you can save 20% on our Bayeux Tapestry designs, books and linen! Click here to see what's available!
What can I say about Deanna David’s new book Rag Rugs (a #1 New Release on Amazon)? If you’ve never visited her Youtube channel (Ribbon Candy Hooking), you should. Deanna is one of the most inspirational crafters around. She has a deep background in art history, and an understanding of design, color, balance, etc. that makes design understandable and relatable to everyone. But it’s her honest enthusiasm and boundless creativity that sticks with you and makes you want to stop what you’re doing and hook a rug.
But in this book, she doesn’t stop there. With color photos and artful illustrations, Deanna will teach you to use up your scraps of yarn and fabric to make 12 different types of rugs; hooked, punched, locker hooked, Amish Toothbrush rug, braided rugs (both laced and fancy multi-strand), Quillie rugs, penny rugs and so much more.
I only have one problem with the book… Which one to try first!
Happy Hooking everyone!
Judy Taylor
]]>Visit our Monthly Specials to see all the designs on sale this month.
With my upright frame design, I found when I trimmed my tails, many would end up in my lap, or when I'm at a show, all around me on the floor (picture Pigpen in Charlie Brown). I made this handy dandy tail catcher using a 3" diameter metal ring (you can find these at Joann Fabrics or Michaels craft stores). I used felted sweater scraps for mine, but you can use any fabric, of course. For the body, cut a piece that's 9.5"x7," and for the bottom, a 3.5" diameter circle. Much better now!
Stay cool everybody!
Judy Taylor
]]>I'm partnering with Rug Hooking Magazine to share some of their upcoming deals. If you're not a subscriber yet, you want to check it out! I've been a solid subscriber for over thirty years. I love the friendly expertise and inspirational photos:
A special offer from our friends at Rug Hooking Magazine
You Have $10.00 in Credit.
Claim your credit now—only available for a limited time!
Dear Crafter,
Congratulations! You’ve qualified for a $10.00 credit that you can apply to your Rug Hooking Magazine subscription—a special limited-time deal! You’ll get tons of benefits that are reserved for subscribers only... when you join now and claim your credit!
Here’s what you get when you subscribe to Rug Hooking Magazine and join our community of rug hookers:
Inside every keepsake issue of Rug Hooking Magazine, you’ll discover something new to inspire your creativity, whether it’s a new skill or technique, a beautiful pattern, or an intriguing journey behind a hooked rug.
Take a peek at some of the features in our June/July/August 2023 issue that our readers will enjoy:
This email is a special offer from our friends at Rug Hooking Magazine.
Commonly asked questions:
I’m already a subscriber to Rug Hooking Magazine. Can I claim this offer? Yes! You can apply this special offer to the next annual renewal of your subscription. Please email us at amprypublishing@emailpsa.com. You may also call (877) 297 – 0965 (U.S.) or (866) 375 – 8626 (Canada). Don’t forget to mention this promo code: RTLHRF
I have questions about my current subscription, or want to cancel my current subscription. No problem! Please email us at amprypublishing@emailpsa.com. You may also call (877) 297 – 0965 (U.S.) or (866) 375 – 8626 (Canada).
* * *
And if you're in the Pacific Northwest, come and see me in my booth at Fiber Fusion Northwest, June 3 9-6 and June 4th 9-5 at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe, WA!
Happy hooking everyone!
Judy Taylor
]]>This month, you can take 20% off Welcome kits, patterns, and finished rugs!
I uploaded a new article on the Learn More page on the Ancient Art of Waulking the Wool. If you ever hook with wool strips, you know the value of well-felted wool. Nowadays, we have machines to do the work, but hundreds of years ago, it had to be done by hand.
At our recent Shepherd's Extravaganza, we had a demonstration by Slighe nan Gàidheal, (www.slighe.org) a nonprofit educational society that teaches and promotes the Scottish Gaelic language and culture in the Pacific Northwest.
If you take a look at the PDF on the Learn More page, it includes two short videos, so you can see and hear the process. Even better, if possible, find a demonstration in person, but this article is the next best thing.
Hey, do you have a burning question about rug hooking? Let me know! I'll add an article to the Learn More page.
Happy Hooking Everyone!
