"vous etes mes bons amis!"

You are my good friends!! This week I have been doing a 'survey' among my Facebook friends. I have been asking customers to leave me a comment in my private messages.   I have been wanting to gain knowledge into how I might make my patterns better. I have come to the conclusion that my very highest goal is the very best customer service that I can give. I want every single customer to feel my deep appreciation.  When I decided to do the survey, I held my breath but was willing to hear anything- to gain understanding. What I did not expect is that my messages would be full and all the very very kindest words- even from ladies who admire the patterns but have never personally purchased one. I even received one last night that choked me up! 

Saying good evening FRIENDS with a photograph of smaller version of the upcoming Lavender Lady rug. It will be available on both monks-cloth and linen. 

A French Country Rug

Over a couple weeks time, months ago, I kept receiving messages from customers that they enjoyed the stories I tell. Interesting. I never intentionally did that- it's part of the playful part of me, I guess. I confess that I have a house that contains my doll collection. Every one of them ('the girls') has a name and a character. My Vera is pretty cranky and I often have keep her apart as she fusses at the others. Alice is quiet and timid. Ruth is so industrious. Dot is sweet and inquiring! Oh and Cora! She is my African -American girl. Had to hook her her own cabin complete with a stream. Just so visitors know where she lives!
And none of 'girls' will ever give me gray hair!  

So this is how I think and it's part of why I love telling stories about my 'creations.' Each one deserves a story. The night I sketched out the Colonial rug, I was trying to think of the story behind the rug- well, it became a rug of fidelity and loyalty. The yellow ribbon in the girls hair was a symbol of her fidelity to her soldier while he was away. In the 'Buttery', Mr. Tibbs the cat is watching his mistress as she prepares the holiday roast and bread pudding. The pattern comes with the VERY fabric that the mistress used in her dress and to adorn little Tibbs with for the holiday.
Lavender, I understand, is a symbol of devotion. Years ago, I became intrigued with the French painting ' The Angelus.' For quite a while, I would think on how that in those days it was common for people to feel their absolute dependence on the Creator. I was really troubled by how far we have come. Today, as I tell my children frequently, we can buy anything in this world with money- minus bringing someone back to life. We really do not feel that dependence on Him anymore. Really, it's true. But to think as I gaze at that painting, I see people who literally ate from God's very hand and thanked him all day long. Nothing in the way- a real intimacy with the Creator. Nature, His handi-work made for us!
So this rug is about simplicity, about God's provision not only of our 'daily bread' but all that is beauty in this world.

Beauty In Our Differences

Years ago, I had taught some ladies to paint. They came to my house once a week and I taught them the basics- different brushes and their 'jobs', various strokes- I took them through a very small project. That was  about fifteen years ago. Over the years, I have used a situation that took place in that class as a lesson to share about other areas of life.

There was one lady there- a school teacher- who was set on her painting to be perfect. As we moved past the base-coating and into shading areas, she kept looking over to the work being done by another woman in the class. I could honestly see her distress and then she just shut down. Her work, in her eyes, was not 'as good as the others.' I could see that it was just different- but so was everyone elses. I encouraged her with all my might to continue and that she may be surprised at how pleased she would be if she 'just went with it' to the end. She never returned to the class. It still burns in my memory and comes to mind frequently as I see the different styles and color preferences people have- and each are so profoundly beautiful because in my mind, they express the heart of the 'artist.' 

As I have said, I have brought this example up many times over the years when trying to encourage someone to not compare themselves to anyone else- each individual is a gift and our differences in all our areas and our workmanship too- are gifts to everyone! You never know how your individuality may be just what someone else needs. And even our weak spots, may be just that 'touch' that brings charm to who we are.

Last year, I came up with the 'Lamb and Pumpkins' design. Since then I have had the JOYFUL honor of seeing my design done by two other ladies- it brings me such satisfaction to see all the variation. I hope to see more!!

 Above, is the one I did, that is the photo that comes with the pattern. Take a look at that far left pumpkin. When I dyed that, I thought it was well...not what I wanted- became my favorite color in the whole rug!

 This one seen above is done by Christy Mason of 'Double M Sheep and Wool' in Fort Worth, Texas. If I am not dyeing my own wool, I find her wool not only 'slightly' lol addictive but stunning- there are some colors, I rather just leave to her! Different than

mine, but just lovely!

