Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Memorial Day Hooked Rug

Stepahnie of Loft Creations did a post today called "Hooking". She was referring to her new found love of crocheting with all the lovely new yarns that have come onto the market. Her use of the word "hooking" triggered a funny memory.

When I lived in the Salt Lake City area I joined a wonderful rug hooking group. Absolutely delightful ladies that taught me so much. We met at the home of Jennifer Figgins who was my mentor in the field of making rugs.
One day the ladies wanted to come up with a name for our group. They all voted on "Wasatch Rug Hookers".
My problem was, even though it is the correct term to use the word "hooker" for a person who makes hooked rugs, I just couldn't bring myself to do it.
I'm kinda sensitive in that way.
I suggested "How about the Wasatch Hug Rookers?"
Everyone scrunched up their noses and said "Naaaahhhhh..."

Eventually I just had to get used to the term.
(This rug is called "Memorial Day" designed by Barbara Evans Brown)

It took some time, but eventually I could even tease my students as I taught rug hooking classes and tell them they were all now "Official Hookers". Me too.

And to make matters worse, the cutting implement that we use to make the 1/4th inch wide wool strips is called... you guessed it... "A Stripper".
So not only had I become a hooker, but I'd become a hooker with a stripper.
Oh my.

One time I went to a rug hooking camp in another state. I called Mr. Cactus to see how he was getting along. He asked what I was doing.
I like to tease Mr. Cactus so I said "Actually I am hooking in the lobby of the hotel, and I have my stripper on the table."
He's never let me live that one down.
In fact, the next day was Sunday and Mr. Cactus went alone to church because I was out of town. In one meeting that contains all men, a few noticed I wasn't at church and asked if I was home sick.
Mr. Cactus casually replied, "No... she's at a hotel hooking."
No other explanation.
Guess what I got to face when I went back to church the next Sunday? And the Sunday after that... and the Sunday after that......

8 comments:

Abby and Stephanie said...

I hope somewhere there will be an equal response about Mr. Cactus. Does he trick out cars? He could be a Pimp. :o)

dotti white said...

Oh...how tricky our language can be! Mr. Cactus will get his own someday...it always works out like that!

Nanette Merrill said...

Yep. You will never live that one down!

Unknown said...

Great story, great rug, and I am sure he will never let you forget!

dq said...

Nedra,

I missed the Halloween swap and would like to swap a block with you. I have an old Halloween round robin that needs some filler blocks. Your witches shoes would be darling! If you would like to help me out email me at atticw@hotmail.com. My blog is dreamworthyquilts.blogspot.com. I am also in Utah.

I am an experienced quilter - over 14 years - and quilt designer, so I don't think you'll be disappointed with my work.

Thanks,
Deana (dj)

Carol said...

What an awesome quilt...I love to hook but just don't have enough time to do it. I have a similar story...went to Fredricksburg, Texas for a hooking camp. Andy had to go to an event by himself. Someone asked him where I was, his response was "She's hooking in Texas"...OMG, realized what he said and tried to get it back. Too funny!

Calamity Jane's Cottage, Bonnie said...

Nedra, this post had me laughing, I can just see you explaining in Church. Love the rug, I just don't know if I could step on that hooker.
Keep Stitchen'
Bonnie

Stitched With Prayer said...

LOLOL, Nedra, you make me laugh so much, thank you!!! Just one question...between the stripping, the hooking, and missing church, did they show up at your door looking grim and sharing their concerns? Also, did you have a word with Mr. Cactus about HIS wording??? So funny. I can always count on you to put a smile on my face.