Happy New Year!

Wishing You and Yours Many Blessings in the coming year.
Hope you have wonderful celebrations and safe travels!

Here is a little peak at one of my offerings...

...Debuting on Early Work Mercantile on January 1st.

I'm so happy to be a part of such a talented group of artists and look forward to bringing you wool treasures on the 1st of each month.

Digging out...

Good Morning...the sun is shining bright...but the wind is bitter...




Perhaps it's best to just have this view...


Stay warm and safe...~L

A Blustery December Morn...

Needless to say...We'll be hunkering down today!
Be safe and warm where ever you are ~L

Etsy's UPECO group...

I'm honored to be apart of a GREAT Group...

Free picture slideshow created with Smilebox

If you enjopyed this...Please pass it on to your friends!

And to see the Treasury I created follow this link...
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d01988217778eefb52cecfc/not-a-creature-was-stirring?ref=pr_treasury
Thanks for visiting here and have a great weekend ~L

HO HO Everyone...

The weather reports are not sounding good for tomorrow...

I will be here and the coffee/tea pots will be on...so if you are brave and/or crazy enough to venture out in the snow, I’d love to see you.

That said...I want you all to be safe.

Are any of you on FaceBook? I’m not the best at navigating it, but I do have a WRR page there. Here is the link...

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1730943141&v=info#!/pages/L-J-Fibers-at-The-Wooly-Red-Rug/107816205906570?v=wall
if you want to check it out. If the weather is bad...we could always chat there...it will shock Nick to know his Mom can do this!!!

And I think I just created a 2nd Saturday discussion page...

http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?topic=288&uid=107816205906570

and also an album where you can share a pic of what you are working on!

Gotta get back to the dye pots...
Enjoy the beauty of the fresh snow...but be safe! ~L

Happy Monday...

Hope you all had a lovely weekend!
We got almost a foot of snow...winter has come to stay for awhile...
good thing I have lots of warm wooly projects to work on

...and a pot of stew on the stove!






Stay warm my friends...
~L

Thanksgiving Blessings...

There are so many things I'm thankful for...family...friends...and you my loyal followers! Thanks for sticking with me here in this year of changes! No move news yet...and that's OK! Looking forward to spending the holiday's here!

Before the holiday rush begins, I've been busy drawing up patterns. Normally I don't release the year's project rug pattern til the following January. But with the impending move and not knowing exactly how that will all play out...I thought it best to get them out NOW! I know many of you have been waiting since the kits sold out so fast this year.

I really appreciate your interest in my work! If you would like to order the linen pattern you can do so on the website by clicking here
And...lots of new designs will be coming out in 2011!

Wishing you all an Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!
~L

No words to express...

how heavy my heart is. Our prayers continue for The Bucklin Family...and for the SAR Teams who worked tirelessly to find our friends.
Please give your loved ones a hug ~L

Wear Blue...

Continuing to Pray for your safe return...and for all the search teams and their families!

Prayers needed...

Please join me in sending out thoughts and prayers for my son's friends and family. The plane that Luke was piloting went down yesterday in Wyoming...
http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2010/10/luke_bucklin_of.php
The Bucklin's were neighbors here on our block for many years. Nick and Nate were school mates of my Nick's since kindergarten...until this year when they chose different highschools. Even so, they've remained friends...all the former Burrough's and Anthony kids are really close. My heart just aches for Ginger and the family...please pray that Luke and the boys are found swiftly and safely!~L

A Good day to cuddle up with...

It's a very blustery Autumn day here in Minnesota!
And...YEAH..the mailman brought a box of the NEW A Primitive Place magazines!
Think it's time to make a cup of tea and cozy up under a wool quilt!

It was a late night...or early morning...depending on how you look at it...
I was finally updating the website...lots of markdowns on books, magazines and some paper patterns...more to come soon!

Wishing you a cozy afternoon ~L

House Blessing...

