Rest and Restoration

 I've slowly been putting the wrought iron bench back together.  

The boards had rotted right out and so I took the opportunity to paint it (taupe and spots of green for a faux weathering look).  

Bill cut new boards for me today.   

Now to stain and seal them . 

 Then we will have to drill the bolt holes in each one

 so we can secure them in place!  

Did I mention it is a slow project!?!

 As for the restoration-I have had these hooked rugs 

my Gram made from the 1960's and 70's.   

Due to a cat indiscretion, I had took the opportunity to do some maintenance on them and give them a right proper bath! 

 I washed them in the tub and said farewell to some vintage dirt! lol 

 After washing and rinsing until clear,  

I spun them in the washer 

and hung them over the pole of my quilting frame to dry!  

It was back breaking work 

but oh-so-worth-it to have them bright and clear again! 

 (The discolorations in this rug are variations of yarn and not cat stains!) 

This one has had a hole in the center for ages. 

 After washing, even as careful as I was, 

the hole is larger and another one showed up nearby.

I have a plan! 

 I have some fabric to back it under the holes 

which I will hand sew in place.  

Then, if I can find some matching Aunt Lydia's rug yarn 

which is what my grandmother used, 

I will hook in the gaps to set is all to rights again!

Stay tuned!