Many years ago I became captivated with hooked rugs when I saw an article in a magazine. I knew I wanted to delve into this new craft, but with little kids and too many other hobbies it got put on my 'some day' wish list. Ten or so years later, my kids had grown up and my life had dramatically changed. I revisited my desire to try rug hooking. I loved how relaxing the whole process was and how I could express myself similar to painting a picture, except using colorful wool. For me it was love at first rug and I haven't looked back!
I was inspired by the look of vintage primitive rugs and designed several for my own pleasure. I had the thought to start my own pattern company, but having a full time job meant I would have to create my designs in my spare time. Ideas kept coming and after I had some prototypes ready, I put my stuff out there for the world to see.
Starting with my first catalog in 2000, Primitive Spirit has grown from selling a handful of rug designs, to over 80 patterns, and self publishing books and my own DVD on color. The rug hooking community seemed to say YES! to my pattern company, and my distinctive new "old" look immediately took off.
My decision to open an etsy shop has opened the new possibility of adding PDF instant downloadable patterns to my repertoire, which is a boon for my customers. Now you can see a new pattern and be hooking it that same day!
Creating rugs are my way of having one foot in the here and now and one foot in another century. Something feels right about that to me. How fortunate for me to be sharing my vision in my creative work.