…and just in case you can’t make the New Mexico Arts & Crafts Festival on November 19, High on Hooking will also be participating in the 12th Annual High Desert Studio Tour. Of course, you can come to both. In fact, you should.
For the past several years, New Mexican hand-dyer and knitter extraordinaire, Dagmar Beinenz-Byrd of ZiaWoolz has generously invited me to join her at her home and studio for the High Desert Studio Tour (click to download the brochure). We won’t talk about the past couple of years that Covid screwed us out of such things. It’s an intimate venue rather than one filled with all kinds of vendors and activities, allowing one the chance to get in some good conversations with makers, letting you learn more about my work as well as Dagmar’s. In addition, Sarah Lovell of Southwest Sunflower Pottery will have all kinds of things that you didn’t even realize you need. (I know. I have some, LOL.)
Dagmar wearing her own work. (If only she was my size…
To be sure, there are other arts and artists on the tour. They include painters, sculptors, jewelers and more spread out over seven different studios. More info is available in the brochure. And, certainly, if you have any questions, please email me at Laura@highonhooking.com.
Her Rio Grande mugs provide just a taste of Sarah’s pottery.
If you’re looking to find holiday gifts for family and friends (and yourself!), please come see us at the New Mexico Arts & Crafts Festival in November AND at the High Desert Studio Tour in December.
I’ve always maintained that September 1 is just as much a new year as January 1. You have a holiday and then you give yourself permission to start over. Maybe it’s a school year, your health, a job, or just a way of looking at life. In my case this September of 2022, it’s health and working on a new perspective. (And don’t get me wrong, I think renewal goes on all through the year, it’s just more celebrated in January and September.)
It’s no secret that I have autoimmune issues. Fibromyalgia was just added to the mix. I shouldn’t have been surprised; it explains so much. But so often when you’re busy, you work with the data that you have. When you’re in your late 50s, you don’t go looking for more things to go wrong with the chasse. Actually, I’m in pretty good shape, I think. Nonetheless, I could be doing better, especially regarding stress and sleep. I need more of one and less of the other. Bet you can guess which is which. LOL
I decided, therefore, that I’m taking a bit of a sabbatical from many of my local responsibilities for two whole months! I’d like to say that I’m making the months all about Laura all the time, but that’s not the case. It would also be très boring. Even to me! No, in less than a week my parents are making their second trip in six years to New Mexico from Connecticut. They’ll be here for 16 days. We’ll be doing some touristy things and even heading up to Colorado for a few days. They’ve never been there. After they leave, I’ll be teaching hooking and punching at the Mountain and Valley Wool Festival in Santa Fe. That takes us into October when Tom and I and a dog or two will take to the open road for Seattle. The kid’s now been there for three months; it’s time for a visit. And while I once spent a weekend in that area years and years ago, I never got a chance to really see it. This is an opportunity, too, to add a few missing states to my repertoire. I’ve never been to Utah (other than Four Corners), Idaho, Nevada, and Oregon.
By the time we get back, it’ll be Workshop Week 5 and even Halloween. Then the holidays and… You see why I need a break?
But I’ll be around online, certainly, and in touch with folks. Being away always lets me refresh, see things in a new way, and be inspired. All of which usually allows for some new and exciting artwork. At least to and for me. Perhaps for others as well.
PLACES WHERE YOU DEFINITELY CAN FIND ME THIS FALL INTO WINTER
Mountain and Valley Wool Festival (MAVWA): September 29 – October 2 The festival is Saturday and Sunday, October 1 and 2, but the workshops happen the Thursday and Friday before. I’m teaching Thursday. Find info HERE. BTW, if you’re thinking of coming for MAVWA, know that it’s the start of Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque. Think 500 hot air balloons in the air at one time. Pictures and words can’t do it justice.
In the Studio Online Workshop Week 5: October 23 – 30
While I’m not teaching this time around, I am the general administrator, so if you need a catalog or have questions, please give a yell. We have eight great teachers and workshops scheduled. If you’re just realizing you forgot to register, now’s the time. Some classes have filled, but teachers have waiting lists, and some have already scheduled second sessions. More info HERE.
