The ATHA Convention held in Overland Park, Kansas,on September 14-17, 2022 was a resounding success! 

 A huge thank you to the Convention Committee, headed by Anne Hoffman, for their hard work and tireless energy in hosting this wonderful event. For those who couldn't attend, Deb Burcin, our ATHA Librarian, has prepared a gallery of outstanding photos that she took while she was at the Convention.  Many thanks to Deb for her many hours of editing and cropping these photos so that we all can enjoy them too. Click HERE to view the 2022 Kansas Convention photos.

    Education Corner

Last January I announced our brand new Project Outreach program, which  provides for a one time grant of up to $300 to ATHA chapters that are interested in teaching potential rug hookers. This grant was designed to help chapters increase their membership and to expand their presence in the community by providing funds  to purchase the supplies necessary to teach beginners. I am thrilled to report that several chapters have applied for the grant, and several grants have been approved.There are all sorts of ways to promote rug hooking in your community and many of our chapters have already demonstrated  or taught at local county and state fairs. Often local libraries and adult education programs  provide opportunities to teach classes. Nursing homes or memory care facilities are always looking for fresh, fun, informative programs to provide their residents. If you think your chapter would like to apply, please complete the application form outlining your plans and specific supply needs. Submit it to me ([email protected]). The Education Committee will then review your application and make a determination as to whether you are eligible. I will be happy to help you in any way that I can, so please do not hesitate to contact me.  I can best be reached by email: [email protected], or text: 609-613-1589. Phone calls are also fine but I really like to have everything in writing…it is so easy to to forget what was talked about in a phone call!

ATHA ANNOUNCES LIVE FACEBOOK DEMONSTRATIONS

This summer, ATHA's Education Chair, Gail Dufresne, started holding live presentations on Facebook about favorite rug hooking topics.

The first presentation on July 2nd was on "Proddy," an English variation of rug hooking using shaped pieces of fabric manipulated with a hook or prodding tool..  In her presentation, Gail showed her creative work, how to do proddy, how it can be used, how to cut pieces and discussed backings and finishing ideas.  Watch it now on Youtube!

Gail's 2nd presentation on August 25th titled "Rug Hooking 101" focused on those interested in rug hooking, but who don't know where to start. Gail focused on the basic equipment such as frames, hooks and backings and showed some examples of beautiful rug mats suitable for beginner projects.  Watch it now on Youtube!  

  Gail's 3rd presentation on Sept 24th titled  "COLOR gets the credit, but VALUE does the work" focused on how to design a rug using various left-over wool scraps. Gail demonstrated how to choose colors for a rug using the concept of light, medium and dark values.   Watch it now on Youtube!   

On October 29, 2022, Gail showed different techniques for making 3-D flowers and leaves that can be used to make container arrangements. Proddy, standing wool circles and trapunto were among the techniques that she demonstrated. Watch it now on Youtube!