100th POST, FREE PATTERN, FINISHED RUG AND A GIVEAWAY!

F**I**N**A**L**L**Y!!! I am so thrilled to have finally finished hooking this rug. I don't know why, but I became really bogged down during the work on this project. It seems that life got really hectic, the holidays were in the middle of it, and things just seemed to drag along so slowly...not sure why. It turned out a little different from my "mind's eye" version, but for the most part, I'm happy with it. I don't think it looks quite as primitive as my vision for it. It measures 16 1/2" X 21" and is hooked in #8 cut. I used both hand dyed and as found wools. The only thing left to do is to finish the hemming.

This next picture is something that I saw somewhere (several years ago), and I had one of those "I can make that!" moments. I did come home and draw up my own version and made one for myself. It is a cover for my Puritan frame, and is one of my hooking "necessities." The fabric that I used was a commercially created "quilt-pieced" design. Since I sandwiched some coordinating quilted fabric on the back before binding the edges with bias tape, it is great for protecting my frame as well as my hands and other surfaces that accidentally come into contact with the needle sharp carding strips on my frame.

I made the bias binding ends long enough to wrap once around the legs of the frame and tie securely. It is really one of the most useful accessories that I own! I've decided to make this a free pattern in honor of this, my 100th post!! It also coincides with my one year blogging anniversary. So...

......here is my "really primitive" hand drawn pattern. I've included the measurements that I used on mine, but you can change dimensions, of course, to fit your particular frame. The binding is attached to all the edges with the longer tie-ends fitting in each "c" curve fitting around the legs. I hope that is clear. If you need further information, please don't hesitate to email me. If you do decide to make one, please send me a picture of your creation. I would LOVE to see what you do with it. Thank you!

Now I come to the 100th Post/One Year Anniversary Giveaway!!! Another of the great tools that I have found....

HOOKS!! These were found at a local quilt shop, and I have no idea what the "official" name of these are. They were sold in packages of one dozen and are absolutely wonderful for hanging small to medium rugs. I've never tried to use them to hang a really large rug (only because I have never hooked a really large rug!) You just slide the two sharp prongs under (or into) the hem binding on the back of your rug and hang. They really do work very well for me. ( The most I've used on one rug is four across the top.) I have a package of 12 to give to one person (plus I'm adding another surprise to be included), so please leave a comment saying...in your own words, "I'd really like to have those hooks!!" I will enter your name in my totally random drawing. Good luck, everyone!

On to a serious topic...I'd like to ask everyone to really pray for our country right now. I have a feeling that we are at a crossroad where we will either follow our wonderful Constitution and survive as our wise, wise Founders intended...with our freedoms and liberty intact, or we will take a terrible path that will lead us to a place that none of us want to go. I really feel that we are standing in the shadow of Socialism or worse. The complete lack of consideration of the wishes of the majority of Americans with regard to health care reform by the majority party is stunning and shocking. Even in the face of possible losses in Congress to conservatives, the liberal majority leaders and President Obama seem bent upon forcing this unwanted legislation upon us. I know in my heart that this legislation, if passed, will further destroy our economy and steal our right to make our own very personal decisions about our own health care. This is so very important. We may be witnessing events that will doom our children and grandchildren to decades of crippling debt and a loss of liberties which we have taken for granted our whole lives.

I plan to call again this week to remind my representative and senators to stop the insane runaway spending, and to stop trying to force this terrible legislation upon us against our will. I hope you all will do the same. Our future may depend upon making our wishes known. Please pray for President Obama, Ms. Pelosi, Mr. Reid and all those in positions of power that they will act in accordance with our Constitution and the will of the people.