ATHA Ebay Auction Starts!

Just received this information this morning.  Some of Jane Olson's hooking items are being auctioned.  The proceeds are going to ATHA.  Interested?  Read on the information sent via email.

Fundraising efforts for the 2013 ATHA Biennial in Long Beach, California begin this Friday, November 4!
A variety of donated items will begin appearing for sale on eBay website!
 
To find these items, all one will have to do is type in ATHA Biennial 2013 in the eBay search box and hit “go.”  To be kept "in the loop" save ATHA Biennial 2013 as one of your saved searches on eBay and you will automatically receive updates!!!
 
Many of the items going up for sale come from the estate of beloved fiber artist, Jane Olson.  For those students and colleagues who would love a keepsake of Jane’s, you will find her treasures listed.  
 
Items of interest from Jane’s collection that will be sold are:
 
One rug hook, a vintage handmade wooden braiding clamp, pieces of needlework done by Jane, milk glass, china serving pieces, “Hooked Rug” Springbok puzzle, dye spoons, antique needle holder, quilt handmade by Jane, quilt owned by Jane, various collectible antique pieces, flatirons and other items loved by Jane.  
 
In addition, other items of interest  will include a signed Patty Yoder poster, vintage hand painted rug patterns, hooks, books and a variety of other items too numerous to mention.  
 
Join the fun--it starts November 4 with our initial listings, will be updated regularly and continue indefinitely. Check eBay often or save the search – ATHA Biennial 2013 -  to see what is listed as new auction items will appear regularly.  
 
Please tell all your friends and, yes, we would love for you to donate an item to ATHA Biennial 2013.  FMI:  Please contact Barbara Holden:  montairgal@gmail.com  

Reflections on Seeing Red

Our Region 9 ATHA representative, Martha Lowry, laid out the traveling exhibit of Seeing Red rugs at the Kirby Midsummer Hook In last Saturday.  It was wonderful to see them in person.  There were so many interpretations and so many stories told with these rugs.  There is a binder traveling with the exhibit filled with comments from the artists about their own entries.  I wish that I had had more time to read them.  I am hoping that someone will photograph each of the rugs and publish them in a book with all the artists' descriptions.

There is no way that I can display all of the rugs here.  There were just too many.  Each of them are well done interpretations of RED and I loved them all.  But there were a few that stood out for me and so these I share with you in this post.

Early Morning Sunrise is by John Flourney.  I like the sky and the contrast of the shadow side of the big red chair.  The Price of Freedom by Martha Lowry is haunting with its message.  The Cream City Rug Hookers and Heart of Wisconsin entered Shades of Red! which I love for its unusual use of alternative materials and beads.  Mary Jean Whitelaw's Self Portrait is fantastic with its use of complementary colors (red toenails and green grass) and the flat fleshy feet in the proddy grass. The Eye of the Rose by Gail Becker is stunning in its presentation of color and form and the juxtaposition of textures and intensities.  Churchill McKinney's Red Haired Lady has great perspective with the shadowed back of the woman's head and the bright reflection in the mirror.  African Sunset by Gail Dufresne is brilliant with painted-dyed background and vivid purple shadows hooked at varying heights and with sparkle.  Louisianna Redfish by Laurie Olson is bright and fun with a good use of values and textures that make the fish pop.

ATHA Biennial Coming Up

I thought that I would pass on this information that is circulating among ATHA guilds about the upcoming ATHA Biennial.  First, I have heard that the Seeing Red exhibit has been adopted as the Biennial's formal challenge.  So if you didn't make the January deadline for the Seeing Red Exhibit that is traveling around to various sites before the Biennial, there is plenty of time to hook your piece for the Biennial exhibit in October.  It is an original 9" by 12" mat hooked as your interpretation of the theme Seeing Red.

This letter is a copy of the one circulating in the ATHA guilds.  It is from Gail Dufresne.  It has important information about hotels.

Good morning, Everyone!  I hope that you all had wonderful and happy holidays filled with laughter, love, and rug hooking!  Now it is time to get back to work.

Our ATHA 2011 biennial in Lancaster, Pennsylvania is just around the corner and your response has been astounding! This will be the largest and most successful biennial ever.  By now you should have received your registration form that was included in the December/January ATHA newsletter. You may also download a registration form from the ATHA web site (http://www.atharugs.com/). PLEASE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS! Do NOT send in your form before  January 31, or it will be rejected.  This measure  is to level the playing field for those folks who get their newsletter later than others. DO send it in on January 31, however as we expect classes to fill quickly!

If you have not gotten a hotel room yet, there are still plenty in the area and WE WILL GET YOU A ROOM!  Since we implemented a wait list at the Eden Resort, rooms have already become  available and several on that list have gotten rooms, so if you still want to stay at the Eden, please call 717-560-8404 to be placed on the wait list.  There are more rooms currently available at the Hilton Garden Inn which is 2 miles from  the Eden Resort, as well as rooms at the Hilton's sister hotel, the Homewood Suite, which is directly across the street from the Hilton Garden Inn. You may call Kim Levenson at 717.560.0880  or e-mail her at Kim.Levenson@hilton.com   and she will work with you to find you a room at either the Hilton Garden Inn or the Homewood Suite.  I have signed a contract for a block of rooms at the Lancaster Arts Hotel (www.lancasterartshotel.com),  at the very special rate of $129 (plus applicable taxes) per night for several different types of rooms. The hotel is located in the city of Lancaster 2 miles from the Eden Resort.  Although none of the rooms in this hotel block have two beds, one, the club room, has a twin size pull out couch and the deluxe king rooms can fit a rollaway bed. Guests can call the hotel reservation desk to find out what rooms are available at the time of booking. There is also a suite available for $199 which has a twin sofa bed. Included in these rates are breakfast, free taxi service within 5 miles of the hotel, Internet service, garage parking, and YMCA access.  Call the reservation number: 717.299.3000 or the toll free number: 866.720.2787.  A brand new La Quinta Inn & Suites (http://www.lq.com/lq/index.jsp will be opening in the beginning of 2011 across the street from the Steamboat Inn (the sister hotel of the Eden Resort). We have been quoted a special rate of $119 (plus applicable taxes) per night for a double room.  The sales manager will contact me soon  to advise me when they will be ready to take our group's reservations and then I will let you know.

ATHA Dye Book

I just received the ATHA Dye Book.  It is really neat, and a great concept!

For those of you who haven't seen it or heard about it, this is a project that the ATHA Biennial committee put together this year.  Different teachers supplied original dye recipes that they used in their rugs, a photo of their rugs, an inch sample of the dyed wool, and instructions for dyeing the wool.  These were all put together in a blue binder and are being offered for sale to help support the upcoming Biennial.   They only printed about 400 copies.  The last time I heard, there are about 140 left for sale.  There will not be a second printing.

If you want to purchase one, the book costs $38 pluse $5 shipping and handling in the U.S.  For Canadian shipping costs, you need to contact Gail Dufresne at gailduf@aol.com. 

The check should be made payable to "2011 Biennial, The Woolrights", and mailed to Gail Dufresne, 247 Goat Hill Road, Lambertville, NJ 08530.

A Group Rug

Check out page 50 of the new ATHA Newsletter.  I was so surprised to see the picture of the Stash Sisters displaying the guild rug we hooked last year for our annual Hook In and a second picture of the winner of the rug, Barb Bosse from Clear Lake, Texas.  Thanks goes out to Sondra Ives who wrote the article and sent it to ATHA to share.  I think it is a lovely picture of us, and a lovely memory of working on a big rug project together.

Region 9 ATHA Newletter for December '10 and January '11

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

Happy Holidays to Region 9 rug hookers.  Be sure to skim the Events list, as there are several new items.  There are new listings in the Rug Hooking Groups section also.  As always, many thanks for sending in your information.  Anyone is welcome to send news for inclusion in the Email Update, at any time.  There will be no separate Email Update for December.  The monthly schedule will resume around January 20.
 
Be sure to check with events/groups contact persons before driving out of town to meetings.  The events are often held in libraries or churches, and sometimes there is an unexpected cancellation.  I am not able to send out individual cancellation notices.
 
UPCOMING REGION 9 EVENTS
 
DECEMBER
 
CHARLOTTE ALLISON'S ONE-WOMAN SHOW OF HER LIFE'S WORK, December 4-14, at the Comfort Crockery, Comfort, TX.  Charlotte is a member of the Kerrville Rug Hookers, Kerrville, TX, and is an award-winning fiber artist, weaver, spinner and primitive rug hooker.  The grand opening of the exhibit is December 4, with a wine tasting hosted by the Bending Branch Winery from noon-5 p.m. and entertainment by dulcimer players from 4-6 p.m.  The Comfort Crockery, located at 402 Seventh St. in Comfort, is a store which sells hand made pottery, metal art, kitchen items and more, has weaving classes and hosts artisan shows and demos.  For more information, go to the store's website, <http://www.comfortcrockery.com/>www.comfortcrockery.com or call the store at 830-995-5299.  (Thanks to Kerrville Rug Hookers member Karen Maddox for letting me know about the show.  Congratulations, Charlotte.) 
 
WOOL RICH CASH POOR ATHA GUILD (NEW ORLEANS, LA) will be in the holiday hooking spirit as they demonstrate rug hooking at the Covington, LA, Farmers' Market December 4.  They will set up a holiday rug show, and will also be selling their hooked items, including purses, pins and Christmas tree ornaments.  For more information about their booth or for how to join this chapter, contact Carrie Martin, <mailto:mart3285@bellsouth.net>mart3285@bellsouth.net.
 
HUB CITY RUGHOOKERS (LUBBOCK, TX) will be demonstrating rug hooking at Candlelight at the Ranch in Lubbock, December 10 and 11.  It is free and open to the public, and is from 6-9 p.m.  The group will also be hooking the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at Rachel's Quilt Shop, beginning in January, 2011.  Contact:  Teresa Heinze, <mailto:tmheinze@sbcglobal.net>tmheinze@sbcglobal.net.
 
JANUARY
 
HOOKED BEE SKEP ONE-DAY WORKSHOPS, January 7 and 8.  Make a needle felted bee and a hooked bee skep with team teachers Tricia Travis and Dorothy Panaceck.  Registration is $50.00 for Friday at Country Gatherings (San Antonio,TX) or Saturday at Stone Hill Spinning (Fredericksburg,TX) and includes all supplies.  Call Tricia at 210-651-4470 for reservations.
 
GLEN ROSE RUG HOOKING RETREAT, January 14-16.  Arlington, TX ATHA chapter, Texas Rug Runners invites you to their annual Mid Winter retreat at Glen Lake Camp and Retreat Center's Stillwater Lodge.  Guild president Ginger Smith says there are still a few spots remaining if you'd like to sign up.  Enjoy a weekend of hooking and eating great food in a hotel style lodge, while catching up with old friends and meeting new ones.  Log on to <http://www.glenlake.org/>www.glenlake.org and click on Stillwater Lodge to take a virtual tour of the facility where the retreat will be held.  Campers return year after year because of the great hospitality and hard work of guild members.  Contact Melody Lundquist to sign up, <mailto:melody.lundquist@yahoo.com>melody.lundquist@yahoo.com.
 
DIANE STOFFEL THREE-DAY WORKSHOP AT COUNTRY GATHERINGS, San Antonio, TX, January 27-29.  Diane, a McGown-certified teacher since 1980, is from Brewster, Massachusetts, and is noted for her expertise in color planning.  She welcomes fine shaders and primitive hookers, and loves animals, florals, geometrics, orientals, and primitives.  Bring that special pattern you have for an enjoyable three days of hooking in the historic Bracken Village.  Registration fee is $175.  Call Tricia Travis at 210-651-4470 for details and to reserve your place.
 
FEBRUARY
 
RED STICK RUG HOOKING HOOK-IN, February 3-6, at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Baton Rouge, LA.  Enjoy four full days of fun with friends to finish any projects you might have.  Door prizes, a drawing for the 2012 workshop registration, tables for you to sell things and other surprises.  Vendor will be Bea Brock.  Hotel guests will be treated to a cooked-to-order breakfast and complimentary beverages and snacks each evening.  A light lunch is included in the hook-in registration of $140.00.  Room rate $99/night.  To receive an email with information and registration form, contact Gayle Soileau, <mailto:candgsoileau@cox.net>candgsoileau@cox.net.  FYI:  The 2012 workshop will be a full workshop with teachers, and is scheduled for Feb 2-5, 2012.
 
