Click on the picture to view a larger image

"Standoff: Samson v. Kitty Mom", 2001, 31" x 53"
Teacher: June Mikoryak, my "local" teacher

Herringbone wools are a must for creating hair for animals.  To create a tapered end for long hair, turn the last loop perpendicular to the rest of the loops and pull the tail sideways also.  Hook other loops around the turned loop and end to hold in place. I struggled at first with Samson's long hair until I discovered a burling iron. 

I remember first seeing this item on a product listing from a vendor.  I had no clue what it looked like or what it was for, but my teacher knew it was just what I needed.  A burling iron looks like a simple pair of tweezers, but a pair on steroids.  They are not inexpensive, but worth it.  I could grab each loop at it's base and twist it into position.  Regular tweezers slipped and were not as tapered at the point.  A burling iron is always included in my tool kit now.

Kitty Mom was a stray my daughter picked up the spring of 1986.  We had a dog and I had never been around cats so I was not thrilled.  We decided to not name her and to look for a good home.  It was soon apparent that Kitty was going to be a mother and I could not turn her out.

Kittens quickly wind their way into your heart.  I was prepared for a mess but was pleasantly disappointed.

Blue ribbon at Sauder Village, Archbold, OH 2001
Finalist in Celebrations XII (available through Rug Hooking Magazine)