2015; First Get-together

Happy New Year

from the Strath Matters rug group of South Australia

The group held their first meeting for 2015 in a coffee shop at the seaside village of Pt. Elliot.

Instead of taking up a lot of space with rughooking paraphernalia, they took tools and material for a naarlbinding (toothbrush rugmaking) session.

2015_Meeting_Strath_Matters_Rugmakers_group_South_AustraliaStrath_Matters_Rugmaking_Group_Jan_2015

Group members have previously made rugs and baskets, so on this occasion they were branching out and making  bags like the ones shown below made by Judith Stephens

Basket_and_totes_created_with_toothbrush_rugmaking_technique_by_Judith_Stephens_South_Australia

Although a simple technique, it does take a lot of material but colourful sheets and doona covers can be sourced from your local Op Shop. Look for for those that have colour on both sides of the fabric and tear or cut into strips 1.5″ wide, then with your toothbrush or naarlbinding tool just blanket stitch.

You can find many videos on how to make these rugs on YouTube or contact Judith at studioblue20@gmail.com

See more of this groups activities on their blog.

 

 

Rug Making Events Around Oz

Since the last newsletter was published mid-June, several rug hooking events have take place around Australia.  This is just a quick round-up  by   Jo Franco, Editor.

In QLD Judi Tompkins facilitated a workshop for a group of members to discuss and learn how to go from design to the completion of the project;  design their own rug, choose fabrics, colours and finish techniques.   This was an all-day event held over a shared lunch and I’m told was very successful and enjoyed by all.    To read more click on  http://www.rugcraftingaustralia.com.au/

Pat, Judy, Michelle, Peggy and Phyl...finding their artistic muse!

Judi also hosted a rug hooking visitor from Canberra – Maggie Whyte.  I would like to have been a fly on the wall as these two creative rug hookers talked about projects they’ve recently finished and are planning to do.Judi-with-Maggie-Whyte-150x150

 

Bec Andersen held a workshop on Saturday 13th July.  Go to Bec’s  website http://www.becandersen.com/ and contact her for details about her regular rug days and details for future workshops.

Primitive Rug Hooking Workshop

 

NSW: Rugmaking will be a little difficult for Miriam Miller of the Narrawilly Proggers for a couple of months – while hiking  with her son up Mt. Bushwalker to the head of the Miller Falls named for Miriam and her husband, she slipped and broke her wrist.   Miriam tells me this spectacular view (image taken on a mobile phone) is enough to encourage anyone to keep walking.

Mt Bushwalker resized

Miriam at top of Miller Falls - Copy
For information1 Narrawilly Proggers about the Narrawilly Proggers and Miriam’s rug hooking studio click  http://www.shoal.net.au/~narrawilly/

 

VIC:  The Victorian Rugmakers July meeting was at Chris Noorbergen’s home in Lock.  The group is overcoming their travel distance by rotating their monthly meetings at members’ homes.  It seems as though rughooking and good food goes hand in hand as you will read on their blog……  http://victorianrugmakers.blogspot.com.au/

Rug Group July 13 019

SA:  Strath Matters rug group took a break from rug making in June and hired a Murray River houseboat – besides the scenery, they too enjoyed good food and wine and knitted ponchos. Here they model their weekend’s work.

Hookers Housboat - Ponchos

On the INTERNATIONAL SCENE  –  South Australian rug maker Yvonne Dalton is featured in the current  issue of Fiber Art Now.   A full-page picture of some of Yvonne’s eco dyed fabric graces the lead in to the article.   Yvonne is shown here wrapping eucalyptus trees to create the interesting results on recycled cotton, wool and silk fabric and garments.

mumsy

More of Yvonne’s work can be seen in the last issue for 2012 of The International Guild of Handhooking Rugmakers newsletter and in an article by India Flint at  http://handeyemagazine.com/content/wrapping-trees

WA:  Following the interest generated in this craft at the May Craft & Quilt Fair, several workshops have been held in the Perth metropolitan area and also in the South West of the state.  The most recent was a workshop with a difference – children’s school holiday workshop held last week.  Sixteen girls and boys aged 7 – 12 busily created prodded baskets using pretty fabrics and WA football colours.  The creations were completed in the morning session and all went home very pleased with their new found skill. Some of the baskets were put to a different use.

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