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Crazy as a Loom

Saturday, July 30, 2011

A little (more) color, and a giveaway.

Spent a lovely day in the studio, mostly alone.
Wanted to finish my shawl warp, and I did....took 3.....no, 4......shawls off the Macomber.  They are rolled up waiting for me to tie fringe....maybe later.

Then I finished the warp on the Gallinger, the one that came on it.  I could have cut it off, but I hated to waste it, especially since it was so colorful.
So I wove three table runners on it.


There was also some stuff already woven on the front beam, and I pinned the hems on that too, they are all rolled up, waiting for me to hem them.  Maybe later.......


I didn't have the same threads that were used in the warp, but I did my own thing.
Don't sound surprised now.


When I get in a slump, color revives me.  It does, I am not kidding.


My daughters are stepping up to help me with my mother.  Taking her to church, calling her to talk, just engaging her in different ways, so all her attention is not directed at me.  It gives me a break.
I have taken on the role of caretaker, and don't feel much like a daughter these days.
So this helps, it helps a lot.

OK.....July is almost over, so let's have a giveaway.
Since I have been making these mug rugs, mug mats, coasters, mini mats, anywhere mats ......all week long, the giveaway is YOUR CHOICE of a set of them.
1. Birch bark white

2. Lemony yellow

3. Rose, brown and white

4. The palest of pinks.


5.  Tan, green, red and whatever


 6. July 4th


7. More July 4th.

8. Seagreen

9. Purple-y blue

10. Hot pink.


11. Red

All you have to do is leave a comment, and tell me what you like to see or hear about the most, here at Crazy as a Loom.
I will draw a name on Monday evening, so get your comment in by 6pm, Aug 1st.
And now, I have to take that pie out of the oven...........thanks, Lois, for those yummy blackberries.
I only had to slap a couple of hands to keep them for my pie.
The nerve.


43 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love the whatever set. I just enjoy reading about you and your adventures or misadventures and the things that are happening around the loom. Donna (dlerdman(at)juno(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Oooh, the birch bark white and the sea green are swwwoooon, awesome! Bet your table runners will be nice as well. Will you be selling them on your online store?

claudia w said...

My favorite part of your blog is when you talk about your thoughts on life. You are so honest and real and true.
I love seeing all your furbabies. I don't like to say especially Roy, because the cats are fantastic, but Roy just makes my heart feel good.
All of the mug rugs are so pretty, I really like #'s 1 and 8 though.

Delighted Hands said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Delighted Hands said...

I like to see what (and where) you are weaving-all of it, and all the steps and of course, the cat adventures are wonderful...and how you meet the challenges of family; life.
I like the seagreen set of mug rugs. Thanks for the giveaway!

Casie said...

I like to see and hear about your weaving. I found your blog while doing research on what kind of loom would be a good choice to start weaving rag rugs on. I've never woven before and would like to learn how. I love the look of your rugs and hope to some day be able to make some myself.

Gayle said...

I love the furry children, your candor is exceptional, the humor is delightful. I enjoy the many photos that you post. Hmmmm, I must like EVERYTHING! The pinks are calling to me, mugrugwise

Restless Knitter said...

I can't say there's anything I like most. I like seeing the latest rug, hearing about Roy, or the kitties. Often, when you're speaking about the things in your life, it makes me stop and think, which I sometimes need. I guess what I'd have to say I like to see or hear most is what I'm already seeing.

Anonymous said...

I love learning more about weaving and all your recipes are great. Still making the "crazy haddock" that you made me last halloween at our weaving bootcamp! Vicki in CT

Karena said...

Hilary I am so happy to discover you!! I love the hot pink!! I have never done any weaving and am amazed by your talent!

xoxo
Karena

Art by Karena

Devon said...

It is my dream to be a fulltime artist.. I love to read, 'I spent the entire day in my studio...". You are so honest and creative I just enjoy having you as a part of my day.

I am a nurse, so perhaps when I retire... more art? Choices. I love the purple/blue set.. but they are all great!

Deb said...

Need I say I love the cats and your exceptional photos of them. Roy Boy makes me smile and I wait to hear what is going on in that head of yours. :) I'm a big fan of white so my favorite is #1.
Enjoy that pie. Everything tastes so good right now. I just had the first tomato from my garden and damn near passed out it was so delicious. Hugs, Deb=^..^=x4

Sweetpea said...

