Wee Weaving + Artisan Spotlight: Meet Norman Veech

Summer is winding down and before you know it, the kids will be heading back to school. Now is the perfect time to master the art of small weaving projects you can take on-the-go! Schacht has several fun projects using woven squares created on their Zoom Loom:

Pincushions, Infinity Scarf and Slipper patterns are all available for free on the Schacht website.

Artisan Spotlight: Meet Norman Veech

 Norman Veech is a local prolific rug weaver who brought us this handwoven Alpaca rug a few months ago. We’re going to frame it for the shop!

Norman is a kind and compassionate man who has been coming in our shop since we moved it to Kentucky. He took up weaving about 6-7 years ago when he needed something to do while going through chemotherapy treatments. His wife taught him how to weave on a little loom purchased at a flea market, and he liked it so much that he has continued to weave ever since!

Since then, he has traded up to using floor looms to create placemats, table runners and blankets in addition to his favorite project, rugs. Norman isn’t focused on production weaving, but rather weaves for the enjoyment and relaxation the craft provides. Occasionally, he can be found selling his rugs at nearby flea markets and craft festivals such as the Finchville Fall Festival next month.

Many thanks to Norman for allowing us to share his story with our blog readers this month!

All the best,

Chris, Nancy, and the entire Woolery team

We’re here to help you get hooked!

One of the hardest parts about trying out a new craft is making sure you have everything you need to get started; of course, having all of the supplies you need on hand will make learning something new much less frustrating! Many of our customers are curious to try rug hooking, so we’ve not only assembled a list of supplies you’ll need to get started (see below), we’ve created a short video as part of our “Ask the Woolery” series on YouTube!

You can watch the video above to get an overview of several techniques and tools used to create beautiful hooked rugs. From beginner to advanced, there is a rug hooking project for everyone – and after watching this video, you’ll have a better idea of which type of technique is right for you!

Ready to get started? Make sure you have:
Backing material such as Scottish Burlap (click here to see more backing options in our YouTube video):

L-R: Scottish Burlap, Monk’s Cloth, and Linen.

Strips of cloth, yarn, or lengths of ribbon (left) and a frame or hoop to hold your work (right):

One or more rug hooks:

How-To Books:

Before you know it, you’ll be hooked on rug hooking!

All the best,

Chris, Nancy, and the entire Woolery team

Spring Crafting, Spring Cleaning!

In our last blog post, we shared some of our favorite inspirational projects for revamping your home décor this season. If you’d rather embark on a little Spring Crafting instead of Spring Cleaning, here are some creative ways to accomplish both at the same time, guilt-free!

RUGS!
April showers may bring May flowers, but they also bring muddy feet to your doorstep.  Here is a simple tutorial showing how to recycle old t-shirts into a fashionable and functional (not to mention, machine washable!) crocheted rug. Of course, a woven rug is another option to try: by choosing thick, sturdy yarns in ‘spring-y’ colors, you can add your own personal touch to your front door. In fact, there are plenty of ways to dress up your doorstep using colorful, easy-care yarns, whether your weave, knit, crochet or rug hook. Below are just a few of our favorite ideas for spring!

KNIT & CROCHET BASKETS
Organize your life with easy-to-make knit or crochet baskets! Baskets are a great way to use up leftover yarn in your stash, but you can also be strategic in your color choice by using cones of yarn to create matching sets or color-coding your world by using an assortment of yarn colors. Smaller sizes are perfect for holding small trinkets or craft supplies, while larger sizes can house your yarn collection, toys, reusable tote bags, or any number of items that need to be contained!

ECO-FRIENDLY SPRING CLEANING
Save money and the planet by making your own reusable floor sweeper covers! Choose machine washable yarns in bright colors to create an array of color choices to make you smile. You can find lots of easy patterns to knit or crochet on Ravelry, many of which are free. Reusable towels and scrubbers can also be knit, crocheted, or woven, and are an excellent way to save money and the planet!

Here’s one more spring cleaning tip to try: Eucalan wool wash does double duty; here is a video tutorial from Youtube which uses Eucalan to freshen up curtains and drapes for spring!

For more crafty inspiration, click here to view our Welcome Spring inspiration board on Pinterest!

All the best,

Chris, Nancy, and the entire Woolery team

Get Hooked: Rug Hooking 101 + Master Felter Pays A Visit

The one thing that all spinners, weavers, dyers, felters, knitters, hookers—need I go on—share is a love of our base material.  Perhaps that is why we are so nutty about rug hooking around here.  The materials and designs so enticing! If you aren’t familiar with the process (and even if you are) you will enjoy the resources on our rug hooking  how to get started page.  In particular, check out the video by Gene Shepherd, who gives a great demonstration on the beauty and basics of the craft. 

We want to give one lucky reader/fan/follower a chance to win an adorable beginning rug-hooking kit featured in our last blog.  Simply post a comment about any rug hooking expereinces you have had even if it is none! We will pick a winner a week from now (no foolin’).  It’s time to get hooked!

Leslie Samson Workshops

Speaking of beautiful, enticing materials we are thrilled to host the marvelous felter Leslie Samson in May. Leslie has taken felting to another level with her exquisite approachable designs. Leslie is a master at wet, needle, and nuno felting. Felt wool and beyond, by making wearables to wall pieces. Leslie will teach three workshops: Botanical Felting, Scribble Lace Scarf, and Felted Tapestry. (You might even spot a bunny or two hopping around.)

We would love to see you here in May or any other time! Of course we can visit   online anytime.

Chris, Nancy, and the entire Woolery team

Rugs: We’ve Got You Covered!

Our introductory Locker Hooking Kit has everything you need to make a cute sheep motif rug!

Rugs have a certain romance.  They offer the opportunity for big bold designs. Nothing wows up a room like a handmade rug!  They serve a purpose either insulating our floors or our walls. They work up fast so you get a lot of satisfaction in a short amount of time. There are so many reasons to make rugs!

Whether you are a weaver, knitter, crocheter, spinner, felter, or rug hooker we have the materials, patterns, tools, and supplies to make your rug dreams a reality.

Beautiful bulky coned wool yarn in a lovely array of colors. Limited supply! Check out this yarn out before it is gone.

MATERIAL MATTERS

What does it take to make a good rug?  Well, it take good sturdy yarn or fabric.  This is where long breeds shine.  For you spinners, get out that Lincoln and make a beautiful rug—rug hookers, weavers, knitters you can use the locks!

Not a spinner? Check out some of our rug yarns that works up beautifully in knit, woven, crochet, and hooked patterns.

We have always been drawn to the folk art designs in the rug hooking community.  Check out these beautifully dyed wool fabrics!

We aim to make your rugmaking easy, enjoyable, and fun!  Already made a rug? Please share on any of our social media channels!

Chris, Nancy, and the entire Woolery team!