You don't have to go to a lot of expense to "pull a loop."

All you really need is the desire to create!   It's that simple.

 

By the time we've finished our lessons, you'll have the
knowledge and confidence to travel the artistic trail to
success. And of course, we'll always be there beside you when
you need a hand.

 

Now, let's take another look at the many materials available to
us. When searching for materials for your hooking, follow these tips and tricks and you'll be amazed to discover just how
inexpensive and beautiful your work can be.

 

"Affordable Rug Hooking"

 

* Let's review the "ways and means" of rug hooking.

 

* Yarn is easy and beautiful to hook. 1-ply is suitable for the
finest detail, such as eyes.

 

* 2-ply is similar to #3 or #4 cut by a cutter. Perfect for
detail and texture.

 

* 3-ply makes beautiful rounded loops and hooks up very quickly.

 

* 4-ply and up is like a craft yarn, actually the ideal way for
a child to start to hook. They can see the results immediately
and their little hands can handle the larger ply more readily.

 

The key to successful hooking with yarn is to hold the yarn up
close to the underside of the backing so that you don't split
your yarn.

 

Also watch the nib on your hook. I like a pencil hook with a
little nib on the end, however on a 3-ply I prefer a slightly
larger nib. Whatever you feel comfortable with is just fine.
 
A tighter weave in the backing is a must.

 

Also you can easily dye your yarns. A new book on "Hooking with Yarn" by Judy Taylor is now on the market. It is full of "tips and techniques". Chapter Seven explains dyeing yarn for shading, flowers, leaves, and scrolls. 

 

  You can co-ordinate your whip stitched border with a color that
you choose in your mat or pictorial.  It  looks smart and is easy.
 
Don't be shy about treating your fiber art as a mixed media. Add some wool strips, nylons, or what ever it takes to create the atmosphere you want. Another idea is to collect used wool
sweaters. Wash in hot water to felt them up, be sure and set the color. Cut with scissors across the width in the desired size
strips. This adds color and texture to your creations. It also
makes an attractive "Hit and Miss" mat.
 
Yarn is a fascinating affordable fiber to create your mats or
pictorials.
 
Recyclables are like a magic wand to a rug hooker. The adventure of tracking down just the right material is is great fun. Then imagine the rag mat done in wide cut strips like your grandma used to do.

 

The rag rug of that time was made from any sturdy material they could find at the time and their designs were quite primitive.

 

Recycled plaids can be over dyed to color co-ordinate with the
color scheme of the rug. I saw a mat the other day where a light
tan plaid was over dyed the same color as a rose. It made a
simply beautiful background and enhanced the color scheme.

 

Keep an eye out for wool blankets. Some are perfect for hooking.  If they are a bit on the thick side, cut the strips smaller and you will be surprised how well the wool will hook up.

 

A pleated skirt will yield lots of wool.

 

Suit jackets come in different weights and can be difficult to
tear apart. However, they can add unbelievable texture to your
mat or pictorial.

 

Even if you pick up something that does not cut well, save it
for a backing on a coaster, pillow, or wall hanging.

 

If you like stars or effects of sunlight on water, snow etc.,
keep an eye open for glitzy material that has some spandex in
it. These materials will stretch a bit (similar to nylons) and
give your creation some sparkle.

 

Keep your mind and eyes wide open and be adventurous when you decide what you want in your mats and pictorials.

 

Enjoy the hunt!

 

 

To view fiber art, click below:
http://www.linartdesigns.com/id94.html
and
http://www.linartdesigns.com/id91.html

 

If you have difficulty hooking with yarn, email Linda at:
artsy@xplornet.com

 

 Happy Hooking,

 

Linda