Well Hilary, I'm always reading here but don't often stop to comment (shame on me!) but I just couldn't pass up this opportunity to toss me name in the hat for some of your scrummy mug mats....so my answer to your question is: what I love reading the most is how you describe your *process* of working/weaving...what you do in your life to actually MAKE it happen and to be so productive. I am always inspired by your go-get-em attitude and that's why I like to stop by here so much!

Denise at Autumn Sky said...

I have enjoyed reading about your cat tales, especially that you have been able to close the stories with such happy endings. And Roy??!! One of the most heartwarming animal matches I've read about in a long time. I like the mug rugs, I think especially the birch white and the lemon yellow.

weavinfool said...

I love all the color! When I first started weaving I wanted to make rugs. This was 40 years ago. I tried to weave some, but they were too flimsy. I moved on to blankets and I did well at them. Life hit me full on and I hadn't woven in years until just recently. I found your blog through Sharon at In Stitches. I have just finished a couple of hand towels for a birthday present. It was your workaholic energy that finally got me to unearth my loom from the clutter, get the materials organized and start to weave again.I also bought one of your Hip to be Square looms and helped my 7 year old granddaughter use it to weave something for her baby brother.
I also rescue and neuter animals so I love those posts too. Practically anything you do, you seem to overdo, and that inspires me to get moving. Your time spent with your grandchildren is time invested in the future. You go girl!

Nancy said...

I'm enjoying your weaving projects. I haven't done any weaving in years but now have time and space. Thinking I might like to try placemats woven with fabric strips. Do I have to buy a fabric cutter? Do you use cotton for the warp? Nancy

Rubye Jack said...

I like hearing about what you're doing on a personal level the most--those few times you take away from working. Also, I'd be interested in seeing more of your bags/baskets.

Anonymous said...

I like it all, the cats, the kids, the weaving, the recipes, just everything you wish to share. I would like to see a bit more of the basics of the weaving as I am trying to learn this wonderful craft myself.

I am Linda from AuntyNatter.bogspot.com, I cannot seem to comment as myself so I have be anonymous.

Tiggeriffic said...

I lovvvvve the sea green one...
I enjoy it when you feature Bubbalee the cat..and I get to see pictures of your porch.. Is the washer machine still there?
I love to see all the color of placemats, runners you make.. I just love to read your blog..
Have a Tiggeriffic Day~! ta ta for now from Iowa:) annieptigger@aol.com

joyceetta said...

I like the rugs and the color and the photography of the countryside...but the reason I come back is to read your musings on life. I often wonder if you were reading my mind.....but you say it so much better than I can. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful giveaway -- I would love to win something created by you! I don't want to tell you what to say on your blog -- I want you to write about what you want to write about -- anything you write is interesting -- I try to read your blog every day!

Anonymous said...

Love the mug rugs but I won a real rug from you so it is someone else's turn!!! Love love my rug!! Donna S.

Pam said...

I love just hearing about your life at the studio, seeing the pictures you take when you're out on a drive, or of your grandkids. I guess it would be easier to say what I don't like about your blog, that answer is there isn't anything. I like it all!!
I too am a nurse and a weaver, spinner, knitter, all things fiber. I come to your blog for relaxation, you have no idea how much I enjoy it. Thanks.

Susan said...

I feel like I stop in to e-visit with you every day. You and I sit and talk about the grand kids, our experiences with elder care, the pressures of production weaving, even our love of our pets.

We have a lot in common...minus the g-kids as I'm still waiting for mine.

:) Susan

Country Girl said...

I like your positive attitude, the colors in your photos and your generous heart.

So glad to hear that the girls are chipping in some of their time.

Charlotte said...

I like everything you write each day, there is always something good to be found when I read your blog. Love your blog and the pictures.

Joan said...

I'd like more of the same. What keeps me coming back every day is that you are so welcoming and inviting. You talk to us as friends. Love the Red.
-- Joan Ü

Marsel said...

I love the cat pictures and stories, the works of art that you weave, and all of the gorgeous pictures that can make the most mundane object that you photograph become a thing of beauty.

Carol said...

I love your honesty and openness. Your creativity...your energy level inspire me. Your good days and your not so good days...I am grateful that you share them all. Your love and respect for animals always make me smile...and sometimes I even share in your pain as in the passing of Eddie...I lost my Amy at the same time...but I share in your every days as well. I am a weaver so I always enjoy your writing about that...I just can not point to one thing I just always know I am about to enjoy a small slice of your life when I read your words. The kitty pictures always make me smile as they are the most relaxed animals I have ever seen and Roy, well that goes with out saying...he looks the picture of happiness and contentment! So for me there is no one thing that keeps me reading your blog except maybe the variety or the surprise, never boring. Oh, and I love the birch white and the sea green.

