Give a Gift
This rug pattern is in the style of William Morris. I started it at Cape May Rugs by the Sea in 2013, where my teacher that year was Chizuko Hayami. She has, in my opinion, perfected the William Morris style in hooked rugs. Chizuko taught us that William Morris wallpaper patterns are really just outline and fill. What a revelation this was to me; when you look closely at them, you can see that she is exactly right!
Merton Abbey is hooked in 100 percent wool, which I believe creates richness and warmth. I have two favorite sections. The stylized daylily at the top appeals to me, as it is one of my favorite garden flowers. I also enjoy the arching, turquoise, leafy vine motifs along each side because the color is so beautiful, and they were fun to hook.
The border of the original pattern was a very complex, leafy scroll design. To me, this complexity detracted from the center motifs and frustrated me to such an extent that I put the rug away in a box for 10 years. When I finally decided to take “Merton” up again, I elected to simplify it and create a more vine-like border incorporating the colors from the center motifs. For better or for worse, I rarely hook a commercial pattern as it is drawn but instead always do a bit of tweaking to suit my own aesthetic. The rug is finished by whipping with wool yarn dyed to match the background and applying rug tape.
From the Judges:
Excellent use of color to achieve harmony and balance. Smooth transitions between colors, and clean edges. Exceptional in color, interpretation, and execution.
Merton Abbey, 26″ x 54 ½”, #5- to 7-cut wool on linen.
Designed by Jane McGown Flynn and hooked by Elise Roberts, Orange, California, 2024.
Elise Roberts
ORANGE, CALIFORNIA
Elise is an active member of the Orange Coast Classics chapter of ATHA in Orange County, California. She has enjoyed rug hooking for 30 years and has completed about 60 projects. She also loves to garden and volunteer as a master gardener under University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.