Power Hooking A Secret

I can't believe I waited this long to buy a new rug hooking hook! Since I started hooking in 2006 I've used the same little $6.00 hook. I've hooked many a rug with that little hook. It never occurred to me that a hook could make that much difference in my hooking pleasure and also the way my hooking looks. Last weekend at the Hooker's Wood and Wool shop grand opening I purchased this Gene Shepherd bent shaft hook. Not an inexpensive purchase in my book. After a little gentle persuasion from Caroline, the shop owner, I opened my pocketbook and shelled out the $45.00 to take it home!
I've been doing a little power hooking on my "Forest Secrets" challenge rug(a little sneak peek in the above photo). The last few days (and a couple of late nights) has given me ample opportunity to put this new hook to the test. At first it felt a little awkward in my hand and the bent hook seemed strange after using a straight one for so many years. I kept hooking and at some point as I was hooking along and not really thinking about the hook it started to feel really comfortable and my loops seemed to improve with each row. Just for the heck of it I went back to using the old straight hook for a few loops. Nope....nada......no way.....no how was I ever going back to that old hook. Gene Shepherd has won me over with this new fangled funny looking bent shaft hook. After hours of hooking I usually end up with a painful bump on my third finger from holding the hook. With this new one the pressure is off that finger and my hand doesn't feel as fatigued.  I will be doing some more power hooking in the next few days as our deadline for finishing our challenge rugs is July 30th. We'll see how the new hook holds out!
So having spent all my "egg money" on this new hook I had to take it easy at the garage sales on the way home from the grand opening. However the bargains I stumbled upon made me think the garage sale fairies were watching over me. I found a gorgeous pair of Ralph Lauren wool slacks in a large size and light tan color and a nice camel hair jacket for $1.00 each. They are already washed and torn apart ready for the dye pot. Also a pair of Waverly cushions in a cute print for my patio chairs for.....are you ready for this.........25 cents each! Now don't tell me the garage sale gods weren't watching over me this time!



The flowers in my gardens are really coming along great with all the rain we've had lately. Today is muggy and hot and some storms are predicted for later. The chocolate mint is lovin' it! It is growing like crazy in the galvanized tub I corralled it in. The other smart thing I did this summer besides buy that new hook!