iPad Apps for Rug Hookers

At the most recent Thursday gathering, we were talking about using iPad apps to help with the design of our projects.  There are 3 products that could be quite useful.....and they may well work on other types of tablets if you don't have an iPad.  There are lots of similar products out there.  These are just a couple that work well for me.  

The first is a paid application - i think the cost right now is $5.49, but IMHO well worth it, if you like to goof around with your photos.  It's called Waterlogue.  

What it does is take your photos and turn them into a watercolour painting.  It's very easy to use - you just click on the camera icon, select a photo from your library, and it automagically reconfigures it into a painting.  You can choose from several different styles of painting - some more fuzzy than others, or darker in tone etc. I find that the "travelogue" style works best for most of my photos.  

If you like the end result, all you need to do is to save it, and it's now part of your photo album.  Not all photos will work but it's worthwhile testing out some of your favourites.  Here are some examples from stuff i have done.  It's easy to see how the waterlogued image would be something you could use as a basis for a hooked project.

The next app that i like is called PicsArt.  It's a tool for editing your photos, and it's free! (there are paid features available).  

You can do quite a bit with it, but what i like is the FX choice - there are lots of things you can use to apply specific effects to your photos.  Within that is something called "Magic", and it's a great tool to visualize how something could look in different colours or styles.  Here are a few examples:

Upper left is the original photo of a village in the Azores.  These are just 3 of the examples of what PicsArt Magic can do.

The original photo is in the upper right.  I don't know how i managed to get the lower right image, but it's interesting....

The 3rd product is actually a website that you can access from any computer or tablet.  It's called Blockposters.com.  I use it to enlarge my photos for transfer to linen.  It will enlarge your photo and print it on multiple pages and then all you have to do is tape it together.  It's a useful alternative to the local Staples.

At left is the photo i started with, and the final result below, with grid lines on it to mark out what would be on each page.  This project will be 25x28 inches, but there's the option of going up to 66 inches across (and bigger for paid versions of the product).  To save on toner, i would probably use a photo in black & white.

What apps have you been using for your projects?

Such a Busy Meeting

We had a great turn out for our monthly meeting today.  It was our first time to have the whole gang together since May, and there was lots to catch up on!

There were several consultations taking place - whether to discuss designs, colour, etc!

There are several BIG rugs underway.

There were several events our members participated in - here are Judy and Dianne modelling their projects from the Yarns from the Mill event this past weekend.

Lots of projects were underway:

We also checked out our new Bolivar cutters!

...and here are photos of SOME of the completed or almost completed rugs.  Such talent!

2018 Port Hope Fall Fair

Cathy Hazell won first prize for the fair theme rug

Have you been yet?  Do make a point of dropping by the rug hooking display in the gymnasium.  Our group has supplied many of the entries in various categories, and we have a bunch of winners!  Here's a sampling of the entries.  We'll add more photos as we get them.

(edited after the fair:  if you have more photos of rug hooking entries, please share them with us!)

Lynda Johnston won first prize for her tea cozy

Christine Van Hees won 3rd prize for her wide cut tulip

Dianne Algera won first prize for her wide cut

Fran Patton won 2nd prize for her fine cut entry

Lynda Johnston won 2nd prize for her wide cut sea scape

Dianne Algera won 2nd prize for her fair theme rug

Lynda Johnston won first prize for her cushion from recycled clothing

Jennifer Wiber won first prize for her oriental fine cut, and best in show!

Here's Judy and Cathy manning our display

Fran Patton won 3rd for her fair theme hanging

Lynda Johnston won first prize for her original design

Jennifer Wiber won 2nd prize for alternative techniques

Here are some wider angle shots which show you how some of the winners were displayed.

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