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If I hook it, they will come. Really?

"Welcome to New Mexico", 29.5"x20", $225, Recycled t-shirts
“Welcome to New Mexico”

The rug that generates the most talk when folks come into my booth at the Rail Yards Market is the one I call “Welcome to New Mexico.” Many of you already know its story; that I started it right before I left Massachusetts late last July to move to Albuquerque. In my mind I’d work on it while the child and I crossed the country on our new adventure. I pictured myself contentedly hooking in motels each night as I decompressed after a day of driving. That didn’t happen once, not even when the kid spontaneously combusted in Scranton, Pennsylvania, when she thought her cell phone died. (I swear that I left at least a year of my life on the side of the highway there…)

No, I didn’t hook at all on the road. First of all, it was difficult just getting our things in and out of my Honda Fit each day. If you haven’t seen one, it’s a tiny car, and I’d packed it to the gills. Truthfully, it was enough every evening to find some dinner, catch up with important emails, call Tom (who was still back in Mass waiting for the movers), and brush my teeth before I fell asleep over my magazines.

The sanity-saving, hit-or-miss rug. Wonder where the inspiration for the color scheme came from? Hoping to put it on the floor in the new house.
The sanity-saving, hit-or-miss rug.

Hence, I started the rug in earnest when the kid and I arrived at the house we were renting till we found our New Mexican castle. (Therapy!)  It was designed to be a rug of convenience in that I was using t-shirts in the colors of the high desert and no set design. Old t-shirts in reds, browns, greens, and such are pretty ubiquitous; better, I’d found that Albuquerque had Savers stores. Savers has for years been my thrift shop of choice for used clothing to deconstruct and then hook with.

The hooking was done right quick – by the beginning of September. The finishing would have to wait until we moved (again) and I had more table room. To me it was an alright rug; it served its purpose, certainly, but I didn’t love it. Imagine my surprise when I put it up for sale at the Rail Yards this June. It was the mat that everyone pointed to when they perused my stuff. “Love that!” “Look, it’s got a Zia!” Even, “Hey, Sue, you should buy this one for your office.”

New Mexican flag courtesy of flags-to-print.com.

An aside:  For those who don’t know about the Zia sun symbol, here is a description from Pueblo of Zia:

The Zia logo is used by the state of New Mexico on both the flag and license plates.

The symbol originated with the Indians of Zia Pueblo in ancient times. It’s design reflects their tribal philosophy, with its wealth of pantheistic spiritualism teaching the basic harmony of all things in the universe. (http://zia.com/home/zia_info.html)

Maybe I shouldn’t have been surprised by its popularity. Zia suns are all over the place here: on our license plates, on t-shirts, worked into company logos, and so on. Silly me for thinking it would be seen as touristy or, at best, kind of kitschy. I mean, I’m from New England, but I didn’t have photos of sailboats or lobster statues throughout my colonial home.

A few weeks back a woman came through my booth; she had a marketing background and did a lot of work with arts and/or craft shows. The first thing she told me (after saying that she loved my work, that is) was that I needed to have more Zias. that people would eat them up. And that my mug rug concept should be “expanded,” that I should hook a larger rug, big enough to hold four mugs. That “if I hook it, they will come.” (And, concomitantly, they will pay more.)

What the hell, I thought, Let’s try it. Tom and I ran to Savers a couple of days later (if I go on Tuesdays, he gets me a senior discount of 30%!). There weren’t four matching mugs that would fit the New Mexican bill, but I did find two colored turquoise. Fine, we’d start small-ish. Below is what I came up with (minus one mug for the pic).

"Coffee for Two, NM Style" really came with two mugs. Sold!
“Coffee for Two, NM Style” really came with two mugs. Sold!

Fast-forward to this past Sunday. Everyone loves the “Welcome to New Mexico” rug, but, of course, no one wants to pay for it. (I know the owner-to-be is out there…) Lady comes in, is looking for a gift for her mother. Takes her a while to decide on one with the “perfect” colors that will match her mom’s home. I realize suddenly that I don’t have my Square, that I left it in the car. Tom makes a run for it. Lady walks around the market with her husband while we wait. Tom and she arrive back at the same time. I start to input the info into Square. “Wait!” she says excitedly. “Can I have this one instead? I think she’ll really love this one.” The Zia rug with its matching mugs is $10 more. Of course, you can!

