Drawing for my new website

Only a day left to get into my drawing to celebrate my new website. Yes, I've moved to www.redjackrugs.com. Please come over to my new webspace and join the Followers in the right sidebar by September 6th. And you will be entered in my drawing for a palette pack of wool. If you have a blogroll on your blog, I thank you in advance for replacing my old address with my new one.

Redirection

This site is defunct. Please if you have this blog on a blogroll or in a subscription, you will need to change the URL address. To stay current, please redirect blogrolls, subscriptions, or favorites to http://redjackrugs.com/ where I am now posting regularly.

I've moved!

Drum roll....This is it!....Come on over to my new online virtual blog and studio webspace. Just click http://redjackrugs.com. And join the Followers in the sidebar.

I will leave up this blog, but all new blog posts will be happening in my new webspace at redjackrugs.com.

Third Annual Fredericksburg Fall Fling

Third annual Fredericksburg Fall Fling taking registrations now. Sorry for the delay!! Dates 11/10 and 11/11th, 2010. Location: Fredericksburg Inn and Suites. Blocked room rate $79. Lunches served. Also will have snacks, hot tea bar, coffee throughout day. Cost $65 total for both days. $45 for one day.

Starts at 9:30 both days.

If you have any questions, please let me know!

Deborah Neslage Deborah Neslage
Designs by Deborah The Vintage Tablecloth
113 E. Main Street 115 E. Main Street
Brady, Texas 76825 Brady, Texas 76825
325-597-2277 325-597-1905

Some of my Sauder favorites

Here are a couple of fun pictures...Alexander posing with his sunflower sack; my sister posing with her pine cone rug (top).


Here are a couple of my top favorites at Sauder this year: one was in the Celebration group hooked by Joanne Gerwig (Randi); the other is a big geometric which Alex liked too (does anyone know the hooker's name?, the tag came out too blurry in my photo for me to make it out).

Moving soon...

I've decided to try and make my move over to my integrated blog and website soon (www.redjackrugs.com). I won't have all the Palette Wool up for sale yet...the flooded house has put me behind schedule. BUT the rest of the website should be functioning by the end of next week. This means that I am going to be found at a different web address (www.redjackrugs.com)...so if you are a follower of my blog, you will have to visit me at my new blog address once I make the transfer. I will put up a big post here, so you won't miss it. I will put up a FOLLOWER widget on the new blog site so all you have to do is click it to subscribe to the new blog address. I will keep my old blog here with a link to the new one, but I won't be posting here after I make the transfer. Wish me luck!

Region 9 ATHA Events and News for September

From: Martha Lowry, ATHA Region 9 Rep
mlowry52@hotmail.com
281-550-7562

UPCOMING REGION 9 EVENTS

AUGUST
FREDERICKSBURG HOOKED RUG WOOL GATHERING AND WORKSHOP, August 29-30, at Inn on Barons Creek, Fredericksburg, TX. Vendors: Bea Brock, Julie Burns, Dorothy Panaceck, Susan Quicksall, Judy Soehnge, and Tricia Travis. Mini workshops and make-it-and-take-its. For more information and registration form, contact Tricia Travis, countrygatherings@mail.com or
210-651-4470.

SEPTEMBER

HOOKED PUMPKINS AND INDIAN CORN CLASS, Saturday, September 4 at P is for Primitive, Canton, MS. Hook or finish your three-dimensional pumpkin or corn patterns. Each pattern is $22.50, class fee is $5.00, bring sack lunch. It's a great way to make use of scraps and leftover strips. Space is limited, so call to reserve a space. Lisanne Miller, lisannemiller1@aol.com or 601-859-4252.

ADRIENNE DYKES' CAL CREATIONS AND ANTIQUES SHOP, located behind her home in McKinney, TX is having a big wool, hooking supply and fall antique sale on Friday and Saturday, September 10-11, from 10:00 to 4:30. Enjoy Cliff's New England Ginger Cookies and a cup of hot mulled cider while enjoying the event. Call or email for directions or further details. Look for the "Fall Show" signs along the way. Contact: Adrienne Dykes, 972-542-3214 or cliffpadd3@yahoo.com.

OCTOBER

MAGNOLIA WOOL DUST SOCIETY'S JAIL HOUSE ROCK HOOK-IN, October 21-23, at the historic Old Jail House, Canton, MS. Vendors, cocktail reception, lunches, goody bags. Contact Lisanne Miller to be placed on waiting list, lisannemiller1@aol.com or 601-859-4252.

OXFORD RUG CAMP, October 31-November 4, at the Downtown Inn and Suites, Oxford, MS. Teachers: Sibyl Osicka, Beverly Conway, and Bea Brock. Camp is now full, but contact camp director Donna Holdiness to be placed on waiting list. An exhibit of the rugs of the Las Rancheritas Rug Hook Project, Mexico, will be featured at the Oxford Camp Rug Show, to be held on Tuesday during camp. Everyone is welcome to attend the rug show, no admission charge. For more information, visit the website, www.oxfordrugcamp.com. For registration and exact time of rug show, contact Donna at oxfordrugcamp@bellsouth.net or 662-289-7738.

