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In hooking Woodbound Morris Small, I remembered how much fun it is to add materials of different textures to catch the eye and enhance the design. By doing so, I was able to give this traditional design a more modern look.
I wanted to add some interest to the design by including sari silk, yarn, and embellishments along with the wool. Rather than hooking the large leaves, I appliquéd them using marbleized wool and added pearl cotton couched with embroidery floss for the veins.
Those large appliquéd leaves are my favorite areas of the rug. The wool was so beautiful that I could not bear to cut it! However, the leaves also presented the greatest challenges. I used 1/8″ acrylic batting beneath each one and discovered that the wool for the leaves, which was carefully cut to the same size as the batting, was a little skimpy. In retrospect, I should have cut the wool slightly larger so that the batting was completely tucked underneath it. The problem was resolved (or disguised) when I hooked some of the background wool around the leaves.
To finish the rug, I sewed a 1″-wide binding to the edges, using a dark purple wool that was used in part of the beading.
I am indebted to three great rug hookers for inspiration in creating this rug: Karen Garbee, for suggesting the color plan with her version of this pattern; Gail Dufresne, for her fabulous, marbleized wool; and Martha Lowry, for teaching me how to appliqué, chain stitch, and couch.
From the Judges:
A bold and sophisticated background that brings energy and playfulness. The balance between cool and warm tones is perfect. Clean and precise stitching in the appliquéd leaves, including the bead stitch outlining the border. Both classic and contemporary—well done!
Woodbound Morris Small, 25” x 33 ½”, #3- to 5-cut hand-dyed wool, sari silk, yarn, and embroidery floss on linen. Designed by Jane McGown Flynn and hooked by Helen Mar Parkin, Lindale, Texas, 2023.
Helen Mar Parkin
LINDALE, TEXAS
Helen retired from a 40-year career as a painting conservator in 2010 and looked around for something to do that would engage her interest as much as art conservation had. Rug hooking fit the bill for many reasons. She started with wide cuts, worked on primitives for a while, then finally gravitated to fine cuts.