ONE RUG, TWO RUG NEW ORLEANS RUG HOOKING GET-AWAY.  Picture this, New Orleans in a historic hotel with character and charm February 9-13, with instructors Sharon Townsend, Diane Stoffel, and Carrie Martin.  Exhibit, door prizes, auction, sell your handmade items, walking tour of French Quarter, and much more.  Rooms $99/night double occupancy, registration $250.  For more information see Carrie's website, <http://www.onerugtworug.com/>www.onerugtworug.com.  Contact:  Dorothy Delaune, <mailto:rdgdelaune@aol.com>rdgdelaune@aol.com or Carrie Martin, <mailto:mart3285@bellsouth.net>mart3285@bellsouth.net.
 
CRAZY QUILT PATCHWORK CLASS, February 19, at Country Gatherings shop, San Antonio, TX.  Make your project with wool or Grandma's favorite dress.  Class time is 9:30-4:30.  Registration fee is $60.00.  Call Tricia Travis at 210-651-4470 to reserve your place in the class.
 
HEART OF TEXAS ATHA CHAPTER ANNUAL HOOK-IN, Saturday, February 26, 9:30-4:30.  The Hook-In will be held at the Kyle Amenity Building in Kyle, TX (between San Marcos and Austin).  Registration fee is $30, which includes lunch.  Bring rugs for Show and Tell.  Reserve your spot by sending your check made out to Heart of Texas, to Jo Thompson, 27022 Autumn Glen, Boerne, TX 78006.  Driving directions will be sent later.  For more information contact Catherine at <mailto:catherine35@sbcglobal.net>catherine35@sbcglobal.net.
 
MARCH
 
STASH SISTERS ATHA CHAPTER ANNUAL HANKAMER HOOK-IN, March 4-5, at the American Legion Hall, 1704 S. Main St., Anahuac, TX 77514.  Registration fee is $20 for one day, which includes catered lunch, or $40 for both days, including lunch.  Vendors, door prizes, silent auction, goody bags.  Save the date.  Mailers will be sent out with registration form included.
 
YELLOW ROSE RUG CAMP, March 13-17, Summers Mill Retreat and Conference Center, near Salado, TX.  Teachers:  Bea Brock, Gail Dufresne, Adrienne Dykes, Gene Shepherd, and Susan Quicksall.  Camp is full, but contact Martha Reynolds to get on waiting list, <mailto:rugbug48@gmail.com>rugbug48@gmail.com.  For more information, see website, <http://www.yellowroseevents.net/>www.yellowroseevents.net.
 
FOLK ART HOOKING WORKSHOP, March 24, Country Gatherings shop in San Antonio, TX.  Hook a little house for a folk art painted bench project with Georgeanne Wertheim.  Georgeanne is a San Antonio artist, a rug hooker and member of Heart of Texas ATHA chapter.  Enjoy a great opportunity to combine rug hooking and a chance to learn from a talented local artist.  Call Tricia at  210-651-4470 for information and registration.
 
MAY
 
STAR OF TEXAS RUG CAMP IN TYLER, TX, May 22-26, at the Holiday Inn Select.  Teachers:  Frank Bielec, Cindi Gay, P.D. Hankamer, Jayne Hester, Cynthia Norwood, Carrie Martin, Sharon Townsend.  Email Cynthia Norwood for class information and a registration form, <mailto:canorw@aol.com>canorw@aol.com.
 
 
NEWS FROM REGION 9 RUG HOOKING GROUPS
 
CAL CREATIONS AND ANTIQUES, MCKINNEY, TX hosts a rug hooking group on Tuesdays, which will continue to meet between now and Christmas.  Adrienne Dykes and the group invite you to join them.  Adrienne's shop is decked out for Christmas and open by chance or appointment.  She has lots of new wool as well as Americana antiques, Christmas gifts and trimmings.  If you are interested in taking a rug hooking class of any sort (beginner, intermediate, rug aging, proddy, a specific pattern design by Cal Creations) in January or February, call or email Adrienne.  Also, if you have a group of three to eight that would like to set up a rug hooking workshop, let her know.  Contact her at <mailto:cliffpadd3@yahoo.com>cliffpadd3@yahoo.com or 972-542-3214.
 
KIRBY HOOKING CIRCLE, HOUSTON, TX, will gather for a "Holiday Hook-In" on Saturday, December 18 at Bethany Christian Church, 3223 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX, from 11:00-3:30.  In January, they will not be meeting on the 15th, but will have a 5th Saturday Hook-In on January 29, 11:00-3:30.  Everyone's invited.  Contact Lurie McAdow, <mailto:luriemcadow@aol.com>luriemcadow@aol.com, for more information and to be added to the permanent email reminder list.

KERRVILLE RUG HOOKERS, Kerrville, TX, are proud of their members Judy Rippstein and Mary Ruelle for being featured in RUG HOOKING MAGAZINE'S CELEBRATIONS XX.  Another member, Charlotte Allison, is having a one-woman exhibit of her life's work, including rug hooking, during the month of December (see EVENTS section).  For more information about this active rug hooking group, and where they meet, contact Karen Maddox, <mailto:karen39m@ktc.com>karen39m@ktc.com.
 
THE HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE RUG HOOKERS and a new group, THE CENTRAL ARKANSAS RUG HOOKERS, are two rug hooking groups that meet in Arkansas.  These groups invite you to join them, meet new friends and learn about the art of rug hooking.  The contact for both groups is Aileen Anderson, <mailto:badger2573@aol.com>badger2573@aol.com.
 
TULSA RUG HOOKERS meet regularly in Tulsa, OK.  Several members of this group won ribbons at the Tulsa State Fair:  Mynette Whittington won Sweepstakes and a Blue Ribbon; Bernice Jiles won Sweepstakes and a Blue Ribbon in Sr. Division; Nancy Howard won a Blue Ribbon; Beth Smathers won a Blue Ribbon; Leslie Holder won a Red Ribbon; and Linda Bevans won a Red Ribbon.  The group will meet on December 2 at Mynette Whittington's home.  Please call 918-706-2442 for directions.  The group usually has their meetings at the Hardesty Regional Library, and welcomes rug hookers in the Tulsa area to join them.  For more information, contact Mitzi Thomas, <mailto:stitziandmyron@gmail.com>stitziandmyron@gmail.com.
 
ROUND TOP RUGGERS, Round Top, TX, will move their December meeting from the last Saturday (which falls on Christmas Day) to December 18, 10:00-4:00, at the Round Top Court House.  For more information, contact Karen Kubeczka, <mailto:karen.kubeczka@mac.com>karen.kubeczka@mac.com.
 
MAGNOLIA WOOL DUST SOCIETY ATHA CHAPTER, Canton, MS, will have their annual Holiday Potluck Party on Saturday, December 11.  All Region 9 ATHA members are invited to attend.  For more information, contact Lisanne Miller, <mailto:lisannemiller1@aol.com>lisannemiller1@aol.com.
 
KATY LAMBCHOPS, Katy, TX, meets every Wednesday, 10-3, and the second Saturday, 10-3, at My Little House, located inside Dovetail Antiques in Old Town Katy.  The Lambchops are getting ready for Christmas with several quickie holiday make-it-take-it projects in December...a wool garland, wool gift tags and more.  Bring a sack lunch or enjoy a sandwich from the tearoom next door.  Contact Jan Peckenpaugh to get on the regular email list, in order to be notified of the make-it-take-it project dates.  My Little House offers classes, wool, patterns, punchneedle and supplies; hook-ins are free of charge.  Contact Jan, <mailto:mylilhouse@hotmail.com>mylilhouse@hotmail.com or 281-687-2088.
 
HOOK ME UP GROUP, Dallas, TX will resume their third Saturday meetings in February with a Tea and a Rug Show.  The group meets at the Carrollton Church of the Nazarene, 1529 E. Hebron Pkwy, Carrollton, TX 75010.  For more information, and to be added to the permanent email reminder list, contact Janet Kersh, <mailto:woolgarden@hotmail.com>woolgarden@hotmail.com.
 
 
OTHER ATHA NEWS
 
Cynthia Norwood, ATHA Treasurer, reminds us that copies of the new ATHA DYE BOOK, which is a fundraiser for the 2011 Biennial, is limited.  The book contains basic dyeing information; formulas from teachers, dyers, and suppliers; a photo of a rug using the formula; and an actual square of the dyed fabric glued in the book.  Send a check for $43 (includes shipping), payable to 2011 BIENNIAL, THE WOOLWRIGHTS, to Gail Dufresne, 247 Goat Hill Rd., Lambertville, NJ 08530.  For more information about the Biennial, go to ATHA website, <http://www.atharugs.com/>www.atharugs.com.
 
CONGRATULATIONS TO DEBORAH NESLAGE
 
Brady, TX rug hooker and supplier Deborah Neslage (<http://www.originaldesignsbydeborah.com/>www.originaldesignsbydeborah.com) has been voted by the National Association of Professional Women (NAPW) as Texas Woman of the Year 2010-2011 for design.  She was chosen among 150,000 nominees.  Deborah's shop, Designs by Deborah, and tearoom, The Vintage Tablecloth are located on Main St. in Brady.    She plans on opening an expansion to her shop in January.  It will include a hooking room adjacent to the main tearoom for hooking events as well as programs.  Her shop includes 4000 sq. ft. of yarns, wool, embroidery, needlepoint, sewing, latch hook and quilting supplies.  She also offers gifts for the home, jewelry and accessories.
 
REGION 9 RUG HOOKERS' ARTICLES IN ATHA NEWSLETTER
 
Once again, the December/January issue of ATHA NEWSLETTER is full of colorful photos of rugs, how-to articles, and hooking group news.  If you're not an ATHA member, you are missing an opportunity to keep up with the latest news and techniques in rug hooking.  Join by going to the ATHA website <http://www.atharugs.com/>www.atharugs.com, and clicking on "how to join".  You can join online or download a form to mail a check for $26, to receive membership and 6 issues of the NEWSLETTER/year.
 
Thanks to these Region 9 members for their great articles:
Sondra Ives, Bellaire, TX:  The Stocking was Hung
April DeConick, Houston, TX:  St. Nicholas, Value by Value
Lona Gabree, Harahan, LA:  VERENDRYE:Strong at Heart
Tricia Travis, San Antonio, TX:  Old Santa Rugs (Rugs in the article hooked by Cathy Kernodle, Diane Lampe, Gina Taber and Tricia.  Designs by Carolyn Tobin.)
Amzi Collins, Lake Charles, LA:  Good Morning/Good Night
Ila Wisdom, Alamo, TX:  Silly Kitty
Jane Dunaway, Brandon, MS:  Barn Floor Floral and the Tuesday Hooking Group  (Rugs in the article hooked by Lisanne Miller, Sandra Holmes, Marsha Simmons, Barbara Mitchell, Linda Bottom, and Jane)
Bea Brock, Kerrville, TX:  Dyeing Primer Part 6:  Dip Dyeing Options
Two Region 9 rug hookers had a part in the article, Katie's Turning 40:  Debra Inglis, San Augustine, TX, and Katie Hartner, Tyler, TX.
 
Special thanks to Bea Brock for her six-part series of articles on dyeing techniques.  What a labor of love for rug hookers.  The simple-to-follow instructions and the clear illustrations are an invaluable addition to all our rug hooking libraries.  It was sad to see the series come to an end.
 

Seeing Red Mat Challenge

ATHA has put out a Seeing Red challenge - to hook a mat 9" by 12".   I have completed my challenge mat, although I need to bind it off and send it to Lisanne yet. 

My inspiration came from a book on abstract art that I have been reading.  It was originally published in 1926 by a famous abstract artist Wassily Kandinsky.  It is a book explaining his theory of art.  The title: Point and Line to Plane. 

He makes the argument that the geometric point (the dot) is the beginning of art, signifying the union of silence and speech.  Think about the period at the end of the sentence, how it signals the pause in speech.  He says, "The sound of silence customarily connected with the point is so emphatic that it overshadows its other characteristics" (p. 25).  This is its practical meaning. 

