Monday, January 11, 2010

First Finish of the Year

I started this rug several months ago and worked on it diligently for awhile. But then, something else caught my eye and it was put on the back burner - you know how that is, right? LOL Anyway, I pulled the final loops on it this morning and it sure does feel good to have it done. It still needs to be steamed and the edges need to be whipped, but I still call it 'done'.

I call this my Portugal rug because I made it to remember the trip hubby & I made to the Azores Islands last July. The friends who we stayed with have about 30 horses so I thought a folk art horse would be appropriate for the center. One of my favorite things about the island was the cobblestone streets and sidewalks - I snapped this picture and used it as inspiration for the corner design.


And here is a close up of the rug so you can see some details. Even though the colors in the background and border look solid, I actually used quite a few different wools to add some texture - maybe not quite enough, but it'll do.


I've already got my next project drawn on the linen, and all the wools picked out. It'll be a small one this time - only 16' x 20". Shouldn't take me long at all!

13 comments:

Kim said...

The finished product looks great. There is lots of texture - I think its perfect!

whitey said...

Love how you incorporated the curb design into your picture !

Charlotte said...

The border is really cute!

Cathy G. said...

What a great way to remember a trip! You captured it in a very simple and classic design. Nice job!

bayrayschild said...

It's beautiful Gayle!

Audrey

Kaaren said...

Sigh. It's beautiful! Sigh.

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri ~ Boog) said...

wow! That's fantastic, Gayle. Your swirls match those you saw perfectly. Great job and I'm really looking forward to seeing your next creation.

Mimi Sue said...

Very nicely done Gayle. Mimi

Anne said...

oh it lovely!! how do you get your loops so perfectly matching in height? Sigh ;0 guess Ill keep trying!!
Anne

woolwoman said...

Gayle - I LOVE your green backround and the border is a great idea - congratulations on your first finish in the the new year and hope you have many more!
Melody

Rugs and Pugs said...

Gayle ~
What a great rug to memorialize your trip to the Azores. What fun and lucky you!
The rug looks great and you are off and running in 2010.
Pug hugs :)
Lauren

carolyn@simple~primitive~devotion said...

I think it lokos amazing! ANd ties in so nicely with your trip memories! Great job!

Marilyn said...

Gayle, your rug is wonderful!! The photo doesn't do it justice though.