The Rail Yards Market – Albuquerque is finally here! For me, that is. Once juried in, I opted to skip May and sell in the summer and early fall every other week. With so many excellent artisans around here, management gave me August off to make room. I won’t complain.

I enjoy sales and such. I try to bring work with me; it generates all kinds of conversation and memories. “I remember helping my grandmother do this…” (Of course, all hookers know that “I did this in the 70s” really means they did a latch hook kit their mom bought them.) Certainly, kids love to try their hand at hooking. And in a town where weaving and quilting are the fiber arts queens, I think it’s time for a new princess to show her hand. I’m happy to be hooking’s ambassadress.

If you’re in the Albuquerque area between 10:00 a.m. and 2 p.m. this coming Sunday, please stop by. There’s art, food, farmers and their produce, music, and a general good time to be had by all.

Before I can get there, though, I have a lot to do:

• Remake tags for every rug. The ones still on some of the mats contain High on Hooking’s info pre-New Mexico.
• Check to make sure that my Square is working properly.
• Photograph newer rugs.
• Finish a couple of mug rugs up. I steamed them two days ago.
• Pay June’s rent to the Railyards or all this will be moot.
• Sew some hangers onto some of the rugs.
• Purchase a basket or two for the small mats.

Many of you know the work that goes into getting ready for a show or sale. I’m not new to this rodeo, but I haven’t done it for well over a year given that we were in the midst of packing, selling a house, and moving in 2015. Time to sweep out the cobwebs and…climb back in that saddle again…

Many hookers are averse to selling away their artwork. Not me; I have too many  at this point. Even too many to give away. And I’m making more all the time! Here’s hoping they sell. Are your rugs and mats adorning your own home, given as gifts, hidden away in a closet, or sold to make room for more and/or to purchase materials to make more?