But what happens when we detach the period from the sentence and place it on its own in a canvas?  What happens to the meaning when the point is immersed in a larger space and the sound of the print is reduced?  What happens when the basic plane experiences a collision with the point?  The point becomes an independent being, the subject of the artist. 

I created this hooked piece to test Kandinsky's theory.  What do you think?  What has happened to the point in this hooked context?  I would love to hear your reactions in the comments.

I hooked the point red and the context green because complementary colors create the most vivid environment to "see" the color.  Thus the red should be seen to be more red in this context than any other.  I am calling my piece "To the Point".  I have had so much fun with it, that I am going to do a series to test out Kandinsky's other propositions about the point, line and plane.

The wools I used are: Red Jack Palette Wool - Nightshade Berry 160 (8-value pack); Pixie Green 154 (8-value pack); Fiddlehead 164 (8-value pack).  I hooked the point in a linear spiral.  I hooked the background by pebbling the entire surface of the linen by concentrating on the values of the greens.

Interested in the Seeing Red 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.

ATHA Region 9 Newsletter: November 2010

From:

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

UPCOMING REGION 9 EVENTS and Questions from Susan Feller; and Information about The Rug Hook Project in Mexico

 
NOVEMBER
 
YELLOW ROSE AUTUMN RUG HOOKING AND FIBER ARTS RETREAT, November 6-7.  Event co-organizer Martha Reynolds says there are STILL A FEW SPOTS REMAINING!  Rug hookers and other fiber artists will convene at the Baymont Inn and Suites, 301 Capitol St., Grapevine, TX, to enjoy make-it-take-its, mini classes, dyeing demos, vendors and door prizes.  Registration fee for both days is $65, which includes lunch.  Contact:  Susan Harper, <mailto:texasrugfest@yahoo.com>texasrugfest@yahoo.com or 817-571-7825.
 
THIRD ANNUAL FREDERICKSBURG FALL FLING, November 10-11, Fredericksburg, TX.  Registration fee for both days is $65, which includes lunch.  Contact:  Deborah Neslage, <mailto:dneslage@hotmail.com>dneslage@hotmail.com or 325-597-2277.
 
WOOL FEATHER TREE WORKSHOP, Saturday, November 13,  10:00-3:00, at My Little House.  Join the fun as Jan teaches you how to make a "feather tree" out of wool.  She will email a supplies list.  Bring a sack lunch, or get a sandwich at the tearoom nearby.  My Little House is a rug hooking studio inside Dovetail Antiques in Old Town Katy.  Contact Jan Peckenpaugh to reserve your spot, <mailto:mylilhouse@hotmail.com>mylilhouse@hotmail.com or 281-687-2088.
 
P IS FOR PRIMITIVE, rug hooking store in Canton, MS, will host a SHABBY CHIC HOLIDAY SALE, Nov. 11-12, at the historic Old Jail in Canton, and will also participate in the MERCHANTS' OPEN HOUSE ON THE SQUARE, November 26-28 in downtown Canton.  Here are two opportunities to experience the flavor of the holidays in a historic small town setting.  Contact:  Lisanne Miller, <mailto:lisannemiller1@aol.com>lisannemiller1@aol.com or 601-859-4252.
 
KERRVILLE TRADITIONAL AND PRIMITIVE RUG CAMP, November 12-14, at Y.O. Ranch Resort Hotel and Conference Center, Kerrville, TX.  It's not too late to sign up for an autumn getaway, and to experience a class with some of Texas's finest rug hooking teachers.  Both traditional and primitive rug hookers are welcome.  Teachers:  Karen Maddox, Judy Rippstein, and Pamela Van Lieu.  Evening hooking, shopping, raffle rug, book sale, silent auction, rug show.  Contact:  Pamela Van Lieu, <mailto:rpvanlieu@gvtc.com>rpvanlieu@gvtc.com or 830-336-4467.
 
CAL CREATIONS & ANTIQUES CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE, November 12-13, 10:00-4:30, at Adrienne and Cliff Dykes' antique and rug hooking shop in McKinney, TX.  Christmas patterns will be featured at 15% discount, as well as 10%-40% off selected wools and American country antiques/accessories.  Enjoy Cliff's New England ginger cookies and mulled cider.  There will be a door prize drawing for a $25 gift certificate.  Contact Adrienne for details or to be placed on her email list for future events.  She also offers rug hooking classes at her studio, and her shop is open by chance or appointment.  Adrienne Dykes, <mailto:cliffpadd3@yahoo.com>cliffpadd3@yahoo.com or 972--542-3214.
 
JANUARY
 
MINI WORKSHOP TO CREATE A "BEE SKEP MAKE-DO", using needlefelting and rug hooking, January 7-8.  Registration is $50 for a class at Country Gatherings (San Antonio, TX) or Stonehill Spinning (Fredericksburg, TX).  Team teachers are Dorothy Panaceck and Tricia Travis.  Contact Tricia at 210-651-4470, for more information.
 
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, <mailto:melody.lundquist@yahoo.com>melody.lundquist@yahoo.com.
 
DIANE STOFFEL WORKSHOP AT COUNTRY GATHERINGS, San Antonio, January 27-29.  Registration is $175 and class begins at 9:30 a.m.  Call Tricia at 210-615-4470 to register.
 
FEBRUARY
 
ONE RUG, TWO RUG NEW ORLEANS RUG HOOKING GET-AWAY.  Picture this, New Orleans in a historic hotel with character and charm February 9-13, with instructors Sharon Townsend, Diane Stoffel, and Carrie Martin.  Exhibit, door prizes, auction, sell your handmade items, walking tour of French Quarter, and much more.  Rooms $99/night double occupancy, registration $250.  For more information see our web site, <http://www.onerugtworug.com/>www.onerugtworug.com.  Contact:  Dorothy Delaune, <mailto:rdgdelaune@aol.com>rdgdelaune@aol.com or Carrie Martin, <mailto:mart3285@bellsouth.net>mart3285@bellsouth.net.
 
HEART OF TEXAS ATHA CHAPTER ANNUAL HOOK-IN, Saturday, February 26, from 9:30-4:30.  The Hook-In will be held at the Kyle Amenity Building in Kyle, TX (between San Marcos and Austin).  Registration is $30 ($10 for chapter members) and lunch is included.  Bring finished and unfinished rug projects for Show 'n Tell.  Address and directions will be sent out before the date.  Reserve your spot by sending your check made out to Heart of Texas, to Jo Thompson, 27022 Autumn Glen, Boerne, TX 78006.  For more information, contact Catherine at <mailto:catherine35@sbcglobal.net>catherine35@sbcglobal.net.

MARCH
 
STASH SISTERS 6TH ANNUAL HANKAMER HOOK-IN, March 4-5, at the American Legion Hall, 1704 S. Main St., Anahuac, TX 77514.  The old hook-in building is being remodeled, so the location and date have changed, but don't worry!  The new location is very near the old one, and won't be hard to find.  The hook-in is still $20 for one day (includes catered lunch), or $40 for both days (includes lunch), with great vendors, door prizes, silent auction, and goody bags.  Save the date, and watch for future details.

YELLOW ROSE RUG CAMP, March 13-17, Summers Mill Retreat and Conference Center, near Salado, TX.  Teachers:  Bea Brock, Gail Dufresne, Adrienne Dykes, Gene Shepherd, and Susan Quicksall.  Camp is currently full, but contact Martha Reynolds for waiting list placement, <mailto:rugbug48@gmail.com>rugbug48@gmail.com.  For more information, see the website, <http://www.yellowroseevents.net/>www.yellowroseevents.net.
 
MAY
 
STAR OF TEXAS RUG CAMP IN TYLER, TX, May 22-26, at the Holiday Inn Select.  Teachers:  Frank Bielec, Cindi Gay, P.D. Hankamer, Jayne Hester, Cynthia Norwood, Carrie Martin, Sharon Townsend.  Camp director Cynthia Norwood says there are still a few spots left!  Email Cynthia for class information and a registration form, <mailto:canorw@aol.com>canorw@aol.com.
 
 
NEWS FROM REGION 9 RUG HOOKING GROUPS
 
KIRBY HOOKING CIRCLE, Houston, TX meets the third and fifth Saturdays, 11:00-3:30, at Bethany Christian Church, Houston.  This group met October 16 for a special Halloween Hook-In.  They spent the day hooking, laughing, and enjoying a delicious salad pot-luck lunch.  It was a spirited event!  NOTICE:  THE OCTOBER 30 MEETING HAS BEEN CANCELLED BECAUSE THE CHURCH WILL BE CLOSED FOR ELECTICAL REPAIRS.  The next meeting will be November 20.  Contact Lurie McAdow, <mailto:luriemcadow@aol.com>luriemcadow@aol.com to be placed on the regular email reminder list.
 
WOOL RICH CASH POOR, Covington, LA recently had a booth at the fair showing the steps to hook a rug with many of their hooked pieces on display, winning $45 and a red ribbon for their efforts.  Dorothy Delaune won blue ribbons for her Kim Nixon footstool, two rugs, and her knitted/felted purse.  Kala Corcoran received blue ribbons for her McGown Oriental and her pumpkin rug.  The group has put up an exhibit at the fair for the last twelve years.  Also, the group exhibited rug hooking at the Covington Farmers Market on October 16.  For more information about the Wool Rich Cash Poor group, contact Carrie Martin, <mailto:mart3285@bellsouth.net>mart3285@bellsouth.net.
 
HOOK ME UP GROUP, Carrollton, TX meets the third Saturday of the month at Carrollton Church of the Nazarene.  Their next meeting date is November 20.  After the November meeting, the group will take a break until the February meeting.  In February, they plan to have a Tea and a Rug Show.  For more information, contact Janet Kersh, <mailto:woolgarden@hotmail.com>woolgarden@hotmail.com.
 
MAGNOLIA WOOL DUST SOCIETY, Canton, MS will have their annual Holiday Potluck Party with "Secret Santa" on Saturday, December 11.  All Region 9 ATHA members are invited to attend.  For more information, contact Lisanne Miller, <mailto:lisannemiller1@aol.com>lisannemiller1@aol.com.
 
KATY LAMBCHOPS, Katy, TX meets every Wednesday, 10:00-3:00, and the second Saturday, 10:00-3:00, at My Little House, located inside Dovetail Antiques in Old Town Katy.  Their monthly make-it-take-its, which they make at one of the hook-ins each month, have become a very popular feature of this group.  This month's make-it-take-it project will be velvet and wool tuffets.  Bring a sack lunch or enjoy a sandwich from the tearoom next door.  Contact Jan Peckenpaugh to get on the regular email list, to be notified of the date of each make-it-take-it project, <mailto:mylilhouse@hotmail.com>mylilhouse@hotmail.com or 281-687-2088.
 
ROUND TOP RUGGERS, Round Top, TX meet the last Saturday of the month, 10:00-4:00, at the Round Top Courthouse.  Their next hooking date is October 30.  For more information and to receive regular email reminders, contact Karen Kubeczka, <mailto:karen.kubeczka@mac.com>karen.kubeczka@mac.com.
 
REGION 9 RUG HOOKERS HAVE ARTICLES IN ATHA NEWSLETTER
 
This month's NEWSLETTER is full of great articles from Region 9, well, actually, from Texas!  Congratulations to these rug hookers, who took the time to submit their articles.  We all enjoy reading them.
Cindi McCullough (Whitehouse, TX)  A RECIPE FOR PUMPKIN PIE--Cindi's wonderful rug, Pumpkin Pie, is on the cover!
T.J. Johnmartin (Nederland, TX)  SCAREDY CAT
Teena Mills (Bedford, TX)  PUMPKINS & BLOSSOMS
Melinda Smith (Katy, TX)  OPEN HEART
Tricia Travis (San Antonio, TX) TURKEY DAY HOOKING  (The following rug hookers hooked the beautiful turkey rugs that appeared in the article:  Patty Rodriguez, Cyndee Brandt, Lu Lacy, Liz Fox, Carol  Gillingham, and of course, Tricia.)
Bea Brock (Kerrville, TX)  DYEING PRIMER, PART 5
April DeConick (Houston, TX) GOT WOOL? WHAT IS IT LIKE TO HOOK WITH VELVET?
 
