Tag: Rughooking NSW Australia_Miriam Miller_Proggy and Hooky Rugs

June and July, a time for travelling

ISSN 2007-001X     August 2018

At the end of June, Miriam Miller from Milton and a group from the Narrawilly Proggy Rugmakers travelled to the Sydney Craft Fair at Darling Harbour and along with Martha Birch and Helen Orr of Sydney, talked rug hooking with fair goers at the Australian Rugmakers Guild stand organized by Martha.

In July, Miriam and Jacqui Thomson, drove even further north to visit family, friends and rug hookers. Their long road trip also being a trial run – “what to pack considering differing weather conditions” – in preparation for their overseas travels later in the year when they’ll attend the The International Guild of Handhooking Rugmakers (TIGHR) Conference in the UK in October and a knitting tour in Iceland in November.  The temperatures on this trip ranged from 27C at Atherton to -7C  in the mornings at Dubbo and Cowra.

They covered 6,600.03 kilometres (yes, they clocked it down the last fraction of a kilometre).  Their route taking them from Milton on the south coast of New South Wales, over the mountains and up the inland route through the outback of New South Wales and Queensland to Atherton on the Atherton Tablelands near Cairns in the far north of Australia. Their travel journal is detailed in Miriam’s newsletter “Connecting Us” July/August issue, archived on the Guild website.


This map shows (roughly) the stops they made along the way; Blayney, Mudgee, Lightning Ridge, Surat, Emerald, Charters Towers, Atherton, Bowen, Gladstone Coolum Beach, Landsborough, Brisbane, Murwillumbah, Byron Bay, Texas, (yes there is a Texas in Australia) Warialda, Dubbo and Cowra.
After leaving Lightning Ridge – famous for mining of black opals, they drove 75ks East to Surat and stayed at the Myall Park Botanical gardens at Glenmorgan, for two nights, and … “enjoyed the walks, short and long, examining the Australian flora all named and described. This whole area is maintained by volunteers. On the property gifted by Dorothy Gordon are the three grevilleas the Gordon’s bred, named after their three daughters –  ”Robyn Gordon” is the best known (The Grevillia walk would be spectacular in the spring).”

On the return trip they drove the coastal route and in Coolum Beach, met up with Annette White a former Narrawilly Proggy Rugmaker now a member of the Sunshine Coast RugCrafters

and visited the groups leader, Judi Tompkins in her new home in Landsborough.

and three more members of the Sunshine Coast RugCrafters.

The next stop was Murwillumbah, where they visited the Art Gallery and the Margaret Olley Exhibition. This was followed by two nights in Byron Bay visiting a former member of the Narrawilly Proggy Rugmakers who, when she lived in Milton, was famous for keeping the fabric shelves tidy in Miriam’s Rug Room.  Her rug below would remind anyone who has been in Miriam’s studio of the colourful of wall fabric.

Then it was off to Texas on the QLD-NSW border to visit the Rabbit Museum, which the travellers said is most interesting and worth a visit. Those new to Australia might not know of the rabbit problem – The battle of the Bunny – and the steps taken to overcome the scourge, i.e. the introduction of the disease Myxomatosis and the rabbit-proof fences – like the one that separated Western Australia from the rest of the country. As a child I remember driving from Perth to the East Coast with my parents, and being the one designated to get out and open and shut the gate.

Their final stop was Cowra where their accommodations really made an impression on them  – “a fully self-contained cottage in a vineyard surrounded on three sides by grape vines with a creek in front. There was wine, biscuits, cheese and chocolates on arrival – 7 kinds of fruit and food for a very substantial breakfast! Lovely heating, interesting books galore, DVD’s, comfortable furniture and beds, all washing facilities, washing machine & dryer. Big picture windows looking out over the vineyard.”

So impressed were the travellers they provided details: Tinnies, Back Creek Vineyard, Chiverton Road, Cowra. Hosts Bob & Meg Clark. http://www.tinniesatbackcreekvineyard.com.au/

This trip was no mean feat, it was a serious driving holiday, with many sections involving 4.5 – 5.5 hours on outback roads and extremely winding roads through the Great Dividing Range.

