Though I love looking at hooked rugs, Archbold OH is a long way to drive. Several years ago I went to Sauder Village and took some workshops. I’ve been hoping ever since to find a class I liked and was delighted to see this one by Ellen Banker – The Unconventional Rug Hookers Guide to Samplers. If you read Rug Hooking Magazine, you have seen her work and read her articles. I’m a big fan so I got signed up.
As part of the class, all the hookers {I know many of you are smiling…} got a sampler to practise on. Ellen demonstrated a variety of techniques and then we hooked them on our sampler. Another project to be continued…
For the next part of the class, we could work on a design of our own or use one of three sampler designs offered by Ellen. Most of us decided to work on an Ellen Sampler. {Though I do have a sampler design, I thought it best to work on Ellen’s and play with mine another time.} Here is one of Ellen’s sampler designs….No. 10. I debated getting this one as I very much like the big carrot and the bunnies. Aren’t the carrots delicious looking?
But in the end, I chose Sampler No. 3 because I like the flower pot and all of Ellen’s quirky birds. I’ve been trying to hook a bit each day and have been playing with the flowers and stems and leaves. The birds are under design review right now. There is a lot of background and I am also wondering if I might add a border. I have done lots of counted cross stitch samplers and they usually have a border. {Less background to hook!}
Should you be interested, Ellen has written a book, Hooked on Words.
As well as a how-to guide, it’s filled with wonderful and quirky samplers she has made. She also researched rugs hooked by other artists and so many inspiring examples are included. An interesting rug often has a story behind it and Hooked on Words is a good read!
Ooh, I haven’t seen the WORD book, but have been interested. I really think that you should plan on coming out here in April for the workshop with Donna Hrkman. The Sharon Smith one is on less than 2 weeks! How about Denver in August?
LikeLike
I have been reading it and it is a treat! It “sounds” just like Ellen, of course, which makes me smile. The stories are so interesting.
I did a workshop with Donna, sort of. (We were moving and my mind wasn’t really on it.) I’m not sure I want to do a human/animal rug right now and that’s her speciality. Wait till you see her newest rug – stay tuned!
Have you decided what to do with Sharon? She was at Sauder and I had a chat with her about your guild. I would SO do her Santa!
Did you read my comment? Denver in August is a distinct possibility! Peter’s brother lives in Boulder so it’s a two fer.
LikeLike
I love seeing the letters pop from the fabric when they are hooked! The designs are just delightful!
LikeLike
Thanks Kerry. I am enjoying hooking the sampler.
LikeLike