Strathalbyn Rug Expo October 2014

People from all over Australia converged on Strathalbyn for the Expo and workshop weekend during the weekend of the 12^th and 13^th October. Some flying, some driving, some even walking.

Four members of the Yarra Valley Rug Makers attended, with two members teaching workshops on dyeing and portrait hooking. The students were a bit low in number, but those who did attend workshops had a wonderful time sharing, getting to know one another and renewing friendships.

One delightful and very helpful ex-rug maker, Faye Godfrey, had a stall with her husband, selling off all her access materials and tools, as well as giving lots away. We were certainly blessed by this and brought much home for our other members to peruse.She was so willing to share of her talents in rug hooking. I personally loved listening to her rug tales and helpful advice.

                           Marion is transferring the pattern of her                           Jo, teaching her skills to a workshop participant
                                    husband's portrait rug to her backing

                               Chris' portrait hooking workshop                                        Judy with her beautiful sculptured rug

Some of us also purchased patterns on burlap and Chris ambitiously bought a lovely 5’ x 7’ Persian pattern on Scottish Burlap. As a result and through the exchange of emails after the event I [Chris] learned a lot about the rug hooking history in Sth Australia in the 1970s and 1980s. I was amazed and surprised that there was such an active and good sized group of women who did beautiful work through the guidance of their teacher, Pam Whitehead, who was Pearl McGown accredited. I received some photos of two finished rugs the same as was purchased by myself, which was a great help in colour planning my own rug.

                                                            Joy in the dye kitchen                   Marion and Chris working on Marion's portrait rug

 

                                     This is a photo I took of the rug pattern.           This is a finished rug of the pattern, 
                                                                                                                            hooked by one of the women of 
                                                                                                                                Pam Whitehead's group back 
                                                                                                                                           in 1970-1980
                                        

 More on the history of Rug Making in Sth Australia at a later date.

Judy also had lots of lovely wool to give away  This was a wonderful and generous gesture on her behalf for those starting out and have only a small stash at home. It also was much appreciated.

We were so well looked after by the Sth Aus ladies, who provided meals for the three days of the weekend. This was much appreciated and we all enjoyed each others company very much. 

Thanks ladies for your hospitality and friendship.

 Luscious meals were enjoyed by all. Thank you to all the S.A and W.A ladies for all the effort you put into making the Strathalbyn Expo the success that it was. :)