Good going Miriam and Jacqui!

In a few days it’ll be my turn to travel – flying not driving, to Rug Hooking Week at Sauder Village, Ohio, USA  for the Opening of our “Re-imagined” Exhibition, which I hope to share with you on this page on 17th August.

Until then  – Happy Hooking –   Jo Franco,  Editor

 

More on BIG rugs

Have you ever thought about hooking  a BIG rug?

Miriam Miller, of Milton, NSW has, and shared with me images of her beginning project .   Here is what Miriam has to say……….

Miriam_Miller_new_rug_to_match_this_sofa“I’ve started a huge rug, 1m65cm by 2m65cm (105inches by 65inches) to go in front of my sofa. 

I will move the present rug which does not go with my Miriam_Millers_new_rug_to_ replace_this_oneslate blue sofa to under the dining room table.

As backing I am using primitive linen that I bought when in America. I bought three yards, and had to cut some off the length and sew on the side to make wider.

I overlapped the material about two inches and then machined down each edge.  It means I have to hook through a double piece, but it is not causing any problem.

 I am using recycled fabrics, T shirts, track suits, wool skirts, and dyed blankets and yarn, whatever I can find.

Dyes_used_by_Miriam_Miller_for_her_big_rugI’ve dyed  wool yardage and yarn using  “Landscape” dyes.

Miriam_Millers_dyed_wool

Here are some pictures of the design  – the whole rug showing the border started and a close up of the border and centre pattern.

Rug_design_by_Miriam_Miller_Border_started _1m65cm_x_ 2m65cm_or_105inches_x_ 65inc

Rug_design_by_Miriam_Miller_Border_patternRug_design_by_Miriam_Miller_Part_of_the_pattern_in centre_of_rug

 

 

 

 

 

 

Miriam has promised to keep me up-to-date with progress on her rug which I will post on this blog.  In the meantime you can leave a comment for Miriam below or contact her through her Narrawilly Proggers website.

It’s Winter in Australia – a good time to take on such a project.

Good on you Miriam!                                Jo Franco,  Editor

 

 

 

Events Calendar update

The Yarra Valley Rug Makers had a meeting with a difference on the 9th April.

It was a busy day for them. Here is what Chris Noobergen had to say …….

Only three of us were present at the Westernport Craft Fair, run as a yearly fundraiser by the local Hastings Uniting Church. Many people came passed the Yarra Valley booth where Anne (pictured below) and I demonstrated the genteel craft of making a hooked rug.

Anne_Schafer_demonstrating_rughooking_at_Western_Port_VIC_Australia

Some had a go a pulling loops, two young girls just loved it and got the hang of it very quickly. Children were a delight to teach and catch on quickly.

Western_Port_Vic_Australia_rughooking_demo_by_Yarra_Valley_Rugmakers

Anne’s lovely sunflower proggy rug attracted a lot of attention with it’s colour contrasts.Proggy_Sunflowers_designed_and_created_by_Anne_VIC_Australia

As most of us rug hookers have discovered many people confuse what we do with latchet hook rug making.  It was a long day and we were glad to go home at the end of it.    Chris

Editors Note:  It would have been a very long day for the Yarra Valley Rugmakers, as  Westernport is about a 140k round trip from the Yarra Valley.  You can read more about the Yarra Valley Group on their blog where you’ll see more images of their work, like this rug designed and hooked by Chris,

Bird of Paradise-[Strelitzia]_rug_designed_and_Hooked_by-Chris_Noorbergen_VIC_Australia

and a proggy rug being created by Robyne, a member of the group, on a frame purchased on a visit to Miriam Miller’s Rug Room in Narrawilly, NSW.

 Proggy_Fluer_de_lis_on_a_Miriam_Miller_frame

Robyne says: I’m really enjoying doing this rug. It’s slow work, takes tons and tons of cloth, is terribly messy, gives me a sore neck but it’s fun!   Obviously, it will need some trimming later. I bought the frame via Miriam Miller at Narrawilly Rugs. It sits on a couple of old trestle legs in my sewing room so I can pop in and do some every day. I signed up for a ’10 minute a day pledge’ on Rug Hooking Daily, which is good because you invariably do way more.