If you're an ATHA member, send your rug photo and article to editor Judy Long, <mailto:athanews@peoplescom.net>athanews@peoplescom.net.  Deadline for the Feb/Mar issue is December 1.  Both primitive and fine-cut rugs are wanted.  If you are NOT an ATHA member, we want you.  Join online at <http://www.atharugs.com/>www.atharugs.com.  For $26 annually, you will receive six issues, packed with color photos of rugs and events, plus all the current rug hooking news.
 
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Pat Freasier (Houston, TX) whose rug SAINT NICHOLAS appeared on the October, 2010 cover of  THE WOOL STREET JOURNAL!
 
A MESSAGE FROM SUSAN FELLER, ATHA REGIONAL COORDINATOR
 
For my second year as Coordinator of Regional Reps, I am asking each ATHA chapter president to use the following questions as a topic during a fall meeting.  Discuss and then collect responses, and send them to me at <mailto:rugs2wv@yahoo.com>rugs2wv@yahoo.com.
 
To each member:  1.  Why have you joined ATHA?
                           2.  Why are you a member of this chapter?
                           3.  What can the organization as a whole, lead by the Board, do to promote rug hooking in the next 3-5 years?
 
This was brought up at the annual Board meeting recently, and each member voiced an interest in hearing these responses.  The goal is to get the grass roots talking about ATHA, its beginning, its past three decades, and future success.
 
Thanks,
Susan Feller
Coordinator of Regional Reps ATHA
 
**I am sure Susan would like to hear from any at-large member, who is not affiliated with a local chapter, directly at her email address, <mailto:rugs2wv@yahoo.com>rugs2wv@yahoo.com.
 
 
LAS RANCHERITAS: THE RUG HOOK PROJECT
Many of you have heard of The Rug Hook Project.  In the small village of Agustin Gonzales, located in the Mexican highlands, 20 people spend their free time, scarce as it is, hooking rugs.  The proceeds from selling the rugs pays for food, children's schooling, doctor visits, among other needs.  The subject matter of the rugs is the life around them, and each rug is unique.  This summer a group from the U.S. and Canada, led by Barbara Hanson, visited the village, in order to introduce Las Rancheritas to wool dyeing.  The women had a lot of fun, and now know the basics of coloring wool.
Our contact for the Rug Hook Project is Charlotte Bell (Austin, TX).  You can contact her and arrange to have an exhibit of the rugs for show and sale at your hook-ins and events.  Charlotte will be speaking at the Oxford Rug Camp (Oxford, MS) on November 2.  Her fall schedule is full, but at the moment her winter and spring schedule are wide open.  If you would like to sponsor a showing for your group, email Charlotte at <mailto:char@charlottebell.com>char@charlottebell.com.
For more information, visit the website <http://www.charlottebell.com/rugs/>http://www.charlottebell.com/rugs/ .  If you are interested in donating wool, light and bright wools are needed.  The group has a large amount of dark wool.  Now that they are dyeing their own wool, they need the light wools for dyeing.
The group also does custom orders.  Contact Charlotte for more information.

ATHA Newsletter for October

I just received my ATHA Newsletter for October.  My second article in the series "Got Wool? Alternative Fabrics" appears on p. 43.  The subject?  "What is it like to hook with velvet?".

There are many fine articles in the magazine, including a number from ruggers in Texas.  Congratulations to Melinda Smith who wrote about her beautiful rug Open Heart which I have had the pleasure of watching unfold and seeing in person.  It is a gorgeous rug that emerged out of a powerful dream Melinda had experienced.  See "Open Heart," pp. 20-21. 

Tj Johnmartin, a fellow Stash Sister, has a feature on her rug Scaredy Cat which she hooked during her family's evacuation a recent hurricane.  Once the ordeal was over, she had a new rug for Halloween to grace her door.  See "Scaredy Cat" pp. 18-19.

Tricia Travis, of Country Gatherings in San Antonio, has a great feature on hooking turkey rugs.  See the spread on pp. 24-26.

Bea Brock, of Hill Country Rug Works, has another dyeing article in her recent series, this one on value dyeing.  See pp. 36-38.

Congratulations to the other Texan ruggers whom I have not yet met: Cindi McCullough and Teena Mills, who also had great rugs featured.

Region 9 ATHA Newletter for October

From Martha Lowry

ATHA Region 9 Rep
<mailto:mlowry52@hotmail.com>mlowry52@hotmail.com
281-550-7562  

UPCOMING REGION 9 EVENTS

 
OCTOBER
 
FIFTH ANNUAL OKIEFIBER RETREAT, Friday and Saturday, October 8-9, at OWL MAKE IT, a newly opened small teaching studio in El Reno, OK, which is a half hour's drive west of Oklahoma City.  About the studio:  current hours are Fridays and Saturdays, 10:00-5:00, through December; details are on their facebook page of the same name; currently teaching classes in handspinning, weaving, and basketmaking, and hope to add rug hooking classes in the future.  However, rug hookers are welcome to bring their own projects and hook at the studio during their business hours or at the retreat.  Leava Major says,  "We love all things wool."  On Friday, Oct. 8, there will be a class on Rigid Heddle Weaving, with additional classes on Oct. 9.  For more information, join their facebook page.  Email Leava, <mailto:leava@cox.net>leava@cox.net to ask questions or to register for the retreat.
 
CRAZY QUILT CLASSES WITH WOOL, at Country Gatherings in San Antonio, TX, taught by Carol Bayless, who specializes in crazy quilt squares and embroidery stitches.  She has designed a photo book cover to make in class, or you can choose to make the pattern as a table runner instead.  You are encouraged to personalize your project by bringing small pieces of wool from your stash.  Choice of two classes:  one class will be on two Fridays in October (Oct. 8 and 15), and the other class will be on two Saturdays in October (Oct. 16 and 30.)  You can either choose the Friday or the Saturday option.  Class size is limited to 8, so reserve your space soon.  Fee:  $75 total for 3 class sessions over 2 days.  For times of classes and to reserve your spot, contact Tricia Travis, 210-651-4470.  Country Gatherings is located at 18771 FM 2252, San Antonio, and is open Tues.-Sat. from 10:00-5:00.
 
MAGNOLIA WOOL DUST SOCIETY'S JAIL HOUSE ROCK HOOK-IN, October 21-23, at the historic Old Jail House, Canton, MS.  There are no longer any available spots to hook at the hook-in, but Chapter President Lisanne Miller states that the public is welcome to shop the vendor booths and view the rug show, free of charge.  The vendors will open on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 22 and 23 at 9:00.  For more information, or to get on the waiting list for the hook-in, contact Lisanne Miller, <mailto:lisannemiller1@aol.com>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 Rug Show, to be held on Tuesday during camp.  Everyone is welcome to attend the rug show, free of charge.  For more information, visit the website <http://www.oxfordrugcamp.com/>www.oxfordrugcamp.com.  For registration information and time of rug show, contact Donna at <mailto:oxfordrugcamp@bellsouth.net>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.  Rug hookers, knitters and stitchers can enjoy make-it-take-it, mini classes, dyeing demos, vendors, door prizes and goody bags.  Registration fee for both days is $65, includes lunch.  Space is limited to 30 attendees.  Contact Susan Harper to register or for more information, <mailto:texasrugfest@yahoo.com>texasrugfest@yahoo.com or 817-571-7825.
 
THIRD ANNUAL FREDERICKSBURG FALL FLING, November 10-11, Fredericksburg, TX, hosted by Deborah Neslage, Designs by Deborah.  Registation is $65 for both days, includes lunch.  For more information and to register, contact Deborah, <mailto:dneslage@hotmail.com>dneslage@hotmail.com or 325-597-2277.
 
SHABBY CHIC HOLIDAY SALE, November 11 and 12, at the Old Jail in Canton, MS, hosted by P is for Primitive.  Lisanne will not be vending at Chimneyville this year, so this is the time to add one of her punched Christmas pillows or hooked rugs to your collection.  Many holiday items.  Contact:  Lisanne Miller, <mailto:lisannemiller1@aol.com>lisannemiller1@aol.com or 601-859-4252.
 
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 teachers, Judy Rippstein, Karen Maddox, and Pamela Van Lieu.  Three days of classes, evening hooking, shopping, rug raffle, book sale, silent auction, rug show and sale.  Contact:  Pamela Van Lieu, <mailto:rpvanlieu@gvtc.com>rpvanlieu@gvtc.com or 830-336-4467.
 
CAL CREATIONS & ANTIQUES CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE, November 12-13, 10:00-4:30, at Adrienne and Cliff Dykes' antique and rug hooking shop in McKinney, TX.  Christmas patterns and wool will be featured at 15% discount, as well as 10%-40% off selected wools and American country antiques/accessories.  Bring your friends and enjoy Cliff's New England ginger cookies and mulled cider.  There will be a door prize drawing for a $25 gift certificate.  Contact Adrienne to get on her email list for further details, or to inquire about upcoming rug hooking classes at her studio.  The shop is open by chance or appointment.  Adrienne Dykes, <mailto:cliffpadd3@yahoo.com>cliffpadd3@yahoo.com or 972-542-3214.
 
MERCHANTS OPEN HOUSE ON THE SQUARE, Nov. 26, 27, 28, Canton, MS.  P is for Primitive will be open all 3 days, sampling a different holiday appetizer each day, and the historic downtown square will be festive with holiday decorations.
 
 
JANUARY, 2011
 
GLEN ROSE RUG HOOKING RETREAT, sponsored by the Texas Rug Runners ATHA Chapter, January 14-16, at the Glen Lake Camp and Retreat Center.  Sign up now for this popular annual retreat, a great time to get away, relax and hook with your friends after the hectic holiday season.    Contact:  Melody Lundquist, <mailto:melody.lundquist@yahoo.com>melody.lundquist@yahoo.com.
 
 
FEBRUARY
 
ONE RUG, TWO RUG NEW ORLEANS RUG HOOKING GET-AWAY, February 9-13, in the historic French Quarter.  Great selection of nationally known teachers:  Sharon Townsend, Diane Stoffel, and Carrie Martin.  Consider a get-away to historic New Orleans.  Contact:  Dorothy Delaune, <mailto:rdgdelaune@aol.com>rdgdelaune@aol.com, or Carrie Martin, <mailto:mart3285@bellsouth.net>mart3285@bellsouth.net.
 
 
MARCH
 
STASH SISTERS 6TH ANNUAL HANKAMER HOOK-IN, March 4-5, at the American Legion Hall, 1704 S. Main St., Anahuac, TX, 77514.  Due to the remodeling of the building in Hankamer where the Hook-In has always been held, the date and location has been changed this year, but don't worry!  The new location is very near the old one, and won't be hard to find.  And the hook-in will still be one day for $20 (includes catered lunch), or two days for $40 ( includes lunch), with great vendors, door prizes, and goody bags.  Save the date, and more details will come in future Email Update.
 
 
NEWS FROM REGION 9 HOOKING GROUPS
 
HEART OF TEXAS ATHA CHAPTER, San Antonio, TX area, invites you to hook with them.  They meet six times a year on the third Saturday of the month at Country Gatherings, San Antonio.  Mark your calendar for their annual hook-in, February 26.  Details will be in future Email Update.  For information about meeting times, contact Catherine Hickman, <mailto:catherine35@sbcglobal.net>catherine35@sbcglobal.net.
 
THE ROUND TOP RUGGERS invite you to hook with them the last Saturday of each month, 10:00-4:00, at the historic Round Top Courthouse, in Round Top, TX.  Enjoy hooking with this friendly group in a lovely historic Texas town, halfway between Houston and Austin.  Contact Karen Kubeczka to be placed on the regular email list, <mailto:karen.kubeczka@mac.com>karen.kubeczka@mac.com.  Next hooking date is September 25.
 
KATY LAMBCHOPS, Katy, TX, meets every Wednesday, 10:00-3:00, and the second Saturday, 10:00-3:00, at My Little House, located inside Dovetail Antiques in Old Town Katy.  Their monthly make-it-take-its, which they make at one of the hook-ins each month, have become a very popular feature of this group.  This month's make-it-take-it project will be little hooked and/or punched pumpkins.  Bring a sack lunch or enjoy a sandwich from the tearoom next door.  Contact Jan Peckenpaugh to get on the regular email list, so that you will be notified of the date of each make-it-take-it project.  My Little House offers classes, wool, patterns, and other supplies.  Katy Lambchops hook-ins are free of charge.  Contact Jan at <mailto:mylilhouse@hotmail.com>mylilhouse@hotmail.com or 281-687-2088.
 