So, I’m about to start making a lot more New Mexican-themed rugs and mats. That’s okay. I find it an interesting challenge to come up with different designs that don’t bore me, that have some panache beyond the typical tourist crap you find in Old Town Albuquerque. But I’m not one to design according to others’ preferences – unless they’re paying for a custom rug, of course. Fortunately, these will tend to be smaller rugs. For myself and my own “artistic sense,” I usually have another rug running, something that’s less work and more…therapy. Right now that’s a bedsheet rug. Pictures will soon be available.

"Desert Gone Wild"; 23"x9.5"; $90; Recycled t-shirts, SOLD
“Desert Gone Wild” is a rug that sold two weeks ago. Color, for me it’s all about the colors.

 

What about you? What do you like to hook? Landscapes? Geometrics? Portraits? Florals? Realistic versus stylized renderings? I know many love to do seasonal pieces. Me, I love pumpkins and other things fall, but I’m not a lover of Christmas rugs. It takes so long to make one, how can I put it out for six weeks at the most? Weigh in below!

 

 

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Taking stock

The rug I was working on as I moved last summer. "Welcome to New Mexico."
The rug I was working on during last summer’s exodus: “Welcome to New Mexico.” Since then I’ve been taking stock of our first year here.

 

Taking stock – that’s what I did with some of the time I took off from the blog these past couple of weeks (which passed by REALLY QUICKLY). July 30 held particular significance and not just because it was the day before my kid’s 19th birthday. This year it marked exactly one year since we rolled into the state of New Mexico to stay.

Wow! We can’t believe it either. At times it’s been tumultuous, there’s no denying that. The holidays, they were tough without family and friends. The kid crashing her car – no injuries other than to pride! – means that just like in high school, Tom’s stuck driving her back and forth to work till she saves for a new vehicle.

Big picture, though, the move’s been most everything we wanted.

 

Where Tynan and I walk in the Bosque along the Rio Grande.
Where Tynan and I walk in the Bosque along the west side of the Rio Grande. This is city living Albuquerque style.

CLIMATE:
Certainly, the weather’s wonderful: lots of sun, lots less winter (compared to New England). One day last January, we hiked in the snow on the east side of the Sandia Mountains then drove the 45 minutes to home where it was 55 degrees. No need for a stinkin’ snowblower here!

 

RUG HOOKING (this is a hooking blog):

You'll find many of AWAG ladies demonstrating rug hooking at Albuquerque's Biopark the first Tuesday of most every month.
You’ll find several of us AWAG’s ladies demonstrating rug hooking at Albuquerque’s Biopark the first Tuesday of most every month.

Who would’ve guessed that there’s such an active guild of hookers out here in Albuquerque? I’ve made some great friends this past year, even one, Melinda, who moved from New Hampshire about the same time I moved from Massachusetts. Now the two of us try to get a hooking afternoon in each week. Better yet, she and her husband are New England Patriots fans just like us. Tom and I are no longer alone in a sea of blue and orange Bronco fans.

 

"Desert Gone Wild" went to a good home just last week.
“Desert Gone Wild,” a table runner or wall hanging, went to a good home just last week.

As High on Hooking, I’ve managed to start selling pieces and been involved in not one, but two shows. The Adobe Wool Arts (ATHA) guild volunteered me as our representative to Albuquerque’s Fiber Arts Council which is currently planning next May’s Fiber Arts Fiesta. Then back in January, three of us headed down to Tuscon in Arizona for a hook-in with the Old Pueblo Rug Hookers. It was 80 degrees there! In January! I even managed a little sunburn!

 

You can't get much closer to a balloon without being in the basket. This one landed behind the house last fall.
You can’t get much closer to a balloon without being in the basket. This one landed right behind the house last fall.

 

 

 

 

HOUSING:
While we didn’t down-size like we planned (hey, with no cellar or attic, we realized we needed an extra room for the treadmill and bike), we found a great house close to the Rio Grande. That means the dog and I can head out to walk the scenic trails of the Bosque (the forest) whenever we wish. In summer this is best done in the early morning hours.) So far we’ve come across a snake, hawks and hummingbirds, lots of bunnies and geckos, two coyotes, and, just last week, a porcupine.