This one is done by a customer of mine- this is all together different and I am in love with it. Her background choice really brings a softness to it. Look how she is going to do her border in a cream. And I have to point out this ladies loops. I have seen many of her hooked pieces and I am absolutely charmed by her loops. I call them (her last name is Lewis) "Lewis Loops." They are soft and springy, very wide cut. I ADORE them!

Below is yet another example. The top is my 'Le Cremerie' done by me and underneath is the same rug done by Christy Mason again. I love both!! And they are different!! These patterns are available in my Etsy store along with several others. In fact and just because, if you order, please message me on Etsy when you place your order and I will take $2 off the price of your pattern if you tell me you saw this offer here on my blog. I will make that good whether you order one or all of them.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/VintageHeartPrims

Happy Hooking!!

Finished!!

So, the Colonial rug is finished and I have to say I love it very much! Next,  I have 4 or 5 very good ideas for new patterns. This week I plan on being at the print store sizing sketches I have done to refine and then put onto Monks-cloth. There's a very good Fall time theme, there's a very primitive kitty idea, there's more crocks and even a Christmas theme in there. I will be at a Fiber Faire in October and will be bringing all my patterns, wool, and a few smaller rugs. I always go to the Fiber Faire brimming with happiness to be in one big fiber gathering- meeting all the ladies and seeing all the things they bring with them- felters, spinners, quilters, rug makers- I love it all!!

Almost There!!

I am almost there. The Colonial rug is ready to bind. This afternoon, I expect to open my mailbox to some wool coming from 'Double M Sheep and Wool.' It's an espresso color that I will wind the edge with. When I have draped the color over the rug to see how it will look "framed", I am pleased.
With that being said, in the meantime, my sketchbook is busting at the seams with new ideas- in fact one came to me in Church yesterday- so as I listened to the sermon, I was drawing my little idea out on the bulletin. This stuff comes to my mind in the strangest places and out of no where at all- right before I fall asleep and I am too tired to move, at the grocery store, sitting in the car waiting on one of my children,  but mainly late, late at night while listening to music. 

This picture is not the last one that I will have- next time, it will have that Espresso and the lady will have a delicate braid adorning her head that will hold that significant 'yellow ribbon' that I explained in my last post.

I will leave you with one of my very favorite songs!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bLESr-EfWo

'Come Away With Me'

I have been more exited about doing this rug than probably any I have ever done- that includes back when I did a lot of decorative painting. I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel now and I will be so very exited to see it complete. I have a few details that I will add after  the entire rug is hooked. One being, in my opinion, the 'crown' of the whole piece- a very delicate braid of hair and gold ribbon for her hair- you'll see!! I have 'practiced' on it with what I have in mind and it will be beautiful. I also have a little 'button' to add on to his collar and a gold brooch for her. 

Last night, I was telling my husband that I want to add a gold-ish ribbon to the bouquet. Leave it to him to go look up the history of the yellow ribbon. Oh my gosh!! Totally significant to this rug- absolutely romantic and brings so much meaning to the whole picture.

 "Ribbons hold a very important place in the hearts and in the culture of the people of Western Christendom. Young women in former times would tie ribbons in their hair, the hair being a symbol of spiritual covering. They would wear a ribbon in a pledge of faithfulness to the one they love. In this they would be telling the world that they are remembering someone. The young lady was set apart and not available for courtship. They are remembering or waiting for someone special. Right now that special person had gone abroad and was not with them. But nevertheless, he was with them in spirit. And what's more, he will be back! He will be coming home to them some day. Until that day of his return they will wait for him. He occupies a special place in their hearts. They will remember him with their display of the ribbon. And when people ask about the ribbon they will tell others about the one who is being remembered."

Gives me goosebumps!! I LOVE it and am so exited to share this with the dear lady that I am doing this rug for.

Miss Pumpkin

   The time of day that I get the most time with my wool is the evenings. The house is quiet. I can hear my music and I can work into the night if I need to. Tonight I am dyeing the background that I am going to use for my Colonial rug. I have a list of customers that I want to send a 'Tea and Honey' pattern to- getting a list of names ready. And I want to finish writing the pattern to one of my personal favorite designs- Miss Pumpkin. Gosh, this girl warms my heart!! Here she is the day I jotted her down on paper. I had been looking through a magazine and spotted a pumpkin doll on a table surrounded by gourds. I saw the irony right away. Miss Pumpkin selling gourds at Harvest time. There she is with her sign and she really is the prize!! Can you think pumpkin pie?? I love her and hope to have her pattern ready by the end of the week.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/VintageHeartPrims