 

 

Eastern States Award Winners and Shows

A big Winner at the Milton Show

2016_Milton_Show_Champion Award_designed_&_hooked_by_Ilka_Landahl

 

Ilka Landahl, member of the Narrawilly Proggers gathered many awards for her sculpted wall hanging  1st prize- Shorn Hooky & Proggy Item,  Special Award & Champion of Show.

When asked how she created such an interesting piece of work Ilka said ….

“I hooked it with normal and partly fancy wool a little bit higher than usual and cut it, sculpting it into shape.

Between the different sections of colours I hooked with a small strip of fabric which helps to hold the wool better and brings more out the effect.

For variety I hooked some sections normal without shaping.

It makes a lot dust and fluff so I had the vacuum cleaner by my side all the time.

I like it because it looks so cosy/cuddly.”

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Editors note for overseas readers; Shows are held across Australia in Capital cities and country areas. In general they are a combination of agricultural displays, stock and farm machinery,  and competitions involving livestock, as well as arts & crafts and entertainment – similar to a State or County Fair in North America. They are generally called Pastoral or Agricultural Society Shows or AgFests.

Members of the Narrawilly Proggers have been entering rugs in competiton at the Milton Show for some time.

Miriam Miller said ……

“I cannot remember when the first time was, but it was many years ago and at first we entered in the general handicraft section under “Any article made from recycled materials(soft)”    Then we got our own section which was about 6 years ago.

We have 5 categories.  Jacqui Thomson and I provide the prizes. The stewards are Janet Walker and Elke Smith-Hill and we also provide our own judge. We have a different person judge each year.

While many of our members compete in the various categories, some just exhibit their work, demonstrate rug hooking and talk to interested visitors about the craft.”

2016_Milton_Show_Christine_AlexanderAbove Christine Alexander taking a break in a quiet moment at the Show.

The following are images of winners and place-getters in the various rug making categories

2016_Milton_Show_1_1st_Place_Proggy_Floor_Rug_by_Carol Flyn_1st prize winner in Proggy Floor Rug by Carol Flynn

2016_Milton_Show_2_Special_Award_Pat_la_Rance - Copy

Pat la Rance received a Special Award for this piece

2016_Milton_Show_3_2nd_Hooky_and_or_Proggy_Wall_Hanging_Gail_Nicholls

Gail Nicholls took 2nd    Hooky & Proggy Wall Hanging for her superb work in this rug.

 

2016_Milton_Show_4_Chloe_ThompsonThe Santa cushion was hooked by a 14 year old. Chloe Thompson who received a Highly Commended Award.  

2016_Milton_Show_5_2nd_prize_Hooky_or_Proggy_item_not_otherwise_mentioned_Marilyn_Smyth

This bag by Marilyn Smyth took   2dn prize Hooky  or Proggy item not otherwise mentioned.

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1st prize in the Hooky Floor Rug category was awarded to Elaine Kitchner for her floral rug.

1st prize in Hooky or Proggy item not otherwise mentioned was created by Christine Alexander

2016_Milton_Show_2nd_Hooked_Floor_Rug_by_Maggie_HickeyMaggie Hickey  took 2nd prize in the Hooked Floor Rug category.

2nd Prize Proggy Rug  was awarded to Bev Latta for this rug  82cm x 110cm (33″x43.5″)

Carol Thompsons received a  Highly commended award in the Hooky and/or Proggy Wall Hanging category for her hooked and framed rug.

 

TO THE NORTH, in Queensland, there was a SHOW of a different kind!

Judi Tompkins held her first Sunday “Shed Day“  – it was a huge success – the inclusion of a wine tasting may have had something to do with that.  Jewellery was shown along with some rather unique mens shirts.

Here is a report on the event from Judi Tompkins –

13 people attended the “Leap Year Eve” Shed Day and Wine tasting…several other people were also invited to the wine tasting which meant Ron Duggelby was able to show off some great lapidary and wire wrapped jewellery which inspired several people in terms of colour and design.

