Monday, January 25, 2010

A couple of weekends ago, I visited my friend Melody at her rug camp. She attends this local camp/retreat each year and this is the 2nd year I've visited her. They allow visitors on Sunday and it's a fun visit. Everyone is happy to show you what they're working on and talk about their love of traditional wool rug hooking. There is wool, supplies and people everywhere!
They also have another room where the attendees can show the rugs they've completed that year. Everything is so different and fun to look at!

Each of these take countless hours to complete.
Look at the detail of the footprints in the snow!

We spent quite a bit of time talking to this gentleman. His name is Eric and he's a nationally known instructor whose last name just escapes me. See that green curly motif? The one that runs through most of the quilt? He's ripping it all out and replacing it with another color. He was really ok with it. I think I would have left it or had a tantrum kicking and screaming on the floor. Clearly, he's a bit more grown up than I am! In real life the green just didn't seem to have enough contrast. In this photo, however, it doesn't look too bad, does it?
Please visit Melody's recap of the weekend on her blog. She has totally different photos including a couple of pictures of the project she started and received instruction on during the weekend. She is a very talented fiber lover and supporter. One day I'm going to give in and take her up on her offer to start rug hooking....but it won't be any time soon due to work and other interests. But it IS going to happen!

18 comments:

Karen said...

Absolutely amazing! The fiber possibilities out there are endless. The work on those rugs is really beautiful, I hope that some day you really do get to try rug hooking.

Tammy said...

wow those are amazing. i would love to see how they do this, the only thing i've ever seen in regards to rugs are those latch hook kits you can buy. the ones you are showing are just gorgeous.

Maria said...

I'm sorry! I'm sitting here cracking up, thinking of you going to Hooker Camp! Why is it that almost every fiber related craft I see draws me in? I'm not touching this one with a ten foot pole, even though it's beyond gorgeous! I have nowhere to store any more stuff!

Pat said...

Those are some amazing hooked pieces. Thanks for showing them to us.

Feisty Irish Wench said...

As a fellow Aquarius, I say this with the most respect and love for you, with only a hint of envy ;)
...overachiever! LOL

Barb said...

Wow...those are soooo wonderful...thanks for showing!!

Simone de Klerk said...

Incredible, all those lovely works of art. I admire Eric´s story, but I think I would be just like you!

Annie said...

I never knew there was such a thing as a rug camp. Another little cul de sac of crafting. This looks like an amazing gathering and the works are so beautiful. Thanks for the lovely photos.

Nancy said...

How someone can make these boggles my brain! These are so amazing.

Melody does the most beautiful work, and I love her latest finish of the Pomegranate runner. I have never seen them in person, but I certainly enjoy her work on her blog! It's just beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Hooked rugs are just so beautiful and I'd love to make them but I don't think I'd ever find time to add another hobby. I can't keep up with all the stuff I do now. ;)

Carol said...

Rug camp? Who knew!! Those rugs are just spectacular--there are so many truly creative people in the world :)

Jean in Georgia said...

I do not need another hobby. I do not need another hobby. I do not need another hobby. I do not need another hobby. I do not need another hobby. I do not need another hobby. I do not need another hobby. I do not need another hobby. I do not need another hobby. I do not need another hobby. I do not need another hobby. I do not need another hobby. I do not need another hobby. I do not need another hobby. I do not need another hobby.

Margaret said...

Oh Jackie! Lucky you to get to visit during this camp! Thanks for the pictures of the finished rugs -- so beautiful!

woolwoman said...

Jackie - what an amazing post. I swear I did not even see that gorgeous rug you pictured in the beginning with big leaves and flowers. Just goes to show how starstruck you get being in the presence of all this wool - you kinda go crazy in the wool dust LOL - I appreciate your interest in our hooking - it is an amazing fiber art but does require lots of time and money - something none of us seem to have an abundance of these days. Melody

Deb said...

You should definitely take her up on her offer to teach you rug hooking. I don't even know her except through her blog, but she's enabled me beyond belief - even found a teacher for me in my area that I can take classes from (and I start in two weeks!!!!). I think that Melody's rugs are beautiful and I think you're so lucky that you go visit the camp and see what everyone was working on.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the wonderful photos! I want to rug hook too.

Katrina said...

Thanks for sharing the pictures, looks like a great day to me :-).

Chris Daly said...

Oh my gosh Jackie, You must return from that weekend so inspired!