Noteworthy and Current Information
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Education Opportunities
March Demo: Woolly Mason Jar Method of dyeing - Deb Merrium
January 2025: Mug Rugs with Laurie and Faye
In preparation for our Spring Tea we will be making small hooked rugs (coaster size) for a mug. The mug and rug will be used for door prizes at the Tea.
September to December 2024: Dyeing and Hooking Autumn Leaves with Faye Swenson
February-March 2025: A Beginning Course in Rug Hooking with Faye Swenson
LINK to Course Content: Leduc Arts Foundry
Tuesdays - February 18, 25, March 4, 11
Time: 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Location:
Leduc Arts Foundry Downtown - 4815 - 50th Ave, Leduc, AB
Cost: $200
JUNE 2024: Deb Merriam will demonstrate Lettering
March 2024: Hooking with Nylons ( a recycling project)
Demonstrated by Laurie Wiles
February 2024: Hooking Funky Portraits
Cec Caswell and Laurie Wiles guided members through a fun three day event.
September to December 2023: Seasonal Rug design
Faye Swenson guided members through a Christmas pillow class.
And here are some of the amazing results...
Spotlight on Pioneers/Meet the Members Who Made it Work
Meet the Artist: Rita Alfrey
by Val Wissinger
I just spent the better part of the afternoon with Rita at her condo. Our afternoon conversation quickly turned to the art of Rug Hooking. Rita has been a member of our Guild since 2000. Hooking and loving the process for 23 years.
Her first rug and its story takes us back to 1999 when Rita’s first rug called to her. Rita was familiar with rug hooking as her Grandmother hooked when Rita was a child. For many years, four pairs of her Grandfather’s long woolen underwear, had been kept by her mother, who somehow never got to her own hooking project. She gave them to Rita who also stored them until she came across an article in the Edmonton Journal in 1999. A Rug Hooking workshop at M.E. LaZerte High School to be taught by Virginia Wallace was offered by Continuing Education. Rita signed up as she had recently retired from nursing and was eager to fill her days. So began Rita’s first rug. It was an oval floral design. Those four pairs of underwear were dyed to various shades of pink and greens. The strips required for the piece were all hand cut .This was a huge endeavor for a new rug hooker but Rita was an enthusiastic student. This workshop did not provide time enough to complete the rug so Virginia; being a member of the Alberta Handicraft Guild, (as we were called back then) brought Rita to Guild and the rest is history.
Rita’s first rug
Rita remembers her early start with rug hooking being filled with rules and tradition. She hooked with Virginia, Imogene Monks and Shirley Caswell who were readily available to keep her in tow with all the rules of the trade. Rita says much time was used striving for perfection and hooking by the rules. She found herself leaning towards primitive hooking as a favorite style.
Over the years Rita attended workshops and retreats. All of those times brought with them close friendships and camaraderie that is woven throughout the world of rug hooking. . These classes covered dye techniques, fine shading, and creative stitches. Newfoundland was brought to life on one of Rita’s pieces. That particular workshop was led by Joan Foster of Newfoundland.
In addition to the enjoyment of the creative process, Rita served on the executive as Treasurer for the Guild in 2003.
Rita has always been a maker. She is a knitter, a stitcher, a rug hooker and at one time she made all her own frames for her work. These days you’ll find Rita still attending Wednesday’s hooking circle and monthly Guild meetings. Rita says her Wednesday group has always inspired her and fed her enthusiasm.
Always willing to learn, Rita currently has a punch needle that she is working with.
On reflection, Rita says” What would I have done in my life that could have brought me as much fulfilment and satisfaction as Rug hooking has! Hooking surely hit the spot for me. ”Color and creativity are still a big part of Rita’s day to day. Her condo comes to life as her walls display her projects and her passion for this craft. A true testament of the artist. These walls do speak; displaying the many hours of hooking that have brought such enjoyment and joy to Rita.
Rita welcomes new hookers to this traditional craft. Her advice to these new members is to enjoy all this craft has to offer. Break free and let your own creativity lead you. Hook what you love.
Many of Rita’s beautiful works have been gifted through the years.
I thank Rita for the time we spent together today and for the opportunity allowing me to share her hooking journey with all of you...