Judy Taylor
]]>Now is a great time to try some of our specialty yarns for rug hooking. The perfect way to do that is to try a sampler of some of the yarns we do. These samplers include three colors, 1/2 oz each, so you can try hooking with them. Then, if you like, you can order custom-dyed yarn in your exact colors.
Rustic Rainbow: This lofty wool yarn is a joy to hook, but the joy will end soon since I can't get any more of this wool! It's a lovely natural light gray, which dyes up in a rainbow of antique colors. When it's gone, it's gone though, so why not try some while you can?
Jacob's Pride: This is a medium gray yarn that I do up from my flock of Jacob Sheep. I blend it with some white wool so I can get more colors out of it.
Ewenique Yarn: This yarn is really unique, no kidding (or should I have said, I kid ewe not?). It's a lustrous blend of Jacob wool with adult mohair, for a strong, durable yarn in a delightful array of possible colors.
Handspun Rug Hooking: It's nice to know that colors can be blended in spinning, so any color combination is possible. Plus, handspun yarns are a great way to get all of the possible natural colors; whites, creams, silver, medium gray, black, brown, etc. There's really no limit to the gorgeous natural colors and color blends. And natural colored wool never fades.
T-Shirt Strips: If you haven't tried hooking with T-shirts, you should! T-shirt rugs are tough and durable, and there's no limit to the colors and designs you can create. Plus, they're machine washable! Samplers are a great way to see if you like hooking with T-shirts.
Have you tried our famous Mushroom Rug Hook? It's the most comfortable hook I've ever tried. My fingers curl around the bulbous handle for effortless hooking.
Everybody needs linen backing right? Get some now while it's on sale! You can order it in half-yard pieces (36"x27") or full-yard (36"x54") or in a custom size.
No better time to try the DeLovely Rug Hooking Frame for 20% off this month. This frame has no nails to cut you or snag your wool. The work area is lifted up, so no bending your neck for hours at a time! It comes with two sets of legs, so you can use it as a lap frame or a standing frame. It comes with two sets of clamps for a firm grip on your backing.
Rug Hooking Totebag: Put all your sale goodies in this recycled cotton totebag, big enough to carry your frame and rug supplies all in one.
All-In-One Beginning Rug Hooking Class, Friday April 21 at the Shepherd's Extravaganza in Puyallup, WA. In this class, students will learn the techniques for hooking with yarn, T-shirt strips and wool fabric strips. The deadline to register is April 15, click here for the entry form to sign up!
I'll also have a booth at the Shepherd's Extravaganza, so if you're in the Puyallup area, stop by and say hi!
Happy Hooking Everyone!
Judy Taylor
]]>Lenten Rose
I don't know about you, but this time of year, I'm willing the flowers to come back. On our farm, the first beauties to show their faces are the sweet Lenten Rose.
What a great time to hook some florals while we wait for Spring to burst forth. We've got a bunch of floral patterns, kits and finished rugs on the site for 20% off! Click here to view the Monthly Specials.
Reynolds Rug Repair
I uploaded a new PDF of my latest rug repair project. You can click on the link "Reynolds Rug Repair" on my Learn More page. Lots of other links and PDF's there too!
Happy Hooking Everyone!
Judy Taylor
]]>More dates coming, check out our Shows and Classes Schedule here.
This month I'll have a booth at the Red Alder Fiber Arts Retreat, Feb 16-20. If you're in the Tacoma area, stop by and say hi!
Monthly Specials on the site:
Stock up on linen, kits, patterns and hand-hooked rugs on sale for 20% off during the month of February. Click here for the specials!
Happy Hooking Everyone!
Judy Taylor
]]>
Translation: "The best joys last forever." 30.5"x9.5," hooked with T-shirt strips on Monk's Cloth
This new design can be customized in any color scheme, and hooked with yarn or T-shirt strips! Email me if you'd like more information.
Check out the rugs, patterns on linen, and kits that are on sale for 20% off during the month of January.
Did you know I have a bunch of handy PDF's on the site, on subjects like How to Hook With Yarn, Which Backing Fabrics Work the Best, How to Create Your Own DeLovely Rug Hooking Frame, Care and Cleaning of Hand Hooked Rugs, and more on our Learn More page? Check these out here.
