Rags to Rugs: Hooked on Rug Hooking with Bear Epp

Rug hooking is both an art and a craft where rugs are made by pulling loops of yarn or fabric through a stiff woven base such as burlap, linen or rug warp. The loops are pulled through the backing material by using a crochet-type hook mounted in a handle (usually wood) for leverage. 

Back again after sold out workshops in 2023 & 2024, join Bear Epp and learn the basics of traditional rug hooking: an environmentally responsible and revered time-honoured process that is the source of contemporary artworks and heirlooms. In this beginner workshop, Bear Epp will guide you through the essentials of rug hooking techniques through group demonstrations and one-on-one guidance.  We will be working on a quilt block pattern inspired by the Barn Quilts of Prince Edward  County which has been hand drawn onto the 9” X 9” linen backing ready for pulling your first loops wool stripes.     Note:  Hoops and hooks provided for the workshop only, but can be purchased at the end of the day from instructor.

About Bear

With a background in Craft & Design, Bear Epp has worked in the creative industry for over three decades as an artist, arts programmer, teacher and creative director. She has exhibited her work in Canada and internationally. Dedicated to building community through creative exchange, Bear facilitates rug hooking workshops and retreats in Ontario. She is co-curator of Gather in the county a new modern textile market in Picton as well as director of arts programming at Chetwyn Farms. Bear draws inspiration from her Mennonite heritage and lived experience when creating her own contemporary hand hooked folk rugs.

About this Workshop