Monday, February 7, 2011

A Gorgeous Day!

We woke up to a day that promised sunshine, little or no wind and above freezing temperatures…and do you know what?  That’s exactly how the day played out…simply gorgeous!

With no particular destination in mind, Mr. Painted Quilt, Mac and I set out around 8:30 this morning.  We headed in an easterly direction and made stops in Yarmouth, Shelburne, Barrington Passage and Liverpool. 

We live on the western shore of Nova Scotia in the lower Annapolis Valley overlooking the Annapolis Basin and the Bay of Fundy.  The places I mentioned above are on the east coast and on the Atlantic Ocean, in prime lobster country.

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The photo above was taken while Mr. PQ was driving but we found a place to pull over near Shelburne to soak up the beauty and sunshine.

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And further on down the road in Barrington Passage…

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Three hundred miles later…tired but happy…we arrived back home at around 5 p.m.  What a gorgeous day!

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To change the topic a little, on Saturday I took a three hour class at the local rug hooking studio on how to finish a rug.  Because I haven’t finished my first rug…although I’m pretty close…

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Kathy, our teacher, brought in a little mat that she hooked for me to work on.  I was the REAL newbie in this class because everyone else had a finished project.

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First, we had to fold over the edges around a piece of cording and pin it in place.  Then, we whip stitched around that with 100% wool yarn and around the entire piece.  Once that was done, we trimmed the excess linen and then attached a binding around the perimeter on the reverse side with a blind stitch…

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and of course mitered the corners.

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I now feel very confident that I can finish my rug on my own.  Hopefully, that will be sometime this week.

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30 comments:

Darlene said...

I'm glad you had a gorgeous day so you, Mr PQ and Mac could get out and 'play' a little.

You'll finish your first rug very soon and I can't wait to see it.

WoolenSails said...

They gave a nice class on finishing and it came out really nice. I use the edge and roll it up, then whip stitch around that.

So nice to have the sun out and you could enjoy exploring the area.

Debbie

Farm Girl said...

Thanks for sharing that. I just finished my first rug. I have never been to a rug class and I don't think as of yet I have found another rug hooker in my area of California. I have read and read how to finish a rug but couldn't really figure it out. Seeing yours made it finally click. Today a friend from your neck of the woods sent me my first hooked mat that I have ever seen so now I think I can finally get on with it.
I am learning as you learn, thanks!

Janet said...

You've got to love days like todays, don't you - bright sun, no wind and light jacket weather - soon enough we will have more snow, but winter is ending. Sap will be running soon and I can see blueberry pancakes with maple syrup in my future!!
Your rug is going to lovely - and what a great time to attend a finishing workshop.
You must have gone over hwy 8 to Liverpool - lovely area and loads of interesting history.
Janet

Karen said...

Your drive must have been a good way to shake out the winter blues. It was warm here today but very windy.

I am glad you have access to a wonderful rug hooking shop and are learning the ins and outs. None here.

Allie said...

Sounds like a lovely day, Kaaren! Oh to get out and look at the ocean....bliss. Your rug is so darling, you'll have it done in no time, I'm sure!

KaHolly said...

Seems to me, Kaaren, that you are making remarkable progress on you mat for a 'newbie'. What a lovely ride you had. Makes me a little homesick. Sometime around now there is an eagle festival in the valley somewhere. I traveled down one winter and it was amazing! You might check into it (if you are interested, that is!) - karen

By Hoki Quilts said...

After all the snow and freezing temeratures that you have been having, seeing the sunshine must have filled your soul. The photos are just so serene however your little rug finishing - fantastic!!!

Anonymous said...

Kaaren love, I was just with you in the car ;-) a nice trip, beautiful scenery, thanks for the comment Christine LG

Sandi said...

Looks like you had a fun day exploring your new home province!

Your welcome rug is looking great, keep up the good work.

Soon the trees will be in blossom and the flowers blooming, Spring is just around the corner!

