Category: recycled fiber art

December 21, 2020

A very Merry and Tiny Christmas to all!

We here at High on Hooking wish a very Merry Christmas to all who celebrate. Enjoy your holidays with those in your social bubbles. The kid will be down from Colorado tomorrow, so we’ll be celebrating a couple of days early here. Sadly, she has to work on the 24th and 26th, but roast beast and bubbly, here we come!

Before I let you go, though, a few dates in early 2021 to remember. Click on them for more info, and email me if interested or with questions.

Wednesday, January 13, 1:00 p.m. Eastern – IN THE STUDIO WITH TRACY JAMAR. If you haven’t heard Tracy speak, register. She’s terrific. And she does not-so-traditional hooking too!

Saturday, January 16, 1:00 p.m. Eastern – BUILD A BABY BOUCHEROUITE. Spaces are still available. Give yourself the gift of creativity in the New Year.

Dogs under Christmas tree — Bowyn and Tynan, the High on Hooking Dogs, bring you the final “what’s on the frame” for 2021. We all wish you a happy, happy Christmas and New Year!

Sunday, January 31, 1:00 p.m. Eastern – INTRO TO PUNCH NEEDLE RUG HOOKING WORKSHOP. This In the Studio WORKSHOP WEEK 2 class is full, but I’ve decided to open another session on Saturday, February 20, also at 1:00 p.m. Eastern. Give a yell if you’d like to get in on it. You will receive all benefits of WW2, including the bonus sections and coupons.

January 31 – February 5 – IN THE STUDIO WORKSHOP WEEK 2 – There are six workshops running this time around. Karen Miller, Beth Miller, and Meryl Cook still have openings. Susan Feller is taking names for a possible second session. Nadine Flagel, Donna Mulhollland, and I are offering second sessions. Contact individual teachers for more info. Emails in above WW2 link.

And that takes us into the time of putting work away and lighting candles and enjoying the season. Here’s to a MUCH IMPROVED NEW YEAR and some real peace and good will towards ~~men~~ all people (and dogs).

December 16, 2020

Winter Teaching Schedule

High on Hooking’s Winter Teaching Schedule (thus far)

I thought that, as we close out 2020, perhaps it would be a good thing to summarize our winter teaching schedule as it currently stands. We do plan on adding more workshops. Unfortunately, Covid still requires that classes occur online, but that just means no hotel reservations needed, lower costs, and the ability to take workshops anywhere with all kinds of new people!

Small hooked rug — You too can “Build a Baby Boucherouite” or, as I like to call it, Barbies Magic Carpet. New class coming January 16, 2021. See the winter teaching schedule.

BUILD A BABY BOUCHEROUITE
Saturday, January 16, 1:00 p.m. Eastern

Boucherouites are having their day! They’re so trendy that you can’t look at a Better Home and Gardens magazine or watch an HGTV show without seeing them. The Berber tribe of Morocco has been creating Boucherouites, one-of-a-kind, hand-knotted rugs, since the mid-20th century. Traditionally, they’re made using old clothes and other textile scraps. They’re a pretty freestyle form of expression often looking as if the weaver started with one color scheme and pattern, got bored, and moved onto something else. They’re fun in a colorful, spontaneous way and are easily adaptable to rug hooking.

In this workshop you’ll design your own “Baby Boucherouite” rug and start to hook it with textile scraps you have on hand be they cotton clothing, old bedsheets, and/or leftover wool noodles. The sky’s the limit! We’ll also discuss how to prepare, cut, and hook with non-wool materials. This class is designed for a student proficient at rug hooking basics, particularly the mechanics of pulling loops through a backing. You need not own a cutter to participate (or even to hook rugs!).

Because this is an online workshop, students will supply their own materials. Materials needed:

•Hooks;
•Backing of choice to allow for a rectangular mat at least 12” by 6”;
•A frame;
•A pencil (or “magic” pen) and Sharpie to draw rugs straight onto backing;
•Fibers of choice (wool, yarn,old clothing/textiles, whatever); and
•A mind and spirit open to experimenting and FUN.

