Sunday, March 28, 2010

Thoughts on Rugs and Tranquility















I've so enjoyed working on this little kitchen rug (actually about 24"x16").  I don't know why, but I just don't feel any pressure with my hooking right now.  Why would I have felt pressure in the past?  Good question.....I'm either wanting to get it done for a particular reason, such as the rug show we did in February, or I am wanting to move on to another piece.  Rug hooking is so labor intensive, that it requires quite a bit of patience (as all you hookers are well aware of).  I have been thinking a lot about slowing down and just pulling loops to see where that leads me.  Does that make any sense?  I want my work to be precise, which for me, means really paying attention to the finishing off process.  This is where I get in a hurry, want to be done, and move on to the next project.  I wonder why that is, and as I ponder that question, I realize it's from all the years of teaching and the pressure of deadlines.  I'm so happy to be at a point in life to make time my own, and my rug hooking is becoming sort of a metaphor for slowing down and just being in the moment.  This little rug is something I've been wanting to do for a long time now.  Next on my list (oops........there I go looking ahead to the next project) I ordered Karen Kahle's tea cozy pattern on linen (I'm having a love affair with my teapot that my mom ordered me from The Vermont Country Store a couple of years ago).  I thought I would design one of my own, but if you've seen hers....well, why invent the wheel!  It's absolutely one of the cutest hooked pieces ever!  So, onward, upward, and somewhere in the middle you can find me peacefully hooking away watching for foxes (one post down), practicing my yoga,  putting out flowers, and enjoying a beautiful Ozark springtime........xo

8 comments:

Debra Lloyd said...

I love the back ground you choose for this rug--it is perfect!
I know exactly what you mean when you talk about enjoying the journey of your creativity. As an early childhood educator, I am always preaching "process, not product" to my staff. However, I also have the same urges to finish, finish, finish! Thanks for the reminder to slow down and enjoy each step.

Kim said...

I can relate to everything you said. I want to "be in the moment" but then I seem to be thinking ahead 2 or 3 steps. I need to learn how to be more "present". Your chicken rug is one of nicest pieces I have ever seen. I love her and am anxious to see the finished product. Ooops - there I go again...2 steps ahead.
Thanks for your comment and yes, that is Millie in the pink coat and I am having fun with all the goodies in Deanne's basket. She is a sweetie - I try and stop in the shop every couple of weeks. Very lucky to have her in my town.

summersundays-jw said...

I really need to start a project Love the chicken. Can't wait to see the tea cozy. You always have such a peacefulness around you -- I so admire that. Looks like we're going to have a gorgeous week -- I'll be in the garden. Jan

Alice ~ Folk Art Primitives said...

Lucky you!! Enjoy yours peaceful days ~ mine are sooo hectic!! Maybe it's because I create them that way ~ hm!

brenda said...

i like your background color too! and the green of the stem on the right :) It is good to feel relaxed in the process.... we all can learn from that...

Beth Anderson said...

I just love your rug! From the first I saw your rugs though I have admired your style and colors.
I do love Karen Kahle's rugs too. You have good taste, but then I already knew that - LOL.
Looking forward to seeing the progression of this one.

Miccosukee said...

Dulcy,
What a wonderful rug! Love the colors. Wish you would send some of your energy my way as even while recovering, you get more done creatively than I do.
I have a beautiful kit from Kim at Spruce Ridge waiting to be put on the frame. Yet it still sits.

Keep on inspiring me to do better.

trisha

Relyn Lawson said...

Wish I were there doing it with you. Even for just an afternoon. I miss you, my friend. I miss our chats and laughter.

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