 

Tynan running free in the Bosque. Like, Just like New England, autumn is the best time to be in New Mexico.
Tynan running free in the Bosque. Just like New England, autumn is the best season to be in New Mexico.

 

 

PERSONAL:
I turned 52 this summer. Moving here signaled the start of the next half of my life. (You think I’m optimistic, but one of my grandmothers died as an active 93-year-old, and the other is still very much alive.) One reason we moved here — besides the BIG sky, the art scene, and there being less people — was for the outdoor lifestyle. We like to hike. Unfortunately, a couple of months before we left the east coast, I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I won’t lie, it’s been a pain in my ass, amongst other places, but especially for my knees. That’s limited our hiking some. But I’m on a new med; here’s hoping it works without too many side effects (the scary kinds they recite to us in all the TV ads). And that the damn hot flashes stop soon. (I am 52.)

20160522_121931
On the trail again at Tent Rocks.

Luckily, though, while my fingers have swollen some, they’ve suffered little pain. Maybe all the hooking keeps everything lubed up. Thank goodness. I know that most of you feel like I do: hooking is therapy. Without it, life would, to put it bluntly, suck.

Life here in Albuquerque definitely does NOT suck. There are all kinds of new experiences:

 

Tom posing in Tent Rock's curves.
Tom posing in Tent Rocks’ curves.
Navajo rugs up for auction.
Navajo rugs up for auction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I could go on, but I won’t right now. There’s too much to do. Rugs don’t hook themselves. Plus, we have company coming early September through mid-October. I can play Julie McCoy to the relatives.

 

How’s your summer been going?

 

Mass ascension at Balloon Fiesta 2015. Have you ever seen so many balloons in one place?
Mass Ascension at Balloon Fiesta 2015. Have you ever seen so many balloons in one place?

 

"Welcome to New Mexico", 29.5"x20", $225, Recycled t-shirts
High on Hooking says “Welcome to New Mexico.” Stay for a while and see why we love it here.
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Santa Fe’s International Folk Art Market

A close-up of a rug made by the Yangma-Olangchung Women's Cooperative in Nepal.
A close-up of a rug made by the Yangma-Olangchung Women’s Cooperative in Nepal.

 

As promised, more on Santa Fe’s International Folk Art Market…

While the Guatemalan rug hookers catalyzed our visit to the International Market, the reality is they weren’t the only game in town. There were artisans from all over the world and LOTS of textiles which made Laura a very happy girl.

 

There was a decent amount of jewelry at the International Folk Art Market, but these bracelets made in Columbia really caught my eye. I know, it's all that color. (Artesanias de Columbia)
There was a decent amount of jewelry at the International Folk Art Market, but these bracelets made in Columbia really caught my eye. I know, it’s all that color. (Artesanias de Columbia)

 

 

 

 

Funny story and an important tidbit for anyone planning to visit the market next year:

I didn’t read too much about the International Folk Art Market before we headed off to Santa Fe that morning. Having been to the city’s big Indian Market and other events, we assumed it was on the Plaza. Driving into town, though, we saw signs for overflow market parking and the shuttle. “I’m guessing the lots near the Plaza are full and they’re shuttling people in,” I said to Tom. “Let’s park here.” We leave the car and board the bus. Sitting sideways and reading a program that someone had handed me, I

"Tree of Life" by Mariano Valadez. It's a huichol yarn painting, incredibly vibrant.
“Tree of Life” by Mariano Valadez. It’s a huichol yarn painting, incredibly vibrant.

paid absolutely no attention to where the bus was going. Looking up after a few minutes, imagine my surprise when I realized we were NOWHERE NEAR THE PLAZA. We were, however, close to Museum Hill. Oh! I looked back at the program and for the first time noted as well that there was an entrance fee involved. A $20 entrance fee. Tom took it better than I thought he would. Thank God that the kid hadn’t come with us after all. And that it was too hot to bring the dog.

 

 

 

 

 

These gorgeous, diaphanous fabrics are from India. Mamta Varma represents a group of women artists who make traditional Chikan embroidery.
These gorgeous, diaphanous fabrics are from India. Mamta Varma represents a group of women artists who do traditional Chikan embroidery.

