I discovered rug hooking right before the kids started elementary school. It started out so causally, buying a few pieces of hand dyed wool here and there, hooking a small rug, selling it, and then buying more wool so I could continue and make another rug. If you would have told me twenty years ago that someday I’d have en entire room dedicated to my little hobby, I would have thought you were nuts. I truly had no idea it would come to this. Seriously. 😉
I even have a little wrapping station to make packaging up my little bundles of hand dyed wool that I sell on Etsy easier. Below the wrapping table and along the wall are baskets filled with wool strips. In case you’re not a hooker, those are the strips I use to hook my rugs with. Every few months of so I’ll pull out a stash of hand dyed wool and spend the afternoon cutting the wool into strips until the baskets are overflowing. It’s all very therapeutic.
I still need a long work table for the center of the room and two short bookcases for the back wall where I currently have folding tables set up with extra bundles of wool. And maybe a few wooden chairs to sit on, and a couple more large baskets to hold wool strips…. because really, you can never have enough {baskets or wool}, right?
I’m not in a big hurry to find all those furniture pieces though, I know I’ll find everything I’m looking for in time… at a thrift store, someone’s garage sale… they’ll come along, eventually.
At this stage in my life, I’m so over the whole let’s make this room look perfect mentality. I don’t need a Pinterest worthy studio space with matching baskets and the same {really ordinary} stuff anyone can buy from a craft store that was made in China. What I’m looking for are time worn pieces, furniture that was used everyday, that was loved, and well taken care of. Things that fit the house we live in now. Does that even make sense?
I’ve been fighting getting a rug hooking frame for the past 15+ years because I’ve always been a sort of a, hook where I please type of person. I’d hook in the car, on an airplane, on the couch, at my kids sporting events or pretty much anywhere else I had some down time.
Now that we are settled though, in our forever home, and I no longer have kids to schlep all over town, I think it’s time. Life has slowed down, and sitting by a wood stove and rug hooking for a few hours in the evening, doesn’t seem like such a luxury anymore. I have plans to visit the Dorr Mill Store in a few weeks to pick up a proper rug hooking frame and stand. I feel so grown up.
Hobbies. They’re kind of funny. Some come and go, but the ones that stick around, the hobbies that force us slow down and enjoy the simple things in life, like listening to the birds outside our windows or a crackling fire, in my book, those are the best kinds of hobbies out there.
Wishing you the best of Wednesdays,
~ Mavis
UPDATE –> It’s been a year since I moved into my rug hooking studio and it looks a bit different now. I wrote all about it {and there’s tons of pictures too in the post Trust Me…. It Will Fit. Simply click HERE to see it.
Looking for my hand dyed wool bundles? Click HERE for my wool bundles.
Looking for my rug hooking kits? Click HERE for my current offering of rug hooking kits
Ellie K says
Ahh, but it IS Pinterest worthy! I’m swooning over the floors. A perfect background for a flat-lay shot!
I hear ya about cheap stuff. I’m a basket lover. Something useful AND pretty gives me life. I love them but never got into the Longaberger basket craze. I was too busy paying off my mortgage to spend big bucks on baskets! The past few years tho, I’m consistently finding them at garage sales for next to nothing!! A big one complete with inserts for 5 bucks or less? Yeah, I’ll take it!
Really enjoying your new stories! So happy for you!
Sherri Chekal says
Oh, your studio looks so wonderful!!!
lynne says
Oh those floors….they are enuf to make me swoon in themselves! And, agree with the above comment…that room IS Pinterest worthy! In my case, I can never have enuf quilting cottons…oh the material. I don’t have a sewing room anymore, since we moved and downsized, but I do have a small sewing table that overlooks the back yard, and the river flowing by not 20 yards away… much better to have the view than being in a room with no view, right?? Excited for you and your new adventure! LynneinWI
Mandy says
I actually think your studio does look Pinterest worthy! It would totally be on one of my boards. And yes, I hear you on the well loved pieces! I have lived my whole life that way. My friends and family always said I was a peculiar child because I always prefer used over new, due to the economic and environmental implications. Lol. Precocious child, I was. 🙂
I am absolutely loving your blog postings. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and insight with us.
Diana says
Oh that studio is amazing and I’m super jealous! Once babies came along my sewing and crafting room went bye bye and the sewing machine went into the hall closet. Only to be pulled out and put on the kitchen table after the kids went to bed to furiously fix something to piece together a quilt at a tedious pace! I would LOVE to have a space like that again! I guess I have to wait 20 years 🙂 I’m so loving hearing about your adventures on the East coast and getting to see your beautiful new home little bits at a time!
Torry says
Diana, I used to tell my daughter that the proof of how much she was loved and wanted was that I gave up my sewing room for her! She is grown, married and has a child of her own and her room is now a sewing room/ guest room. Her brother’s room is the computer/ fabric storage room.
My husband asked why the fabric couldn’t be stored in the sewing room. I said, “You know that bed you insist can’t be in the computer room? That’s why!”