Hello Everyone...I suppose I should be posting pics of fall decorations and pumpkin carvings...but for tonight this will have to do. This year's rug project is coming to a close...I'll be dyeing the last of the wool for it tomorrow and the kits will be in the mail by the end of the week. A big THANK YOU to all who joined in on the fun this year...You know who you are! For those interested...the linen pattern will be available separately soon...sorry the wool kits are gone.

In between house hunting, I'm working on sorting thru books and patterns. I'm downsizing the shop stock in preparation for our move...so check the website when you can!

JoAnn Mullaly's new book Crazy at Home arrived today!


And...Jill Peterson's NEW book Homecoming should be here anyday now...

...The Winter issues of A Simple Life and A Primitive Place will be here soon, too! ~ Oh the BOUNTY of the season!
Autumn Blessings to you my friends ~L

Just off the frame...

I'll be introducing my newest design "Pear Tree" at the Stillwater Hook-In in on October 2nd! Just need to finish the binding. This was supposed to be my entry for EAL's Holiday directory...but with all the changes around here, I didn't make the entry deadline.

The weather held for the yard sale this past weekend and I'm glad that is behind us. It's good to be pulling loops again...and I'm making progress on the last part of House Blessing...this year's rug project. One of the design challenges with this particular project is making all four parts play nice with each other! I'll try to get a pic to post in the next few days. Busy in the dyepots getting ready for hook-in...in between all the moving details...
Wishing you all a glorious week! ~L

PS...should have told you that the background, the tree wool and some of my golds and greens were over-dyed with black walnuts...love the way they age the colors!

Back to class...

With all the changes around here this summer...and more on the horizon...it felt so good to get back to my ThursDAY class! I won't be teaching much this fall, but a few gals from last years class will come occasionally...until the movers haul us away.
Here is Kathy P's stunning Wool Crazy block...18" x 18"...the stitching is AMAZING!
Click on the photo to view it close up! Yes, there are bits of antique paisley...the colors are so rich...it's just lovely...Good job Kathy!!!

Next is Sue L's WONDERFUL rendition of Karen Kahle ~ Primitive Spirit's "Flowerbox"...40" x 52"...

this is the 2nd time Sue has hooked this rug. The first was early in her hooking career...a light background...still lovely, but not as playful! Sue didn't have quite the stash to pull from then! Again, click the photo to see the detail. She used a variety of dark values to hook the background, like we did in my 2007 project rug...Comforts of Home...


Last evening was our 27th annual block party! The weather was lovely, fabulous food and the fellowship of neighbors the best! I've been here for 17 of the parties and am sad to think this was the last. But...no time to dwell on that...
the Stillwater Hook-In is just around the corner...Saturday October 2nd. Much to do to get ready...
Hope you are enjoying these late summer...early fall days ~L

It certainly has been an interesting summer around here. Little did I know that moving the studio/shop back home was just the beginning of the chaos. Then in the final hours the website was saved, when another host service bought the host company I’ve been with for 9 years. There have been a few glitches and I’m still working on building a new site, but for the most part the ole’ site is working and I’ll be adding new product as time permits!

So you say...”What NOW???” Last week, my husband accepted a promotion that will have us relocating to the Milwaukee area. I’m thrilled for him...but this is a major life change for our son and me. Nick starts 9th grade a week from Monday...I’ve lived in the area all my life...this house for 17 years. I’m trying to keep my sense of humor...or risk crumbling into pieces! The good news is I can run The Wooly Red Rug from anywhere! We are looking for a home in Cedarburg, WI, which is an old woolen mill town with a huge arts community. The thought of having like minded souls around is a big comfort...and the Winery sounds inviting, too! ~L

In the final hours...

...the website has been saved! The hosting service was sold and the new owner is keeping everything in place...Amen. I still will working on a new site...but not in a frenzy. I may switch everything over at some point...or just keep it for selling my finished work.
Thanks for all your kind comments, well wishes and prayers!!!

