August 30, 2007-Studio Newsletter

Hi Everyone,
It's so hard to believe that summer is quickly coming to an end. It feels like it has flown by as it has been so eventful.
Our group met at the Penetanguishene Centennial Museum for our monthly summer hook-in this month. The Museum has been very welcoming and view us as a positive addition as we demonstrate this historical art for all to view. It was a very relaxing meeting and the weather was lovely.
Ann Hallett was working on a wonderful monochromatic piece in blacks/browns/greys and 1 added color "oranges" as she was doing a pumpkin rug-it was stunning.
Sandy Gow finished her "Hip & Hop" design from the shop, it is amazing thow thw same pattern turns out so different, it is so vibrant and whimsical compared to mine. Good work Sandy.
Barb Charlebois brought some beautiful fruit motif chair pads to show us and continues to hook on the floral piece she is doing, which is lovely, all the work was done in yarn.
Neva brought her "Jennifer Manuel" purse patter of houses which she hooked with dyed nylons and added beaded handles, it is delightful and I hope she brings it to RUG to show it off and to show Jennifer.
Gail Lawson has finished her 3 bears rug also done in yarn, and has started a new one. Gails rugs all have a wonderful naive look to them and are very artistic.
Eileen Powers was working on a nautical piece using shoelaces for the white rope which was very effective.
It amazes me how much creative energy is brought to the group by all the members. I always come away with an abundance of inspiration after a meeting thanks to all of you.

Eileen will be letting us know the dates of the fall meetings at the superstore soon.

The ladies at the last meeting were requesting we do another tour on the Georgian Queen to see the fall colors. Perhaps a Saturday would be best so that our members that work during the week can attend without losing time. We will pick a date at the next meeting....Please feel free to bring a friend along even if they are not a hooker they can do another craft or just enjoy the view.

Ruggers United Gather will be held on September 29th this fall. I hope most of you can make it as it is a great time.

On August 11th, I attended the Metis Day at Discovery Harbour to talk about the history of rug hooking and do a display of the antique rug patterns and tools, plus show the newer rugs and do demonstration. It was a very successful day as we had over 500 people attend. It is a celebration of the Metis Culture and very interesting to visit. I came away with a happy heart and a sore throat from talking too much (I'm sure you all find that very hard to believe,HAHA)

August 22nd, I was asked to speak on the History of Rug Hooking to a group of ladies at the Centennial Museum. I would like to thank Barb Charlebois and Louise Zoschke very much for all the help the gave me in helping to show the antiquie patterns and demostrating how to pull loops to the ladies, you helped make the night a success. I think you should know that we were complimented by some of the ladies who visited the store afterwards. It is very rewarding to pass on the history and have it appreciated. It's surprising how many people talk about their memories of their mothers and grandmothers hooking rugs and even helping to cut the strips. It's too bad not more of these people had the rugs to show.

The "Beginner Rug Hooking Course" being offered through the studio will start on September 18th. There will be an afternoon class from 1-3 and an evening class from 7-9pm. The course will take place at the museum if there are more that 6 persons in the class or at my home if there are 6 or less. I will let the students know the location closer to the date.
The course cost will be $50 for 5 lessons, one of which will be a 1:1 course to pick or prep your pattern and learn how to measure the piece for the wool required.
There is a $20 deposit required to hold your seat and to order your hoop/hook which will run approximately $35 for both. The price of the pattern will depend on what you decide on. I have been donated recycled material which I will share with you all to keep the cost at a minimum.
Students are required to bring a small pair of sharp scissors, a margarine container(small) and a bag to hold your project and supplies. I hope to make this a relaxed and enjoyable experience for all who attend, so sit back and enjoy.
Happy Hooking Everyone,
Karen