Hooked Horse Rug

Its done! Complete! Finished! My very first hooked rug... after 2 years of stops and starts, my burlap coffee sack backed horse has been made to the best of my ability. The outline of the horse was inspired by Pat Cross's book Purely Primitives; the overall design and color scheme was of my own concoction.

To be honest, I finished the hooking portion before Christmas, but since it was a gift, I didn't want to reveal it on my blog, so I have been mum for a few months now. The binding was finished up a few days ago, and a piece of lathe was cut to size by Matt so that it could be hung on the wall...

That was nearly a disastrous decision, for once on my kitchen wall, that darn rug just didn't want to come back down. But I managed, with all of my might to wrestle it down, wrap it up, and give it away (sniff) to my Sister in Law for her birthday...

And that smile made it all worth while. It is so nice to know someone (a rarity out West) who truly appreciates the old arts. She told me I'm good on giving her gifts for at least 5 years now... as if THAT will happen.

Happy Birthday, Jen!