NEWPORT, RI
*2027 TRIENNIAL*
NEWPORT, RI *2027 TRIENNIAL*
A Message from Our President
Welcome to TIGHR!
For those of you who have been part of this fantabulous fiber organization all along... Welcome back! For those of you who are finding us for the first time... step right up! You are about to embark on a journey of creativity, inspiration, learning, and fun... not to mention connecting with old friends and making new friends along the way.
As you may have heard, the TIGHR Convention 2027 will take place in Newport, Rhode Island in the Autumn of 2027. Our motto for this iteration of TIGHR (with a nautical theme, of course) is the old adage:
"A rising tide lifts all boats."
And ain't that the truth. When Rebecca White Martin (VP) and I went about choosing the other Board Members we decided to choose other women who owned rug hooking businesses. Within this tiny craft, there are just not enough of us; there are very few brick and mortar shops these days, and a very small awareness of rug hooking in the bigger world-- as I'm sure you've noticed. We decided to work together as women in the hooking business to both pool our expertise and knowledge so that it best benefits and furthers both TIGHR as an organization, and rug hooking as a craft. Our success in promoting the TIGHR organization is multiplied, and more pleasurable, when we are helping each other and helping elevate the visibility of the craft. A rising tide really does lift all boats, so let's aim to lift each other up... within our days, our guilds, our lives.
As a new Board, we have been busy actively planning the event, brainstorming ideas, and thinking about participants and vendors since the summer when Rebecca and I spent time in Newport. We are building a very varied event for you with new class styles and a new combination day trip/class model to accommodate more students. Newport 2027 is shaping up to be a firecracker of an event. But in the meantime... you will find a lot of new content in the time leading up the 2027 event. Myself, along with the other four board members, will be creating frequent challenges, free patterns, articles, interviews, live events, and so much more. TIGHR will be a busy hub for the next three years, and a constant source of fun and learning. Look for the first TIGHR challenge in January of 2025!
I am so looking forward to serving you and building onto TIGHR's great and growing legacy.
xx Deana
Becoming a member of TIGHR (The International Guild of Handhooking Rugmakers) opens the door to a vibrant and supportive community that connects you to the world of rug hooking in meaningful ways. As a member, you gain access to a wealth of resources, including instructional materials, workshops, and a network of experienced rug hookers who share their expertise and creative insights. TIGHR also fosters a sense of belonging, offering opportunities to collaborate, showcase your work, and engage in regional and international events. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, membership allows you to stay informed about industry trends, gain inspiration, and refine your craft, all while building lasting relationships with like-minded artisans who share your passion for this unique and timeless art form!