NOVEMBER

YELLOW ROSE AUTUMN RUG HOOKING AND FIBER ARTS RETREAT, November 6-7, Baymont Inn and Suites, 301 Capitol St., Grapevine, TX. This retreat will be held all day Saturday (9:00 a.m. through 11:00 p.m.) and Sunday (9:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m.) in the conference room of the hotel for rug hookers, knitters and stitchers. Enjoy make-it-and-take-it, mini classes, dyeing demos, vendors, door prizes, and goody bags. Registration fee is $65 both days, includes lunch. Dinner on your own. Motel has special low rate for event. Space limited to 30 registrants, so act now. Contact Susan Harper to register or for more information, texasrugfest@yahoo.com or 817-571-7825.

THIRD ANNUAL FREDERICKSBURG FALL FLING, November 10-11, Fredericksburg, TX, hosted by Deborah Neslage of Designs by Deborah. Registration is $65 for both days, includes lunch, snacks and hot tea bar. Dinner on your own, lodging separate. For more information and to register, contact Deborah Neslage, 325-597-2277 or dneslage@hotmail.com.

KERRVILLE TRADITIONAL AND PRIMITIVE RUG CAMP, November 12-14, at Y.O. Ranch Resort Hotel and Conference Center, Kerrville, TX. This camp offers both traditional and primitive instruction by McGown-certified instructors, including Judy Rippstein, Pamela Van Lieu, and Karen Maddox. Three days of classes, evening hooking, shopping, rug raffle, book sale, silent auction, rug show and sale. Contact: Pamela Van Lieu, rpvanlieu@gvtc.com or 830-336-4467.

JANUARY, 2011

GLEN ROSE RUG HOOKING RETREAT, sponsored by Texas Rug Runners ATHA CHAPTER, January 14-16, at the Glen Lake Camp and Retreat Center. Contact: Melody Lundquist, melody.lundquist@yahoo.com.

FEBRUARY

ONE RUG, TWO RUG NEW ORLEANS RUG HOOKING GET-AWAY, February 9-13, in the historic French Quarter. Teachers: Sharon Townsend, Diane Stoffel, and Carrie Martin. Consider a get-away in the one-of-a-kind cultural atmosphere of historic New Orleans. Contact: Dorothy Delaune, rdgdelaune@aol.com, or Carrie Martin, mart3285@bellsouth.net.

NEWS FROM REGION 9 RUG HOOKING GROUPS

REGION 9 HAS MANY RUG HOOKING GROUPS. THIS SECTION CHANGES EVERY MONTH ACCORDING TO INFORMATION SENT IN BY THE GROUPS. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT A GROUP NEAR YOU, PLEASE EMAIL mlowry52@hotmail.com or 281-550-7562. If you are interested in starting a group in your area, email me so that your name and email address can be listed in the Email Update so that other rug hookers might contact you. Remember to contact the group contact persons before traveling to a group meeting, in case of cancellations!

THE HEART OF TEXAS ATHA CHAPTER, San Antonio, TX area, invites you to hook with them. This active group meets six times a year on the third Saturday of the month at Country Gatherings shop in Bracken Village. Meeting times and dates are announced annually at the January meeting. This group sponsors three major events annually: an all-day Hook-In in February (mark your calendar for February 26, 2011); participation in the San Antonio Folklife Festival the second weekend in June; and the Angela Pumphrey Workshop, a popular three-day event featuring national teachers, which is held on the San Antonio Riverwalk the second weekend in August. For more information, contact Catherine Hickman, catherine35@sbcglobal.net.

THE STASH SISTERS ATHA CHAPTER, Houston, TX area, also invites you to hook with them. They meet 10:00-3:00 at the Octavia Fields Library, 1503 S. Houston, Humble, TX, on the first Saturday and the second and fourth Thursdays. Exception: the third Thursday at The Hen House, 5701 Louetta Rd., Spring, TX. Contact: P.D. Hankamer, heartspd1@yahoo.com, or 409-374-2258. Call first, as occasionally the library is unavailable and the meeting is moved to another location.

THE KIRBY HOOKING CIRCLE, Houston, TX, meets the third Saturday of each month, 11:00-3:30, at Bethany Christian Church, 3223 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX. They also meet every fifth Saturday of the year. Contact: Lurie McAdow, luriemcadow@aol.com.

MAGNOLIA WOOL DUST SOCIETY ATHA CHAPTER, Jackson, MS area, meets the second Saturday of each month at the Old Jail, Canton, MS. All are welcome to join this ATHA group. Contact Lisanne Miller, lisannemiller1@aol.com.

THE HOOK ME UP GROUP, Dallas, TX area, meets the third Saturday of each month at Carrollton Church of the Nazarene, Carrollton, TX. Contact Janet Kersh, woolgarden@hotmail.com to be placed on the regular email reminder list.

