Rug Hooking Class

Last night was the second session of the rug hooking class my friend Becky and I are taking.  Let me start by saying the class is not at all what I expected.  The class is considered a traditional rug hooking class and incorporates techniques used for many years.  I expected to receive a "boxed" kit, but instead the instructor makes her own.  And when I say she makes her own, I mean down to dyeing her own wool! 

We started with a bag of uncut wool in various colors for our project.  She traced the design on to a piece of linen.   We can use as much detail or eliminate it to make it more simple if we would like. 

I came to the conclusion this isn't a project that I will be completing any time soon.  It takes awhile to get the hang of making consistent loops.  The supplies to start rug hooking as a hobby are somewhat expensive.  In order to keep the fabric tight while you "hook" you need a frame to support the material.  Frames range in design and price.  A basic frame starts around $50 and price goes up from there.  The cutter for cutting the wool is even more pricey. Once you invest in the cutter, each cutting head is an added expense.  Cutting head sizes determine the width in which the wool is cut.  Wool is also expensive.  You can search used clothing stores for wool clothing and get wool cheaper if you are thrifty.  Once you make the initial investments in the equipment, wool will be the most expense you have with this hobby.  Many choose to buy wool in bulk and dye it themselves to save money. 

Ready made kits are available for purchase, however, if you read the descriptions carefully, the less expensive kits use yarn instead of wool, such as the rooster pattern below.  I'm glad to have the opportunity to learn the art of rug hooking.  Will I do it in the future?  Time will tell.  I want to get through this project before I make a final determination.