MAGNOLIA WOOL DUST SOCIETY ATHA Chapter, Jackson, MS area invites you to join their chapter, which meets the second Saturday of the month at the Old Jail, Canton, MS.  Their annual Christmas party, which includes a potluck lunch, is December 11, 11:00, at the Old Jail.  Contact Lisanne Miller, <mailto:lisannemiller1@aol.com>lisannemiller1@aol.com.
 
KIRBY HOOKING CIRCLE, Houston, TX meets the third Saturday and any fifth Saturday of each month, 11:00-3:30, at Bethany Christian Church, 3223 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX.  Upcoming hooking dates are October 16, October 30, and November 20.  Everyone is welcome to bring their projects and lunch, and make some new rug hooking friends.  Contact: Lurie McAdow, <mailto:luriemcadow@aol.com>luriemcadow@aol.com.
 
HOOK ME UP hooking group, Dallas, TX area, meets the third Saturday of each month at Carrollton Church of the Nazarene, Carrollton, TX.  Their next meeting date is October 16.  Bring a sack lunch and enjoy hooking.  For more information and to be added to the regular email contact list, contact Janet Kersh, <mailto:woolgarden@hotmail.com>woolgarden@hotmail.com.
 
 
REGION 9 ATC SWAPPING
 
If you are interested in swapping Artist Trading Cards, please contact the rug hookers listed below.  You can exchange snail mail addresses and agree to swap.  If you would like to be added to the list next month, please email your name, town, and email address to <mailto:mlowry52@hotmail.com>mlowry52@hotmail.com.
 
Teresa Heinze  (Lubbock, TX)  <mailto:tmheinze@sbcglobal.net>tmheinze@sbcglobal.net
Brenda McGee (Lorena, TX)  <mailto:nannygee@att.net>nannygee@att.net
Martha Reynolds (Dallas, TX) <mailto:rugbug48@gmail.com>rugbug48@gmail.com
April DeConick (Houston, TX) <mailto:adeconick@rice.edu>adeconick@rice.edu
 
 
CONGRATULATIONS, CELEBRATIONS FINALISTS
 
Region 9 is proud of its three CELEBRATIONS finalists, and their beautiful rugs:
 
Judy Rippstein   Fredericksburg,TX
Mary Ruelle    Frederickburg, TX
Melody Lavy   Waco, TX
 
 
CREATE AND DECORATE ARTICLES
 
   One magazine that many rug hookers enjoy is CREATE AND DECORATE, due to its many rug hooking and punchneedle patterns.  The October 2010 issue features a great article about Texas rug hooker and pattern designer, Jo Ellen Dismukes.  Full of wonderful photos and information about Jo Ellen's art and work, the article is a good read.  Also, check out the ads for Woolgatherings, Sheila Schindler's basket business (<http://www.wool-gatherings.com/>www.wool-gatherings.com) and Yellow Rose Rug Camp (<http://www.yellowroseevents.net/>www.yellowroseevents.net).
 
MEET RUG HOOKER KELLIE SNIDER
 
     Irving, TX rug hooker Kellie Snider recently placed third in Fine Cut Hand Hooked Rugs in the Creative Arts Division of the State Fair of Texas.  Her rug KOI POND will be on display September 24-October 17 at Fair Park in Dallas.  The rug was hooked in 5-cut wool, mostly hand-dyed by herself and by rug hooking teacher Carrie Martin (Covington, LA).  It is hooked on linen, and is about 24 x 48 inches.  Congratulations to Kellie, who has been hooking for not quite one year.  KOI POND is her eighth rug!
     Kellie began rug hooking in November, 2009.  She was recovering from two particularly challenging years which included finishing a graduate degree, parenting college-age children, starting a new job, coping with some deaths in her family, and helping her mother through a serious health crisis.  Kellie felt that she desperately needed a therapeutic outlet, and she found it in rug hooking.  She has long enjoyed art in the area of watercolor and other media, but she has found that rug hooking has been like coming home.
     Not knowing any other rug hookers in her area, she met Bedford, TX rug hooker Teena Mills through the internet.  Teena encouraged her to join the Welcome Mat online rug hooking group, and to attend the Star of Texas rug camp in Tyler in May, which Kellie did.  Teena states, "It was great to finally meet Kellie at the Star Camp in Tyler, after months of corresponding on various online hooking groups, by email and by telephone.  She has a unique hooking style and is an outstanding artist.  Her work is very inspiring and has that WOW! quality that makes her rugs so memorable."
     Kellie, who is an animal behaviorist for SPCA of Texas, encourages rug hookers to consider entering their rugs in their local state fairs.
     Other rug hookers who placed in the Texas State Fair include Teena, first place in wide cut, for her PUMPKINS AND BLOSSOMS, a Rhonda Manley design; Anne Deane, best of show for TUMBLING CATS; and also Melody Lundquist, Donna Marchant, and Liza Leggett, among others.  This list may be incomplete.  Please email me if I left someone out.
 
If you have had an interesting experience with your rug hooking art, please allow me to feature you in an Email Update soon.  Email <mailto:mlowry52@hotmail.com>mlowry52@hotmail.com.
 
HOW TO JOIN ATHA
 
     ATHA NEWSLETTER editor Judy Long assures me that the October/November issue is one we don't want to miss, and it includes 6 articles by Region 9 rug hookers.  If you join ATHA now, you won't miss this great issue, full of autumn rugs and articles.  The NEWSLETTER is a 60-page full color magazine, filled with rug photos and articles by ATHA members.  Its ads will keep you informed of all the latest events that are happening for rug hookers.  It's easy to join by going to the ATHA website <http://www.atharugs.com>www.atharugs.com and clicking on "how to join".  You can join online using paypal, or you can download a membership form and mail a check.  It's just $26 for a year's membership, and 6 issues of the NEWSLETTER.

ATHA Region 9 Update for April 2010

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

Greetings, Region 9 Rug Hookers. This is the monthly Email Update for April, which contains news and events about rug hooking in Region 9, including the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas. Thanks to all who have sent in information. Anyone is welcome to send information at any time.

UPCOMING REGION 9 EVENTS

APRIL

RUG HOOKING DEMO BY THE HUB CITY RUGHOOKERS. This Lubbock, Texas, group will demonstrate rug hooking at Ranch Day festivities, at the Ranching Heritage Center, April 24, 10:00-4:00. They will dress in the style of the early 1900's and assist visitors to experience a bit of Texas history. Contact: Teresa Heinze, tmheinze@sbcglobal.net.

MAY

WILDFLOWER RUG HOOKING RETREAT. This relaxing rug hooking retreat in Round Top, Texas, will be held May 5-7, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Round Top. Cost is $80 for all three days, which includes catered lunches, or $30 for one day (includes lunch). There are still a few spots left, so contact Sondra Ives, if you are interested, at twoives@swbell.net. She can send you the registration form, and also information about arranging your own overnight accommodations. Two vendors will be present: Katie Hartner of A Nimble Thimble (Tyler, TX), and P.D. Hankamer, Houston area teacher and supplier. Sylvia Hale will be teaching a beginner class. Advance registration required.

STAR OF TEXAS RUG CAMP, TYLER, May 23-27, at the Holiday Inn Select, Tyler, TX. Contacts: Katie Hartner, khartner2@msn.com or Cynthia Norwood, canorwood@aol.com.

KIRBY HOOKING CIRCLE, HOUSTON, is adding an additional hooking day to their third Saturday meetings. They will meet on the fifth Saturdays of each month (there are four months in 2010 that have 5 Saturdays), beginning Saturday, May 29. Therefore, in May, they will be meeting Saturday, May 15, and Saturday, May 29, 11:00-3:30, at Bethany Christian Church, Houston. Contact Lurie McAdow, luriemcadow@aol.com.

JUNE

EUREKA SPRINGS HOOK-IN, June 12, 9:00-5:00, at the Inn of the Ozarks, Hwy 62W, Eureka Springs, AR. Preregister by contacting Vicki Hardcastle, rughooking@hughes.net.

TEXAS RUGFEST HOOK-IN, Monday, June 21, 9:00-4:00, at the Grapevine Convention Center in Grapevine, TX. Eight thousand square feet of shopping and hooking. Vendors, door prizes, rug show, refreshments. Registration/admission $20. Optional deli box lunch $13, available with advance registration only. Contact Susan Harper, texasrugfest@yahoo.com , 817-571-7825 or 817-681-3377.

KIRBY HOOKING CIRCLE'S MID-SUMMER'S HOOK-IN, June 26, 9:00-4:00, at Bethany Christian Church, 3223 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX, 77098. Registration $25, includes box lunch. Vendors: Jo Ellen Dismukes of Lacey Jane Primitives; Linda Dipert of Cheap Sheep; Adrienne Dykes of Cal's Creations and Antiques; Jan Peckenpaugh of My Little House Rug Hooking Studio; and Donna Holt of Holt Custom Wood Footstools. Rug show, rug challenge. Register by June 1. Contact Lurie McAdow for a registration form and information, luriemcadow@aol.com.

NEW ORLEANS RUG HOOKING GATHERING, June 27-July 1, at the Boutique French Quarter Hotel. Instructors: Diane Stoffel, Carrie Martin. Contacts: Dorothy Delaune, rgdelaune@aol.com or Carrie Martin, mart3285@bellsouth.net.

JULY

JANE OLSON WORKSHOP, sponsored by the Hub City Rughookers in Lubbock, TX. This is a 3-day workshop on July 18,19, and 20, with Jane Olson and Diane Burdett teaching rug hooking and braiding. It will be held at the Wolfforth Library in Lubbock. Rug hooking for beginner to advanced, and braiding for all levels will be offered. For registration form and details, contact Teresa Heinze, tmheinze@sbcglobal.net.

AUGUST

NINTH ANNUAL ANGELA PUMPHREY WEEKEND RUG HOOKING WORKSHOP, hosted by Heart of Texas ATHA Chapter, Aug. 13-15, Holiday Inn Riverwalk, San Antonio, TX. Teachers: Elizabeth Black, Pris Buttler, Bev Conway, and Carrie Martin. Contact: Tricia Travis, countrygatherings@mail.com or 210-651-4470.

THIRD ANNUAL HOOK-IN CO-SPONSORED BY STONEHILL SPINNING AND COUNTRY GATHERINGS, Aug. 29-30, at the Inn on Barons Creek, Fredericksburg, TX. Vendors, mini workshops, and a special workshop by Edyth O'Neill on color. Registration $25 per day, or $45 for both days. Contact Tricia Travis, countrygatherings@mail.com.

OCTOBER

MISSISSIPPI WOOL DUST SOCIETY'S THIRD ANNUAL JAIL HOUSE ROCK HOOK-IN, October 21-23, at the historic Old Jail House, Canton, MS. Registration $45. Contact Lisanne Miller, lisannemiller1@aol.com or 601-859-4252 for more information and to be put on the waiting list to attend.

OXFORD RUG CAMP, October 31-November 4, in Oxford, Mississippi, a charming historic Mississippi town near Memphis. Camp is held at the Downtown Inn and Suites. Teachers: Bea Brock, Bev Conway, Sibyl Osicka. For more information, see website, www.oxfordrugcamp.com. Contact: Donna Holdiness, oxfordrugcamp@bellsouth.net or 662-289-7738.

NOVEMBER

KERRVILLE TRADITIONAL AND PRIMITIVE RUG CAMP, November 12-14, at Y.O. Ranch Resort Hotel and Conference Center, Kerrville, TX, in the historic Texas Hill Country near San Antonio. Teachers: Karen Maddox, Judy Rippstein, and Pamela Van Lieu. Contact: Pamela Van Lieu at rpvanlieu@gvtc.com or 830-336-4467. Registration deadline is June 15. Three days of classes, evening hooking, shopping, rug raffle, book sale, silent auction, rug show and sale.

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's Stillwater Lodge. Contact: Melody Lundquist, melody.lundquist@yahoo.com.

NEWS FROM REGION 9 HOOKING GROUPS

There are 7 ATHA chapters in Region 9. There are numerous other active and growing hooking groups. For information about a group near you, email me, mlowry52@hotmail.com. The news below does not represent all groups, just those who have sent in information recently. Please send in news about your group.

