Done!
I really enjoyed working on this rug, which is a variation of Log Cabin Courthouse Steps, but I must admit it was a tad more difficult to pull off than I anticipated! For one thing, I needed more colors than I thought. As it turns out, you need to separate the colors from each other carefully. Obviously, you don't want to place the same color in two sections that touch each other. Even two different wools that are "similar" in color should never touch. There is still one place in this rug where that happens - where two "grays" run into each other, but I left it as a reminder to myself not to do that next time. And I think there will be a next time!
The finished rug measures about 30"x42". It's hard to see in the picture, but I hooked four rows of the reddish brown around the border and then bound the edge with that same wool. The little squares in the middle of each block are that same wool. Originally I had random colors in those little squares, but I like this much better. Using the dark color in those little squares made the "steps" really pop out!
I also recently finished this little hit or miss mat. It measures 13"x27". This was to be an experiment with making a small rug to sell. Now I don't think I can part with it! I bound this one with turquoise yarn I had on hand. Normally I would not use a contrasting color for the binding, but I think it works here. (I do love my turquoise.)
On our recent trip to Arizona, I made a discovery about my iPhone. Did you know an iPhone camera could do this? This is very close-up. I had no idea it could focus this close and take a sharp picture.
We live in Lawrence, KS, which is very near Overland Park in Kansas City, the site of the shootings at the Jewish Community Center and Village Shalom. The word community is so appropriate here. My husband played basketball on the outdoor courts there for many years. One of our dear friends tuned the piano there just a few days before the shootings. Other friends recently bought their home from a couple who then moved into a residence in Village Shalom (where the third person was shot). Another friend goes to the same church as two of the victims. It amazes me how interconnected we all are.
Mother Nature was not happy with us that day. Here's what we saw in the sky from our balcony and kitchen windows. (Photos by my husband Mike McPheeters)
Thanks for stopping by. Happy Spring to you and yours.
