A Farewell to Edith.

Back in 2009, I bought a UFO (unfinished object, in case you don't know) from an older rug hooker in Toronto. She was well into her 80s and knew that she would never finish it. The price I paid was embarrassingly low, for the pattern (which she had started) and all the wool to hook it. She just wanted someone to finish it. I promised I would. Here is a picture from 2009 when I began. 

Over all these years, I have worked on it in fits and starts, making very slow progress. I realized that I was not emotionally attached to it, and guilt was not a great motivator. I was struggling to get anywhere close to the 40 x 60 size, so I made the decision to cut down the pattern. Then I could sort of fulfill my promise. I reduced it to 24 x 36, a doable mat size versus a full size room rug.

The ends that I cut off will eventually be hooked into pillows, in colours that are more my palette. 

Here is the rug, which I nicknamed "Edith" after the woman who sold it to me, all finished and ready to be part of a fundraiser on Monday. 

Our local rug hooking group is having our second "Estate and Stash-Buster Sale", where people bring things from their stash - or things we have been give by people who are giving up rug hooking. I decided that in addition to many other supplies I don't need - hoops, hooks, an extra gripper frame, and a cutter, I will bring a few finished rugs and see if people are interested.

All proceeds of this endeavour go to our local Kawartha Food Share. Last time we raised over $900 dollars. We hope to do the same again. 

Last Monday I took Edith to our usual session and was whipping the edges. One of the women there (part of the Scandinavian embroidery group who share our space) was drawn to the piece and asked what I was going to price it at. I thought $100 as a minimum bid would be good. People could go higher if they wanted. So she made a "reserved bid" on it, saying that I should take a higher bid, but that might prompt higher bids. I have no idea what to think, but I have a guaranteed $100, which I know is too low, but it is for a very worthwhile cause. 

I am very relieved that "Tribal Kilim" aka Edith will go to a good home. And that I "sort of" fulfilled my end of this bargain.