Finally

I have finally finished my first rug punch project, it was actually weeks ago...but I went out and got a bill paying job which has seriously cut into my play time!

The good news is I have been thinking up new projects to add to the line that will be available at the only two shows I will be doing this year. I didn't get picked for FC this year so I won't be off to see my friends in Maine, another time... Yesterday I picked up a great Leclerc tabletop loom to try out, fortunately my friend Betsy of A Loom With A View is the perfect person to get us both up and running. Speaking of running I am training for a ten mile in Florida in Sept. but before that I will be running in the Run to Remember in Boston with my daughter and her police dept. running crew, I hope it's not as hot as it was last year. I am also hoping to get our web site up soon, and when I do this blog will move to the site, no time for both;)

Rug Punch Project

There is surprisingly little help on the internet with regard to rug punch, hook yes, punch no. After much research I found a wonderful supplier in Arundel Maine. W.Cushing Co.carries several types of backing materials, I chose rug warp it is perfect for the wool yarn I am using. They also carry supplies for hooked rugs, and yards of beautiful wool from Dorr Mills in NH. I am using yarn in natural undyed shades from Riverslea Farm.

Once I decided on rug warp it was time to construct a frame, lucky for me I had 3 frames already made that I use for painting floor cloths. Next I rushed off to our local Lowes for some carpet tack strips, they come three strips to a bag for less than two dollars. At Lowes I also found 1.5"wide X17'long rolls of felt weather stripping(buy 2 rolls). Back at the shop we attached the carpet strips so that the points face toward the outside perimeter of the frame,if you do it the wrong way, best of luck stretching the backing onto the frame:) Cut your backing material leaving at least a 2" border that can be taped(temporarily) or sewn to prevent raveling,Ravelry fun,raveling bad. Stretch the material evenly over the frame,be very careful of the tacks! When you are satisfied with the backing stretch cover the tacks with the felt strip, double it up as it is not thick enough,staple or tack the felt down to prevent it popping off.
Next you are ready to draw your design, use a sharpie, it won't smudge or run. As I began to punch I realized I needed something to hold up the frame, it was too heavy for me to move around to get to each section of my design. Looking around I spotted a wood tray table and decided to incorporate a folding leg design to save space when I was finished with my punching, we measured the hight by sitting in my favorite spot and measuring from elbow to floor. After adding felt pads to the bottom of the legs, as I have a hardwood floor, I was ready to go. It is perfect for my needs, and it will be easy to store when I am finished. Next up will be what I have learned as I punch my way to victory:)
Have a good one,
Kim

new project/new supplier

I finallyhave the time to act on the projects that have been collecting in my mind over the holiday production season. First I am going to teach myself rug punching with the help of a good book picked up at Halcyon, and some excellent supplies from W.Cushing & Co. They have recently relocated to rte.1 in Arundel from Kennebunkport. The staffis helpful & friendly & they carry an excellent selection of first rate backingmaterials as well as gorgeous wool fabrics from Dorr Mills. All of these items are offered at a great price & they ship!
I plan on creating a large tote bag with my Dunlin design created using a palette of my friend Liz's natural yarns, along with one accent in green. She has an amazing array of undyed shades she has created in her own flock at Riverslea Farm. I can't wait to get started! I have to be patient until my husband builds a frame for me to work on this weekend. I will post photos of my progress including the frame design.
Post again soon,
Kim