KATY LAMBCHOPS, Katy, TX, meets Wednesdays, 10:00-3:00, and the second Saturday, 10:00-3:00, at My Little House, located inside Dovetail Antiques in Old Town Katy. They have a monthly make-it-and-take-it project. Their next project is to make a wool pin cushion in a vintage jar lid. Contact Jan Peckenpaugh to be placed on the regular email reminder list, and you will receive a reminder before the next make-it-and-take-it date. Contact Jan at mylilhouse@hotmail.com or 281-687-2088.

AGGIELAND RUG ARTISTS ATHA CHAPTER, College Station, TX, is an active rug hooking group. Recently three members attended the Angela Pumphrey Workshop hosted by the Heart of Texas ATHA Chapter in San Antonio: Loyce Kahil, Anne Linne, and Marilyn White. Congratulations to the group's secretary/treasurer Emma Gene Schroeder, who won third place in the national DAR Fiber Arts Contest with her pineapple hooked rug, after having won first place in both the state and district competitions. She was unable to attend the awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. and was represented by her Regent at the ceremony. The prize-winning rug now hangs in her daughter's home. Emma Gene encourages all rug hookers who are DAR members to enter the contest next year. For information about meeting times, contact Emma Gene, emmagene@suddenlink.net

ATHA NEWSLETTER ARTICLES

The current issue (August/September) of the ATHA NEWSLETTER is full of wonderful articles by Region 9 rug hookers:

"A Wonderful World of Hooking" by Genevieve Gelles, Georgetown, TX

"Seeing Red...Fish" by Laurie Olson, New Orleans, LA

"Lots of Firsts" and "My Nana Liked to Show Off Her Legs" by Terry (T.J.) Johnmartin, Nederland, TX

"Hooking Out of My Box" by Judy Bruns, Brenham, TX

"Dyeing Primer Part 4: Accordian Fold Dyeing" by Bea Brock, Kerrville, TX

"Taking the Fear Out of Fruit, Part 4" by Carrie Martin, Covington, LA

"Got Wool? Alternative#1: How Does Polar Fleece Fair?" by April D. DeConick, Houston, TX

Congratulations to all of you for the wonderful articles. Region 9 should be proud of its participation in the NEWSLETTER, which is a member-driven publication that counts on all of us to send in our rug photos and articles. Are you worried you "can't write"? Don't worry, send your information, and the editor, Judy Long, can make you look good. Judy is currently looking for Christmas/holiday/snowmen rugs. Deadline for the Dec/Jan issue is October 1. Contact Judy Long, athanews@peoplescom.net.

If you do not receive the NEWSLETTER yet, it's easy. Go to www.atharugs.com, click on "how to join" and join online using paypal, or download the membership form and mail with your check for $26. That will mean you will get 6 full-color 60-page issues mailed to your home for the next year.

REGION 9 ATC SWAP

These rug hookers are ready to swap ATC's:
Martha Reynolds rugbug48@gmail.com
April DeConick adeconick@rice.edu
You can email them for their addresses if you would like to swap.

If you are ready to swap your ATC's, email me to place your name in the Email Update next month.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Carrie Martin, Covington, LA., who has been named ATHA Education Chair. Carrie is on the Executive Counsel for ATHA and will be working to make our organization better for all our members.

Congratulations to April DeConick, who has just published her book about Palette Dyeing. To learn more, go to www.redjackrugs.blogspot.com.

NEED A FRAME?
Jean, a rug hooker in the Oklahoma City, OK area would like to sell two used frames, but there are not many rug hookers in her immediate area. If interested contact her at farrers2@cox.net.

ATC Swap at Sauder Village

One of the highlights of the Sauder Village rug show was the ATC Swap I attended on Wednesday afternoon. What fun to meet other ruggers and to exchange 'shares' of our rugs with each other! There were seven of us exchanging. So here are the ATCs I received in the swap.

"Pitchers of flowers" #oook, hooked by Kim Dubay on August 10, 2010.

"Yellow Dog" #8, hooked by Teresa Heinze.

"Tex" (Lama), hooked by Judith Rippstein, August 2010.

"Sheep Button & Country" #7, hooked by Kathy Wright, 5-14-10.

"Spider Lily", hooked by Barbara Barton, 2010.

Hot pink abstract, hooked by Donna Lees Bleam.

Pink and green abstract, Nottingham Series 8/9, hooked by Tiffany DeConick, 8-17-10.

Here is a picture of the trading table. What a great time and great memories of looking through everyone's trading cards and swapping with each other!

ATCs are fun to make and swap. Rug Hooking Magazine is holding a swap. If you send in a ATC by September 15, you will get an ATC returned to you by October.

Also, we have an ATC Swap group on Rug Hooking Daily. Post a picture of your ATC by the first of each month, and an exchange with another rugger will be made by the 15th. It's easy.