High Desert Studio Tour – December 3 After missing two or three years, the High Desert Studio Tour is back! As in the past, I’ll be camped out at the home of ZiaWoolz. Dagmar generously invites myself and a few other artists to hang our shingles out with hers for the day. If you’re looking for some gorgeous, hand-dyed yarn, check out her Etsy shop, or better yet, visit us in December.
The boys bring you a HAPPY NEW YEAR WHAT’S ON THE FRAME this week. THE REZ is hooked on monk’s cloth with old t-shirts, wool strips, and wool yarn. So far…
View our CALENDARpage to see more dates to be added as we go further into the fall.
The boys and I wish you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR, a cooler fall, and success with all your efforts at renewal!
It finally happened: We have a new look! What a way to start off 2020. Hopefully, you like it. It’s a bit cleaner, and, hey, change is good.
“Diamonds of New Mexico” was punched. Take my Santa Fe workshop February 29, and learn how to punch one yourself.
A little catch-up…
The year’s started quietly enough. I’m currently prepping for an introductory punch needle rug hooking class at the New Mexico Fiber Arts Center in Santa Fe. (Note that this is Española Valley Fiber Arts Center’s new name, and the class is in the shop they launched in November down near the Rail Yards. Guess I’m not the only one with a new look.) It’ll run on Saturday, February 29, 10:00-2:00. Bring a small pair of scissors and a lunch/snack. And be ready to have some fun! More info here.
The secret project is still secret. Had to get some other work done besides the website, so we’ll be working to finish that in February. Yikes, that’s only a day away!!!
Cathy Kelly and I are still “working” as artists in residence up in Santa Fe at the Inn on the Alameda. It’s a swell hotel, big old fireplace and all, but truthfully, it’s been a bit of a bust thus far. There’s not much traffic coming through. Big surprise; it’s winter. Next year, I hope to “graduate” to one of the busier hotels on the town’s historical plaza. If you’re around, though, we’ll be at the Inn again February 7 and 21, both Fridays.
The image on the left, the fireplace with it’s cozy fire, is the same one that’s in the lobby of the Inn on the Alameda. Why did I hook it and maybe a…butterfly? That’s a story for maybe next week. Or Instagram. It’s a new project. Because I don’t have enough time (?). BTW, it’s not a butterfly; it’s an open book.
We’ve had bad news regarding a couple of events where I usually vend each year. Albuquerque’s apparently still up in the air regarding the Recycled Art Festival. After having nowhere to put us last year, a new home was promised for this year. Sure. And I’ve got swampland in Florida for sale. Also, the end may be near for the High Desert Studio Tour in November. I’m always at my friend Dagmar’s home/studio where she creates BEAUTIFUL hand-dyed yarns under the name ZiaWoolz. 🙁 We’re hoping to bring new life to this event, so hang on for more info.
Lovely news! Many of you have probably seen Karen Miller‘s book that came out last fall: Eyes Open to the World – Memories of Travel in Wool. One of my rugs is featured in it! I’m very grateful to Karen for that. It’s a delightful book to read and take in. And it gives me more rug hooking street cred, if you know what I mean. And that’s despite the fact that my rug was hooked in recycled t-shirts, not wool. 🙂
I guess that’s it for hooking news for now. Regarding the boys, Tynan is fit as ever. A bit furry this time of year, of course. Bowyn, ah, Bowyn. He’s a character that one and not nearly as easy as his big brother. We’ve had a dog trainer in as there’s NO WAY that he could handle the excitement of a puppy class. By that I mean he would generate much of the excitement. Some might even call it…CHAOS. But after being so sick with puppy strangles last summer when he was just a wee one, he’s definitely bounced back. And I do mean bounce. If you get our Instagram feed, you know that we call him Sharknado. Always in the air, always the mouth open. Some day he’ll be a great dog like Tynan. Some day…
Bowyn at rest. It doesn’t happen much and never when we have visitors.
I think that’s enough for today and three other marathon days at my computer revamping this site, giving it the new look. It’s not even live yet. Pray that that went well and that you’re happily reading away on your own electronic device. And if you have any questions for us here at High on Hooking, know that we’re only an email away. Happy 2020!
