Threadbanger’s knitted hat roundup just reminded me that I’ve been meaning to knit Paul a hat.  Among my Christmas gifts from Paul was a huge set of bamboo double-pointed knitting needles.  Still spanking new and begging to be used.

For starters, picking out a style that suits Paul is quite a dilemna.  A hat is a statement about one’s style and personality…

Paul will say, “I like it simple.” But I want to work in some cable stitches to keep it interesting. Maybe something like this one  in navy blue?

I’ve been looking for an area rug for my new study for some time now and have not been able to find one with the design and colors that I like. The ones that I can vaguely see myself settling for starts at $300 for a 5×8 area rug, and that’s the Building 19 bargain price.

Given the dilemna and my propensity for self-torture, I thought of a way to make my own rug. It would be a fun challenge that I’ve not ever tried before, and it also gives me a RUG. And I have complete control over the design, colors, quality, and price.

This is the early stage of my brain child. I’m pleased to see that it is starting to look and feel like a nice, tight, and hopefully durable rug.

The design is loosely based off this gouache painting that I’d made about seven years ago.

The premise for the painting is that all the objects in the painting are transparent, thus producing these varied colors when laid over each other.

I’m currently working on the bottom right panel of the image.

I don’t know if this is how rugs of this type are generally made. A quick perusal of making your own rugs on the Web show only ones that are weaved, braided, or crocheted doily-like things. None of the techniques would produce what I had in mind.

When I complete the first large square, I will post a step-by-step tutorial so that you too can make your own rug along with me. :-D