Rug hooking workshop with Ali and Maria

Hello, everybody,
This past weekend was so much fun.  Lauren of rugs and pugs came down from northern Ohio to stay and we attended the creative rug hooking workshop in Tipp City with two talented ladies, Ali Strebel and Maria Barton.  Lauren made me some wonderful handmade goodies, I'll photograph them and share with you tomorrow.  Thank you, Lauren!!!  There were three basic patterns to choose from, a sheep, a snowman, and a pumpkin.  We were to then elaborate on our basic pattern and create something from it ... some ideas were a penny rug, wall hanging, standing snowman, pillow, etc.  Visit Laurens blog to see pictures of all the projects and the inspiration pieces, I did not take that many pictures.

These ladies were so creative with their projects ... I could never think that far outside the box.  I am just dandy at copying :), and everything I do HAS to be primitive and/or antique looking.  I live in an antique house, surrounded by antiques, and I used to say "If it isn't antique, it isn't coming in the door".

I chose the sheep for my design, and made it into a pillow which I finished this evening.  My big learning experience was the proddy border, which was fun to do and I love how it looks.

Of course, I had to do some shopping in Ali and Maria's "stores" and came home with two Magdalena Briner patterns, a couple more primitive rug patterns, and WAY too much wool!!  :)

And, of course, Lauren and I had to hit the local antique shops...once again, spending TOO MUCH!!

This is now the third wonderful workshop that I have attended right here in Tipp City given by Ali Strebel.  Two years ago this was my project from the workshop with Karen Kahle and Nola Hiedbreder.   I learned about the medium background at this workshop.  I was a beginning hooker at that time.

Then, at last years workshop with Ali, Karen, and Nola, I did this mat, trying to learn the technique that distinguishes Karens rugs.

Changing the subject, the kitties are all now spayed/neutered.  Boy, was that expensive, and the vet was even kind enough to give me the 2 for 1 deal.  It is unfortunate that neutering is so expensive, especially for the little girls.  I think the cost is a large part of the reason that more people do not take in strays.

But, I have to tell you , it has been so worth it!  I just love the little kittens like crazy, they are so sweet and adorable and personality plus!  They are always cheeping and talking and responding to me. purring and swiping at me when I walk by.  At the risk of boring you.........

Benji.  There are two Benjis, identical twins, and they both have the same name.  The only difference is the weight.

Tisha, love her white chin.

Petunia.

Charlotte

Last night, when I went out to the barn at midnight, another wild black cat went running out!  I don't think I ever told you, but the mother to the kittens, about a month after we had her spayed, disappeared.  My thinking is that the coyotes probably got her, as there were vultures circling over the fields for a couple of days.  I sure hope the whole cycle of a wild cat isn't going to start again, other farmers around here don't neuter, so there are lots of kittens , a good percentage of which end up here because I can't stand the idea of a hungry animal!

Melinda