 

We had to give credit to the organization that put on the market, the International Folk Art Alliance. There were several large tents spread on different levels between the various museums housing the artists’ booths. Colorful decorations blew in the breeze contributing to a nice, festive atmosphere. It was a pleasant way to spend a few hours. And entrance to the museums was included in the 20 bucks. Tom and I made use of the restrooms in the Museum of International Folk Art, then stayed a bit to enjoy its AC and some of the exhibits. I see another field trip in our future…

 

 

Uzbekistan was really well represented at the International Folk Art Market. These pieces of Rishatn pottery were created by Rustam and Damir Usmanov.
Uzbekistan was really well represented at the International Folk Art Market. These pieces of Rishtan pottery were created by Rustam and Damir Usmanov. How intricate is that design?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How could I have not photographed this??? It was in Ruraq Maki's booth. The organization represents women incarcerated in Peru. They make mantas, a handwoven shawl or carrying-cloth featuring a large embroidered stripe down the center and including floral, animal, and bird motifs. Ruraq Maki provides the women a sustainable income for this exquisite work.
How could I have not photographed this??? It was in Ruraq Maki‘s booth. The organization represents women incarcerated in Peru. They make mantas, a handwoven shawl or carrying-cloth featuring a large embroidered stripe down the center and including floral, animal, and bird motifs. Ruraq Maki provides the women a sustainable income for this exquisite work.
More on Ruraq Maki and the good they do for women at ruraqmaki.com. ruraqmaki.com
More on Ruraq Maki and the good they do for women at ruraqmaki.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My only complaints about the International Folk Art Market have to do with why I bought nothing, not even a small trinket or two. And there were some affordable items there, really. To allow artisans time to speak to market-goers and to deal with language and tech barriers, no money was exchanged at the booths. Instead there were a couple of central locations where one paid after giving info to a volunteer stationed at a table next to each booth. Unfortunately, all these extra tables and volunteers made for more congestion in the already heavily trafficked aisles. Worse, there were some pretty long lines at the payment stations. They weren’t shaded, and it was over 90 degrees that day, full sun. I,m fair-skinned with red hair and freckles. Add it up; mpulse purchasing wasn’t happening for me. And that was a serious shame.

 

So cool! These are examples of bark cloth painting from Malasia. Matthew Ngau Jau decorates the bark cloth (yes, from trees!) with paint, shells, beads, and embroidery.
So cool! These are examples of bark cloth painting from Malaysia. Matthew Ngau Jau decorates the bark cloth (yes, from trees!) with paint, shells, beads, and embroidery.
A bark cloth painting close-up.
A bark cloth painting close-up.

Enjoy some of the pics I took with my NEW phone. While its camera lens isn’t all scratched up like the old one, and it takes lovely shots, I hate the thing. It overheats on a regular basis. It’s quirky, doesn’t always do what it says it will and is difficult to answer calls on. Worse, the chick at the Cricket store told me how great the camera is – that was my most critical parameter in buying a new phone. Silly me to assume that a “great” camera would

Another instance when colors jumped up and dragged me into a booth. This appliqued wall hanging was hand-stitched by Tarek Abouelenin and Hosam Mamoud of the Tent Makers of Cairo. The designs they create are inspired by those found on mosque tiles and tents from the Ottoman Empire. They were the only Egyptians represented at the market.
Another instance when colors jumped up and dragged me into a booth. This appliqued wall hanging was hand-stitched by Tarek Abouelenin and Hosam Mamoud of the Tent Makers of Cairo. The designs they create are inspired by those found on mosque tiles and tents from the Ottoman Empire. They were the only Egyptians represented at the market.

necessarily include a “great” zoom feature (like the prior phone had). My bad! It has virtually no zoom. When I need close shots, I have to hope that Tom’s there with his phone (identical to my old phone with its very, very “zoom-y” lens). Now I’m stuck with the damn phone for who knows how long.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Isn't this beautiful? It's a Caucasian silk embroidery wall hanging done by one of the artists of the Mehmet Cetinkaya Gallery of Turkey. This traditional art dates back 300 years. I would've liked on. Silk items are believed to bring good fortune to families, not to mention status. I just need the good luck,.
Isn’t this beautiful? It’s a Caucasian silk embroidery wall hanging done by one of the artists of the Mehmet Cetinkaya Gallery of Turkey. This traditional art dates back 300 years. I would’ve liked to bring a piece home. Silk items are believed to bring good fortune to families, not to mention status. I.m not greedy; just give me the luck.

