Rug Hooking

The Art of Michaele Freeman

Rug Hooking

I began rug hooking after seeing a booth at a Christmas Craft fair in 2002, in Victoria where I live. It didn't look too difficult, and I had a coat and a couple of jackets that I could use. Well, I hooked like crazy and got it done, I thought, but didn't know how to finish it. By chance, I came across a lady that mentioned rug hooking, and I asked her about how to finish the project. She invited me to come to her group to see if the ladies could give me some advice. It turns out, I had gone about hooking it the wrong way... I had the ends all at the back. I also had used the wrong backing—latch hook canvas! So the ladies advised me to bring the ends to the front, which I did. I also started whipping the edges, but have decided that the wool strips, all of which I cut by hand (very primitive), are not going to hold in the latch hook canvas, so I'm rehooking the rug into primitive burlap, and it will be worthwhile. I'll be able to walk on my coat and two jackets with pride! I have just the right spot for it. In the meantime, I am now a member of this wonderful group of ladies, and we call ourselves the Woolly Thyme Rug Hookers. We go from home to home each Monday evening, sharing our experiences with rug hooking and life, encouraging, listening and laughing! And after all that, we have tea and goodies, and go home with a light heart and smiles on our faces!

I have learned so much since I first began, and continue to learn as I hook my rugs, dye wool, and meet other rug hookers in person and on the internet. Please contact me if you are interested in information about my rugs, including patterns.