Tynan’s back, though no new look for him. And he’s got the newest rug on the frame here at High on Hooking. Its a floral sort of thing being hooked with old bed sheets. Have a great weekend!
Pertinent info regarding Fall Fiber Fiesta this weekend.
A BIG THANK YOU to Dagmar Beinenz-Byrd of ZiaWoolz for opening and sharing her beautiful home during Saturday’s High Desert Studio Tour. Yes, I did buy almost, but not quite more than I sold. But who can resist those hand-dyed yarns and fingerless mittens (yeah, I bought another pair of those), etc., etc. Because Dag’s yarns are too light to hook with, I’ve never been able to purchase any of her yummy colors. (Tom just wouldn’t understand me purchasing yarn to look at. He’s so silly, I know.) BUT, having just finished crocheting a shawl (sized more like a scarf to me) – my first “big” crochet project in years – I rewarded myself with some of her yarn to repeat the project in BRIGHT summery colors. More on that another day.
Goodies by ZiaWoolz. She’s got an Etsy shop, peeps.
Really, can you resist these? And I’m not just talking Hersey’s Kisses here.
And lastly, this week’s “What’s on the frame” feature is really about what’s NOT on the frame. These little rugs have to be finished up in the next couple of days to be ready to go Friday morning. So much to do, so much to do…
You know, mug rugs give quick validation, but I’ll be glad to get back to bigger rugs after this weekend. BTW, if you can’t make it to Fiesta, we do have an Etsy shop. I’ll have time to update it after I cook Thanksgiving dinner. Give a yell if you don’t see what you need. Or want. We can help. Really…
Again, feed the Fall fiber frenzy by visiting High on Hooking up in Santa Fe this weekend. As always, mention the blog and get 10% off any rug. See you there!
One of Catherine’s kick-ass “Everywoman Tote Bags.” And what do I use this one for? To carry all my meeting paperwork, of course. Come see all the colors she makes them in at the High Desert Studio Tour Saturday!
Like I mentioned last week, I’m kind of slammed for the next couple of weeks in my own personal Fall fiber frenzy. This Saturday is the High Desert Studio Tour on the east side of Albuquerque. I’ll be at Stop #3 on the map below (if you click, you’ll get a better one) where Dagmar Beinenz-Byrd runs her ZiaWoolz business. Each year she generously offers me space for the event. This year Catherine Wies, another multi-talented Adobe Wool Arts Guild member, will have her wares there too: all kinds of versions of her “Everywoman Tote Bag.” I may have to buy another one to put Dag’s hand-dyed yarn and project bags in. Yeah, I’ll spend more than I’ll ever make. But the goods are all worth it. Plus we have a lot of fun. Stop by!
Meanwhile, I’m busy hooking away for Saturday and next weekend too up in Santa Fe at the Fall Fiber Fiesta. Then there are the meetings: guild (I told you I’m president now, right?); next year’s Fiber Fiesta here in ABQ; the Fiber Arts Council’s Education Committee; the food pantry I deliver to, and Susan’s Legacy. All this with a cold that won’t quit. I swear that between us, Tom and I can incubate it till next spring…
I hate meetings, but they’re a necessary evil for worthy organizations and causes. And if you have any interest in Fiesta or the Fiber Arts Council, click on those links above. Regarding Susan’s Legacy, if you’d like to help women trying to help themselves out of mental health and addiction disorders, see our website. Disclaimer: I’m a Board member, and such troubles have run in my family.
Info on the annual High Desert Studio Tour this Saturday in Albuquerque. More info on the website, www.highdesertliving.net. Remember, three of us will be at Stop #3. Follow the purple balloons!Tynan whores for a treat brings you this week’s “What’s on the frame?” As you can see, there are actually four little rugs on there right now. I’m low on mug rugs which make excellent and unique gifts for the holidays. Wink, wink, nudge, nudge. Check out our Etsy shop. There may be one or two there right this minute. If not, give a yell and tell me what you need.
Hope to see you this weekend in Albuquerque or next in Santa Fe. Remember: Mention the blog post and get 10% off any rug. It’s part of spreading the gospel of rug hooking and buying handmade this holiday season!