Alexander's first day of school

I can't believe it but Alexander is in first grade already. Despite the aftermath of our flood and the fact that we are living in a small room in the upstairs of our home, Alexander made it to his first day of school this morning, I made it to my office, and Wade made it to his classroom. He is starting a new career as a science high school teacher.

I haven't been able to set up a rug hooking spot yet but hope to figure it out soon. I need some relaxation!

Returned to a flood

I have returned from Sauder to a first floor that flooded. A pipe burst under our kitchen sink and flooded the entire first floor of our house. So I'll try to get some posts up about Sauder and the ATC swap which was a blast, but it may take me some time as I try to sort out my house and get started teaching monday.

Off to Sauder Village

Alexander and I are leaving tomorrow by train for Michigan to visit my sister and her family. So I am packing up for Sauder. I am taking a few rugs I hooked this last year to exhibit: Saint Nicholas 2009, White Tiger Beauty, Lady Sunset, and my Christmas rug 2010 which I am just finishing. It is called O Christmas tree. Here is a sneak peek. I used wools from the Norfolk family (my blue-purple family).

Alexander is going to display his prodded sunflower which I sewed onto a jean sack for him. He carries his sleep buddies in it.



I will try to post while I'm at my sister's house, but it won't be as regular. I promise to take pictures at Sauder and post them afterward.

The Wool Palette is available

I am thrilled to announce that my book, The Wool Palette, is now available from Lulu.com. I have placed a 'Buy Now' button on the sidebar of my blog which will take you directly to Lulu.com and the fuller description of my book. I am extremely pleased with the book. It is a large book, 8 1/2" by 11", 105 pages. It contains over 60 illustrations and photos, including many of my rugs.

The purpose of the book is to describe step-by-step the Palette Dyeing process, helping you create 67 colors from three 'primary' dye formulas. You start by creating your own red, yellow and blue, and from these 64 other colors can be created.

EXCERPT: Palette Dyeing is conceived from the point of view of a painter who creates all her colors from the three primary colors, by mixing red, yellow and blue. But here is the catch. This process is not about taking pre-made red, yellow and blue straight from the packet and mixing them. This process is about creating your own unique formulas for the three 'primary' colors so that the result will be your own unique color palette of wool. In other words, it is about beginning by mixing a red you love, a yellow you love, and a blue you love, and then combining these signature dyes to create the twelve hues on the color wheel, neutrals and grays and everything in between.

In these lessons, I will be providing complete step-by-step instructions about this process. I will introduce you to color and mixing dyes so that you are able to create your own signature palette of wool. I will also share with you dyeing techniques so that you can create beautiful gradated, textured wools and dappled wools with your palette dyes, wools that will give your rugs fantastic appeal. You will learn in these lessons how to easily dye any color, any value, any time. The lessons begin with instructions for the 8-gradation dyeing process used to create your palette wools. Next color theory is discussed since it forms the basis for Palette Dyeing. Then the lessons proceed with instructions for creating your own 67 Palette Dyes and information about dyeing a single color and value in yardage rather than swatches. The lessons assume no prior knowledge of dyeing, proceed step-by-step through all processes and include notebooks for your samples.

Getting ready for Sauder Village

This year I'm heading up north to visit my sister and we are going to go to Sauder for the rug exhibit. I just pre-registered some of the rugs I hooked this year, and can't wait to see what other people have been doing. And of course Noah's Ark. The exhibit is usually amazing, so I am looking forward to it.

Anyone else going?

PS: Is anyone interested in setting up a blogger coffee get-together? Around 10 am on Wednesday?

Second Sixth-Month Roundup for Ten-Minute Challenge

The Ten-Minute rug hookers have been busy during the second six-month installment of the Ten-Minute Challenge. So busy in fact that together we have produced over 50 rugs! These rugs were posted by their creators on our Rug Hooking Daily forum, and here I share them with you in this Ten-minute Roundup collage format. To view the rugs and the comments of the creators, please visit our RDH forum HERE. The creators of the individual rugs are Cynthia Bell, Jennifer Croggon, April DeConick, Tiffany DeConick, Lynn Deitz, Pat Freasier, Sondra Ives, Sharon Johnston, Kim Jones, Melaine Lambe, Jo Leland, Phyllis Lindblade, Allyson Marcolini, Lurie McAdow, Robin from Bandon OR, Lisa Zimmerman. Congratulations to all who are Ten-Minute hookers! I will draw the names of the winners for the two pocket purses at the end of August.

The third six-month installment of the Ten-Minute Challenge starts today. Make rug hooking a daily part of your life. Take up the challenge. If you want to join in the fun, send me your name via email (adeconick@rice.edu) and join the Rug Hooking Daily forum HERE where we post about our progress !

Fifth Saturday Kirby Hooking Circle

Reminder that we have a fifth saturday in July, which means an extra hook in for the KHC! Hope you can make it.

