Coloured linen is also on its way. Something new to play with and I'm sure both have bright futures.
There is something so delicious about not having to hook backgrounds. I started with fruit designs, although I was asked at my hook-in, “What does fruit have to do with rug hooking?” But
it’s the fact that the fruit are hooked that makes them relevant. Anyway they were simple to draw and test the theory to see if the idea would fly, call them prototypes. I think they turned out rather cute, hooked up in less than an hour but I will admit I was less enamored with stretching the burlap around the frame and stapling it tight. Finicky to make the edge folds look flat and neat. A few little bulges here and there but impossible to eliminate entirely. I need to glue some craft paper on the backs and attach a hanging device to call them finished.
Next I plan to do some black and white sheep on a red burlap background with all kinds of mystery fibers and whatever comes to mind. I think it would be better to use than Verel for projects where you don't want to hook a background. I find Verel, or divider cloth, too small holed and polyester turns me off. I also find it tough to touch as it reacts like pantyhose with rough hands and besides I personally like all things natural . You can sew up pillows just as nicely with burlap or linen for a unique designer look. I’ll publish the coloured backings on my site as soon as they arrive with some more creative ideas!