Your day will come again. Promise. And there will be days when you wish for these days to be back again.
Jennifer@thefrugaldribble says
I love those floors, as well. Most everything I have is used. I’m just not into buying stuff and the older I get the less interested in new stuff I seem to be. I’m am enjoying seeing little snippets of your new home.
Kim says
Your home photos are breathtaking! I love every detail. Congrats on your dream of moving to New England coming true. Your studio is absolutely charming! Thanks for taking us along on the adventure. Fun, fun, fun!
Stacy Bowen says
While I appreciate your comments about your hobby, what I’m really interested in is the history of your forever house. Those plank floors are gorgeous and just looking at the doors and cabinets and baseboards, I suspect your house dates back to 1700s or early 1800s?
Ellen says
Based on the rug she’s making, I thought maybe 1722…?
Wendy Steele says
Ellen-you’re a genius!!! Lololol
Aretha DeSpain says
Mavis,
Do you have the machine to cut your worms? If not, what is your method?
What is your finishing technique?
So pleased to see your finished rugs on display. Lovely.
Mavis Butterfield says
I’m old school and just use a rotary cutter, ruler and a mat to cut the strips. I no have interest in spending $200+ on a cutter machine. As for finishing my rugs, I simply tuck the corners together and stitch the linen backing into the rug. I don’t like crocheted edges, binding or the way whip-stitched rugs look.
Lil Gruntz says
Keep watching those garage sales …. you will one day find a cutter…… I too, only like “the old” and am not willing to pay big money for anything…… but I like quality…. so….. flea markets, thrift stores and garage sales all work… I found a Fraser cutting for $20. with 3 sizes of cutting wheels…. I so love it…
Lolly says
I gasped aloud when I saw that first gorgeous pic of your studio! Love it! And yes, it makes complete sense to find the pieces of furniture which suit you and suit the room/home, vs buying all matchy-matchy from a store. I love a room that is curated over time, with pieces that were specially found! (Prolly cause that is my whole house?!?!)
Ok, please tell me what that narrow door is, to the left of the woodstove?! It’s making me crazy! Lol!
Sue says
I am hoping it’s a firewood stash cupboard! Either by design or by actual usage.
Leslie says
Do I spy a couple hooked rug throw pillows? If so, great idea. I’m not totally tuned in to this hobby but that strikes me as a great idea.
Teri says
LOVE LOVE LOVE your studio! It is so YOU! The hinges/hardware on your cabinets is absolutely awesome! Thanks for sharing your nice comfy looking room. BTW — what is the benefit of a frame?
Sue says
A frame makes hooking sooooooo much easier than a hoop! It is elevated so you have room to work under it. I think the brand I have is kaseys creations. It tilts and swivels and fits comfortably on your lap. It was about $150 on eBay.
Julie Ann says
Mavis – that room of your could be furniture-naked except for piles of fabric on the floor and STILL be gorgeous (and I’d still be a bit envious 😉 )
My “craft room” is a third of your space and has a serger, sewing machine, industrial upholstery machine, vinyl cutter and it’s computer system tag-a-long. These are all on tables, along with my hoard (also horde) of storage-tubbed vintage My Little Pony collection (Yes, the room was supposed to be my ‘Pony-slash-quilting room’). Also in there are the over half-dozen computer towers I have yet to repair/upgrade (computer nerd, too), my son’s old mattress (what if he needs to move back in??), the NEW flat-screen TV collection from too many Black Friday sales that Hubby “Just couldn’t pass up!” (I have enough NIB TVs to replace all of the ones already installed!).
What’s grrl to do!?
I need inspiration 😀
And to cover up that tacky M&M’s blue-colored accent wall – Bleck!
Your’s tho – heaven. Peace. Tranquility. Inspirational. How do you ever leave that spot? <3
Leah says
Hey Mavis! It’s been so fun to read and follow along on your new changes. How is your husband spending his time? Does he have a hobby or will he be looking for work in your new location? My husband and I are starting to consider a new house, future work variations, but we don’t want the exact same things so it’s a slow process figuring out where we each of us needs to compromise, but both still be happy with the final decisions. Did you experience any of this or were you both completely on board?
Julie Ann says
Oh yes! Inquiring minds are curious about all of Leah’s queries!
(Even my hubby has been following you via my recital of your stories :3 )
Vicki says
I’ve been telling my husband everything that has been going on since the move too! It’s like a whole new adventure happening. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Ellie K says
Haha!! Mine too!
Heather says
I also have the same questions. I love your room! After our daughter moved out I gained a sewing/craft room. It is crowded in there, but I have a really bright light fixture so I love it. My goal is to finish some projects before I start any more.
Patty says
Oh wow! What an enviable craft room. I love it! I’m thinking you are a super-woman when it comes to moving. The photos you’ve shared look as if you’ve lived in your home forever. No boxes or blank walls. How did you do everything so quickly!?! Thank you for taking us all (from all over the country) on your journey. It’s so much fun to be a part of!