RUG HOOKING GATHERING, second Saturdays, 11:00-5:00, at the Wool 'N' Cotton Shop, 602 Orient St., San Angelo, TX. Join the fun at "Wooley Thursday", held every Thursday evening, 5:00-8:00, where rug hookers and wool appliquers bring their sack dinner and projects to work on together. Newbies welcome. Contact: Judith Lester, woolncotton@verizon.net, or 325-659-2000. For more information, see Judith's website: www.judithlesterdesigns.com.

RUG HOOKING GROUP meeting in Brady, TX area. Contact: Deborah Neslage, Designs by Deborah, 113 E. Main St., Brady, TX 76825, 325-597-2277 or dneslage@hotmail.com.

AGGIELAND RUG ARTISTS, College Station, TX, recently enjoyed an Easter party hosted by member Emma Gene Shroeder. Contact: Emma Gene at emmagene@suddenlink.net.

KATY LAMBCHOPS meet every Wednesday, 10:00-4:00, and the second Saturday, 10:00-2:00, at My Little House, inside Dovetail Antiques, Old Town Katy, TX. The groups enjoy make-it-and-take-it projects; the April project is a wool applique bag. Contact: Jan Peckenpaugh, mylilhouse@hotmail.com, or 281-687-2088. For more information and a map, www.mylittlehousedesigns.com.

MAGNOLIA WOOL DUST SOCIETY meets the second Saturday at the Old Jail House, Canton, MS. The May 8 meeting will be a workshop for the SEEING RED MAT CHALLENGE, which is a regional mat challenge the group has chosen to participate. Contact: Lisanne Miller, lisannemiller1@aol.com.

ATHA NEWSLETTER ARTICLES

The current issue of ATHA NEWSLETTER (April/May 2010) contains articles by Region 9 rug hookers:

WOOL WITH HOPE, a wonderful 5-page article about an awareness rug devoted to the issue of Disappearance, written by Lona Gabree and Kristen Slesar, Harahan, LA
Bea Brock's (Kerrville, TX) second installment of her dyeing lessons: MARBLEIZING--NO DYE NEEDED
Carrie Martin's (Covington, LA) second installment of how to hook and dye a wide-cut shaded fruit rug

There was a "first" in this issue of the NEWSLETTER, also--a breathtaking two-page color photo of dyed wool hanging from trees in a beautiful spring garden. I have heard many comments about it from rug hookers I know.

If you are missing out on the beautiful photos, and instructive articles in the updated 60-page full-color ATHA NEWSLETTER, which is mailed to members 6 times annually, go to the ATHA website, www.atharugs.com, click on "How to Join", and you can join online using paypal, or download a membership form to be mailed in. Back issues of the NEWSLETTER can be ordered by ATHA members from Membership Chairman Joan Cahill for $5 each, includes postage.

And don't forget, that the NEWSLETTER is totally member-driven, and send your articles and rug photos to editor Judy Long, athanews@peoplescom.net.

SEEING RED MAT CHALLENGE

Now is the time to start hooking your 9x12-inch mat, celebrating the color red, which must be mailed to ATHA Communications Director Lisanne Miller by January 15, 2011. Talk to your hooking group about joining the challenge. Details in the Feb/Mar 2010 issue of ATHA NEWSLETTER.

ATHA Region 9 Update for March 2010

From:
Martha Lowry
ATHA Region 9 Rep
281-550-7562

MARCH
GARAGE SALE AT THE "HOOK-ME-UP" GROUP MEETING, Saturday, March 20, 10:00-3:00. This new rug hooking group is meeting the third Saturday of the month at the Carrollton Church of the Nazarene, 1529 East Hebron Pkwy, Carrollton, TX 75010. Come to the large fellowship hall on west side of bldg. Bring sack lunch and drink. $2 donation for facility use. BRING ANY RUG HOOKING OR TEXTILE RELATED ITEMS TO SELL ON MARCH 20. BRING PLENTY OF CASH, CHECKS. EACH PERSON WILL COLLECT HIS OWN MONEY. Contact: Janet Kersh, woolgarden@hotmail.com.

SPRING FLING AT THE P, Saturday, March 27, at P is for Primitive, Canton, MS. All fiber artists are welcome--bring your knitting, rug hooking, spinning, weaving, needle felting and more, for a day of working on your projects together. Please RSVP for this event to Lisanne Miller, lisannemiller1@aol.com.

APRIL
HANKAMER HOOK-IN, April 9-10, Whites Park, 225 Whites Memorial Park Dr., Hankamer, TX. IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO REGISTER, CAN REGISTER BY APRIL 1. Vendors: Katie Hartner, Tricia Travis, Bea Brock, Susan Quicksall, Deborah Nestledge, Julie Burns. $20 for one day, or $40 for both days. Fee includes catered lunch each day. Mail checks, payable to Stash Sisters, to P.D. Hankamer, P.O. Box 166, Hankamer, TX 77560. Be sure to designate if you're attending Friday or Saturday, or both, so your lunch can be ordered. Contact: P.D.Hankamer, heartspd1@yahoo.com or 409-374-2258.

SNIPPETS IN THE SPRING, a rug hooking retreat, April 21-24, at the Duncan Gray Center, near Canton, MS. Mini classes include: dyeing, hooking simple faces, color planning from your stash, and making the most of your textures. Evening hooking, demos, door prizes. For more details, see website, www.pisforprimitive.com. Contact: Lisanne Miller, 601-859-4252 or lisannemiller1@aol.com.

SCULPTED SANTA FACE CLASS, by artist Lebba Kropp, April 19 and 23 (a two-day class), at My Little House Rug Hooking Studio, Katy, TX. Contact: Jan Peckenpaugh, mylilhouse@hotmail.com.

RUG HOOKING DEMONSTRATIONS BY THE HUB CITY RUGHOOKERS. The Hub City Rughookers will be demonstrating at the annual Arts Fair at the Civic Center in Lubbock, TX, April 16-18. They will also be demonstrating at Ranch Day, at the Ranching Heritage Center, April 24, 10:00-4:00. They will dress in the style of the early 1900's and assist visitors to experience a bit of Texas history. Contact: Teresa Heinze, tmheinze@sbcglobal.net.

MAY
STAR OF TEXAS RUG CAMP, TYLER, May 23-27, at the Holiday Inn Select, Tyler, TX. Contacts: Katie Hartner, khartner2@msn.com and Cynthia Norwood, canorwood@aol.com.

JUNE
EUREKA SPRINGS HOOK-IN, June 12, 9:00-5:00, at the Inn of the Ozarks, Hwy 62W, Eureka Springs, AR. Great vendors. Admission $20, includes lunch. Must preregister by contacting Vicki Hardcastle, rughooking@hughes.net. Also available, rug hooking workshops, Friday, June 11, must preregister.

TEXAS RUGFEST HOOK-IN, Monday, June 21, 9:00-4:00, at the Grapevine Convention Center in Grapevine, TX. Vendors, door prizes, rug show. Registration $20. Optional deli box lunch $13. THE WEBSITE IS COMING SOON, SO CHECK IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS FOR REGISTRATION FORM: www.texasrugfest.com. Or contact Susan Harper, texasrugfest@yahoo.com.

KIRBY HOOKING CIRCLE'S FIRST ANNUAL MID-SUMMER'S HOOK-IN, June 26, 9:00-4:00, at Bethany Christian Church, 3223 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX, 77098. $25 registration, includes box lunch. Hooking, vendors, rug show, and rug challenge. REGISTRATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE. Contact Lurie McAdow, luriemcadow@aol.com, and she will email you a registration form.

NEW ORLEANS RUG HOOKING GATHERING, June 27-July 1, at the Boutique French Quarter Hotel. Instructors: Diane Stoffel, Carrie Martin. Contacts: Dorothy Delaune, rgdelaune@aol.com or Carrie Martin, mart3285@bellsouth.net.

AUGUST
NINTH ANNUAL ANGELA PUMPHREY WEEKEND RUG HOOKING WORKSHOP, hosted by the Heart of Texas ATHA Chapter, August 13-15, at the Holiday Inn Riverwalk, San Antonio, TX. Teachers: Elizabeth Black, Pris Buttler, Bev Conway, and Carrie Martin. Contact: Tricia Travis, countrygatherings@mail.com or 210-651-4470.

THIRD ANNUAL HOOK-IN CO-SPONSORED BY STONEHILL SPINNING AND COUNTRY GATHERINGS, August 29-30, at the Inn on Barons Creek, Fredericksburg, TX. Vendors, mini workshops, and a special workshop by Edyth O'Neill on color. Registration $25 per day, or $45 for both days. Contact Tricia Travis at countrygatherings@mail.com.

OCTOBER
MISSISSIPPI WOOL DUST SOCIETY THIRD ANNUAL JAIL HOUSE ROCK HOOK-IN, October 21-23, at the historic Old Jail House, Canton, MS. Registration is $45 for the Thursday evening reception and two full days of hooking. Contact: Lisanne Miller, lisannemiller1@aol.com or 601-859-4252 or lisannemiller1@aol.com.

OXFORD RUG CAMP, October 31-November 4, at the Downtown Inn and Suites, Oxford, MS. Teachers: Bea Brock, Sibyl Osicka, and Bev Conway. For more information, see the website, www.oxfordrugcamp.com. Contact camp director Donna Holdiness, oxfordrugcamp@bellsouth.net or 662-289-7738.

NOVEMBER
KERRVILLE TRADITIONAL AND PRIMITIVE RUG CAMP, November 12-14, at Y.O. Ranch Resort Hotel and Conference Center, Kerrville, TX. Teachers: Karen Maddox, Judy Rippstein, and Pamela Van Lieu. Contact Pamela Van Lieu at rpvanlieu@gvtc.com or 830-336-4467, for an email containing registration form, teacher bios, and class descriptions.

JANUARY, 2011
GLEN ROSE RUG HOOKING RETREAT, sponsored by the Texas Rug Runners ATHA Chapter, January 14-16, at the Glen Lake Camp and Retreat Center's Stillwater Lodge. Contact: Melody Lundquist, melody.lundquist@yahoo.com.

NEWS FROM REGION 9 HOOKING GROUPS

Thanks to the groups for sending in the following news:

MAGNOLIA WOOL DUST SOCIETY meets the second Saturday of each month at the Old Jail House in Canton, MS. Upcoming meeting topics include: annual potluck and membership drive (April 10); Seeing Red Mat Challenge Workshop (May 8); and Punch Needle Workshop (June 12). Contact: Lisanne Miller, 601-859-4252.

HUB CITY RUGHOOKERS meet the 4th Monday of every month, 10:00-2:00, at the Garden and Arts Center, Lubbock, TX. They also hook at Rachaels Quilt Shop on 50th St. on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays and the 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 1:00-4:00. Everyone welcome. Contact: Teresa Heinze, tmheinze@sbcglobal.net. They will be demonstrating rug hooking at two events during the month of April (see EVENTS).

WILD WEST WOOLIE RUG HOOKERS, San Angelo, TX, had an open house and rug hooking demonstration on March 6, at the Wool'N'Cotton Shop, 602 Orient St., San Angelo, TX, in the historic Baker Bank Building. For group information, contact Judith Lester, woolncotton@verizon.net.

HOOK ME UP, Carrollton, TX, meets the 3rd Saturday of each month, 10:00-3:00, at Carrollton Church of the Nazarene, large fellowship hall on west side of building. Janet Kersh reports they had a great turnout for their first meeting in February. A special class is planned for the April meeting: Janie Staples will teach a hooked accessory bag, designed by Cindy Goolsby. There will also be regular hooking for those who do not participate in the class. Contact Janet Kersh, woolgarden@hotmail.com, for more information. Class size is limited.

TULSA RUG HOOKERS, Tulsa, OK, enjoyed celebrating the 90th birthday of one of their members, Bernice, at a recent meeting. Bernice's three daughters are also rug hookers. For information about this group, which meets regularly at the Hardesty Regional Library, contact Mitzi Thomas, stitziandmyron@hotmail.com.

KATY LAMBCHOPS, Katy, TX, meet every Wednesday, 10:00-4:00, and the 2nd Saturday of each month, 10:00-2:00, at My Little House, inside Dovetail Antiques in Old Town Katy. This group enjoys "make it and take it" projects. They made an Easter needle punch project in March, and recently welcomed their rug hooking friends from Round Top, TX, at a day of hooking and potluck lunch. Monthly evening hook-ins begin in the spring. Contact: Jan Peckenpaugh, 281-687-2088 or mylilhouse@hotmail.com, to be added to the regular email list.