Ron_Duggelby_lapidary_&_wire_wrapped_Jewellery

Several hookers wanted to learn how to locker hook (and thanks to my tuition by Robin Inkpen I was able to show them the basics!).

Margaret_learning_to_locker_hookMargaret’s first lesson in locker hooking.   

Sally_with_new_locker_hooking_project

Sally starting on a new locker hooking project.

We then we moved on to lunch where Simon Rawlins from Pieroth Wines offered a great range of white, red and dessert wines form South American and Europe.

Simon_Rawlins_Pieroth_Wines_Wine_tasting

Finally, Jacqueline Rawlins brought in a selection of her shirt design work, she uses Aboriginal print fabrics (designs approved by the Aboriginal elders) and turns the fabric into high-quality men’s shirts for the Australian climate.

Jacqueline_Rawlins_designed_mens_shirts

It was a day of fun for the senses; colour, taste, texture and folks! It was especially nice to have virtually two “visiting artists”!

More from the Editor: 

There will be another Show report in the  next News – the exhibition of rugs at a NSW Quilt Show.

Are you thinking of setting up a Rug Show? Watch the ARG News Blog coming soon  – for an article on “Judging Rug Shows” – where our members  will offer their suggested guidelines for choosing a judging panel as well as the criteria for judging rug submissions.

Jo Franco

Narrawilly Rugmakers Celebrate 20 Years 1994-2014

Jacqueline Thomson, ARG SecretaryThe following report was submitted 1 Narrawilly Proggers

by Jacqui Thomson

of the Narrawilly Proggers:

They came from near and far;

43 women devoted to the art of making beautiful but practical rugs and wall hangings from recycled fabric.

Jacqui_Thomson_with_visitors_20_year_Reunion_of_Narrawilly_Rugmakers

They came despite the wind and rain – nothing would prevent them from making this Tractor_to_the_rescue_Muddy_parking_areaoccasion memorable, and it was.

 (Maggie Whyte besides the huge tractor we needed to pull a car from the boggy paddock.   Many inches fell this day while we were inside the Rug Room having a great time.)

 It all began in September 1994 after an advertisement was placed in the local paper. Seven women gathered in Miriam Miller’s home to be shown “how it’s done”, and left very keen to continue on with a meeting on a monthly basis.  Who would have thought then, that 20 years later we still meet on the first Friday of the month and only a few years ago included the third Friday.   We have never missed holding our rug day since inception.  Our meetings are held on the Miller property, in Milton.

Narrawilly, NSW

When thanking all for coming, Miriam outlined our brief history and where rug making has taken us; from small beginnings to being able to invite International Rug teachers to our shores.   Members have been enriched by their visits as they impart new ideas and techniques.  Australian rugs have their own individuality and from slow beginnings the enthusiasm for making rugs has spread to every State, with healthy groups in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, Queensland, ACT and New South Wales.  We can now boast an Australian Rugmakers Guild formed on 11 October, 2008 with Board members from each State, and meetings held using Skype.  We had “Show and Tell” following Miriam’s talk and saw some wonderful examples of our members’ expertise.

Miriam Miller, teacher, Emeritus of the Australian Rugmakers Guild., Past President of The International Guild of Handhooking Rugmakers, is a driving force in the promotion of rugmaking in Australia;  she is the author of Australia’s first rug book “Proggy and Hooky Rugs”, and has recently brought forward a revised edition.Miriam_Miller_Australia_rughooker_and_author_of_Proggy_and_Hooky_Rugs

   Her students have traveled from every corner of our country.

Since inception we have diligently kept a record of every meeting and the rugs made by our members. These books were on display for members to look back on and to reminisce – how some of us have changed.

Maxine Keys, who was unable to make the reunion, sent a hand-knitted rug for us to raise funds and the charity we chose was The Gambia School for the Blind in West Africa.   This was hugely successful, and the winner was Florence Smart from North Turramurra.

Original_advertisement_rughooking_group_1994

 

It’s amazing isn’t it;  from little things big things grow.  Who would have thought that the small advertisement in our local paper 20 years ago led us to where we are today.