Thursday, January 23, 2014

Highlights of the January meeting ...

     The Hoosier Hills Rug Hooking Guild met for their January meeting at the public library in Washington, Indiana.  A social hour preceded the business meeting.  Besides sharing what they were hooking, everyone enjoyed catching up on personal news.  Several people brought refreshments and we all enjoyed this time together.  Janice Spaulding of Hooked on George, our president, brought along several pieces of dyed wool that were really lovely.  There were 23 members and one guest present.  The guest, Beth from Evansville, decided to join -- welcome Beth!  

     About 11:30 President Janice called the business meeting to order.  In old business the following topics were discussed:
  • In regard to the Fiber Fair, Couch's Little Workshop has confirmed that they will teach a 3-hour beginning weaving class this year.  Cost will be $40.  It was tentatively decided that it should be a morning class.  (At a prior meeting it was decided that the other class will be intermediate rug hooking.)
  • Teresa Kinman brought the raffle rug that she has been working on and it is going to be lovely!  Everyone approved of the color choices and another hooker took it home to work on.
  • Shirley Casebolt gave an update on the member retreat that will be held in Santa Claus in February.  Cathy Stephan is the visiting instructor.  Participants are urged to be in contact with Cathy so she'll know what you want to work on.  Any last minute details regarding this event can be ironed out at the February meeting.
  • Teresa Kinman, Treasurer, gave a report and also reminded members that dues ($15) for 2014 are now due.
  • Judy Foster, Secretary, asked members to furnish her with any changes in address, phone number or email address so she can prepare an updated member directory.  This list will probably be ready after the February meeting when dues have been paid.
  • Judy received a communication via the Guild blog that a retiring hooker living in Indianapolis has donated lots of magazines to us, and has offered other rug hooking books and supplies for sale at a very generous discount.  Judy will pick these things up some time before the next meeting (weather permitting).  The benefactor specifies that they be offered first to beginning hookers who need them.  A fair system of distribution will be established.
  • Judy also asked those interested in participating in the white elephant UFO exchange to bring their UFO's in a plain bag to the next meeting.  This could be a hooking project or any other needle work; it can be partially completed or not even started!  Just something you know you're never going to finish.  This will be a fun way to get rid of that monkey on your back (and replace it with another!).  No money involved.  
     Following the business meeting, we had our belated Christmas ornament exchange.  Everyone who participated went home with a great new ornament to put on next year's Christmas tree.
     Janice brought a lovely large paisley shawl to show.  It was spread out on the floor and we all oh-ed and ah-ed!  And we stayed until the library was closing! this meeting was a great way to begin 2014!

Here's just a few pictures taken the day of the meeting compliments of Becky Aldridge...
These cute Christmas trees served as the centerpiece on the ornament exchange table.

Barbara Bauman is working on these wool appliqued quilt squares.

And here's Barbara, hidden behind her beautiful wool appliqued wall hanging.  This was just stunning!  (As you can see, it's sometimes more than not just hooking going on!)

Chrystal Goodpaster is hooking away on this rug depicting "shepherds watching over their flocks by night".

Here's the breathtaking paisley shawl that Janice brought to show.  It's in good condition and Janice is rightfully proud of this find.

Marsha Mulroony is working steadily on this life-like portrait of Santa.  Everyone was super impressed!  We all agreed that she has done an excellent job on the face.
Teresa Kinman brought this just-completed rug.  It's more beautiful in person than in a picture!  The colors are the same as those being used in the 2014 Raffle Rug.