With the 250th Anniversary of America on our doorstep, even patterns that are iconic in Rug Hooking take on new meaning and provide inspiration.
The American Clipper–The America is one such pattern. Part of our Cactus Needle Collection, this pattern speaks to so many for different reasons.
With almost a teal sky, textures for sails and the red herringbone letters The America sailed into our hearts and on our “to hook” list!
This rug taught us to think out of the box, use dyed and textures to create harmony!
The next America that sailed into our hearts is the one that had the most subtle American Flag as the background. The background came from ONE piece of textured wool (no longer available) and coveted by those that still have some. Here the letters are outlined and make a bold statement which helps to keep the background subtle. This rug served as inspiration for my 250th Tribute Star Pillow
How I used the inspiration with textures available today. . .
The next America Ship was “fun to hook” and that enjoyment shows up in the rug. Great letter, wonderful sky and the flags make you smile!
The next America has a stormy sky and rough water with wonderful billowing sails to let it weather the storm!
Some times we love a pattern but would like to ultra punch it for a particular setting or just because. The punch pattern is fun and again you choose the colors to suit you! The America looks love on the natural board.
The last rug for this post is most interesting and FULL of history–the rug hooker chose to hook it at night under the light of the silver velvet moon with silver velvet reflection off of the moon facing side of the masts.
Her purpose for the night scene was in honor of the Battle of Lake Erie in the War of 1812 (actually occurred, Sept. 11-12, 1813). She lives on Catawba Island sticking out into Lake Erie within sight of that pivotal sea battle. General Harrison and his men stood on a bluff here on Catawba Island and watched the battle unfold by telescope.
Commodore Oliver “Hazard” Perry at age 27, commanded and won that battle, ending the British grip on the Great Lakes.
The night before, Commodore Perry tucked into Put-In-Bay just north of her on South Bass Island under cover of darkness, unbeknownst to the much larger, more powerful British fleet.
The ship’s hull colors are that of his ship the Niagara. The details of that battle are inspiring.
So for the 250th–will you put fireworks in the background? 250th on the Flag? Or fashion the ship after a famous vessel from 250 years ago?
The America is an awesome pattern and is available ONLY at W. Cushing & Co. If this is on your to do list, now is a great time! https://wcushing.com/?s=clipper&post_type=product
As you hook one of our Patriotic Patterns–whether it is The America, the 250th Tribute Shield, the 250th Star or Shield Pillows, or one of our may Patriotic Patterns, be sure to email us a picture at [email protected]
BTW, the Bicentennial Rescue Rug is almost ready! If you have hooked the Memorial Star Mat, send us pictures!
