Locals share art of hooking

More than 100 people came out last Thursday in Somers to see a group of hookers – rug hookers.

The Huckleberry Hookers, a group of Flathead women who meet monthly to share in their passion for the art of rug hooking, put their work on display in an exhibition at Buns by the Lake.

Their 56 artistic rugs, table runners and pillow covers on display were all done through hooking, a technique that club member Lynette Lorenzen said is simple and easy to pick up on.

The group has been meeting for 10 years, starting with informal gatherings at Osprey Nest Antiques to learn the art. This is perhaps the first time the group has organized publicly to educate people about what they do.

The more than 30 people who signed up wanting more information about the group was a sign of the event's success, Lorenzen said.

Lorenzen herself first saw hooking practiced by her aunt when she was in her 20s. She thought the gray squares her aunt created were boring, and a bit ugly, she said.

When she met the Huckleberry Hookers, however, it was a different story.

"Once I found this group, they put a whole new light on the art," Lorenzen said.

The pieces were colorful and creative. Lorenzen's favorite piece is an example of that – a 32-inch by 48-inch rug called "Go fish," which features three cats, one with its paw in a fish bowl. The piece took Lorenzen four months to complete, but she proudly displays it on the floor of her home.

"It's very creative. I had no idea it would challenge us that much," Lorenzen said.

The group has gathered at Camas Creek Yarn, but it is starting to outgrow that site, Lorenzen said. At the meetings, members show off their recent work and share new tips and ideas they learned on their own or at classes. Members have traveled to Canada, California and Arizona to learn more about the art.

Lorenzen said rug hooking is a low-key activity people can do by the fire or while watching TV.

"It's a great winter activity to do," Lorenzen said. "It's so easy. You don't have to tie knots. You don't have to count stitches."

The group will meet next Nov. 3 at Buns by the Lake from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Anyone is welcome.

Members will have supplies available for newcomers.

For more information, contact Maureen White at 854-2094 or e-mail grandmo@centurytel.net.