KIRBY HOOKING CIRCLE hosted their first Mid-Summer Hook-In on June 26, with 55 in attendance for a fun day of hooking and shopping. Besides meeting the third Saturday of each month, we have a 5th Saturday Hook-In on July 31, 11:00-3:30, at Bethany Christian Church, Houston, TX. For more information and to be added to the regular email list, contact Lurie McAdow, luriemcadow@aol.com.

Loopgram: How to create hooked ATCs

I imagine that every rug hooker who creates ATCs will develop her own way to make them. I gave this some thought and here is the way I went about creating 2 1/2" by 3 1/2" original pieces of art to trade. My concept is to create 8 ATCs for every rug I hook, using leftover wool from the rug. The first I have done is a series of ATCs to accompany Lady Sunset. I have marked each of the 8 ATCs in the series with a number representing its place in the series: 1/8, 2/8, 3/8, etc.

1. I chose black wool as my foundation fabric, so I wouldn't have to worry about figuring out how to bind the tiny card.

2. I cut out a piece of cardboard 1 3/4" by 2 3/4". I pinned this template on my black wool foundation and a hooked around it to establish my outside line. I was able to fit 8 cards on my backing.

3. I used wool leftover from the rug I just finished (Lady Sunset) and filled in the rectangles.

4. I cut each card out of the backing by cutting the foundation fabric about 1/8" wider than the hooking so that the outside dimension measured a perfect 2 1/2" by 3 1/2".

5. I pressed the 8 cards.

6. I printed my backing information on printable fusable fabric: Name, date, title of ATC, no., contact information. I used my cardboard template as the outside dimension to cut out the backing information.

7. I tore 8 pieces of black wool 2 1/2" by 3 1/2". I fused the backing information onto each piece of black wool.

8. I attached the backing to the ATC sewing by hand with black thread all the way around.

9. Took an afternoon, so if you are looking for a fun guild project...

ATC Swap

I am "in" on creating ATCs. I have already hooked eight but need to go to JoAnn's to buy some printable fabric to make the back of the cards. What are ATCs? Artist Trading Cards. They are 2 1/2 by 3 1/2 inch pieces of original art that artists create and trade among themselves, building their own collections. They are not sold. The important note is that they have to be this exact size, or they won't fit into collection selves. They are created from whatever medium the artist works in.

Here is a link to Art in my Pocket, a site all about ATCs. Rug Hooking Magazine ran an article about hooked ATCs by Kim Dubay this summer. An online version is HERE. Rug Hooking Magazine is sponsoring a swap HERE; you can upload a photo of a card, send it to them, and they will send you a card in exchange. Martha Reynolds is holding a Region 9 swap. Contact her to swap at rugbug48@gmail.com.

Today I put up a ATC Rug Hooking Swap on Rug Hooking Daily HERE. The idea will be that we will swap cards once a month in order to build our collections. I hope you will join the swap group and get word out that it exists. The more ruggers that join, the richer our swaps will become!

When I finish labeling the backs of my cards, I will put up a loopgram post on how I went about creating my cards.

Region 9 ATHA Events for August

FROM: Martha Lowry
ATHA Region 9 Rep
281-550-7562
mlowry52@hotmail.com



UPCOMING REGION 9 EVENTS

JULY

There are only a couple of days left to enjoy the FIBER ARTS INVITATIONAL EXHIBIT at the KERR ARTS AND CULTURAL CENTER in Kerrville, TX, July 1-25. The work of 14 fiber artists is featured, including rug hooking artist Karen Maddox, who is exhibiting 8 of her hooked rugs and wall hangings. The KACC is located in Kerrville's historic old post office building, which has been remodeled with 3 wonderful galleries and a gift shop. No admission fee, although donations requested. For operating hours and location, www.kacckerrville.com.

SCULPTED FACE CLASS taught by artist Lebba Kropp at My Little House Rug Hooking Studio, Katy, TX. This is a two-day class being held on July 26 and 30. Even non-artists can sculpt a beautiful face, with Lebba's help. Preregistration required, contact Jan Peckenpaugh, 281-687-2088 or mylilhouse@hotmail.com.

CHRISTMAS IN JULY at P is for Primitive, Canton, MS. Knitted Christmas Stocking class July 24, and Christmas Penny Rug Towels class July 31. All classes have limited seating, so call in advance to register. Christmas in July Store Sale Friday and Saturday, July 23 and 24. Lisanne Miller, 601-859-4252 or lisannemiller1@aol.com.

AUGUST

ANGELA PUMPHREY WEEKEND RUG HOOKING WORKSHOP, hosted by the Heart of Texas ATHA Chapter, August 13-15, Holiday Inn Riverwalk, San Antonio, TX. Teachers: Elizabeth Black, Pris Buttler, Beverly Conway, and Carrie Martin. Come enjoy true Heart of Texas hospitality in the heart of San Antonio. Contact: Tricia Travis, countrygatherings@mail.com or 210-651-4470.

