While we’ve been enjoying the sunshine and warm temperatures of spring in the US Southeast, my family and friends in the Canadian Maritimes have been waiting patiently under dreary, grey skies. Spring takes it time coming to this beautiful part of the world. But once it does, it does not disappoint! The magical greens of new growth are everywhere as the world wakes up from its long winter nap.
Perhaps it’s that long winter nap that has led to the long-standing tradition of rug hooking in this region. Originally, rugs hooked by housewives from old clothing, were used to provide warmth on household floors. Hooked rugs are rooted in practicality and frugality‒a fitting metaphor for this region. But over the years, the rugs have become works of art and the makers have become artists. They’ve taken something that started as a functional necessity and made it into something beautiful for the home. This type of transformation is common in this region which boasts many talented artists and artisans. I recently had the opportunity to visit one of those artists.
Deanne Fitzpatrick is a widely-recognized expert in the world of rug hooking. Here’s how the 2016 Globe and Mail article, “Modern Hookers”, put it: “Every Canadian hooker working today knows Fitzpatrick, who has been creating work, writing books, offering courses and selling supplies out of her studio in Amherst, N.S., for 25 years. Her rugs are alive with movement, informed by both her technique and aesthetic.”
Ironically, I first learned about Deanne from a fellow student at the John C Campbell Folk School (thank you Suzanne!). Suzanne is from Florida and we were in the same Sheep to Shawl class. She got hooked on rug hooking during a previous visit to the Folk School and had since journeyed to Nova Scotia to see all things rug hooking. The irony is that I’m from Nova Scotia‒I was born and raised there and started my career there‒but I had never heard of Deanne. It almost sounds like a joke… “Did you hear the one about the Nova Scotian who went all the way to North Carolina to learn about a rug hooker in Amherst?” Unlikely coincidences like this are common at the Folk School‒it’s simply become part of the magic!
Regardless of how I learned about Deanne Fitzpatrick and her amazing hooked rugs, I set my sights on visiting her studio in Amherst Nova Scotia at the first opportunity. That opportunity presented itself during a recent trip to visit my family. My sister and I took a day trip to immerse ourselves in rug hooking.
Before I go any further, I need to warn you; don’t let the name fool you! “Rug hooking” is not about making floor mats. Don’t even think about wiping your shoes on one of these beauties!
Deanne’s Studio is a treasure trove of colorful fiber in artistic displays.
One of the best things about visiting the Studio is the legendary Maritime hospitality. Where else would you be given free rein to wander around the entire studio and invited to enjoy a cup of tea with delicious oak cakes? Plus you’re encouraged to learn to hook. Deanne, herself, taught us how.
As promised, it only took a few minutes to learn. Here’s my sister, Marian, giving it a try.
She quickly got the hang of it!
You start with a backing of burlap or linen stretched on a frame. Then using a simple hook you pull strips of fabric, strands of yarn, or other fiber through the backing to make a small loop. You repeat this process until you’ve covered the surface with fiber loops.
Of course, it takes an artistic eye and lots of practice to work up to beautiful pieces like Deanne’s “The Golden Season”.
Deanne and her team strive to “Create Beauty Everyday” and they encourage their customers to do the same. She’s said “it is my goal to live simply, and make hooked rugs that are unmistakably art”. Obviously, she has accomplished that goal.
Special thanks to Deanne and her team for your kind hospitality and a memorable visit!
More Info
You can learn more about Deanne Fitzpatrick, along with everything you need to get started hooking rugs, on the Deanne Fitzpatrick Studio website.
As you can see on the website, Deanne is the author of over a half dozen books including a children’s book. The book, Singily Skipping Along, was a collaboration with beloved children’s book author Sheree Fitch. Sheree contributed the delightful story with her usual charming verse while Deanne contributed the illustration using the color, shape and texture of her hooked rugs. The unexpected combination provides a joyful reading romp. You can learn more about Sheree Fitch in my previous post A Visit to Mable Murple’s.
Here’s a link to the 2016 Globe and Mail article,“Modern Hookers”, mentioned above.
To enjoy legendary Maritime hospitality for yourself and/or to plan a visit to the Deanne Fitzpatrick Studio in Amherst, Nova Scotia, Canada check out Tourism Nova Scotia’s website.
UPDATE August 20, 203: You can learn more about the John C Campbell Folk School, where I participated in their Work Study Program, on their website or in my previous blog posts at About > Folk School category index.
Today’s Takeaways
1. Explore various mediums and art forms to broaden your range and expand your skills.
2. Much like we’re warned not to judge a book by its cover, don’t miss out on a great craft just because of what its called.
3. Consider enhancing your travel experiences, both near and far, by including arts, crafts and personal interests on your itinerary.
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