Just one corner of what my workroom looked like at the end of the year! Yikes!
One of my resolutions at this fresh and hopeful time of the year is to organize my workroom, which I hate to admit, is deplorable! I've made some progress, but I'm not done. Next month, I'll reveal my shiny new workroom, ready for another year of projects! Hopefully, some of you can relate!
I've got my schedule of classes and shows up for 2023. Thank you so much for visiting Little House Rugs. Let's go hook some rugs!
Judy Taylor
]]>
Santa says "Save 25% on hand-made gifts, or gifts for yourself (you've been good.)" Everything on the site is on sale, that's kits, hooks, books, patterns, frames, even hand-hooked rugs! The discount will automatically be applied at checkout. Thank you all for a wonderful year!
This is a lovely Pearl McGown design hooked by Ruth King in 1956. It had the typical unraveling on the edge, common on old rugs with a folded-over hem, and it also had a stain in the lower-left corner which caused some of the burlap backing to degrade. I uploaded a new PDF to the Learn More page showing the step-by-step process to repair the pansy rug.
Check out the other links on the Learn More page. If you have a question about rug hooking, let me know, and I'll post the step-by-step answer to your question!
Hey, didja know pet portraits make great gifts?
Happy Hooking Holidays everyone!
Judy Taylor
]]>
But right now, Little House Rugs is live!
To show my appreciation to my many wonderful customers, you will receive 25% off your total purchase until December 31, 2022! Just use this PROMO CODE at checkout. Everything on the site is eligible for the discount, including finished rugs, frames, kits, books, yarn, linen, even Christmas ornaments!
What a great time to shop for gifts, or new projects for yourself (you know you deserve it)!
Have a happy, safe, wonderful holiday season from Little House Rugs!
Judy
]]>Anyway, it's going to require me to redesign the site page by page (I'll avoid the "professionals" this time!). This may take a while (around 100 pages), however, all of the pages will remain on the web during the redesign, but some products won't go to checkout. So in the meantime, you can always email your order directly to me at littlehouserugs@hotmail.com, and pay by check, credit card or Paypal.
You can also check out my Etsy store where you will find basic things like supplies (books, hooks, linen, etc) as well as some of my beginner kits and hand-hooked rugs. Everything is on sale for 20% off on the Etsy site until December 31, 2022, just use the promo code SAVE20.
Thanks for all your patience! I'll let everyone know when the bells and whistles are appropriately ringing and tooting.
Happy Hooking everyone!
Judy Taylor
]]>I have a couple of rug hooking classes coming up:
On October 1, I'll be teaching my Beginning Rug Hooking class at the Pacific Northwest Fiber Expo in Port Angeles, WA.
And on October 14, I'll be teaching again at Oregon Flock & Fiber in Albany, OR.
In both classes, students will get to practice hooking with yarn, T-shirt strips and wool fabric strips, plus all the basics you need to know to get started with this versatile craft (how much yarn/materials does it take to hook a rug, care and cleaning of hand hooked rugs, to frame or not to frame, and other burning questions!).
This month's specials are some of my Ancient designs, inspired by textiles and traditions of the past. Check them out here!
No more dilly-dallying. Let's get hooking!
Judy Taylor
www.littlehouserugs.com
]]>
First, The NEW Joy of Hooking With Yarn! was released last week. It's the second edition of Joy of Hooking (With Yarn!), but it's chock full of new projects, instruction, and resources. Deana David of Ribbon Candy Rug Hooking got a first look at it, and praised it on her YouTube channel:
My favorite of her books. I think it’s the best rug hooking book so far. Even if you own the first edition of this book (Joy of Hooking With Yarn), this is well worth checking out. If you’re getting one book this year, get this one.
I recommend this book so highly. A full 10, without a doubt. Absolutely nothing missing or lacking. As a beginner book, it’s ideal, and for people who have been hooking for a long time, it is an amazingly inspiring book that covers all the bases.
Thanks, Deana!
So, that happened...
Then Chanticleer Reviews gave The Boy Who Wrote Poetry a 5-Star review!
