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Helen Sands, a rug hooking sister from Ontario

8/31/2013

2 Comments

 
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I met a very talented rug hooker and had a great chat. She came in looking for the pattern "Alice" but unfortunately it wasn't on the rack so I’ll make it up and mail it out.  Helen Sands is from Ontario and she hooks with a group called the "Frontenac Rug Hookers" that meet Thursday mornings in Harrowsmith, North of Kingston. Usually there is 16-18 attendees every week for fellowship and to share the joy of rug hooking. 

Helen herself has been hooking since 2006 and she has been enjoying it very much.   She likes vivid colours although she says she doesn’t do any of the dyeing herself.  I had a look though Helen’s portfolio and it was an impressive lineup of pieces and I saw a few of my designs in there so I wanted to show them off. 

She said The Herd was fun and different from what she usually hooks.  I like the vibrant rust background framing the sheep.  She hooked the critters in yarn and the rest was done in #4 cut wool strips.  The Strawberry themed pattern isn't mine but too pretty not to showcase.  It's a Joan Moshimer design and although she couldn’t recall the name we figured Strawberry Basket was close enough.   It was featured in the Ontario Guild Newsletter awhile back.  Good job Helen! 

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The Herd....sort of says it all!
The last rug is Condo Living.  If I was a bird I’d be hanging out in this swanky neighbourhood. The primary colours bring this piece to life.  They are my favorites so I love what’s she’s done with the colour planning.  She said she bought the pattern from me when I set up shop in Belleville for the AGM.  

Hubby Ron was in tow as most husbands are, although most prefer hovering  outside the door to keep the sidewalk straight.   Don't worry guys, a wing back chair is on the way for taking a load off while waiting for the better half to fondle wool.  Poor guys, popping into stores all over town with as much enthusiasm as a pin in the eye.  Guess they love us eh?  

Ron didn't seem to mind and I found out he's also a crafter, teaming up with Helen to sell their wares at the local markets.  Obviously proud of his wife's handiwork he was the one who mentioned showing me her portfolio that was filled with beautiful rugs.  Helen also does crocheting and sewing  and Ron makes Muskoka cedar lawn furniture.   I wasn’t sure what a Muskoka chair was and he explained it has a curved back, like the Adirondack but more comfortable.  Interesting and lovely couple, retired and exploring their creative sides together.   A lovely couple!

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Joan Moshimer pattern "Strawberry Basket"
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Condo Living...in the swanky part of town!
2 Comments
Helen Sands
9/4/2013 11:04:42 pm

I was very impressed by your write up and immediately sent the president of our rug hooking group an email to tell her to look it up. she in turn sent it on to all the girls who have a computer in our group and I received emails and phone calls congratulating me. It was fun and a good memory to have of Nova Scotia. Thanks so much. Helen

Reply
Christine
9/5/2013 12:07:25 pm

It was great meeting you and I loved seeing your portfolio! A talented rug hooker such as yourself can hook my designs any day!

Reply



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