Looking for Inspiration.... Sophie Digard

Lately I've felt the need to look up from my pile of tax papers and take a deep breath!  To take what's left of January to try and renew my creative juices.  My hope is that this year will be one of many changes. Changes that will allow me to get back to designing, hooking, dyeing and doing the things which I have a deep love and need to do!

About a year ago I happened to come across the work of a french artist who's work just blew me away!  She's a crochet artist who dyes her own threads and fibers used to create her work.

Sophie Digard inspires me.

The way she uses color in such intricate, delicate and interesting ways.

Some of her creations are fun and whimsical like these crochet dog necklaces! I love her use of velvets with the crochet!

When I see the geometric patterns in the scarves she's well known for... I see ideas for hooked rugs!

The use of textured yarns...  with neutrals, and darks!  Isn't it exciting!

Are the wheels in your mind turning yet? 

I study her work with an eye to the interesting and pleasing color combinations she uses!

The details and little surprises of unexpected stitches combined with velvet over crochet!

Wearable art... how lovely!  Would I have the patience to create such intricate things?

Stitching on a linen shawl... so delicate and worthy of studying each shape and design.

I think that is her amidst her work!  I was not able to find a whole lot of information or more photos of her online.

 Do a google search and look on pinterest where I found most of these photos of her work.

So.... tell me.... are you inspired?!  

Is there an artist or two whom you look for inspiration?

What about their work makes you happy, calm or inspired to create your own works of art?

Thinking Spring... looking forward!

Cathy G 

Rug Hookers Brave Winter Storm to Hook Today... 2nd Tuesday Hook-in!

Celeste finished her wool applique by Wooden Spool Designs

Well the weather outside was frightful!

But inside Red House Wool Studio today was delightful!

Our usual band of a dozen or so stitchers and hookers was down to six. 

We shared our finishes, helped plan new ones and there was even a sneak lesson in counted cross stitch!

The chicken dumpling soup that Lisa made really hit the spot today and hubby Dave ( who sneaks home on his lunch break to partake of the lunch) called it DREAM!  

Lisa is working on this antique inspired hit and miss heart!  Oh I really want to hook one like this too! In time for Valentines Day!  She also has her next rug ready to go!  I believe Saundra Porter has drawn this antique adaptation for her.  Correct me if I'm wrong girls!  Saundra does an excellent job drawing up the old antique designs on linen!  If you are new to our blogs Saundra's blog is called Woodland Junction! And is a must to follow if you're new to rug hooking or have been hooking a long time! Learn from the best!  

Had to snap this photo of Debbie as she came through the door with snow on her goodies and all bundled up!  It was snowing and blowing but that doesn't stop a Wisconsin rug hooker from showing up to her favorite event of the month at Red House Wool Studio!  

Lisa is showing Roxy how to do counted cross stitch! Notice the glasses and how they are are trying to see those little itsy bitsy stitches!  A quick lesson and they packed the cross stitch away in favor of trying a little wool appliqué!  Both new to wool applique but I can tell you they totally fell in love with it!  Can't wait to show you what they are working on for next month!

Pat who hasn't been able to join us for awhile was here today and is working on her rug that is adapted from PJ Rankin-Hults and drawn by Kris Miller at Spruce Ridge Studio!  We are blessed to have ladies like Kris and Saundra who are good at drawing the patterns and are so meticulous! 

You always want to start with a good well drawn pattern and your rug will have a good base!  Don't settle for less when you are purchasing a pattern!

Pat is so pleased to show you her lovely finished wool applique mat! The poinsettia design by The Cottage at Cardiff Farms!  On my to do list too!  Pat's turned out so great don't you think! 

So many wonderful projects being worked on and planned for in our group of talented ladies!

All of these gals are such great stitchers and rug hookers!  All so willing to share and help one another.  We appreciate each other and it shows and is felt so warmly on a cold and blustery winters day here in the studio.  We are blessed beyond measure.

To those who couldn't join us ( and had the good sense to stay off the roads today!) we missed you terribly! We look so forward to seeing you all next month when hopefully the weather will be a little less temperamental!  

Cathy G.

Where To Begin?!!

It's winter.   

You would think a person would have time to hibernate!

Not that I couldn't use a couple months of burrowing in and resting up!

Thank you all so much for your kind comments and concerns over my recent medical emergency!

It's hard to believe that acid reflux can make you feel like you're having a heart attack.

So far treatment with a pepcid and watching the spicy foods, of which I rarely eat anyway, has 

seemed to help the symptoms.

But am I doomed to a lifetime of drinking water and eating yogurt and bananas!

I sure hope not.

I've not had much time to hook or come up with any new designs. 

Hopefully after my taxes are done ( I should be starting them this very moment but I've been putting it off in favor of playing in my wool.

Since inventory is part of taxes I can play in the wool while counting!

These little wool applique winter lovers are from a pattern by Cheri Payne called Country Seasons!

I stitched them a couple of years ago!

But every winter they make me smile!

So... where to begin!

I think I'll pour myself a cup of hot water and clear off the dining room table.

Make way for the reciept books, papers and ledgers.

The old fashioned way I do taxes 

is much like the way I do 

a lot of things.

Cathy G