The Boy Who Wrote Poetry is a heartwarming and inspirational work about Mark Ford, a promising young poet and writer who died a tragic and premature death at the age of eighteen. This collection is the poetry he left behind. Judy Taylor, Mark’s sister and the author of the book, tells the story of her brother’s short life and their family, the circumstances in which he grew up, and how he began to express his creativity at a very young age. The examples of Mark’s poetry and general writings that the author presents are remarkable and moving. Considering the tender age at which Mark wrote the poetry, the sophistication and insight revealed in the work are astonishing. Read more
This book also won Bronze at the eLit Book Awards.
But wait, there's more!
Breaking the Boundaries, The Rug Hooking Artistry of Sharon Johnston was a finalist at the Chantilcleer Book Awards, and a Gold winner at the eLit Book Awards!
One more small book announcement: I needed to design a new cover for Rug Hooker's Guide to the YARNIVERSE! so it will match its companion book, the NEW Joy of Hooking With Yarn, so I'm selling the ones with the old covers for $17 each, while supplies last.
So, what's in Yarniverse? Tons of things that wouldn't go in a beginner basic book: multiple easy dyeing techniques to create all sorts of effects (so the yarn does all the work, all you have to do is hook!), how to hook portraits and realistic designs, the beauties of hooking with natural colors, tips on getting fine detail into your rugs, etc. If you're looking for a book that goes beyond the basics, this is a good 'un.
Woo hoo!
I'm going to have a booth at the King County Fair in Enumclaw, WA July 14-17, and I have a few rug hooking classes coming up in the next couple of months. For more info on my schedule, click here!
Well, I guess that's all for now. Happy Hooking Everyone!
Judy Taylor
]]>My friend, artist Sharon Johnston of Calgary, Alberta has created a special hooked rug in honor of the women of Ukraine, employing her signature portrait style. The rug is on display at the Collectors Gallery of Art in Calgary, and sells for $900. All of the proceeds from the sale of this masterpiece will go to the Ukraine Red Cross. Congratulations to Sharon for pouring her artistry and hope into this beautiful piece. You can view the piece at Sharon Johnston - The Collectors' Gallery of Art (cgoart.com) or on Facebook at (20+) The Collectors' Gallery of Art | Facebook.
Upcoming events:
All-In-One Beginning Rug Hooking class at the Black Sheep Gathering in Albany Oregon, Sunday, June 26, 1:30-4:30. Learn to hook with yarn, T-shirt strips and wool fabric strips. Click here to sign up!
I'll have a booth at the King County Fair in Enumclaw, WA July 14-17.
For more upcoming events, click here!
Happy Hooking Everyone!
Judy Taylor
www.littlehouserugs.com
Last weekend I attended my first fiber show in two years. Boy was I rusty! I couldn't remember where everything was stored, and it took me about 8 hours to set up my booth. But it was a great sale, and very good to get back to public events!
If you would like to view the other shows and classes I'll be doing, you can check the schedule here.
Enjoy the spring flowers. Happy Hooking Everyone!
Judy Taylor
www.littlehouserugs.com
'Tis the season to enter the 10K Loops Showcase from Rug Hooking Daily and Little House Rugs.
Get Published! Win Prizes!
What is the 10K Loops Showcase?
It's a contest of sorts we started a couple of years ago to celebrate our ten-thousandth member to Rug Hooking Daily (a free, interactive, worldwide, online rug hooking community). And since members of RHD are interconnected, we thought a small project of approximately ten thousand loops would be appropriate (roughly 2 square feet). And most importantly - a story (around 300 words, anything you'd like to tell us about your project, help us to notice the details).
The winners will be chosen by the membership (you must be a member to enter, but that's free and easy!). And every entry will be included in our annual book. The deadline to enter is May 31, 2022.
I'll have a booth at the Shepherd's Extravaganza April 21-24 in Puyallup, WA. I'll also be offering a Beginning Rug Hooking class there on Friday, April 22 from 10 to 1. Check the calendar for other upcoming events here.
Check out our Monthly Specials here!
Happy Hooking Everyone!
Judy Taylor
]]>Whether you're looking for a quick, easy project, or something with more of a challenge, check out these web specials for the month of March!
Robin Tamagi shared an alteration to her DeLovely Frame, to raise it to a floor frame (standing to hook) with a clever innovation for bracing it at the bottom for a firmer structure! This kind of improvement works great for a floor frame but might get in the way if you're sitting in a chair (it would prevent you from tucking it in close), but it looks like a great idea for getting up off your chair to hook! I'm going to try it myself for when I'm hooking in my booth. Thanks, Robin!
