Mats from the Past

These are some old mats which I’ve come across with my work. I love being able to touch and study each one

It’s like touching history.

The cream “fabric” which is the greatest makeup of first mat is actually corn husks! I’ve hooked with some challenging wools in my time but never like that. 

The second photo is a close up of those loops. 

Likely a Garrett Bluenose pattern (above)

This is a Maltese Cross with flower centres (above)

 

Another Garrett Bluenose…

     Sometimes we know what family these come from but the frustrating part is not being able to identify the maker. Women (most often the maker in our area), viewed these as necessity for cold floors, not as worthy of her signature. 

This week the New Brunswick Mat Registry will once again hold a registry day: mats made in NB or by an NB maker which are 25 years or older will be photographed, historical narrative recorded and tagged. 

I love that this is preserving history forward!

Retreat Gallery of Mats

Monday through Thursday went by swiftly. The rug hooking retreat (15 of us)

was loads of fun. 

And we got a lot done. 

Here are some of the incredible mats…

The last 3 pieces are 6x6 mats by Caroline Simpson. She is a new and superb teacher.

I even managed a couple solitary walks by Renforth dock here in St. John, NB.  

I didn’t see vehicles on the ice until we were set to leave. I realized the ice huts were much closer to the shore than in years past. It’s been a milder winter.

And thank goodness for the walks as the caterer was constantly feeding us delicious food: three meals plus two breaks of fresh baked yummies and raw veggies.

I’ll post photos of mine and my progress another time.

Sweet sweet retreat

 

This hooked heart, by Lauren of rugs and pugs blog, is front and centre for Valentine’s week! It’s so prim and wonderful! 

Today I’m going to a rug hooking retreat- and it doesn’t end until Thursday! Oh bliss! I selected a Garrett Bluenose pattern, a floral and Greek key design. I started hooking with reds and an oatmeal background and then switched to dark antique-y colours:

I’ll probably change it up again at the retreat. Sigh. I dislike when colours don’t sing to me and life is too short for hooking combos that don’t.

Well, it’s time to go over my checklist again before I head out. Every hooking supply imaginable? Check. Wine? Check. Doorprize? Check. Shortbread? Check. Favourite pillow? Check….

Happy Valentine’s week to you 

Mug Rugs and Chocolate

Brutal cold means hubby, me and Reggie cat are indoors! Brrrrrr. -45 (with wind chill) is same temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit.   

I bought a cute mug at Marshall’s and hooked a mug mat to go with it. This is my donation to a gift basket at a hook-in. Maybe I’ll add a box of teas but right now the cost is prohibitive!!!

Yesterday I was jones-ing for a chocolate cake so I made one, ate a generous slice and sent the remainder with hubby to his band practice. This is how I deal with my baking and eating desires.

I used the recipe from addapinch. The icing would get full marks but I found the cake could have been moister. 

My next mat will be from the Garrett Bluenose collection. The pattern, which has a central floral with Greek key border, is being enlarged for me. Hubby suggested blues and golds which sounds like a winner.

Stay warm all! I haven’t heard one bird today so I think they must be keeping each other cozy in their nests.