The NEW Maggie Bonanomi books arrived...Comfort Zone..what a fitting title!
I'll be getting them listed on the (old) site tonite...then
back to hooking and a sigh of relief...enjoy your weekend! ~L

Another BUMP in the road...

Just when I thought things were settling down...finding there place...another BUMP!
I received an email this morning that my website server is permanently shutting down on Friday, August 6th. What can I say...I'm stunned...and scrambling to get a new site up and running! In the meantime...please know that you can contact me via email with questions or to place and order!
This too shall pass!?!?!
~L

Getting back to business...

I hate being behind...but once again...I am.
The studio/shop move behind me...I've abandoned the remaining piles of miscellaneous clutter...tho' ignoring them is really difficult for me! This week I'm catching up on orders and most importantly finishing up on Part 3 of House Blessing, the 2010 Project Rug. For all you very dear, patient participants...the kits should be ready and in the mail next week!

Thanks to everyone for your encouragement, well wishes and kind comments during these stress filled past 2 months...I'm so happy to have everything under one roof and look forward to welcoming you if you are in the neighborhood! ~L

Settling in...

Still much to do...but I'm thrilled with the way it is all coming together!

Now off to do a final cleaning on Grand...
I'll be back with more pics soon! ~L

"Moving"...along nicely!

Hello Everyone, It's been way too long since I've posted! I hope you are enjoying these fleeting summer days. How did it get to be nearly the end of July? I know that I've been working hard and am so focused on getting everything moved...seems like the days just fly by.
Just the big tables and basement clutter remain on Grand...all the inventory has been moved...the wool room is looking great...and then yesterday this arrived...
Lovely NEW wools...and a few olde favorites! And another shipment should be arriving any day! It's always exciting to get new wool, but this time of year it reminds me of getting ready for school. When I was young we used to make most of our clothes...so a trip to the fabric stores was always part of "back to school"...no wonder I love the feel of cloth in my fingers!
~L

the times they are a changin'

There has been a change in ownership of the building I’ve rented for the past 7 years...and I’ve lost my lease, so I’m moving the studio/shop back to our home.

The GOOD news is as of August 1st, I’ll only have 1 toilet to clean...the bad news is I have lots to do before the end of July.
It’s really bittersweet. While I’m excited to have everything back home, I will truly miss my neighbors and our cozy little corner on Grand.
Sadly, most of my neighbors are scrambling to find new locations for their businesses. I am so GRATEFUL to Paul and Nick for allowing and encouraging me to “Simplify” and move back home.

So what does this mean for you my dear customers/friends?
If you are in town...
as of August 1st you’ll find all your wooly needs at 4630 Wentworth Avenue South, just 3 blocks East and 1 block North of the Grand Avenue nest...I’ll be putting new directions on the website. June and July 2nd Saturday and 3rd Thursday hooking groups will still take place on Grand. Classes and Hooking Groups will start up again in September at the “new” studio. Hours should be a bit more flexible...
anytime by appointment, weekdays 11 to 5 and as always, it’s a good idea to call ahead!

For those out of town...
The website will be the same! There may be a small delay in getting orders out near the end of July as the move progresses.

I appreciate your patience over the next few months. I truly value your business, support, kind thoughts and words. Because of YOU, I am able to do what I love and know I was put here to do.

I’ll post updates here on the blog to let you know how things are going.

New "stuff" is slowly...

making its way to the website.
I've been a bit behind at the studio...dyeing wool on hot, humid days...98 degrees this past Monday...YEEK...it's only May!?!?!
So...I've been pretty wiped out at night...my usual "wee hour computer time" succumbed to Humidity Head...is what I call it...when the heat and humidity go up...my intelligence and motivation seem to disappear!


A few patterns have been added...2 NEW rugs by Maggie Bonanomi...If you want to see...just click What's New and follow the link on the website.

Need to fire up the dye pots again today...but much cooler breezes are blowing...it's a BEAUTIFUL day!

All the best to you ~L

Loot From Market...

