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If you don't create your own unique works, who will?  Only YOU can hook YOUR rugs.  While a photocopy can be a handy reference, don't be timid about venturing off on your own.  If you need more help you can get it in my online color planning course, Practical Color Planning for Rug Hookers, at cindigayrughooking.com

Steaming is the great equalizer.  If you admire smooth even loops of other rug hookers, be sure you are comparing your finished work to their finished work. My unfinished work does not look like my finished work.

Episode 015 Add a label to your hooked rugs For more information about creating label, see this older article. Find printable fabric on Amazon. This is an affiliate link. That means I earn a small fee for sending you to Amazon, but it does not affect the price you pay at all. It is a generic search result because the products come and go. Look for fabric that will work with your type of printer (ink jet, laser etc.). You can also use a coupon at Joann’s or Hobby Lobby. Information to add to your label Name of the pattern Designer’s Name and/or Company Name Dates, the year you finished or the start and finish date Your name Your town and state Why you chose to hook that pattern, who you hooked it for, etc. optional: The type of backing used optional: The cut sizes you used If you started the rug in a workshop: The workshop you were in Where the workshop was held Who your teacher was Before you begin hooking Write your name and town on the front of the rug in case you need to prove that the rug belongs to you and the label has been removed. Add your name and cell phone number in the margin of your rug. If it gets left behind, it can be easily returned to you.

This is the finish that I teach to beginner rug hookers. Easy technique and simple supplies make it ideal for beginners and experienced rug hookers alike. This is a sturdy finish that holds up well to foot traffic and still looks good on a wall hanging.

Learning to be an artist is more about accepting yourself as an artist than anything else.  Change your mindset, be willing to make bad art and practice. How to watch the Thursday webinar   I prefer to use an A5 Leuchtturm 1917 dotted journal. *this is an affiliate link.  My favorite is Lime Green.   Examples of some of my doodles in my bullet journal:   Kris Miller of Spruce Ridge Studios draws all my patterns.  You can buy my designs on her website or my own. The app I use on the ipad for drawing my patterns: Graphic It replaces Adobe Illustrator which is $29.99 per month to use.  At $8.99 for the ipad app, it is truly a bargain.  There is a steep learning curve, so download the manual and give it a read. To see the app in use: Watch a replay of one of my Live! Thursday lessons.

Deciding on your favorite cut size is a combination of what look you like and what your body can handle. See the show notes on my website for more photos and downloads, https://cindigayrughooking.com/rh008 Learn how to find a group or teacher near you. Use a Bullet Journal to document your rug hooking.

This episode is one that is best listened to at the frame with a hook in your hand.  If you are struggling to pull up loops, some of the tips I give out may make your hooking process easier.

A rug hooking cutter is a big investment.  If you are just starting out all you need is a small pair of scissors.  I'll explain what you need to do.   Got a cutter?  I'll explain how to use it and what additional equipment you may want to pick up.

You can really go overboard, but you only need a few things to get ready to rug hook. something to hold your backing (frame or hoop) hook backing scissors wool

Finding wool is a bit like hunting and collecting recycled wool can be fun.  Just remember that even the cheapest wool is a waste of money and time if it is not the right wool for rug hooking. Learn what to do with the wool once you have it home - hint: How to wash wool for rug hooking.

Creating a packing list is the best way to be sure you bring everything you need.  But what if this is your first camp?  I'll cover some of the basics that I think you need to bring with you.

Identify the location of the knife fold edge to determine how your chosen finish will affect the life of your rug.

Rug hooking is a visual art, but there are many things that we can talk about that do not require your eyes.  This podcast episode is an introduction to your host, Cindi Gay, rug hooking teacher and artist.