Class Fee: $45 US. For more information or to register, please contact me at Laura@highonhooking.com. Class limit of 12 students.

INTRO TO PUNCH NEEDLE RUG HOOKING
Sunday, January 31, 1:00 p.m. Eastern

This class is being taught as part of In the Studio’s WORKSHOP WEEK 2 which I wrote about last week. Find the info HERE. Please take a look there to see not just the punch needle class but all seven (yes, you read that right, 7!) workshops going on that week. Seven different instructors offering seven very different classes all through the week! There are also two bonus sessions – an evening gathering to hook, knit, crochet, chat, or just hang AND a panel discussion.

A caveat, my punch needle class appears to be full now. I am taking names in case of cancellations. And if there are enough interested (by that I mean as few as 2 and up to 10), I will be happy to run the class again later in the winter. Just give me a yell!

Other workshops are filling; if you’re interested, please contact the instructors ASAP. I should know; I’m a student in Nadine’s class!

HOW WILL YOU SPEND YOUR WINTER? IT’S TIME TO TRY SOMETHING NEW WHILE WE WAIT FOR THE VACCINES TO KICK COVID’S BUTT.

December 9, 2020

In the Studio’s Workshop Week 2 revealed!

Workshop Week 2 poster

In the Studio’s inaugural Workshop Week last October was such a hit that we’re doing it again: Workshop Week 2, January 31 – February 2, 2021. You are cordially invited to join the original five of us AND two additional teachers: Nadine Flagel and Donna Mulholland.

Again, all classes will be conducted on Zoom. I know, I know, it’s not the same as being there in person. But think of how this not only keeps costs down, but allows for people to join us from ALL OVER! And we will have the two bonus sessions again during the week – an evening gathering and a panel discussion.

NEW this time around are two official vendors: Parris House Wool Works in Maine for our US students, and Martina Lesar Hooked Rug Studio in Ontario for our Canadian students. Both shops are offering our students a discount coupon that can be used in their stores to stock up on supplies.

Teachers include: Karen Miller (who started this whole In the Studio thing!); Susan Feller; Meryl Cook; Beth Miller; myself; and Nadine and Donna. Class info is below and, if you prefer it a little larger, here.

There’s a wide array of workshops available, and you may take more than one. Email individual instructors for registration and more info. Don’t tarry, as classes filled up pretty quickly last time.

Hope to see you there. It’s a great way to start the New Year, which is something we all need!

December 3, 2020

What’s next for High on Hooking?

Two dogs and a crocheting project — Tynan and Bowyn present “What’s on the Hook” this week. By the way, the little guy is feeling much better and is back to all his mischievous ways.

What’s next? Why we’re officially into the holidays! Interestingly, that means that, at the moment, there is absolutely nothing on the frame. Not that I’m sitting on my butt, eating bon bons. No! Especially since the damn Coronacootie has seen fit to provide me an extra five pounds given how it keeps me at home. New Mexico has been pretty much locked-down till yesterday. Even if it wasn’t, the surge numbers scare the crap out of us.

Uncharacteristically, there’s absolutely nothing “On the Frame” this week. (Yet.) There is, however, something on my crochet hook. I’m making a cute basket-bag; the pattern and yarn are courtesy of We Are Knitters, if you’re interested. And I’m putting the finishing touches on “The Angel of 2021.” Will show her tomorrow, I hope. That almost-lockdown made it difficult to get a couple of items.

And we’re getting some classes ready for the New Year. God knows it’ll be a l-o-n-g winter, so we need something to keep us busy.

Baby Boucherouite class is what's next for High on Hooking — You too can “Build a Baby Boucherouite” or, as I like to call it, Barbies Magic Carpet. It’s what’s next on Zoom for High on Hooking.

First class up will be BUILD A BABY BOUCHEROUITE on Saturday, January 16, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern. Email me at Laura@highonhooking.com if you’re interested in coming. I ran that class in October during In the Studio’s Workshop Week and it was well received. More info to come, though you can see the basics here. If you’re on my waiting list from last time, no worries, I’ll be contacting you.