Here on the west coast we've already have snowdrops, crocuses, forcythis blooming..I've even heard rumours of daffodils showing their yellow heads!

Marit Johanne said...

Beautiful scenery! I am sure it is nice to go on a trip like this and get to know better the place you live. The weather was really perfect too!

LibbiesHome said...

Glad you had a nice day out yesterday. I am feeling sunshine deprived here in Western New York and would relish a day like that soon.
Can't wait to see your first finished hooked rug. It's looking great!

Abby and Stephanie said...

Lovely day for a drive. You probably needed a little outing for fun with all the work going on in your house.

Betsy said...

Glad you had a great day. Thanks so much for sharing your pictures of finishing a rug. (A picture says a thousand words!) I'm just learning this too, unfortunately there's no classes in my area.

Have a great day.

Betsy

pinsandneedles said...

What a beautiful country! Your pictures are wonderful! Thanks for sharing.
Can't wait to see your finished rug!

Kathy H said...

What a fun day for you and to have beautiful weather was an added bonus. Can't wait to see your finished rug. I am really enjoying seeing the progress on the rugs.

Lori said...

It looks like a great day for a drive. The area is so pretty!!

How fun to learn something new!!

Cindy Jo said...

I wanted to leave a note for you. I just discovered your blog today and I want to thank you for your wonderful designs. I look forward to seeing whatever else you come up with. Thanks again.

Larkrise garden girl said...

I loved your story today! The rugs are beautiful! Cheri

Gayle said...

Kaaren - Just wanted to let you know that that's not the ONLY way you can finish a rug. There are lots of other options available to you so feel free to look around and decide which one is best for each project.

Sue said...

trying this again Kaaren... love your new look !! sounds like you had a lovely day driving around. We had steady snow all day today but it was so warm ... very messy underfoot. Did take the dog out but she was so wet when we came in. right into the set tub she went. Our Guild meeting was cancelled because of the weather. When this mess freezes it will not be nice. sue

Kim said...

It's been a long time since Tom and I have taken a day trip like the one your enjoyed today. Bet it did feel good to head out for a day of exploring! Good that you enjoyed another rug hooking class...there is more to learn than one might think.

Carrie P. said...

Even though the sun was shining it still looked cold.
Your rug is coming along and thanks for sharing the binding instructions. I am actually working on my first attempt at rug hooking. Self taught so I am sure I am doing some things wrong. I have a few books that I have read. But keep sharing all you learn so I can learn from you. thanks.

Candace said...

What a gorgeous day you had, Kaaren! Makes me think of the day we drove out to Louisbourg! How nice that you were able to get out and explore!
I love how your rug is coming along and am amazed to see all the detail that goes in to finishing them!
Cheers!

Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

That is a drive I hope to make someday too. I have that area is just gorgeous! How wonderful that you can do that in all seasons now!

I decided to order some precut wool since between her schedule and mine, I can't get to Audrey's until March now. I am itching to start my rug as soon as it arrives!!

Thanks for the show and tell on finishing the back! That will come in handy someday!! HUGS!

Sandra said...

Piece of trivia for you; next time you go to Shelburne, take notice that there are no power lines in the town.
They were all buried under the ground, in preparation for a movie made there in the 90's.
Wow, you have a lot less snow than we do in western NB; trade you.....

Anonymous said...

Loved the pictures looks like a great place to live and explore.

Potpourri said...

In the summer take the cross country route to Liverpool and have lunch at the Quarterdeck on Summerville Beach. You will be glad you did!
Yummy lobster club sandwich.

Carole said...

What a lovely drive! I love NS! How nice that you are taking up rug hooking. Last Sat I participated in a breakfast club in MA and the guest speaker was a hooker, Diane Daniels. She had amazing samples of her work. She also does penny rugs! She designs her own patterns as well a dye her own wool. It was an interesting talk. I learned so much! I may just start working with wool! Thanks for sharing! Cheers!

Siobhán said...

What a gorgeous trip that must have been! I loved the pics--thanks for sharing. The class sounds like it was a lot of fun!