CYNTHIA NORWOOD WORKSHOP, August 25-27, a three-day workshop at P is for Primitive, Canton, MS. Price is $195 for three-day class with Cynthia, and includes lunch and snacks each day. Class is full, but call to be placed on waiting list. Contact: Lisanne Miller, lisannemiller1@aol.com, or 601-859-4252.

FREDERICKSBURG HOOKED RUG WOOL GATHERING AND WORKSHOP, August 29-30, at Inn on Barons Creek, Fredericksburg, TX. Cost is $25 per day, or $45 for both days. Vendors: Bea Brock, Julie Burns, Dorothy Panaceck, Susan Quicksall, Judy Soehnge, and Tricia Travis. Mini workshops and make-it-and-take-its. For more information and registration form, contact Tricia Travis, countrygatherings@mail.com or 210-651-4470.

SEPTEMBER

ADRIENNE DYKES' CAL CREATIONS AND ANTIQUES SHOP, located behind her home in McKinney, TX is having a MAJOR wool, hooking supply and Fall antique sale on Friday and Saturday, September 10-11, from 10:00 a.m to 4:30 p.m.. Don't miss this opportunity for great wool prices, etc. Call or email for directions or further details. Contact: Adrienne Dykes, 972-542-3214 or cliffpadd3@yahoo.com.

OCTOBER

MAGNOLIA WOOL DUST SOCIETY'S THIRD ANNUAL JAIL HOUSE ROCK HOOK-IN, October 21-23, at the historic Old Jail House, Canton, MS.
Great vendors, cocktail reception, lunches, hooking. Registration $45. Attendance limit is full, but contact Lisanne Miller to be placed on waiting list, lisannemiller1@aol.com or 601-859-4252.

OXFORD RUG CAMP, October 31-November 4, at the Downtown Inn and Suites, Oxford, MS. The word is out about this popular and growing camp in north Mississippi, handy to Memphis airport. Teachers: Sibyl Osicka, Beverly Conway, and Bea Brock. Contact: Donna Holdiness, oxfordrugcamp@bellsouth.net or 662-289-7738. To get a feeling for this friendly camp, visit the website, www.oxfordrugcamp.com.

NOVEMBER

KERRVILLE TRADITIONAL AND PRIMITIVE RUG CAMP, November 12-14, at Y.O. Ranch Resort Hotel and Conference Center, Kerrville, TX. Excellence is the word at this Texas Hill Country camp, which offers traditional or primitive rug hooking instruction by all McGown-certified teachers, including Judy Rippstein, Pamela Van Lieu, and Karen Maddox. Three days of classes, evening hooking, shopping, rug raffle, book sale, silent auction, rug show and sale. Contact: Pamela Van Lieu, rpvanlieu@gvtc.com or 830-336-4467.

JANUARY, 2011

GLEN ROSE RUG HOOKING RETREAT, sponsored by Texas Rug Runners ATHA CHAPTER, January 14-16, at the Glen Lake Camp and Retreat Center. It's time to reserve for this always popular annual weekend get-away. Contact: Melody Lundquist, melody.lundquist@yahoo.com.

FEBRUARY, 2011

ONE RUG, TWO RUG New Orleans Rug Hooking Get-Away, February 9-13, in the historic French Quarter. Carrie and Dorothy have moved their annual camp from June to February, and campers can now enjoy the mild weather and the beginnings of springtime in the French Quarter. Teachers: Sharon Townsend, Diane Stoffel, and Carrie Martin. Consider a get-away in the one-of-a-kind cultural atmosphere of historic New Orleans. Contact: Dorothy Delaune, rdgdelaune@aol.com, or Carrie Martin, mart3285@bellsouth.net.

NEWS FROM REGION 9 RUG HOOKING GROUPS

Rug hookers love to hook together, and Region 9 offers many groups that welcome rug hookers. Our region has 7 ATHA chapters, whose doors are open to all. They are located in these areas: Jackson, MS; New Orleans; and in Texas--Houston, Arlington, San Antonio, Fredericksburg, and College Station. To learn how to contact them and their meeting times, contact mlowry52@hotmail.com.

In addition, there are many other rug hooking groups, hosted by rug hooking shops, or meeting in churches, libraries and homes. Most are open to all. The following "blurbs" do not represent nearly all the groups. PLEASE send in information about YOUR group.

MCKINNEY TUESDAY HOOKERS' GROUP meets at 10:00 a.m. every Tuesday at Adrienne Dykes' studio in her McKinney, TX home. The group is presently promoting the sale of their Vol. 2 Cookbook, with a portion of the proceeds donated to a charitable organization. They invite you to come and hook with them. Wool and supplies are available at Adrienne's shop, Cal Creations and Antiques, which is located on the premises. Call or email Adrienne or Kay for further information. Adrienne: 972-542-3214 or cliffpadd3@yahoo.com. Kay: 972-562-8282 or kclifton@hughes.net.

