Rug Hooking ... From Paper to Linen

Draw and Transfer a Pattern onto Foundation Cloth for Rug Hooking

First, draw a pattern on a piece of paper. I start with pencil (better to erase mistakes) and retrace in a dark colored Sharpie. For larger patterns, I use wrapping paper ... the kind that has a one inch grid on the back makes for measuring much easier if you know ahead of time how large your canvas is.

Second, I retrace the pattern with pencil onto Red Dot Tracing Material. To do this, simply place the tracing material on top of the pattern. I corner tape both the pattern and tracing material to hold them steady while I trace.

Third, I replace the pattern with a piece of Foundation Cloth ... my favorite is Dorr Linen. Then, with a dark colored Sharpie, again retrace the pattern. The Sharpie will bleed through the Tracing Material and onto the Foundation Cloth. Do make sure the Sharpie is good and new - otherwise, the pattern will transfer too light or not at all.

Lastly, I do one more trace-over with the Sharpie to make sure I will have no issues seeing the lines on my Puritan Frame (purchased at Homespun Woolens).

I recently dyed a couple yards of wool just for this project :) Should definitely keep me busy 'til the baby's born :)

Pattern inspired by an area rug first found on Pinterest and later tracked down here.

DIY :: Toilet Paper Roll Package / Envelope / Container

Toilet Paper Roll Package / Envelope / Container

Whatcha Need:

Toilet Paper Roll

7" x 6-1/2" Fabric Piece

Foam / Sponge Brush

Mod Podge

Stapler & Staples (not shown)

Step 1: Using the foam brush, apply Mod Podge liberally to a section of the toilet paper roll and press fabric onto freshly applied section. Then, continue to "paint" the Mod Podge on the fabric as you roll it to where the fabric was first applied. You will have about 1" fabric extending from either end of the toilet paper roll ... don't worry, we'll get to that later. Set dry for 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Fold under the fabric on either end. You may choose to Mod Podge the folded in fabric; however, it's not necessary (don't forget to dry before continuing). Pinch one end of the roll together and staple. You may have to bend the staple prongs if your stapler doesn't do it for you. Now is the time to place things inside!! After things are all inside that you want, pinch the other end and staple *in the opposite direction* (see pictures).

I'm using this one for a Bath & Body Works PocketBac to be sent in the mail ... so, I applied address labels.

My Son's Divorce

My son, Dylan, has decided to cut off all ties with me and anyone who is close to me ... my husband (his step-father), his brother, my parents (his grandparents), etc. This estrangement occurred immediately after he was no longer welcome in our home ... why is beyond this post.

After his departure, he spent about two weeks with friends and paternal family. Afterwards, he moved to an apartment quite a bit away. It has been about two months.

My behavior ever since is not one of remorse or sadness, but of anger, resentment and vengefulness which I realize just today is, simply put, wrong and has probably led to further alienation.

I've spent most of the morning reading, reading, reading on the subject of adult children "divorcing" their parents. Many of them, the first question is whether I want a relationship? Quite frankly, I do not at this point and my behavior was only my need for him to know it is wrong to reject me ... which is not under my control.

So, what do I do now? I guess I have to figure out how to grieve for the loss of my son in my life. I will survive. It hurts and I have to move on.