 

 

I hope everyone’s having a great summer. I’m enjoying all the rugs being posted on Facebook these days, especially as so many are attending rug camps and/or sitting outside on the porch with friends hooking. Me, I’m busy making rugs to sell at the Railyards Market. Mug rugs, it seems, are in. This week, Tom, the child, the dog, and I are off to Taos for a day trip. Looking forward to it. Hopefully, they won’t mind a few fiber stops on the way.

 

I may take a week or two off from posting here. Will still post to Facebook, though, so see us there. And feel free to post photos of your rugs or paintings or quilts or whatever you’re making these days. I love this time of year!

 

 

 

 

"Resting at the Spring," a bronze sculpture by Allen Houser in front of the Museum Cafe. By chance I'd seen a television piece on Houser a few weeks before I saw this piece.
“Resting at the Spring,” a bronze sculpture by Allen Houser in front of the Museum Cafe. Guess I did have some luck; I’d seen a television piece on Houser a few weeks before I saw this piece.
Rather Humpty-Dumpty like, no? He's from France. Francois Fresnais makes the ceramics and his wife Sylvie decorates them.
Rather Humpty-Dumpty like, no? He’s from France. Francois Fresnais makes the ceramics and his wife Sylvie decorates them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The artists of LANDYFIA in Laos weave raw silk and cotton scarves and home accessories. I must admit that I'm always drawn to the silk...
The artists of LANDYFIA in Madagascar weave raw silk and cotton scarves and home accessories. I’m always drawn to the silk…
What woman wouldn't want a pair of these shoes? They're made by Gulnora Odilova of Uzbekistan. She embroiders clothing, bags, and home accessories in the Shakhrisabz tradition and has established a school to ensure that the techniques live on.
What woman wouldn’t want a pair of these flats? They’re made by Gulnora Odilova of Uzbekistan. She embroiders clothing, bags, and home accessories in the Shakhrisabz tradition and has established a school to ensure that the techniques live on. …And that’s it from the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market, folks. Happy summer!
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Meet the Guatemalan rug hookers

 

Lucky me – not only did I meet one of the Guatemalan rug hookers, but I got to see the fabulous work that she and her co-op sisters do. Feast your eyes:

Rugs, rugs, and more Guatemalan hooked rugs. All are made of recycled clothing, primarily t-shirts.
Rugs, rugs, and more Guatemalan hooked rugs. All are made of recycled clothing, primarily t-shirts.

This past weekend, Tom and I headed up to Santa Fe’s Folk Art Market. I’d hoped to get there last year specifically to see the Guatemalan rugs, but our house in Massachusetts sold just a few weeks too late, so I had to wait. It was definitely worth it.

It's all about the colors and those birds, and flowers. What a native sense of design.
It’s all about the colors and those birds, and flowers. What a native sense of design.

For those who don’t know the story, back in 2009, after visiting Guatemala and seeing the rampant poverty and environmental and other challenges women and their families faced, Mary Wise and Jody Slocum decided they had to help. By teaching Guatemalan women the art of rug hooking, they would provide them a means of self-support.

Look at these rugs! While hooking’s not native to this part of the world, the ladies clearly took to it. Some became teachers so as to better spread the “Gospel of Rug Hooking.” Currently, there are 63 women in seven communities taking part. With the money they make selling their mats, they can buy and/or improve their housing, send kids to school, get medical care…

 

I didn't get to take one home. But there's always next year!
I didn’t get to take one home, but there’s always next year!

 

 

I was excited to see the rugs in part because of how they’re made. These ladies can’t just pick up some wool at a local shop. Nope, they up-cycle old t-shirts just like me. Though they do cut their strips wider than I do which creates an even meatier rug than my own. But it’s the colors and the motifs they use in their designs that most impress.