Speaking of Workshop Week, in the Studio’s Workshop Week 2 is coming! We’ve got a couple of new teachers this time around, so be watching for registration info too!

Let us not forget that it is the season of gift-giving. Remember that old adage: RUGS MAKE THE BEST GIFTS! Especially, hand-hooked rugs. Check out our Etsy shop to see what we have in our section of Santa’s Workshop this year. Spy something you like, you can buy it there or contact me directly at Laura@highonhooking.com and get $10 off the Etsy price for items over $50. As usual, I’m also open for commissions.

I wish everyone a safe holiday season. Although I’ve removed “autumn” from the house, I haven’t put the tree and other Christmas decor up. I suppose that’s really what’s next here. I have time; Advent just started Sunday. Besides, it’ll be a “small” Christmas this year, only the favorites will be out. What about you? Going all out as usual?

November 17, 2020

Spinning out of control!

Spinning top — My life is spinning… (Photo by Fons Reijsbergen.)

Given Covid, I’m amazed at how busy my world’s been these past months – some days are spinning out of control! Besides hosting events, I’ve been attending plenty of others. And then there’s the literal spinning, as in vertigo. For over a month, I’ve had days feeling as if I’m walking on the deck of a boat. Sometimes the waves are just little ripples, like in a pond. Other times, there’s a big, old storm coming! While I suffer a completely unmerited hangover! The ENT says it’s not an ear or sinus infection, and the chiropractor says I’m well aligned. That leaves those pesky calcium crystals that reside in our inner ears sensing gravity. They need to be re-positioned which is why I’m off for a physical therapy evaluation tomorrow. Here’s hoping they can find a way to end the spinning.

Bowyn the Welsh Springer spaniel is sick. — Bowyn on our surprise snow day last month.

Meanwhile, poor, little Bowyn is ailing with a wicked double ear infection and mouth sores that make eating difficult. Dude’s really looking hangdog. Yesterday we saw Dr. Forsyth (of the Taylor Ranch Veterinary Clinic here in ABQ). Now we have new meds and more ear-washing; I am not Bowyn’s favorite person at the moment. Praying he feels better in a few days.

“PLACES” WE’VE BEEN

Okay, less actual places, more Zoom gatherings. Since we last checked in I’ve been to:

The Alt Fiber Hook-In with some lovely ladies from Canda and the US. Perhaps we should plan another for one evening or Saturday? Thoughts?
The Adobe Wool Arts Guild‘s first actual meeting, albeit it virtual, since March. If you’re located in New Mexico and interested in joining, email me. We’re looking to set up a class or two for next year. (Still virtual, I’m afraid.) Maybe you’d like to join us.
In the Studio’s inaugural Workshop Week. This was fun – Karen Miller, Susan Feller, Beth Miller, Meryl Cook, and I each held a workshop; included with “tuition” was a ticket to an evening hook-in and a closing panel discussion. Such was our success, that we’re planning another week this winter. Keep watch for that. There will be all new classes!
In the Studio with Nadine Falgel. Nadine spoke about how she she makes “slow art” to combat “fast fashion.” This being one of my own pet issues, I was really interested. But while I like to recycle old or would-be scrapped textiles into my own pieces, thus keeping them out of landfills, Nadine actually uses these “rags” as her subject matter. See more about her work on her Instagram page. And, BTW, she’s got a solo show coming up in the new year.
A Vision of Hope & Healing art show at the Santa María de la Vid Abbey in ABQ. My piece “Holes”
A story cloth from the artists at Multicolores.