And speaking of booths, I'll be doing two in-person shows this year! The first is Shepherd's Extravaganza, April 21-24 in Puyallup, WA. I'll also be teaching a beginner class on Friday, April 22 at the same event.
Then I'll have a booth at Fiber Fusion Northwest, June 4th & 5th, in Monroe, WA.
If you're looking for a class in Oregon, I'll be teaching Beginning Rug Hooking (where you'll learn to hook with yarn, T-shirt strips, and wool fabric strips) at the Black Sheep Gathering on Sunday, June 28.
Don't forget to enter the 10K Loops Showcase! Get published! Win Prizes! Just a small project and a story. What could be more fun?
Happy Hooking Everyone!
Judy Taylor
www.littlehouserugs.com
It's time again to get ready for our 10K Loops Showcase, sponsored by Rug Hooking Daily. Throughout this post, you'll see some of the entries from years past.
What is the 10K Loops Showcase?
It's a small project... and a story. The project should be around 2 square feet (or roughly ten thousand loops, but who's counting?). It can be hooked, punched, embellished, pretty much anything you want. Write up a description of 300 words or so. Tell us why you made it, anything you learned while making it, help us to focus on the details.
Even though there are prizes, it's not really a competition. It's a great way to introduce yourself to the world, share your process, and make friends! Whether you've been hooking rugs since the dawn of time, or you just got started, every project has a story, and we love to read all about them!
Winners of the Showcase will be chosen by the membership of Rug Hooking Daily, a free, interactive, online rug hooking community with over ten thousand members from all over the world. You must be a member of Rug Hooking Daily to enter.
First Place: $150 Second Place: $90 Third Place: $60
And every entry will be included in our book. The entry fee is just $10. This year, the book will be an eBook, so we avoid the expensive postage costs. Every entrant will receive the eBook for free, for everyone else it will sell for .99!
The deadline to enter is May 31, 2022. Click here to sign up.
This month I put some of my smaller kits on sale, in case you need ideas for new Showcase projects. (And linen, too. Everybody needs linen!) They're just for starters, feel free to expand and personalize the designs to express your own unique approach!
You may have noticed Little House Rugs got a makeover! As with all shiny new things, there are bound to be boo-boos and things we could do better. Your feedback, questions and suggestions are always appreciated. Thanks for visiting!
Judy Taylor
PS. Here's a few more 10K Loops entries from years past. Can't wait to see what you come up with!
]]>Blue Ridge Mountain Home, 31"x17." Designed and hooked with T-shirt strips by Judy Taylor
I have been having so much fun experimenting with T-shirt strips lately, I thought I'd make that a theme in this month's web specials. Lots of kits, patterns, and linen for 20% off for the month of January. And of course, my book T-shirt Treasures is always 20% off!
There's just so much we can do with T-shirts. They come in every color, hue, shade, and texture in the rainbow and beyond, so you never have to dye colors. It's the most inexpensive option for rug hooking on a budget. And a great choice for people who are sensitive to wool. Not only are T-shirt rugs machine washable, but wool moths don't want anything to do with them!
Here's wishing you a healthy, happy, rug-filled year!
Judy Taylor
Little House Rugs
Get 25% off everything (no minimum orders) on the website until December 31, 2021. So that's patterns, kits, frames, books, hooked rugs, the whole kit and kaboodle. Just enter code RUGS21 at checkout!
I have some easy, quick holiday patterns free for you to use! These are small, quick projects that you can personalize and finish in time for the holidays. Click on the links below for downloadable PDF's.
I made this design for SpinOff Magazine a while back. You can make your sheep ornaments in any colors you like. The article includes a template you can copy to draw onto your backing, as well as assembly instructions to finish your ornaments. You can do ornaments for your tree or make them into refrigerator magnets so you can enjoy them all year long!
This project is along the lines of the Sheep ornaments above, but of the iconic Jacob Sheep with its wonderful four horns. Again, you can make these up as ornaments for your tree or refrigerator magnets.