The International Quilt Market Trade Show is here in Minneapolis...like a kid in a candy store, I had a fun day shopping for new goodies for the studio/shop and website.

I'm hoping to get some of these up on the website tonite...that is if I can stop myself from stitching up a few of these treasures right NOW! ~L

Happy Mother's Day...

this is what I'm doing this weekend! If you are in the area...please stop by and say HI! I'm in building C just a few feet inside the south door.

Whatever you are doing this weekend...Enjoy ~Laurie

What a surprise...

I didn't expect it until the end of next week...but yippee...all that beautiful wool pictured below in yesterdays post arrived this afternoon at the studio!

Oh happy day!

Lovely NEW textures...and a few old favorites too! Will be arriving at the studio in a few weeks! You can order today to reserve your stash, and it will be mailed out as soon as it arrives!

Rainy Spring Saturday...

Spring showers...grey skies...but oh how the world is turning green!!!

There just weren’t enough hours this week for me to finish work at the studio...so I needed to bring it home...I’ll be finishing cutting the kits for the Part 2 of House Blessing, this year’s rug project...
hopefully in time to put dinner on the table!

Besides having them ready to mail out on Monday...my reward will be to sit and stitch this evening. In between all my other projects, I’ve been working on Maggie Bonanomi’s Settler’s Pride Quilt...

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend...what ever you are doing! ~Laurie

Part Two of House Blessing

I'm working on getting the kits together!!!
Everyone who is paticipating in the 2010 Rug Project should have received an email or 2 from me this morning!

Here's a peek at Part's One & Two...the right side and bottom border are part of the 4th section to come in October. I just needed to hook 'em to gauge how much wool...and know my limit on kits for this year's project.
Which leads me to say...going...going...there are only TWO spots left...and once they are gone...that's it!Sorry, ALL GONE! as of Thursday April 22nd

I'll be updating the website later tonite with this info too. If you are interested in knowing how this annual rug prject thingy works...click on over the the webpage...
http://www.ljfibers.com/patbom10.html...or leave a comment and I'll respond!

Spring has sprung ~L

Back up to speed...

HI ALL...
Finally back to a hi-speed internet connection after fussing around with dial-up for a few weeks! Hard to believe that the provider we've had for 10+ years is no longer offering it in our market! It's been a painful switch over...and the timing really bites...Not that there is ever a GOOD time for computer trouble?!?!?

Oh well...I'm muttling along and just happy to be back online at all!

This past Saturday was our annual Spring Hopkins Hook-in...

A lovely day! Unfortunately I never got a chance to see the rug show...or to take pics. If anyone was there and wants to send me photos, I'd love to post them here!

So...today I'll be putting the studio back togehter...cutting the Part Two kits of the House Blessing rug project and getting them in the mail by the end of the week!

Hope you all have a GREAT week!!! ~L

Yes...I'm going crazy

...Wool Crazy!

I really wasn't going to jump on this...but just couldn't help myself.
Click on the underlined Wool Crazy link above to check out JoAnn Mullaly's great book!

It's been a delightful break from all the rugs and dye projects that I've got going on right now.
Just a few stitches here and there...so soul soothing...a visual journal that will grow bit by bit.


Details on a monthly stitching day at the studio will be coming soon...probably starting early this summer!


Some gorgeous shades of Valdani #8 Pearl Cotton are now in stock, too! ~L

Featured in Rug Hooking Magazine...

The March/April/May issues arrived at the studio/shop today...so I guess I can share "Clover" with you now! My sweet little bunny mat is the free pull out pattern is this issue.

They left out the photos of the fabric swatches...probably a space thing...so I will post them here (and on the website when I have a chance).








If you don't want to draw it out or dye your own wool...the linen pattern and/or kit is available exclusively through Rug Hooking Magazine (1-877-462-2604) until June 30, 2010...after that on my website.

Today was very Springy...lots of melting snow...but SO much more to go...
be back soon ~L