The International Guild of Handhooking Rugmakers (TIGHR) began in 1994 in London, England with a group of international friends who decided to establish a world wide group involved in rugmaking. We hope you become interested to join in too.
The 2013-2015 term is open for enrollment now, click here for membership form.
The MISSION STATEMENT reads:
“The International Guild of Handhooking Rugmakers is a global organization of creative people who come together in friendship to share ideas, and to explore the different techniques of the art of rugmaking using a variety of fibres.”
Our Executive Board is comprised of members in one country for three years. They lead the organization commnicating through a quarterly newsletter, Hooking Matters, this website (www.TIGHR.net), a members only on-line network and conducting a our Tri-Ennial in the form of a conference/symposium at the end of their term.
Since 1994, boards and meetings have been in Nova Scotia, Canada 1997;
Rhode Island, United States 2000; Toronto, Canada 2003; Tenby,
Wales 2006; Louisville, Kentucky, United States, 2009 and in Strathalbyn, South Australia 2012. The current board is based in Victoria, BC for 2013-2015.
The craft of “Rugmaking” covers many different techniques over the centuries. This organization is interested mainly in the manipulating of fibers (usually fabric strips or yarns) by pulling or pushing through an open weave backer. Contemporary artists often use cotton monks cloth/rug warp or linen with approximately 12-15 threads per inch. These natural fibers will maintain a good foundation for years to come. In the past any fabric which could be punctured to pull a loop through was used, leaving the artful creations to deteriorate because the foundation fibers were not strong enough to withstand the elements and stress.
A sister craft to quilting, rugmaking evolved out of the need to warm spaces and beautify with scraps. Depending on the region’s sources of material, a variety of techniques have developed and flourished worldwide. In the States and Canada wool fabric is most commonly used, resisting wear due to foot traffic, light exposure and changes to temperatures. This material was also commonly available as clothing for the colder climates. Japan’s recycling materials include their silk kimonos. Their styles of hooking are painterly and traditional.
In Australia and the United Kingdom, the craft is referred to as hooky if pulling with a hook. Another technique using strips cut about 3″ in length, and prodding through the backing creating a lush pile is called proggy. Pieces of T-shirts, fleece and other synthetics are more available than wool in these countries and found in many a craftsmen’s stash.
Benefits to joining this international organization continue to grow. They currently include a private members online site where we can discuss current topics, post group projects and meet members by visiting their own personal pages. We recently joined as an institutional member, the Surface Design Association and now have access to their quarterly scholarly journals, news blog and network of fiber enthusiasts. Skype conference calls between members are another innovative way to access the global techniques and projects our network is involved with. Videos of conference events are available on the members’ site along with the presentations by fiber experts.