Joy said...

I love to hear about your dog Roy and your weaving makes me wish I could weave !! Luv the purple/blue mug rugs!

Cami said...

I love to hear about weaving the most. I also love seeing the second hand furniture and treasures that make their way home with you! Thanks for and interesting and honest blog! camipaul @ comcast dot net

India said...

You weave alot that we don´t in Sweden. I think we are a little afraid of colors. So it is always fun to visit your blog.

Andie said...

I really love to hear about all the things you do - you go about everything with such intense gusto - no fear! You inspire me, as I putz along. I love your weaving and to look at the photos of what you are working on. I love the updates on the animals and how much you do for them all. Your thoughts about your mom and her aging are helpful for those of us whose parents are also aging. Thanks for it all!

neknitsandbeads said...

I love to see the photos of what you are working on or what you have finished.

Working on huge looms like you do is something out of the question for me in my current house (size wise) so I really enjoy seeing what you do that I cannot.

ethelmaepotter! said...

Ooh, the birch bark white is lovely! The reddish ones remind me of Indian corn.

I love your photography and that third photo down today is my favorite!

What I like best, though, is your generous spirit in helping all the wayward creatures who seek you out. Your cats are special, and lucky to have you.

Nancy said...

I love to hear about your animals and see what you're weaving. I took a week off in August to FINALLY weave a jeans rug for my family room. I read your blog to inspire me. I have only made a few things in the 10 years I have had the loom, an old clement. I am very much a beginner.

Anonymous said...

I love all the colours in your work. One of these days, I'm going to be ordering a rug from you (if you ship to Canada, of course!). I'd love one of your mug rugs in the meantime, though!
Maureen (jenniecats@accesscomm.ca)

Elizabeth said...

I love to hear about your weaving. I hope to be able to weave some day when I can carve out a bit more space and time. I also enjoy the animals, and seeing the way you organize your rooms and work your projects into them. Hearing about your family is also nice, and the reflections on your life.

Anonymous said...

I love to hear about your thoughts. I feel connected somehow. My Mom passed away 7 years ago (I can't believe it's been that long). I loved her to pieces just like you love your Mom. But, it wasn't easy. Nothing is in life is it? Somehow we go on and find new and improved ways to cope with the next chapters. Keep writing Hilary.
Jackie (jmrowand30@msn.com)

Anonymous said...

Hilary,,I came for my passion for weaving! I want more.. more tips, more knowledge, more looms,more about weaving gadgets, more rugs!!I stayed to check your blog, and recheck until you have posted the latest news of your life! I love your photos, love you humor. We are the same age, live in the same area (1 1/2 hours apart) of New York upstate. You love cats and dogs,, we are dairy farmers, even shear our llama for her fiber..

Anonymous said...

and,, Love you and your mom and your girls,,, i have 3 sons and 11 grandchildren. I have 4 looms, you have countless! Love that you write about it all.. I lost my Mom when she was 46, and I was 25,, so I read about you and your Mom and wonder what if. I love your spirit and love your honesty and that you share so much with all of us! So keep up the good work, and give us more weaving knowledge please! Debbie, from Cobleskill

LynneK said...

I'm new to weaving so I really enjoy seeing your latest weaving creations ... love all of the color and find inspiration in what you are creating. I'm a cat person so I do appreciate all of the kitty pics and am growing fond of Roy - guess there's a dog lover in me somewhere. And then there is your outlook on life ... hmmm - guess I love everything about your blog!

SpinMeAYarn said...

hi, i have no idea if i am too late for this giveaway, (different time zone here in Ireland, dontcha know...) but here's my tuppence worth anyway...
I love to read about your weaving, your studio, your mats and i would love to read more about how you actually weave a mat from start to finish, coz your explanations are excellent, as are your photos. I am not a weaver, so a beginner's type explanation is fine.

I enjoy reading about your cats and Roy the dog, about Bubbalee and her story.
I really enjoy when you take a road trip and show us the photos afterwards.
I enjoy reading about your family, but I'm not asking you to include more about them, i just mean it is interesting to hear about the ups and downs of your life.
Most of all, i enjoy your particular outlook on life, you have a very much glass half full attitude, and i love your turn of phrase, so your positive bright happy colourful creative animal-loving blog entertains me enormously and I enjoy it just the way it is.
warmest regards
liz, (my life in Ireland)

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