Monday, January 4, 2010

My Tree Skirt



I am inspired by my friend Tommye at I'd rather be stitching. Tommye blogged about the lovely tree skirt she made and the great process and memories which brought it all together. Stop by Tommye's blog and see her beautiful stitching on her lovely tree skirt.

After putting away my decorations yesterday I got nostalgic and I've decided to share my own tree skit with you. I got the best compliment a couple of weeks ago when my daughter asked me if I would hook one for her one day for when she has her own place or gets married!


(click on the picture for a better view of the entire rug)

Over 10 years ago I decided after running out of wall space and floor space in my small house that I should hook a tree skirt. What an undertaking it was and I have to laugh and say since completing it I went in the totally opposite direction and only hook small things like ornaments and pillows!

My creation and pattern came together easily with thoughts of Christmas and seasonal objects dancing in my head. The year of blood, sweat and tears which followed came with my level of frustration and much wasted time and lots and lots of hooking. I spent a lot of time obsessing over a decision on a background color. Nothing seemed to work and I realized my problem was focusing on using traditional colors. Once I could get beyond that concept something clicked. I chose a shade of red, almost a fuchsia, that I think ended up looking so wonderful.





The background of the rug, quite an arduous task due to the size of the rug, could have been very tedious, however it turned into a little creative magic and I actually had a tremendous amount of fun hooking the background. The background was a combination of 4 different textures of wool. With the help of my children we all drew different designs throughout the background to make it more fun for me to hook. If you look closely at it you can see these designs.
I would hook these drawn-in designs and then go back and hook around them combining the other textures of wool. I also decided to make it “snowing” throughout the rug adding white dots for my snow flakes making the background really come alive. I love the background – it’s my favorite part of the rug!
I completed the rug in 2000, and it is 43 x 46 inches.

12 comments:

Kathy said...

That is absolutely gorgeous! What an accomplishment and something that will bring such joy for many many years to come.

Better get started on the next one!

Angela said...

Wow!! It is SO beautiful!!! I agree with Kathy, you better go ahead and start on the next one!

Naomi said...

Really really beautiful tree skirt! I have entertained the thought of a hooked tree skirt, but always managed to talk myself out of it. Yours is an inspiration!

Naomi-CT

Faye said...

I love both your and Tommye's tree skirt!! The colors in this one is beautiful!!! Faye

Beth Anderson said...

Thanks for your comments.
Kathy I think you're right, or maybe I could just give her this one and use an old sheet for my tree!!!
Seriously, one of these days I'll get started on another.

lilylovekin said...

Beth, this is truly a work of art-gorgeous and how wonderful that your daughter wants one. I studied it for quite a while, thank you for explaining the back ground design, what a clever idea. I'm so glad you showed it to us.

Unknown said...

Wow. What an absolutely stunning tree skirt you made Beth! You are so talented and creative with your hooking :)

Silke Powers said...

Oh, wow, Beth, this is absolutely gorgeous! I love, love, love the colors you chose and the way you designed the whole tree skirt. I am so impressed!! Hugs, Silke

dulcy said...

Fabulous! I just love the colors! Thanks for checking in with me....

dulcy

Unknown said...

All I can say is OMG
It is absolutely beautiful and amazing!!
I love the colors you chose and the design is fantastic!!

Beth Anderson said...

Thanks everyone - really appreciate your kind comments.

Unknown said...

I would have to say that this is a very yummy piece! I LOVE this, Beth!