Valerie Barbeau says
What a beautiful space! I love your floors.
RebekahU says
Just beautiful! So happy that you have so many new happy places!
Tracy says
Mavis, your happiness in your new space is palpable. Very fun. Will you give us a tour of your new place?
bobbi says
Looks so cozy and it IS pinterest worthy, haha. Without even trying!
Love the space!
Sue says
I agree that with some of the comments and kind of put you in the range of super woman.
From the looks of those beautiful floors, I can’t wait to see what you do to rest of the house.
That work room is to die for and I would be in heaven just to have everything organized and in place.
So very proud for you, miss seeing Lucy in every post. Keep us in the know,love this new adventure.
Vicki in Birmingham says
That was a lovely post! It is a wonderful work area, looks relaxing, contented and homey! I am just absolutely delighted for you…still so young, yet being able to call this your forever home…I love that!
Michele S. Infusino says
I’m in love with your floor boards! Seriously, those are to die for.
Connie says
Your studio is beautiful! Love your floors!
Sherry says
Those floors are AMAZING! And I love the walls and cupboard around the woodstove. Could you please do a tour of your new home for us? From what I have seen, it looks wonderful!
Donna says
Love your room! And the floors – oh my!
Brianna says
I love the door hinges and hardware. It is a beautiful old world architectural detail that enhances the house. Definitely not cookie cutter.
Min says
Please can you do a rug hooking tutorial?
Mavis Butterfield says
Yes, as soon as I get my frame. It will make taking pictures so much easier since 95% or more people use a frame.
darcy says
I saw that you recommended a Barnett’s hoop on Etsy. What size hoop do you have? I like using a hoop more than a frame.
Mavis Butterfield says
The 12” and 16”.
Practical Parsimony says
My sewing room is about 17×18 feet. I did not have a cutting table until I found an antique dining table for $25. It was so cheap because it was actually in pieces. I had someone move it in pieces and put it back together in the sewing room. It is actually better than my dining table. The things in the room were not bought all at once or to be cute. It is a working room not ready for pictures ever.
What is that stack of material in the last picture? What is it for?
Mavis Butterfield says
Handy dyed wool… For rug hooking.
Wendy Clark says
I know this is going to sound crazy, but this post almost made me cry. It was so inspiring to see what you have done and that is something you love! It shows. Your rugs are beautiful as is your home.
Sheri says
I can see why you knew this was “home”. Lovely!
Mrs. Mills says
Hi Mavis, love your hobby room, beautiful floors. I always wanted to learn to knit. No time until I retired. Now I have a room with all my wool, material and sewing machine. I just sit there sometimes and am thankful for how lucky I am.
Mary3M says
Did you have the house painted before you moved in? Colors seem just perfect and the wood floors look amazingly well maintained.
I too am wondering about the HH. what is he going to do while you are gardening and basking in the NE weather?
Do you have fire buckets? In Colonial times each house had to have at least 2 fire buckets – usually hanging by the front door – in case of a town fire. And usually leather. No such thing as a fire house in early Colonial America – neighbors helping neighbors!
How old is your house? someone suggested 1722 (based on your rug!) And I am guessing your house has an amazing fireplace chimney set up – many of the houses of that era did.
Loving the more relaxed Mavis though I would love to hear of the snooperin busybodies in the HOA house. Did Pinky and the girls make the trek East? Inquiring minds want to know!
Mavis Butterfield says
Pinky and the girls are living it up at the HB’s house. She just put in a big garden and I’m hoping that’s were they will hang out.
PrimitiveKim says
Hi Mavis,
I’m a huge fan of your blog and a fellow rug hooker! You mentioned that you got a pewter candle stick from the recycling center and you were going to make a stuffed pumpkin for the top of it. Do you offer any patterns or instructions for how to do this? I’ve got a couple of coppery colored candlesticks that I think would be awesome with burnt orange pumpkins or pumpkin heads sitting on top, but not sure how/where to start. Thanks for your inspiration and for any help you might offer. Have a great day!
Mavis Butterfield says
It’s super easy to do! I’ll try and do a picture tutorial and post how I made the pumpkin head on the blog in the next week or two. I don’t have a pattern that explains how to do it and honestly, I think it would be more helpful with a bunch of pictures rather than reading text. I’ll try and get to it next week.
Jeanie Armes says
Do you sell rug hooking kits? If so, where?
Mavis Butterfield says
Yes. Here is the link: https://www.etsy.com/shop/mavisbutterfield?section_id=20916560
Laurie Sobocinski says
Mavis. Do you teach any hooking classes?
Mavis Butterfield says
No, not at this time. Maybe in the future though.
Sandy Klein says
Hi Mavis,
Wondering…do you ever teach a workshop. I’m in Maine and would be so interested!
Mavis Butterfield says
No, I’m not set up for workshops. 🙁