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I usually prefer to hook with 100 percent wool, but if a piece requires it, I’ll incorporate other fibers, buttons, etc. In Hare’s to You, I added a pinch of sparkle and velvet to the hare’s eye. This is my favorite part of the rug, as it’s what brings the rabbit to life.
The pussy willow was probably the most challenging element. I added dimension to the branch using the Waldoboro technique to ensure it didn’t blend into the rabbit’s fur, giving it more prominence.
From the Judges:
Naturalistic, earthy palette. The gentle shift in color tones creates a sense of depth and realism. A lifelike shine to the eye and neutral background really pull you in to check out this hare.
To finish the rug, I rolled the linen toward the front and covered the back with a piece of cotton fabric. I then brought the cotton to the front and stitched it down to conceal the previously rolled linen. Overall, I learned a lot about shading while working on this piece.
It’s hard to believe I’ve been hooking for almost 30 years! Along the way, I’ve met incredible women who continue to inspire me. I’m also grateful for my husband, Mark, who has always supported my “addiction.”
Hare’s to You, 18″ x 27″, #3- to 6-cut wool and sparkle wool on linen.
Designed by Joan Moshimer/W. Cushing & Co. and hooked by Madonna Shelly, Granville, Ohio, 2024.
Madonna Shelly
GRANVILLE, OHIO
Madonna has been hooking rugs for nearly 30 years, and she still loves the endless variety the craft offers. She enjoys everything from fine shading with a #3 cut to hooking with the bold texture of hand-torn strip. If the piece calls for it, she also enjoys playing around with embellishments.