Hooking Rugs With Gloria E. Crouse

Seattle-based craftsperson Gloria E. Crouse is the host and instructress for this wonderful program on hooking rugs, which places a lot of emphasis on using one's imagination. Using two extremely simple tools (a speed needle and a punch needle, Crouse shows viewers her materials: yarns, fabrics, ribbons, gift wrapping, washers, springs, you name it. In two projects, a rug and a wall hanging, Crouse demonstrates various techniques with the needles and constantly exhorts viewers to have fun with color and texture. Crouse, who doesn't think of herself as an artist, admits that she's no skilled draftsperson, but that something as simple as an animal cookie can serve as an outline for a stencil of an animal. She cuts out a bunch, and incorporates a repeating stream of critters into her rug. Make it personal, use your imagination, and don't be constrained by what others think are suitable materials or ideas for rugs and tapestries, seems to be the gist of Crouse's upbeat message. Admittedly absorbed by the concepts of texture and color, Crouse's work doesn't end in rugs or wall hangings; she works on sweaters, even shoes, and makes them her own. An inspiring and easy program to work with, Hooking Rugs is highly recommended. (A companion book Hooking Rugs: New Materials, New Techniques is also available.) (Available from: Taunton Press, 63 S. Main St., Box 5506, Newtown, CT 06470-5506; 1-800-888-8286.)