COUNTRY GATHERINGS, San Antonio, TX, hosts regular hooking groups on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Please contact Tricia Travis, countrygatherings@mail.com or 210-651-4470, to join one of these groups.

REGION 9 RUG HOOKING BLOGS

For more information about rug hooking events, check out these great blogs by Region 9 rug hookers:

www.redjackrugs.blogspot.com (Texas)
www.primitivesbythelightofthemoon.blogspot.com (Oklahoma)
www.patijanesprimitives.blogspot.com (Oklahoma)
www.thehogscaldholler.blogspot.com (Arkansas)

Please let me know about other rug hooking blogs by rug hookers in our region (Oklahoma, Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas), and they will be mentioned in the Email Update, for all to enjoy.

SEEING RED MAT CHALLENGE
Lisanne Miller reports that she received the first entry in the Seeing Red Mat Challenge on March 3!

For more information about the challenge, see the Feb/Mar issue of ATHA NEWSLETTER. The challenge is to hook a mat that is 9x12 inches, in any style and fiber, which celebrates the color red.

This question has come up several times: Does the mat have to be all red, or just partially red? Answer: It's up to the artist. It is the artist's decision how she/he wishes to celebrate the color red.

ATHA NEWSLETTER
Don't forget to check out this issue of the ATHA NEWSLETTER (Feb/Mar), for the list of Region 9 vendors and teachers in the center pull-out section. It's a great list to have for reference.

And please consider sending your rug photos with a short article to editor Judy Long, athanews@peoplescom.net.

ATHA Region 9 Update for February 2010

UPCOMING REGION 9 EVENTS
FROM MARTHA LOWRY, REP. FOR REGION 9

FEBRUARY
FIRST ANNUAL HEART OF TEXAS HOOK-IN, sponsored by the Heart of Texas ATHA chapter, is this Saturday, February 27, 9:30-4:30, at the Hill Country Christian Church, 20845 HWY 46W, Spring Branch, TX 78070. Advance registration is necessary. Contact: Catherine Hickman, 210-481-5141 or catherine35@sbcglobal.net.

MARCH
MARCH MADNESS STASH SALE, Friday, March 5, 9:00-3:00, at the Fredericksburg Inn and Suites, 201 S. Washington, Fredericksburg, TX. Contact: Judy Burgess, jacknjudyb@austin.rr.com.

YELLOW ROSE RUG CAMP, March 14-18, Salado, TX. Martha Reynolds states there are still a few openings left, and the Camp Rug Show, which is free and open to everyone, will be Wednesday, March 17, after 1:00 in the Bluebonnet Lodge. For more information, the website is http://www.yellowroseevents.net. Contact: Martha Reynolds, rugbug48@gmail.com.

APRIL
FIFTH ANNUAL HANKAMER HOOK-IN, April 9-10, at Whites Park, 225 Whites Memorial Park Dr., Hankamer, TX. Vendors and rug show. Advance registration. Contact: P.D. Hankamer, heartspd1@yahoo.com.

SNIPPETS IN THE SPRING, a rug hooking retreat, April 21-24, at the Duncan Gray Center, just north of Canton, MS. (website is www.graycenter.dioms.org). Lisanne Miller, of P is for Primitive in Canton, will be teaching mini classes, including dyeing, hooking simple faces, color planning from your stash, and making the most of your textures. Evening hooking, all-inclusive pricing, demos, door prizes, and more...contact Lisanne Miller, 601-859-4252 or lisannemiller1@aol.com.

SCULPTED SANTA FACE CLASS, by artist Lebba Kropp, April 19 and April 23 (a two-day class), at My Little House Rug Hooking Studio, Katy, TX. Contact: Jan Peckenpaugh, mylilhouse@hotmail.com.

MAY
STAR OF TEXAS RUG CAMP, TYLER, May 23-27, at the Holiday Inn Select, Tyler, TX. Contacts: Katie Hartner, khartner2@msn.com and Cynthia Norwood, canorwood@aol.com.

JUNE
FIFTH ANNUAL EUREKA SPRINGS HOOK-IN, June 12, at the Eureka Springs Best Western Convention Center Hotel, Eureka Springs, AR. Vendors. In conjunction with the hook-in, rug hooking workshops will be held on Friday June 11. Workshop teachers include Judy Cripps, Victoria Ingalls, Aileen Anderson, and Vicki Hardcastle. Spaces limited. Advance registration necessary for either or both days. Contact: Vicki Hardcastle at rughooking@hughes.net.

ANNUAL TEXAS RUGFEST HOOK-IN, Monday, June 21, at the Grapevine Convention Center in Grapevine, TX. Vendors. Advance registration, contact Susan Harper, texasrugfest@yahoo.com.

FIRST ANNUAL MIDSUMMER KIRBY HOOK-IN, June 26, 9:00-4:00, at Bethany Christian Church, 3223 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX. Rug show open to the public from 1:00-3:00. Vendors. Advance registration, contact Lurie McAdow, luriemcadow@aol.com. If you would like to participate in the rug challenge, "Celestial Challenge", you can read about it on April DeConick's blog, www.redjackrugs.blogspot.com, on the January 18, 2010 post.

AUGUST
NINTH ANNUAL ANGELA PUMPHREY WEEKEND RUG HOOKING WORKSHOP, hosted by the Heart of Texas ATHA Chapter, August 13-15, at the Holiday Inn Riverwalk, San Antonio, TX. Teachers include Elizabeth Black, Pris Buttler, Bev Conway, and Carrie Martin. Contact: Tricia Travis, countrygatherings@mail.com or 210-651-4470.

THIRD ANNUAL HOOK-IN CO-SPONSORED BY STONEHILL SPINNING AND COUNTRY GATHERINGS, August 29 and 30, at the Inn on Barons Creek, Fredericksburg, TX. Vendors, mini workshops, and a special workshop by Edyth O'Neill on color. Registration $25 per day, or $45 for both days. Contact countrygatherings@mail.com or 210-651-4470.

OCTOBER
MISSISSIPPI WOOL DUST SOCIETY ATHA CHAPTER'S THIRD ANNUAL JAIL HOUSE ROCK HOOK-IN, October 21-23, at the Historic Jail House, Canton, MS. Registration is $45 for the Thursday evening reception and two full days of hooking. There are only about 10 spaces left, so contact Lisanne Miller at 601-859-4252 or lisannemiller1@aol.com.

FIFTH ANNUAL OXFORD RUG CAMP, October 31-Nov.4, at the Downtown Inn and Suites, Oxford, MS. Teachers include Bea Brock, Bev Conway, and Sibyl Osicka. For more information, see website www.oxfordrugcamp.com. Contact camp director Donna Holdiness, oxfordrugcamp@bellsouth.net or 662-289-7738.

NOVEMBER
KERRVILLE TRADITIONAL AND PRIMITIVE RUG CAMP, November 12-14, at the legendary Y.O. Ranch Resort Hotel and Conference Center, Kerrville, TX. Teachers include Karen Maddox, Judy Rippstein, and Pamela Van Lieu. Contact Pamela Van Lieu at rpvanlieu@gvtc.com or 830-336-4467, for an email containing registration form, teacher bios, and class descriptions.

January, 2011
GLEN ROSE RUG HOOKING RETREAT, sponsored by the Texas Rug Runners ATHA Chapter, January 14-16, 2011, at the Glen Lake Camp and Retreat Center's Stillwater Lodge. Contact Melody Lundquist at melody.lundquist@yahoo.com to receive a registration form.

NEWS FROM REGION 9 HOOKING GROUPS

For a list of hooking groups in your area, contact Martha Lowry, mlowry52@hotmail.com. The following information does not represent every hooking group, but only emails that have been sent to be included in the Region 9 Update. Please send in any info about your hooking group.

HOOK ME UP, a new group meeting in Carrollton, TX, meets monthly on the 3rd Saturday, from 10:00-3:00, at the Carrollton Church of the Nazarene, 1529 E. Hebron Pkwy, Carrollton, TX 75010. There will be a $2 donation for use of the church facility. For more information and directions, contact Janet Kersh, woolgarden@hotmail.com.

KATY LAMBCHOPS meets every Wednesday from 10:00-4:00 at My Little House, inside Dovetail Antiques in Old Town Katy, TX. This group has been enjoying "make it and take it" projects, including proddy and quilling. For March, a needlepunch project is planned. A monthly evening hook-in will begin in the spring. To receive email reminders about meetings and upcoming special classes, contact Jan Peckenpaugh, mylilhouse@hotmail.com.

SEVERAL HOOKING GROUPS meet at Country Gatherings, 18771 FM 2252, San Antonio, TX. In addition to hosting the regular meetings of the Heart of Texas ATHA Chapter, the following groups also meet: two Tuesday groups which meet every Tuesday from 9:30-12:00 (each group meets 2 times monthly); a Wednesday group which meets two times a month from 9:30-12:00; and a Saturday group which meets two times monthly form 9:00-11:00. For information about joining any of these groups, contact Tricia Travis at countrygatherings@mail.com or 210-651-4470.

MAGNOLIA WOOL DUST SOCIETY ATHA CHAPTER meets the second Saturday, 11:00, at the Historic Jail House in Canton, MS. In February, they hooked face pins. Contact Lisanne Miller, lisannemiller1@aol.com.

THE SHEPHERD'S WOOL AND ANTIQUES, Wichita Falls, TX, hosts a regular hooking group. Contact Susan Myers at susanmyers0006@att.net for more information.

P IS FOR PRIMITIVE, Canton, MS, is hosting "Spring Fling at the P", Saturday, March 27. All types of fiber artists are welcome to bring their projects to work on. Contact Lisanne, lisannemiller1@aol.com.

IN MEMORIAM

The Kerrville Rug Hookers, Kerrville, TX mourn the loss of member LoisLee Ewing. Group member Karen Maddox sent in a lovely tribute to her: "LoisLee Ewing, a member of our Kerrville Rug Hookers, passed away on January 27, 2010. The family wanted the local rug hooking groups to have her wool, so we had two pickups and three cars loaded to take to the monthly gathering here in Kerrville. It was a sad time; however, everyone had so much fun choosing wool and sharing memories of LoisLee. What wool was left, we took to the Fredericksburg Hooking Gathering, and then to the Blanco Hooking Gathering. Some was given to the hooking group in Mexico, so Loislee will be in many a rug in the future! We will miss her tremendously, but her legacy lives on through the generosity of her husband and daughter."

Region 9 joins the Kerrville Rug Hookers in remembering LoisLee's legacy. A couple of her beautiful rugs are featured in Cynthia Norwood's book, CREATING AN ANTIQUE LOOK IN HAND-HOOKED RUGS. She hooked "Ligonier Duo" on page 6, and "Magdalena's Dogs and Crows" on page 39.

RAFFLE TICKETS
Contact Carrie Martin, mart3285@bellsouth.net, to buy raffle tickets for a rug hooking frame to support the 2011 ATHA BIENNIAL.

ATHA NEWSLETTER ARTICLES FROM REGION 9 MEMBERS

* Carrie Martin's (Covington, LA) how-to article about hooking wide-cut, shaded fruit (she will be guiding us through a primitive fruit pattern in a series of 4 articles, including dye recipes, and will include her own chair seat pattern in one of the articles)
* Laurie Gaddy's (Bellville, TX) how-to article about unusual binding techniques for finishing rugs
* An invitation from Region 9 to participate in the SEEING RED CHALLENGE, hooking a small mat featuring the color red
* Bea Brock's (Kerrville, TX) Dyeing Primer, a 6-part series about how to dye beautiful wool
* Amzi Collins's (Lake Charles, LA) article about her "Gentry Encore" rug
* Linda Gartner's (Fredericksburg, TX) article about her "Annie's Flower Power" rug
* A feature about Barbara Riley's (Houston, TX) rug hooking studio, with an invitation to send in photos of our hooking rooms to be featured in future issues

Congrats to Judy Long, Editor, for a great issue, and for featuring such interesting and in-depth how-to articles in the NEWSLETTER. Judy has requested articles and photos which feature fine-shaded rugs with spring and summer themes. Keep sending in your primitive rugs, too. You can contact Judy at athanews@peoplescom.net.

