Necessity is the Mother of Invention. . .how many times have we heard this? Well in most cases it is true and so the “Mottled” Graduated Dye Wool was born! Dyeing with a “Mottled” look aka not flat one color is something I have always done and love to do. The motion of the colors in highs and lows when hooked gives you an added boost or lift to your rug hooking. When you combine mottled dyed wool with textures, the two go together like hot cocoa and a ton of marshmallows! Below is a mottled wool–Better than Roses. It
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Archives for wcblog
2026 The Year of Explore!
Long time, no blog! But hopefully 2026 will allow for weekly blogs (my goal is every Wednesday), and to “explore” a myriad of topics–not all related to fiber. As we begin 2026, many of asked you where I get my holiday decorations, how do I store them, and just how do I decorate with them. Today we will explore . . .so get a cuppa and relax! First, one of the things I learned from a young age is to shop after Christmas for my decor at some of my favorite thrift shops, small decor shops, florists and department stores.
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Reminiscing Mother’s Day Past & Today’s Dinner (A Spin on a Classic)
First, Happy Mother’s Day to everyone! I hope your day was enjoyable and you spent it how you wanted. Mother’s Day in my teens and into my 20’s was almost always the same–Brunch at the Publick House in Chester NJ. At the end of downtown, next to the Carousel Antique Shop (now we have not been back in over 20 years so not sure all of this is still there.) The rules were simple, make reservations, show up on time or early, dress “smartly”, hair should be presentable (as we all know for me and my curls this was sometimes
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Babies Blocks–Another Pattern with New Life
Babies Blocks, Teaboxes or whatever name you may know this pattern, it is a geometric of epic proportion! Babies Blocks is a Ruth Hall Pattern, which means it was once a Ralph Burnham pattern most likely from the Turn of the Century. With a keen eye, a good sharpie and some imagination this “block” pattern can be taken in any direction you want. The first picture of Babies Blocks appeared on the cover News & Views. Heavily bordered and with lack of what would appear to be a color plan! Now that is a lot of outlining. Now here is
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W. Cushing Dyes in Rural Madagascar
While most think our dyes are just for wool, rug hookers, applique and yarn dyers, W. Cushing Dyes are so much more. Did you know they light up respirators on the fiber optic display? Used by fly fishermen around the world and are utilized in a non-profit organization with a small nature-based social enterprise. The enterprise helps supplement the cost of social and environmental programs in rural Madagascar. Below is Conservation through Poverty Alleviation International (cpali) (cpali.org) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that takes a new approach to community-centered conservation. Through locally led initiatives in Madagascar we enhance biodiversity, create opportunities
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Cape May or Rather No.
No. 104 or Cape May?
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Fresh Snow = Clean Rugs & Sweaters!
Each year I get asked “How do I clean my hooked rugs?” My answer is always, “Wait until a fresh snowfall.” This year (more than others) many of you can utilize a fresh snow to clean not only your hooked rugs but your 100% wool sweaters too! Step one: Pick an area of fresh snow that you can easily access and handle the rugs and sweaters. This Saturday I chose the deck off the dye kitchen. . .easy, fresh snow and fun! Next I put my hooked rug face down in the snow and then the same for my wool
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Shake, Rattle and Roll. . .
Well tonight I was going write about the history of one particular rug pattern, Cape May. . .but after this morning, it will wait until later in the week! (Sorry Amzi) This morning at approximately 10:22 am at magnitude 4.1 or 3.8 (both reported) off the coast of York Harbor, about 8 miles from where we live now. Now for those of us on the East Coast, this is something we have never to hardly experienced, or even thought of. Sitting in the office and having the floor rumble, the sound of something like a jet plane crashing and watching
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Terrific Tuesday. . .Digging in the Recipe Box
As part of embracing my 2025 Word of the Year–INSPIRE, I am trying each week to INSPIRE my baking skills to a higher level or at least revive some of my baking skills. Cooking came naturally to me, you do not have to be precise and I watched my grandmother open the refrigerator door and make meals fit for a king. . .(my Italian grandmother, my Irish grandmother preferred reservations). I learned to season as I cooked–my seasonings are very simple that are in my cabinet–Sea Salt, Fresh Pepper, Maple Pepper and Cajun Trinity by Rex. By keeping it simple,
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A Peak at Rug Hooking History & It’s Start
Today we are going to step back in time a bit and take a look at our Rug Hooking History. W. Cushing and Co. has been in Maine since 1879, Edward Sands Frost even longer. It is fun to see how we have progressed but in some cases just moved the business less than 20 miles! In an upcoming issue of the ATHA magazine, a full article based on the history of W. Cushing and Co will be published. Please see the article for the full story complete with photos. It was wonderful to compile the history as I co-curated
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