BRADY, TX, HOOKING GROUP meets at Designs by Deborah, 113 E. Main St., Brady, TX 76825. Deborah also states that she has completed the addition of wool selections to her website, www.originaldesignsbydeborah.com. Contact Deborah at 325-597-2277 or dneslage@hotmail.com.

KATY LAMBCHOPS, Katy, TX, meet every Wednesday, 10:00-3:00, and the second Saturday of each month, 10:00-3:00, at My Little House, inside Dovetail Antiques in Old Town Katy. This group enjoys monthly make-it-and-take-it projects. They will be making a wool hooked acorn on Wednesday, July 28. To join this group or to be added to the regular email list, contact Jan Peckenpaugh at 281-687-2088 or mylilhouse@hotmail.com.

KIRBY HOOKING CIRCLE hosted their first Mid-Summer Hook-In on June 26, with 55 in attendance for a fun day of hooking and shopping. Besides meeting the third Saturday of each month, they will have a 5th Saturday Hook-In on July 31, 11:00-3:30, at Bethany Christian Church, Houston, TX. For more information and to be added to the regular email list, contact Lurie McAdow, luriemcadow@aol.com.

TYLER AREA HOOKING GROUP is led by Laura Schulze, who teaches rug hooking and sells supplies at Rose Path Weaving in Lindale, TX. Beginning in August, there will be a hooking group meeting on Thursdays at Rose Path. Visit www.rosepath.net to sign up for Laura's rug hooking classes. Laura recently completed a very large, impressionistic-style, multi-fiber rug called "Farm Garden", which some of you saw her hooking at the Texas Rugfest in June. To see this awesome rug, you may visit Rose Path, where the rug is hanging, or Laura's weblog (see Region 9 Blogs/Websites section.) Contact: Laura Schulze, beehiverugs@yahoo.com.

MAGNOLIA WOOL DUST SOCIETY ATHA CHAPTER meets the second Saturday of each month at the Old Jail, Canton, MS. Their next meeting is August 14. Contact: Lisanne Miller, lisannemiller1@aol.com.

HOOK ME UP GROUP meets the third Saturday of each month at Carrollton Church of the Nazarene, Carrollton, TX. Their next meeting is August 21. For more information and to be placed on the regular email list, contact Janet Kersh, woolgarden@hotmail.com.

REGION 9 OPPORTUNITIES

INVITATION TO JOIN A REGION 9 ATC SWAP: Dallas rug hooker Martha Reynolds wishes to start an ATC SWAP in Region 9. If you are interested in swapping these small artist trading cards with fellow rug hookers, and thereby meeting new friends in our region, just send in your name and email address to me, and I will list you in the next Email Update under "ATC Swap". You can then contact one or more on the list and arrange a swap.

What is an ATC? It is a small original hooked piece, measuring 2.5 x 3.5 inches. Go to Gene Shepherd's free blog (www.geneshepherd.com and click on free blog) to see one of Martha's ATC's (see July 13 entry). Also, read the current issue of RUG HOOKING MAGAZINE for an article about their ATC Swap. Martha is participating in that one, also. Their website www.rughookingmagazine.com shows some of the ATC's they have received.

According to Martha, "The postage on these is not much if you put them in a greeting card size envelope and mail them regular postage. It costs a little over $1.00. I have six ready to go!" Contact her to swap at rugbug48@gmail.com. And send in your email address for the Update, to swap with other rug hookers.

SEEING RED MAT CHALLENGE

It's only a matter of months until the Seeing Red Exhibit opens in February 2011 at the Trolio Hotel in Canton, MS, curated by Lisanne Miller, ATHA Communications Director. Consider joining the challenge. Details are in the Feb/Mar issue of ATHA NEWSLETTER.

REGION 9 BLOGS/WEBSITES

Many thanks to April DeConick, who often publishes news of Region 9 rug hooking events on her blog www.redjackrugs.blogspot.com. I frequently check her blog to keep up with what's going on. We have many great blogs and websites by Region 9 rug hookers. PLEASE let me know of any more.

www.yellowroseevents.net
www.oxfordrugcamp.com
www.beehiverugs.blogspot.com
www.wool-gatherings.com
www.fredericksburgrugs.com
www.hillcountry-rugworks.com
www.hollyhilldesigns.com
www.originaldesignsbydeborah.com
www.countrygatheringsshop.com
www.stonehillspin.com
www.pisforprimitives.com
www.laceyjaneprims.com
www.mylittlehousedesigns.com
www.judithlesterdesigns.com
www.cotton-eyed-jo.blogspot.com
www.thehogscaldholler.blogspot.com
www.primitivesbythelightofthemoon.blogspot.com
www.patijanesprimitives.blogspot.com
www.edythoneill.blogspot.com

ATHA NEWSLETTER ARTICLES

Have you sent one of your rug photos in to ATHA NEWSLETTER? The editor Judy Long works on a deadline which is two months in advance. That means that now she is finishing up the Oct/Nov issue, and is well into work on Dec/Jan. By now, she's looking for articles from ATHA members for Feb/Mar. Do you have a rug with a snowman or Valentine theme? Presidents Day or St. Patrick's? Judy needs fine-cut rugs as well as primitives. Email your rug photos and articles to Judy at athanews@peoplescom.net. Can't write? Don't worry, she will edit for you. If you're not sure, just email your rug photos and she'll tell you what else she needs. We want to read about your rugs.

