I received a question about new hookers struggling with pulling loops...here is my 2 cents!

One of the things I’ve learned in all my years of teaching is...
It’s NOT the hook...it’s the technique!

Many beginner’s and a lot of long time hooker’s too, struggle with splitting wool, catching foundation threads, and pulling poorly formed loops.

While it’s commonly know that when pulling up loops you lift each loop in the direction of the starting tail or previous loop to avoid pulling out your work. I don’t see or hear anyone talk much about the action of the hook. What I do see is a lot of hookers stabbing the hook shallowly through a hole and barely catching the side of wool strip...shredding and twisting it as it comes to the surface.

Here is my opinion...
Put the hook ALL THE WAY through the hole, so that the WHOLE SHAFT is under the foundation, and with most inexpensive ball or pencil style hooks the wooden handle hits the top of the foundation. Slightly tilt the hook to catch the wool strip and pull the hook up through the hole at somewhat of an angle. I call it a scooping motion.
You are using the shaft of the hook to form a nice plump loop...the hook end is really just there to keep the loop from falling of the end.

Of course, more expensive wide shaft hooks make this easier, but used improperly can still trouble and discourage someone who is just beginning and at a much greater cost!

Our foremothers used a bent nail and worn cloth...and they made treasures!

Happy Hooking ~ Laurie

Getting more press...

...it's been just a whirlwind of activity around here the past several months!
Today the October issue of The Wool Street Journal arrived! My studio is the feature in Wool Street Anywhere, USA!
I hope you'll check it out...I so pleased to share some wonderful rugs and a few of the many hooker friends who gather here...and a "freebie" pattern, too!

We had a great turn out at the 12th annual Autumn Valley Hook-in on October 3rd in Stillwater. I'm sorry I didn't have a chance to take any pictures. I've spent the last few weeks trying to restock the shelves...keeping up with classes and working on some commissioned pieces that have come my way since the EAL Directory went out.


"A Sampler" this year's project rug is now complete and I'll be working on cutting the wool kits for Part 4...I should have them in the mail by the end of the week!
I'll also be back in the dyepots...a new shipment of yarn arrived from the mill and I need to get BUSY!

Hoping that the wintery weather we've been having here in MN will turn to FALL. Feel a wee bit cheated this year. The summer drought and the early snowfall have robbed us of the glorious fall colors...Hope it's better in your neck of the woods...
Wishing you glorious colors everyday! ~L