As this April's rug camp was cancelled due to the pandemic I've been fantasizing about going to rug camp again, wonderful teachers I've had and things I've learned over the years.
My first rug camp was 2003 and don't have one photo from that camp, other than the finished project from that class. My very patient teacher was Mary Lou Bleakley who color planned my rug.
Having taught myself how to hook I was ready to properly learn how to hook. Plans were to attend only one rug camp because they are rather costly, particularly if you stay at the hotel vs. commuting. Even tho that camp was just an hour away I wanted to stay and enjoy all the fun. Why spend two hours a day travelling back and forth, go home to cook rather than stay to enjoy the whole shebang.
That camp was so much fun it didn't end there with just one camp ~ it grew to 3 rug camps per year. My long-time followers have either heard me say that or read it on my blog before.
I'll never forget the first year attending Barb Carroll's rug camp at her home in Ligonier, PA.
I was in awe of the Queen of Rug Hooking and the privilege of being given a tour of her home. Was so star struck that I even took a photo of those talented hands and the rug she'd planned to hook next.
A photo of me with Barb at her color planning table.
Maybe one day in the future I'll enjoy another camp with Queen Barb. It will be different as we won't be staying on her property but will have to find accommodations elsewhere. But am sure it will be the same Barb and the same high level of color planning. Even teachers have a lot of respect for Barb ~ one of my teachers, when she is wondering what to do next with my rug will say, "WWBD". Translated that means "what would Barb Do?"
At one class Barb was excited to share the hit and miss rug she'd recently hooked. Am sure Barb used her good useable wool from her big basket of delicious worms. But I've been saving selvages so one day I can do a bold hit and miss too. For several years I threw the selvages away but decided to save and use them in a future rug. After all, they are wool too and sometimes have extra colored threads which provide more color. Oh, I have that same Shelburne Poster in my wool room, it displays rugs hooked by Molly Nye Tobey.
Since the photo above is not so clear below is a better shot of Barb's Hit and Miss Rug.
Hope you have enjoyed reminiscing with me.
Saundra
www.woodlandjunctionprimitives.weebly.com
A loyal reader, Carolyn, had a great suggestion ~ to inform newbies on what to expect before choosing a rug camp and other questions. This post is based on my personal experience and what I have observed from attending various camps and teachers.
Here goes.......okay, you've saved up your money and want to attend a rug camp. Maybe there is one close to you which would be convenient so no hotel is needed.
There is a camp just one hour from my house but still prefer to stay at the hotel to enjoy the ambience and excitement with the other hookers. Plus, it gives me more hours to hook without having to cook, lol.
What about choosing a teacher? Some rug camps offer up to 4 or so teacher options and the registration form usually gives their names and hooking strengths/training.
In the beginning I didn't know any teachers so had no clue who to choose. I asked the camp organizer who would be a good fit for me using wide cut and was new the camp experience. I was told that the McGowan trained teachers could do all cuts.
Well lucky me to have such a great and patient teacher in Mary Lou Bleakley. She did my color planning and asked me what I was hoping to learn. Told her I liked wide cut and wanted to learn shading. This was the result of my very first camp with Mary Lou and it was hooked in #8.
The design is called Heritage, was a Primco design purchased from House of Price at the time. The rug has been at my front door since binding it in 2003 so the green wool has faded somewhat. Thank you Mary Lou, if you read my blog.
If you don't recognize anyone then Google the name to see if you can locate rugs they have hooked or additional information which may help you decide. If you still don't find any information then ask the camp organizer a question..... "what does this teacher hook when at home?" They may be trained in all cuts but if you are a primitive/wide cut person then lean toward that teacher who enjoys the same style.
Didn't realize how long this post would get and I haven't even touched the surface of other topics: what rug to take, what equipment is needed, what teacher expects from the student, what the student should expect from the teacher, camp etiquette/manners. Tomorrow I'll discuss more about rug camps. So if any of you have your own questions, please feel free to let me know.
Saundra
