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!
Information about becoming a member is coming!
TIGHR 31st Members Mat
Download this Free Pattern PDF Below!
The 2027 TIGHR Triennial being held in Newport, RI, USA will be the culmination of a 3-year journey for many members. The creative community of rug hooking and fiber arts is a wonderful group of individuals that share a passion for fiber, friendship, creativity, and community. During this 3-year journey we will join together in many adventures. Informational videos, mini online teaching and sharing sessions, virtual field trips, gallery shares, optional projects, open online hook-ins, and other creative ventures will be part of what TIGHR members can take part in.
The theme for this 3-year term is “A rising tide lifts all boats”. The tide may represent the body of artists lifting each other (ships) up through positivity, inspiration, experience, and camaraderie. Sometimes you are the tide (lifting others), and sometimes you are a ship in need of a lift!
This mat pattern, designed by board member Colleen Tiefenthal of BeachNut Studio, is free for 2025-2027 members. It encompasses many elements in its design. Based in Rhode Island, water and boating are natural themes tied to the rich history of the areas sailing and boating communities. The sailboat proudly displays the flag of the United States, home country of this TIGHR. The rolling tides lifts the boat up to the acronym for The International Guild of Handhooking Rugmakers. The fish and birds rejoice in playful camaraderie as do our members from different countries and backgrounds.
This pattern can be interpreted in so many ways. Different techniques, styles, materials, embellishments, and color palettes will shape each finished piece’s signature look reflecting its creator. Hopefully, those who create one will share their finished piece, and we can create an online gallery of mats for everyone to enjoy.
The original pattern is 10”x10” but if you prefer a different size, feel free to enlarge or reduce it to meet your vision. Happy creating!
Hello! My name is Colleen Tiefenthal and I am the owner of BeachNut Studio and serving as secretary on the TIGHR board for this 3 year term.
I have been rug hooking since 2012 but I have been an artist since I could hold a crayon. I frequently create art pieces in a mixed media style and love to repurpose and upcycle materials. It encourages my creativity and is good for our planet.
A native of Ohio, I now live in Maryland. I live in an area surrounded by a state park near the Chesapeake Bay. As my shop name implies, I am a beach nut! I love the sea and surf and sand and sunshine. Many of my designs feature nature and water.
I offer my own patterns and create custom patterns as well. I designed the pattern, “A Rising Sea” as a gift to all those who are part of TIGHR and the fiber art community. Share your finished piece with us and let your love of the craft, and the sea, shine!