Setting up the rug show...

My day began early with the drive over to the Eden Hotel. I was one of the team who had volunteered to set up the rug show for ATHA. New partitions have been purchased by ATHA to ensure that this and future shows look professional. The assembly of the new partitions went quite well until we realized there were missing parts. Some dowels were found and cut and when combined with rubber bands sufficed to get the walls up by lunchtime.

When registration for rugs began they were each double tagged, and brought into the room where they were grouped by theme or colors. There were some wonderful rugs I wanted to investigate but at this point we were far too busy creating the shape of the display walls.

When the walls were fully assembled there were rods to place across the top to stabilize the display. Then we all began hanging the rugs. We split into teams, with a group doing the Magdelina rugs, and another doing large round rugs, and another doing the Red challenge.

It was like asswembling a giant puzzle with different size pieces, and colors were important. We had to find a proper home for every piece that would show it off.



There were quite a few items such as footstools, pillows and one beautiful hooked upholstered chair.

The vendors were incredibly busy on the outskirts of the rug show area as they brought in thousands of pounds of goodies. They worked very hard to make their booths attractive and easy for everyone to access. I know they hope to go home empty handed, and I'm sure we will all help them!

Shhhh! Here is a sneak sampling of some of the wonderful rugs that will be in the show that opens tomorrow. don't tell anyone!

This rug is called "Flight" hooked by Elizabeth (Liz) Marino. I love it and the picture does not do it justice. The reflection is amazing.

This is "Beyond Tradition" hooked by Ann Shamberger. It is an adaptation of a  Hopi artist( Lomayesra?)

This is "Sorrow" by Ivy Collier. The colors are wonderful and I would love to know the story behind it. We all know that rugs tell stories.

Next is "The Fish and the Pond" by Barbara Twigg.

"Mater Gravida" by Debra Walland.

"All Cooped Up" hooked by Marcye Gough

"Heritage: hooked by Joan Strausbaugh. It would be very hard for me to pick a favorite rug of the show, but this would be in my top five. It's gorgeous!

I don't remember the name of the rugger that hooked this Mola, but the colors are vibrant!

That was your sneak peak into the ATHA rug show. I hope you can stop by Lancaster and see the rest of the rugs in person. If not, check back here as I will try to do updates every evening. After all the work setting things up with the "show girls" it was time to go to the local buffet. they are quite common in this area.



This Hooker has landed! (Rug hooker that is!)

My departure from Maine towards the ATHA conference in Pennsylvania is something I have looked forward to for months. The day broke clear and the trip towards New Jersey was full of beautiful foliage. I stopped at dusk as I don't like to drive after dark unless I need to. I stayed in a lovely hotel that was filled with modern art. I will confess that the sharp lines of the architecture and white space didn't do much for me. This piece of art caught my eye. The flag of our country always does.

As I looked closer I realized it was composed of tiny high top toddler sneakers. I wonder what inspired the artist to come up with this?

The next morning I ventured toward Reading Pennsylvania, and was smiling when I saw this sign.

Yes, I can drive 65 mph and take a picture. I stayed with my dear Aunt Shirley for a day. Shirley is 87 and we had a lot of fun together. Cousin Jane stopped by and we reconnected after many years of not seeing each other. As kids I would see my cousins frequently when our family would go to Hershey to see the farm where dad grew up.

I'm on the left and Jane is on the right. Aunt Shirley and I went to her church where the peanut butter ball faeries were making the treats they sell for a fundraiser. Here is Shirley making the first step which involves balling the dough.

The next step was to take the balls and coat them in a nice thick layer of chocolate.

Then...a sprinkling of chopped nuts.

They go into the refrigerator for 24 hours, then into boxes. I left my Aunt working hard at the church to meet my internet friend Cyndi for lunch. We had never met before but enjoyed a good meal at Effies and quite a bit of laughter. I'm sure we'll get together again.



After lunch the wool part of my vacation began as I headed down the road to Rebecca Erb's Wool Studio. Rumor has it that she was having a party with 5 other vendors!

What a treat! The large place was full of wool, patterns and all sorts of fun things that wool-a-holics love. There were piles of lovely wool on tables being sold by the pound ($10.) and bolt and yardage, all at nice prices.

Luscious paisleys and basket liners were eye catching, as well as some towle painting on wooden chests and tables. I did not purchase much because I know the vendors at the ATHA conference will also have items to tempt me.

After leaving Rebecca's, it was a short 40 minute drive to Lancaster to my hotel. I was not able to get reservations at the conference hotel, but this one is beautiful and I know I will be pampered. Enough for tonight...the bed is calling me! Tomorrow will be a long day as I help with the registration and hanging of rugs for the show, and connect with more internet friends I have never met.