My Peace Angel Mat was 9.5"x17," but you can enlarge the drawing to any size you like! When hooking with yarn, figure around 4 oz of yarn per square foot of hooked area.
Remember that you can save 25% on Gift Cards in denominations of $25, $50 and $100 for the rug hooker in your life! Just include the recipient's name in the comment section on the checkout page, and the credit will be there for them to use whenever they like!
Have a lovely, safe happy holiday!
Judy Taylor
www.littlehouserugs.com
As the holiday season builds to it's inevitable crescendo, it's nice to have some options. I've added two new features to Little House Rugs. One is the ability to pay in installments and the other is to purchase gift cards on the site!
We've heard that shipping inside the United States is going to slow down with the holiday rush, so it's always best to shop early. Gift cards are great, since they can be redeemed anytime! You'll find gift cards in all of my collections, and the option to pay in installments will be on the checkout page.
Happy Hooking everyone! And if you can't hook a rug right now, I recommend hugging an elephant!
Judy Taylor
www.littlehouserugs.com
I started a new Facebook group called "Repairing Hooked Rugs." This is a group for anyone who is interested in using their rug hooking skills to repair treasured rugs and preserve them for future generations to enjoy.
Lets face it, if you put a rug on the floor, stuff will happen to it! It will get stained, snagged, dog-chewed, cat-scratched, moth-eaten and worn on the edges.
These days, treasured heirloom rugs from the 20th century are showing those signs of wear. I'm hoping to encourage all rug hookers to stretch their skills and make some money restoring these precious rugs to their former glory.
The 10K Loops Showcase books are in and they look great! Read about all of the projects and stories, and get ready to enter next year.
Block Party 23.5"x30" Designed by Judy Taylor, hooked by Len de Graaf
Len de Graaf of Whitby, Ontario had some fun hooking up his version of the Block Party design. This one is so versatile, it can be done up in any color scheme, or all the colors of the rainbow! If you'd like to try this fun design, you can find it here. As with all my designs, the pattern on linen comes with an estimate of how much yarn you'll need to hook the rug, but you'll also have a chance to add the yarn (or T-shirt strips) in your choice of colors at checkout.
Rabbit Rug, 31.5"x22.5" Finished rug on sale for 20% off!
Fall is here, the hay is in, and it's time to get hooking! Don't forget to check out what's on sale this month.
Happy Hooking Everyone!
Judy Taylor
www.littlehouserugs.com
The winner of the 10K Loops Showcase 2021 is "Lisa's Lobster," designed and hooked by Susan Ferraro of Bailey Island, ME.
Second place went to "Heidi," designed and hooked by Ursula Ryle-Gulliver of East Mountain, NS.
And third place went to "My Ancestors," designed and hooked by Kay Lewis of Ottawa, ON.
Congratulations to all who participated this year with your beautiful projects and inspirational stories! The books are expected to arrive on my doorstep on Tuesday (fingers crossed) and will go out right away to all of you. If you haven't yet ordered your copy, you can do so here.
BOOK SIGNING EVENT
Here's the latest creation, called Foxy, by Sharon Johnston of Calgary, AB.
She finally got to have her book signing at the Collector's Gallery of Art in Calgary. Delayed because of COVID, of course, but the turnout was good.
She sold two pieces and 12 books, and her work will continue to be displayed in the gallery. Next Saturday, Sharon and Elizabeth Herbert, who wrote the introduction to our book, will be giving a talk at the gallery. But if you can't get to Calgary anytime soon, don't worry, you can still view and purchase Sharon's artwork here.
And if you haven't seen our book, Breaking the Boundaries yet, you can order it here. The book is full of Sharon's inspirational work, as well as 5 easy projects for you to try out her signature techniques!
Housekeeping note: Some of you may have noticed when shopping through the linen patterns on Little House Rugs that the postage charged seemed high. I figured out why that happened. There are add-ons when you go to the order page, (like adding a Special Package or a kit to go with the pattern), so they charge postage for the largest package.
Just know that I ALWAYS refund excess postage collected, and if you request another less expensive delivery option, I'm flexible about that. Rest assured, you will only pay the postage that it costs me to ship it to you!
Check out the 10 new items on sale for 20% off this month!
HAPPY HOOKING EVERYONE!
Judy Taylor
www.littlehouserugs.com