This is the first rug I’ve finished this winter. It was supposed to be the December rug, but I worked on it into January. I call it “heating with wood.” Since I took this photo I finished the edges — a tedious process of whipping binding tape to the edges and then tacking it down. It has yet to be steamed, but when I do that it should lie flat. It’s probably around 3′ x 4′ give or take. The center image is based on our stacks of wood, then the flames, some fun stuff on the edges, trees on the corners and then the sun embracing everything.

After finishing this I turned toward dying the wool I imagined I might use in the next rug, which is based on the Falstaff Red Brussels sprouts I have been growing. Quite a challenge to try to get the blue-green-silver-purple-reddish colors in these plants. I think I grow them for the leaves as much as for the sprouts.

I started with this palate of colors, hoping that I could blend them, then added some deep red that I had on hand later on. I knew I would be relying on blacks or near-blacks to pull everything together. It’s tricky trying to get some semblance of detail with the wide strips of wool I like to use.
Here is the rug in process, a bit washed out in the sunlight. It’s going to be larger than the first one by the time I am through and I am at the point of figuring out the outer borders. It was to be my January rug, but I do believe Brussels sprouts will be trailing into February.

Stay tuned.

4 Responses to Winter rugs

jeni nunnally says: January 31, 2014 at 12:28 pm

Another masterpiece!

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Constance says: February 8, 2014 at 7:42 pm

Do you have hours in winter or are you closed until summer? I have friends visiting the end od February and would love to bring them by your shop? Constance

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Carol Anderson says: March 21, 2014 at 11:20 am

This is my first visit to your fascinating website, and I am thrilled to know about you and see all of the marvelous, creative projects you are both involved in. I live in Damariscotta, hook rugs and garden, and would love to come visit when you are open to visitors.

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Anne Cox says: March 21, 2014 at 11:31 am

Nice to hear from you, Carol. As it stands now we are planning to open May 10 — if it warms up and we then get through mud season…..

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