 

 

 

 

 

Labels indicating authenticity: Made by the Cooperative of Maya Women Rug Hookers.
Labels indicating authenticity: Made by the Cooperative of Maya Women Rug Hookers.

Our rugs are unique pieces of art reflective of Maya culture. They are made of 100% recycled clothing sourced directly in our communities. We take our design inspirations from the huipils (traditional blouses) worn by Maya women and Semana Santa alfombras. These [alfombras] are rugs created in the streets of Guatemala during Easter using colored sawdust, flowers, fruit and vegetables.

 

— taken from literature from Multicolores, the organization formed to support Mary’s rug-hooking initiative and the Cooperative of Maya Women Rug Hookers.

Artist Yessika Calgua Morales of Guatemala.
One of the Guatemalan rug hookers: Yessika Calgua Morales..

 

 

Artist Yessika Calgua Morales, 22, was manning her booth when I arrived there. It was her first trip to the Santa Fe Market. She did beautifully. Briefly, we talked t-shirts and color. She’s been hooking about 7 years now, and the money she’s made has gone towards her mom’s medical expense, saving for school, and some dentures. And let’s not forget confidence. Learning something new, something alien to your own culture, a culture that’s not always hospitable towards independent women, that’s the BIG pay-off. Go, Yessika!

 

 

Tune in next week:
Pics and such on the other 159 booths Tom and I saw at Santa Fe’s International Folk Art Market.

 

A final looksie at the rugs.
A final looksie at the Guatemalan rugs.
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Summer hooking New Mexican style

One set of mugs and rugs that's sold at the Railyards Market this summer.
One set of mugs and rugs that’s sold at the Railyards Market this summer.

Summer hooking New Mexican style is…busy! Mostly because I’m selling at Albuquerque’s Rail Yards Market so often. Then there’s a possible show in August that I may do with a friend. And let’s not forget the rugs that I’m coming up with in my head – for me! The Albuquerque Fiber Council’s Fiber Arts Fiesta isn’t until May of next year, but any rugs I submit have to be ready to go in March! Now’s the time to start baking those ideas.

 

Next mug and rug in the queue. I see bright colors with that black.
Next mug and rug in the queue. I see bright colors with that black.

 

 

 

 

 

Mug rugs are selling best at the market. It’s not surprising; they’re pretty cheap – beginner’s rug buying – and I include a mug with them. They make nifty, little hostess gifts. Above is one that sold a couple of weeks ago. Let’s hope that the one I’m starting tonight sells just as quickly. You can see it to the left here; it’ll be done in t-shirts.

 

 

 

 

I can't wait to see how these hook up.
I can’t wait to see how these hook up.

After that, I’ll be doing a little experiment based on the bedsheet rugs. Check out these fat quarters I picked up just this morning in a local quilt shop – Hip Stitch. Sure sheets are nice, and I do love to up-cycle, but look at that batik! They’ll look fabulous with a tea cup and saucer I picked up at Savers.

Also on the frame this week, but not for much longer, is my current bedsheet rug. This one’s hooked into monks’ cloth rather than latch hook backing. Makes for a much tighter rug, though it takes longer to hook, certainly. It’s cute, though, and hefty enough for floor use.

MY current bed sheet rug. I'm trying to be "un-fussy" as someone put it in another blog. I'm making up the rectangles as I go along. Only rule: None of the rectangles can look alike.
My current bed sheet rug. I’m trying to be “un-fussy,” as someone put it in another blog, by making up the rectangles as I go. Only rule: None of the rectangles can look alike. “Summertime and the hooking is easy…”

In other news, let me first apologize for the quality of my pics lately. I finally realized that something was really wrong with the camera on my phone, a phone just purchased four months ago. I had Tom look at it after I tried to clean it yet again and wouldn’t you know it, it wasn’t dirty; it was scratched clear to hell! I grabbed his phone – same make and model, a little older even – and took a photo. Perfectly clear! We think I received a bad one. What are you gonna do? A new phone’s on order. We’ll make a close inspection of its camera when it comes in. Next week’s blog should have better pictures, though, in the meantime I’m using hubby’s camera. (See how much clearer the second, third , and fourth pics are above?)

 

Do you take a summer break from hooking and wool? Take up another activity? Or do you crank up the AC and loop away?

 

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