hung in the show. It ran until just last Friday. Unfortunately, with the Coronacootie spiking, we couldn’t have the usual opening and closing soirées, but you can see the show HERE, just scroll your way down the page when you get there.
Guatemala! It’s the farthest I’ve gone courtesy of the Stitching Stories Embroidery Workshop from Multicolores last week. I took that class because 1) I’ve become more interested in embroidery over the last year or so and 2) I’ve been thinking about doing a story rug. The class was kind of a 2-fer for me. I’ve been holding onto some poems that I think will work well. We didn’t start any projects in the three hours, but we practiced some of the stitches the ladies use and spoke about what we might want to do. Consider, taking one of the online Multicolores classes when they offer them again. (It’s easier than going all the way to Central America!) Micaela and Sara were excellent at demonstrating their work and answering questions on their processes. The fact that everything had to be translated both ways didn’t hurt the continuity of the workshop at all. I passed on the hooking class as I already work plenty with t-shirts, but I hear from friends that it was a good experience as well. And the tuition monies go to a great cause!

WHERE ARE WE OFF TO NEXT?

Tomorrow evening at 8:30 I’m heading to the Anchorage Museum in Alaska, for Amy Meissner‘s Intersectional Selves Mending Workshop. More info HERE. Like Nadine and myself, Amy’s also interested in how we can counteror at least mitigate the actions of our throw-away culture. And I’ve got some knit items that I’ve not yet tried to mend.
On Tuesday the 24th, the calendar on the wall (sue me; I’m a troglodyte) shows an entry for Abstract Art in America from the Whitney Museum.
I’m behind in the Textile Talks that happen every Wednesday. They’re mostly presentations and panel discussions about quilts, but you never know what you might pick up. They’re sponsored by the International Quilt Museum, the Modern Quilt Guild, Quilt Alliance, San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles, Studio Art Quilt Associates and Surface Design Association. More info H ERE. They are recorded, so, if you’re like me, you can catch up on them at a later date.
In the Studio with Larry Weyand airs Wednesday, December 2, at 1:00 Eastern. More info on that HERE. A teaser: Through the process of autoethnography, I explore how my work lies in the space where narrative, psychological resilience, mat making and food intersect. Food and rugs! I’ll have more info later.
On December 8, I’ll be joining the “CSU Libraries and the Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising for expert advice on how to preserve your family archives, photos, and textile heirlooms.” It seemed like a good idea. More info HERE. It’s called Caring for Your Family Treasures.

Who knows what else I’ll find to occupy myself in December? As if I wasn’t busy enough hooking and hemming my last rugs of 2020. And don’t even mention the Ribbon Rug Journal! Only a month and a half to go on that…

Plans for early 2021 include the second In the Studio Workshop Week as I mentioned. I’ll also be running Building a Baby Boucherouite on my own for those who missed it in October. Keep an eye out for scheduling if you’re interested.

And although this class is scheduled and up online, I don’t believe that our proliferating Covid problem will allow it to run. Or that I’ll be comfortable leaving home for it so soon after the holidays when it’s clear that so many germs will be shared. (In which case, I can cancel…if there are even any students!) It is, however, just an honor being able to offer a class with Ghost Ranch here in New Mexico.

Just one of the views from Ghost Ranch. Sunsets in New Mexico. Its about the light.

For those not familiar with it, artist Georgia O’Keeffe‘s home in Abiquiú, New Mexico, sits at the edge of the 21,000-Ghost Ranch property, named as such because cattle rustlers trying to keep their stolen cows a secret said the ranch was haunted by evil spirits. Hopefully, the vaccines we keep talking about will work, and we’ll be able to get to this or a similar class sometime sooner than later.

Dizzy? Head spinning? Have I given you vertigo to go with mine? I hope not, especially with Thanksgiving right around the corner. We’ll have a quiet one here, much like the first holidays when we moved to Albuquerque in 2015, before we knew anyone well enough to share our bad habits and proclivities. (We had to go all Siren-like and lure people in before that could happen.) The kid is scheduled to come down for the first time since this whole mess began in March. We can’t put her off any more. Unfortunately, masks, social distancing, and a 2-week quarantine after she leaves are all on the docket. Thank goodness I have so many things to do!

If I don’t make it back here next week, I wish you all a wonderful and TINY Thanksgiving. Remember, you can stay small yet still have all the trimmings. And there will be less dishes to wash!