The International Guild of Handhooking Rugmakers began in 1994 in
London, England to establish a world wide group involved in
rugmaking. 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 rug making using a variety of fibre.”
Our Executive Board is comprised of members in one
country for three years who carry on the network through a quarterly
newsletter, Hooking Matters, this website, a members only on-line
network and conducting a conference at the end of their term.
Since 1994 boards and meetings have been in Nova Scotia, Canada 1999;
Rhode Island, United States 2000; Toronto, Canada 2003; Tenby,
Wales 2006; Louisville, Kentucky, United States, 2009 and is
scheduled for October 15-19, 2012 in Strathalbyn, S Australia.
Rug Making 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 usually 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 create a loop
was used, leaving the artful creations to deteriorate with
abuse because the foundation fibers were not strong.
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.
Examining Rug at Pioneer Womens Hut Museum, Au
In Australia the craft is referred to as hooky if pulling with a hook. A technique of using
wide strips of about 3″ 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 and found in many an artist’s stash.
Benefits to joining this international organization continue to grow. They currently include a private members online site where we can discuss, 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. We hope you become interested to join in too.
