A few weeks ago the HH and I stopped by the Waldoborough Historical Society to listen to the talk local rug hooker Kathie Hills was giving on her love of rug hooking.
I love pretty much everything about rug hooking. And my husband loves historical societies, so it was a perfect way to spend an afternoon.
They even had a Revere bell outside on display. 1 of only 398 made in Boston during 1792 to 1828 {you can read more about the bells HERE}.
Anyway, back inside Kathie gave a talk about her rugs to a packed house. Sharing her methods and talking about the favorite wools she likes to use in her rugs.
She even had many of them on display {and there was cake and punch to enjoy after the talk too!}.
The Waldoborough Historical Society has an extensive display of vintage textiles {rugs especially}. Also on display are the usual tools of the trade which was fun to see because really, not much has changed over the past few hundred years.
Vintage hooks {the one I use looks exactly like the ones above}.
Wool cutters.
Most hookers own one. But I don’t. I prefer to cut my wool strips individually with a rotary mat and ruler as I believe it gives a rug more character if all the strips aren’t exactly the same size.
I think the only real thing that has changed has been the materials. Back when rugs were first being made they were made mainly out of scrap fabric and used to cover floors.
Nowadays it seems like they’re all made from wool strips and used for decorative purposes. I mean seriously, can you imagine spending hundreds of hours hooking a rug only to throw it down on the floor and walk all over it?
Yikes!
Not me.
If you’re ever near the town of Waldoboro, Maine and have an interest in rug hooking {or really just the area in general} be sure and stop by the historical society for a look around. Admission is free.
And then when you’re done, pop by Moody’s for a slice of pie. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon.
Maine. I love it here! 🙂
~Mavis
Nancy Settel says
Oh how I love hooked rugs. I was an antique dealer (all things primitive and from New England) for 30 years but never made it to this historical society. Darn. When ever I came across an antique hooked rug it would be used as a table runner or to be hung on the wall. As you say who could throw them down on the floor! Thank you for the photos and telling us about this wonderful place.
Dawn says
I’ve always wanted to hook rugs. I actually stumbled onto your blog years ago researching rug hooking. But so far I’ve only dabbled with it. Maybe some day. I so admire them!
Kathy Wolfe says
I imagine you could do your own seminar on rug hooking!
Lynda Rees Kling says
Actually most of my friends walk on their rugs! My first teacher made a huge one that covered her entire dining room floor and as she had a tiny farmhouse, they ate in there every day….
I have several rugs to use on my floors but can’t put them all down because I have an old dog….
Julie says
Any suggestions on how to get started with this hobby? Or beginner guides? Would love to give it a try! Love seeing all that you create.
Mavis Butterfield says
Yes! Here are a few blog posts I’ve written:
https://www.onehundreddollarsamonth.com/primitive-rug-hooking-basic-supplies-and-how-i-draw-patterns/
https://www.onehundreddollarsamonth.com/primitive-rug-hooking-how-to-dye-wool-using-cushings-dyes/
https://www.onehundreddollarsamonth.com/how-to-turn-hooked-rugs-into-pillows/
Also, Deanne Fitzpatrick has some wonderful videos on how to hook rugs and I have added a link for you below. Her style of finished rugs is a lot different from mine, but she does a wonderful job explaining everything you need to know.
https://youtu.be/dFkqnT8Czng
Daun says
I love a “rug” to be a rug! Beautiful on the floor and lasts for years and years.
I also do enjoy them as chair pads and wall hangings.
eileen says
I have thus far only hooked rugs (primitive and large) to be on the floor. They are wonderful, beautiful, welcoming and incredible sturdy. We walk on them, wipe our feet on them, I vacuum them, clean them and never has one been damaged.They are also years old! I can’t imagine hooking rugs only to put on a wall.
Table topper, maybe, chair pad-ok.
Anne says
My grandmother and mother were both Pearl McGowan certified teachers in rug hooking. They also taught me to rug hook. So we even used rugs as bathmats! Especially at my grandmother‘s house. She believed you only live once and use everything that you love, why save it? I probably have 20 rugs on the floor in my house and many more pillows, and wall hangings! But I also have the ability to fix any snags or anything that happens to them.