New Christmas Project

I am turning to work on my Santa 2010, Kriss Kringle. I have sketched him on the linen foundation and selected my wools. I am going to be using my Norfolk Family of wools, those created from my blue-purple dye (wool pack on the top of this pile). I think I am going to use a 4-cut for this one because I want to get some detail in the eyes and in the fir. It could easily be hooked in a 6-cut too. It will measure 13 1/2 inches by 16 1/2 inches.

I am going to keep track of how I hook this piece step-by-step, and if I can arrange it, I am considering offering this pattern and instructions as an online VIP rug hooking course in September or October. So watch for that.

Here is a list of the wools I will be selecting from:

Norfolk Lavender 110
Fincastle Brown 141
Wilde Wood 117
Jack Horner Plum 111
Rosehip 45
Midnight Heath 66
Pink Iris 34
Chesterfield 52
Twinkle Periwinkle 56
Gray Lichen 50
Shades of Dusk 23
Gossamer Gray 31

Lady Sunset after a week away

Getting distance from a rug helps. When I returned from Wales and looked at Lady Sunset again, I was still not satisfied. The difference is that I now knew what I wanted to do. I wanted to go in with rainbow, but not as light in value as I had previously tried. This makes the line visible but more subtle so your eye isn't drawn to it instead of the eyes. This rug is about her eyes.

You can see how I work as an artist. I have to hook in my idea and when it fails, I need to try something else. And I keep doing this until I really like it. I have never hooked a rug 'right' the first time. I am always making adjustments to my patterns and to my color and to my lines. I think this is why I love rug hooking so much. It is SO forgiving and generous.

Some have asked about a pattern. Yes, I will be drawing it up. My patterns take so long to develop because I have to hook them first and make adjustments until I am satisfied with the lines. Now I will go back to the rug itself and trace it, working it into a pattern. Hope to get to it this week.

Lady Sunset

I tweaked and bound, and here is the result. I altered some of the values in the left of the face and went back to a dark outline because I felt the eye needed the dark line to bring the viewer into the center of the face to rest. I don't know if I will keep the dark line or not. I'm sleeping on it for the week.

A note to my readers: I am leaving for Wales today for five days. Not a vacation, unfortunately. It is for a professional conference on the Gospel of John where I am delivering a paper. So I will be back home next weekend and will begin posting again at that time.

The ugliest thing I have ever rug hooked

Well, when I got done with Sol Invictus and laid it down on the floor and took a picture of it, all I could think was "my gosh this is the ugliest thing I have ever rug hooked"!

What was wrong? I decided it was two things. The dark outline around his face and the awful petal rays. Was it supposed to be a flower or a sun?

So out came the dark outline and the petal rays, and in went rainbow outline and rays following the colors on the face. I also went away from straight linear hooking and pebbled the rays like the background. I am loving pebbling, and may have a hard time going back to linear hooking. I've renamed it Sunrise Sunset.



Anyway I like the result. Although it is still not my favorite rug, it taught me a lot about color, value and pebbling. I am still not sure about the darker values of the green on the left side of the face, so I may still do a little value tweaking after I bind off the edges.

The winner is...

Alice from Folk Art Primitives...send me your address and the colors you prefer to hook with via email (adeconick@rice.edu) and I will mail you a Red Jack Rugs Palette Pack in celebration of my Blogiversary! Thanks to all who left messages on my Blogiversary post.

Fiber Arts Invitational Exhibit in Kerrville

From Martha Lowry, ATHA regional rep.

The Kerr Arts and Cultural Center, Kerrville, TX, is having a Fiber Arts Invitational exhibit July 1-25, 2010. There are 14 fiber artist featured and Karen Maddox will be exhibiting eight of her hooked rugs/wall hangings. The KACC is located in the historic "old post office", which has been remodeled with three wonderful gallery exhibit spaces and a gift shop. There is no entrance fee--only donations. It is an exciting exhibit!

I've been working on The Wool Palette

Today I sent in my book, The Wool Palette, to be published. Once I get the proofs and approve them, I will post on availability. I am really happy with the way it turned out. I was able to get it printed in full color in paperback, 8 1/2" by 11". So there are over 90 full color illustrations, photos (including my rugs), and sample chips of all the dyes.

The book is a complete guide to Palette Dyeing. I go step-by-step through the Palette Dyeing process, from creating your primary three colors, to mixing them to make the twelve colors on the color wheel. Then I detail how to create the 55 extended colors by blending the twelve in various combinations. I also provide directions for creating textures, mottled wool, and black to match your palette. The instructions assume no prior knowledge of dyeing. Anyone can do it. It is really easy and exciting!