Monday, January 30, 2012

Hooray, Hook Information!

I was going to wait to include this information in the next installment of the crocheted rag rug tutorial, but thought some of you might be able to benefit from it before then.

A few minutes ago I got the nicest e-mail from one of my readers who had information on the size and availability of the honkin', big gray hook I've used for my rugs.

Tina (thank you, thank you, thank you, Tina) said the hook is a Size "P" and in her area of the country it is sold in Wal-Mart stores in a dual package with an even larger blue hook, labeled Size "Q".

So for all of you eager rug makers that might be a place to check first if that source is available to you.

That's all for now. This Monday morning is bringing us some much needed snowfall, but only about 2" so far. Now at 11 o'clock it seems to have stopped but the air still feels very heavy and looks gray so if we keep our fingers crossed we might get some more yet today.

11 comments:

Susan said...

Hooray! I will put it on my shopping list. I am all psyched up to make this rug! We had sun most of yesterday and temps near 40, which melted any residual snow. Then, at 4:30 this morning, it was snowing like crazy again. Crazy being the key word for this winter.

Erin said...

Hubby has this huge crochet hook and I just went to go check it in my "sizer card thingy" and it's WAY bigger than a P! Wonder what it is LOL my card only goes to P!

Tombstone Livestock said...

guess everyone read your blog before I got to WM there was a peg marked for P/Q hook but largest they had in stock was an N .. oh well next time.

Karen L. said...

Hey, I have that blue Q hook and probably have the P too but cannot find it at the moment. So, I imagine I could use the Q instead as it is only one size larger. Now to look though the stash in the fabric closet to see if I have anything I am willing to use on the floor. Hmmm, the floor .... wonder if I could crochet dog hair? Nope, too short! Oh well. Back to the stash or perhaps the Goodwill store. And thanks for your willingness to take the time to do this tute. Good thing it's not gardening season or we'd probably be on our own, huh?

Jenyfer Matthews said...

It snowed about 2" today but tomorrow is supposed to be 50F!!!! ARGH!!

Amy Dingmann said...

Hooooray for giant hooks! I have a friend who was making a rug and special ordered a size S I believe. I didn't even know they MADE hooks that big. Cant' wait to take a trip to the local crafty place and get a few things (gift card to spend) - this rug making thing means I've got to get a few bigger hooks!

Mama Pea said...

Susan - Great! I'm so glad this appeals to you.

Ya know, with the way this winter has been going, I'm starting to feel leery about what kind of summer we're going to get. Ugh.

Erin - I have a sizer thingie for knitting needles but none for crochet hooks. Didn't even know there was one!

Tombstone Livestock - You should have asked when their next shipment was coming in so you can grab one before they're gone again. Since EVERYBODY will be making these rugs, ya know! ;o}

Karen L. - Your Q hook would probably pull the strips through the loops easier than the P hook. I wonder if it would make a big difference in the denseness of the rug? Like would there be holes between the loops and rows?? Probably not.

It is pretty hard to find time for any handwork in the summer when we all spend so much time outside. As for your kind thanks, you're very welcome! Glad to do it.

Jen - The. weather. is. crazy!

Mama Tea - Oooh, gift cards are the best! Makes me feel as if I'm getting something for free. Well, I am. I think. Right? (How's your mouth, Little Friend?)

country life said...

I made some rugs, but all for Christmas presents. High time I made one for myself so I started cutting fabric this morning :)
Kim

Teresa said...

I have a Q size hook too. I have made a few afghans using it. The Q size is large enough you can use 3 strands of yarn at one time to make a afghan. So I'm wondering if you could use 2-3 strands of fabric?
That would make a very thick rug I think.

Dirt Lover said...

I have a big hook somewhere. I used to make wool selvage rugs. Pendleton Wool company saves their selvages, and I would buy 30 lb. boxes. They made the greatest rugs. When I would wash them, they felted themselves. Gosh, haven't done that for years! This would be a great way to use up my old fabric I'm never going to use. Thanks for taking the time to do a tutorial!
~~Lori

Mama Pea said...

Country Life - Wa-Hoo! That makes me excited just to hear you've started!

Teresa - I've never seen a Size Q hook but I do know using just the one strip of fabric with the Size P hook is challenging enough. The fabric just doesn't feel like yarn (which is so soft and pliable) at all.

Lori - You're very welcome! I'll bet those wool selvage rugs wore forever!