Don't forget, you can start your subscription to the ATHA NEWSLETTER by going to the ATHA website, www.atharugs.com, and clicking on "how to join". You can join online using paypal, or you can download the membership form and mail a check. Don't miss an issue of this great newsletter.

THANK YOU
Thanks for your support, and please keep sending information for this update. Email mlowry52@hotmail.com if you want to be removed from this distribution list, or if you are receiving it more than once.

Martha Lowry
Region 9 ATHA Rep
281-550-7562

Another great ATHA Newsletter

I was so pleased to receive a copy of the Feb/March ATHA newsletter and see more Texas rug hookers in it and Carrie Martin from whom I had the pleasure of taking a class two weeks ago.

• Carrie Martin has a very informative article on how to hook wide-cut fruit using texture wools and over dyed materials (pp. 12-13).
• Laurie Gaddy from Belleville, Texas, shares ideas about creating interesting borders and finishing rugs (pp. 16-17).
• Bea Brock from Kerrville, Texas, has published the first part of a six part series called the 'Dyeing Primer' where she is sharing her vast knowledge of dyeing. She plans the series in terms of taking 'baby steps' in order to build confidence (pp. 22-25).
• Linda Gartner from Fredericksburg, Texas, tells about her non-traditional floral which she began to hook at the annual Star of Texas rug camp in 2007 (p. 35).
• Barbara Riley from Houston, Texas, opens up her personal wool room and rug hooking studio to us. What a fantastic space she has! And look at all those rugs. She has hooked 50 rugs in the three years she has been hooking (pp. 42-44).
• Martha Lowry reminds us of the Region 9 ATHA special mat challenge 'Seeing Red' (p. 19).

I am reminded how lucky I am to be living in Houston in such a vibrant rug hooking community, a community with so many generous rug hookers who share their skills, creativity and enthusiasm for hooking so freely with each other. I am glad to be here among them.

ATHA Region 9 Update

Martha Lowry is beginning to circulate a monthly update about ATHA Region 9. Here is a copy of her e-newsletter.

Greetings! It is time for another of our Region 9 monthly updates. I would appreciate if you would forward this email to your hooking group members. I will try to email at-large ATHA members who might not be affiliated with a local group.

Thanks to all the group leaders who sent in news for the email. If I missed you, please email me. Here is the news from local rug hooking groups:

THE MAGNOLIA WOOL DUST SOCIETY (Mississippi)--This group has planned their calendar of meetings for the entire year. At the January 9 meeting, there will be a "Finishing Tips and Techniques" workshop led by member Martha Langley. At the February 13 meeting, they will make face pins. Much of their work during the year will be preparing for their annual Jail House Rock hook-in (Save the date: Oct. 21,22, and 23, 2010) in Canton, MS. Contact is Lisanne Miller (lisannemiller1@aol.com).

HEARTS AND HANDS GUILD (Fredericksburg, TX)--This group has regular open meetings the second Monday of each month, 9-12 noon, at Stonehill Spinning's classroom building, 204 W. Ufer. Guild president Judy Burgess writes that she is having a MARCH MADNESS STASH SALE on Friday, March 5, from 9-3, at the Fredericksburg Inn and Suites, 201 S. Washington (Hwy 87S). You can shop for free. Or you can contact Judy to sell items from your own hooking closet and wool stash that you are ready to part with--it is $10 for a 4x8-foot table. Judy is not making any money on the event, as the fees go to the hotel for use of the space. Professional vendors may only bring items from their personal stash, not their business. If you want to spend the night at the hotel, Judy says mention "hookers" for a reduced room rate. If you need information, or want to bring items to sell, contact Judy at jacknjudyb@austin.rr.com
(Judy says, don't forget the b in the email.)

AGGIELAND RUG ARTISTS (College Station, TX)--Guild president Linda Kahil writes that this group, along with other fiber arts groups, had a fiber arts show at the Brazos Valley Arts Council Building in July. The show was a wonderful collection of fiber arts in a gallery setting, as I had the privilege to attend. Presently they are working on individual projects at their twice-monthly meetings. Secretary Emma Gene Schroeder writes that charter member Martha Hix has just completed embroidering a beautiful museum-quality Christmas stocking using llama wool for Santa's beard and angora wool for his fur trim, and that member Loyce Kahil completed hooking a wonderful turkey rug in only a month. The guild members are good friends and encourage one another's progress in their work.

HUB CITY RUG HOOKERS (Lubbock, TX)--This rug hooking group will be demonstrating rug hooking at "Candlelight at the Ranch" in Lubbock on Dec. 11-12. The rug hookers will dress in period clothing appropriate to the home in which they will be demonstrating. It is a true reenactment, as the rug hookers will not have interaction with the hundreds of visitors who will visit to catch a glimpse of years gone by. In January, the Hub City Rug Hookers will display their work at the Mahon Library. In the display will be rugs of all types, primitive, fine and seasonal. There will also be a display of tools, books and supplies, in order to educate visitors about the art of rug hooking.

LONE STAR HOOKING GUILD (Dallas, TX)--Fifteen guild members spent Friday and Saturday, Nov. 13-14, with national teacher Gail Dufresne and two of her wonderful patterns, SUNFLOWER and SHEEP, at a workshop in Dallas. They learned to proddy, sculpt, and add mixed media to their rugs. This was the final official guild meeting, according to president Martha Reynolds. The Wednesday Hooking group will continue to meet. This group meets almost every Wednesday from 10-2, at Lakewood Methodist Church. There is a $2 donation for facility use fee. Martha will be the contact for the group. rugbug48@gmail.com

KIRBY AREA HOOKING CIRCLE (Houston, TX)--This is a new hooking group in the Kirby area, which meets the 3rd Saturday of each month from 11-3, There will be no December meeting; the next meeting is January 16. Save the date for the MidSummers Night Hook-in which this group will host on Saturday, June 26, 2010. Contact is Lurie McAdow at luriemcadow@aol.com

STASH SISTERS (Houston, TX)--This group recently had a worm swap and fall mat challenge at their October meeting. They are busy hooking a raffle rug, to be drawn for at their 5th annual Hankamer Hook-In. Save the date: Friday and Saturday, April 9-10, 2010. They are planning their 2010 calendar, which includes a mug and mug mat exchange for the February meeting. Contact is P.D. Hankamer at heartspd1@yahoo.com

KATY LAMBCHOPS (Katy, TX)--This group's regular meetings are the first and third Wednesdays, 10-4, in old town Katy, and also the first Tuesday evening of the month. Contact is Jan Peckenpaugh at mylilhouse@hotmail.com

Our other hooking groups are active, also! Let us hear from you as to what you're doing, and if you are sponsoring any events. We would love to save the date, and join you!

ATHA NEWSLETTER ARTICLES

Please consider sending in a rug photo and short article telling the story of your rug, to Judy Long, editor of the ATHA NEWSLETTER. The NEWSLETTER is a member-driven publication, and Judy relies heavily on the interest and support of ATHA members, who will take the time to share their rugs. Many Region 9 members have contributed. Congratulations and thanks to the Region 9 members who have articles published in the current issue of the NEWSLETTER (Oct/Nov):

Wanda Clark (Bulverde, TX) wrote an article about her dog pillows.
Melinda Smith (Katy, TX) sent in her horned lizard rug.
Deborah Neslage (Brady, TX) sent a photo of her scarecrow doorstop.
Lisanne Miller (Canton, MS) sent an article about a sheep rug workshop.

We enjoy reading about and getting to know fellow rug hookers.

SEEING RED MAT CHALLENGE

Look for the information about the SEEING RED MAT CHALLENGE in the February/March issue of ATHA NEWSLETTER. (Not "Hooked on Red", as I previously reported in error.) Region 9 members are inviting the general ATHA membership to join us in hooking an original 9x12-inch mat which celebrates the color red. The deadline to send the mats in is Jan. 15, 2011. The SEEING RED exhibit will go "on tour" throughout the year of 2011 and will be featured in the NEWSLETTER. We hope your hooking group will adopt the SEEING RED MAT CHALLENGE as one of your projects for the 2010 year. Details will be in the NEWSLETTER article. Contact is Martha Lowry at mlowry52@hotmail.com

INTERESTED IN FORMING AN ATHA CHAPTER?

If your group is interested in joining ATHA as a chapter, contact me for an information packet. mlowry52@hotmail.com

A REMINDER TO ATHA CHAPTER PRESIDENTS

*All ATHA chapters receive liability insurance coverage for their regular meetings. It is important to inform the national organization of the time and location of your meetings, which is done by sending in the ANNUAL CHAPTER UPDATE FORM, due Nov. 30. You can download the form from the website. Go to www.atharugs.com and click on chapter presidents. You can click on the form you need at the top of the chapter president page. Send the original, along with a list of current members, to Susan Feller, Regional Coordinator, and a copy to me, regional rep. (Contact info at front, in ATHA NEWSLETTER.) Thanks for your effort in this matter, as most of you have already sent it in.
*Don't forget, that the ATHA chapters can also get liability coverage for their special events, such as rug shows, and hook-ins. There is no extra charge, but you must contact the ATHA COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR, Lisanne Miller, ahead of time, to get a Certificate of Liability for that event. Lisanne is a Region 9 member, and her contact info is at front of ATHA NEWSLETTER.
*Another reminder! Each ATHA chapter receives one free ad in the ATHA NEWSLETTER each year for a chapter event. The free ad is 1/6 page, black and white, valued at $75. You can upgrade the ad's size or add color, and apply the $75 to the upgraded ad. Don't forget the free ad when planning your events. Contact Ads Mgr, Cynthia Norwood (contact info in ATHA NEWSLETTER) well in advance of the event. The publication deadline is a couple of months ahead of each issue's pub date.

LET ME KNOW

Let me know if you know of other hooking groups who would like to receive our Update. Let me know of any events, or just what your chapter is doing. Thanks for sharing your events and your ideas. We all learn from each other.

Martha Lowry
ATHA Region 9 Rep
281-550-7562

Melinda Smith and the Texas Horned Toad

In the October/November issue of ATHA magazine (pp. 14-15), Melinda Smith's fabulous horned toad rug is featured. I have seen this rug in person and the pictures just don't do it justice. The markings are all hooked raised and the effect is "awesome" as my son would say (this is his new favorite word). Melinda has not even been hooking for a year and the rugs she is already creating are pieces of art. I hope to see more of her rugs in person at future Kirby Hooking Circles. Congratulations Melinda!

The New Merit Award Program

The August/September 2009 Issue 178 of the ATHA NEWSLETTER arrived in my mailbox yesterday. To my delighted surprise in the center of the issue (pages 32-35) is a comprehensive description of a new educational hooking program. When I first read it, I thought that ATHA was sponsoring it, but when I contacted Phyllis Lindblade (who was the Educational Chair of ATHA and put this program together) about the program this morning, she said that ATHA has made a very recent decision not to sponsor it. So Phyllis is housing the program on the Rughookers Merit Program blog on WordPress and she has supported it with Yahoo Rughookers. So if you want to join, read about it on her blog.

I was VERY disappointed to hear that ATHA is not going to sponsor this program, given that a program like this is exactly what we have needed for a long time. It is what we have all been waiting for as an educational alternative to McGown certification. Finally here is an educational plan that any rug hooker can do from home without having to travel to expensive camps for several years running during times when most of us are working or have children to care for.

The plan is challenging but flexible. It is also CREATIVE! No more insistence that certain rug patterns have to be hooked, thank goodness. There are nine categories of proficiency.

• Hooking with alternative materials
• Color theory
• Styles of hooking
• Rug hooking history
• Dyeing wool
• Themes
• Design
• Finishing
• Sharing and service

Each category has eight items listed, six of which must be accomplished to demonstrate proficiency in that area. Digitial pictures of each item are sent to a committee for review. Once passed, we will be sent a colored crystal (each category has its own crystal) to attach to a sheep pin. The categories are not successive, so we can work on any category we want and journey our own path of creative growth.

The cost of participation if we want the pin and the award crystals is $70. If we just want to participate but not receive the pin and award crystals, it's free!

For further information, contact Phyllis Lindblade at phylblad@umich.edu. To enter, send your request to Rughookers Merit Program, P.O. Box 96, Hamburg, MI 48139.