Melbourne Stitches and Craft Show 2015

Phew, what a busy but fruitful few days it was.

Wednesday was setup day for Anne and myself [Chris]. Thankfully we were able to drive our cars in right next to the entrance, but as soon as we had everything inside, we needed to shift our cars into the parking lot to make room for the next round of people coming in. Having forgotten the compulsory iridescent coloured safety clothing we were able to borrow some from the administration desk. One size fits all obviously. :)
Every day was busy from morning to evening, with people in awe of this beautiful craft that they had never heard of, as they oohed and aahed at the rugs on display. However to some people it was a craft their grandmothers partook in as they- then children, had the job of cutting strips for the proggy rugs. At the time, the rugs were not appreciated, they were just practical, utilitarian items made of rags for the floor, not to be kept once their usefulness had passed.

Robyne's beautiful self designed new project

One lady shared that that her father made many hooky rugs which was taught to him while in the navy during their leisure time. It no doubt relaxed them as it took their minds off the dangerous situations they sometimes found themselves in. They pulled one loop after another, while at the same time stimulating their creative minds.
While another woman listened to this story, she shared that she had one of her father's unfinished rugs hidden in a cupboard for many years. She had taken it out periodically, only to put it back, not knowing what to do with it. The light bulb came on as she listened to our ladies explain and demonstrate to her the technique of rug hooking. She may just take it out one more time, this time to complete what her father started. What a treasure it would be for her, to have her father's rug hanging on her wall, started by him, finished by herself. It will become her 'Love Rug'.

I was able to share with people my Mission Fundraiser, Rug Hooking Workshops, being held in Loch and there was quite some interest in my project, with a neighbourhood house asking whether I would come and do a workshop with them. Off course I said...'yes please' :)
One beautiful young fibre artist, cum spinner/ weaver came all the way from Bairnsdale. She had a go at pulling loops and was a natural. Maybe we will see one of her rugs right here on display at the Stitches and Craft Show.

Last day Sunday, packing up, until...who knows when.

Robyne's Proggy Rug No.1

Using the Kaitag Rug/Embroidery as inspiration, I've drawn this onto hessian for my clippy rug. I have to think it through a lot yet, as it takes an enormous amount of cloth to complete. I want to use Grandma's curtains, which are peacock blues and very precious. No wasting... once it's cut, it's no good for anything else.
Of course, the patterning is 'fuzzed' with clippy's, as opposed to hooked rugs, so there's no point having a lot of detail. Just broad patterning.
I intend to outline the pattern in taupe/creams and then use reds, deep pinks, turquoise/peacock's and oranges. Very rich colours.

The rug below is another example of the type. I like the little bits of red. It's conducive to the fact that you run out of colours and may need to add bits of whatever you have at hand.

October meeting of the Yarra Valley Rugmakers

Hi all would be rug makers and old time rug makers.

This is just to let you know that instead of the second Saturday of the month as per usual, our meeting will be held on the third Saturday- 17th October, 10AM at Anne's in Warrandyte.

We hope to hear all about Anne's adventures of the Triennual meeting of TIGHR conference in Victoria, Canada.

Also, just a gentle reminder that we all need to bring along our rugs, wool, and whatever you have for display at the Stitches and Craft show in Caulfield on October 22nd to 25th, from 10AM to 4.30 PM.

 Click HERE if you would like to have a little look.

The Yarra Valley Rugmakers will be representing the Australian Rug Makers Guild at the Stitches and Craft Show and promoting the craft of rug making in Victoria

You can find them HERE