Dee-Dee Patrick
Four members of the Rug Hookers of PebbleCreek returned to Cambria Pines Rug Hooking Camp in early June for a four-day workshop that allowed them to become totally immersed in their hobby. The workshop in Cambria, California was the third experience for three members, one of whom (Monika Jones) was serving in the role of instructor. Five invited instructors spent the entire time with attendees. The sessions were very helpful as groups were small enough for students to not only learn directly from an expert craftsperson but also from one another. Individually posed questions were shared with the entire class.
The experience was described as “out of body” because there were no outside interruptions such as phones or family or the demands of everyday life including meal planning/preparation. Meals provided at the camp were served family style and, since they were eaten at the same hotel where the attendees lodged, this allowed additional time to participate in the passion that brought this diverse group to this quaint tourist town – hooking. Cambria is not far from the Hearst Castle but this group preferred to stay on location and hook.
Other diversions were offered at the inn including a live auction. Sally Holmboe brought home a patriotic red, white and blue handmade quilt and a couple of bottles of port wine from a local vineyard. June Bennett won a bag full of assorted wool fabric and a couple of custom designed patterns. Money raised from the auction went toward a scholarship fund that helped deter the full cost of the event for those who could not afford to pay the entire price.
The newcomer to the class, Vicki Ray, contacted Gene Shepherd, instructor extraordinaire, a couple of months in advance of the event requesting that he do the color planning for a pattern from which she mailed him a photo. There was a package of bright colored wool waiting for her upon her arrival. Vicki was delighted with the selection and, in addition to working on this rug, purchased another which she gifted her mother with on her 80th birthday.
Stop in and see what the PC Rug Hookers are working on. We would be happy to show you how the craft is done. The Rug Hookers meet every Monday afternoon from noon to 4:00 p.m. in the Fiber Arts Room of the Creative Arts Center. For further information, contact our club President Dee-Dee Patrick at [email protected] or phone her at 708-494-0008.