Instructor: Joan Foster
Class Length: 18 Hours
Prerequisite:
Basic knowledge of rug hooking.
Description:
You will explore the history of the Grenfell mat hooking tradition and will learn to hook in the style used in Northern Newfoundland and Labrador in the early 20th century. You will also learn to remove color from and dye hosiery in order to replicate as closely as possible the use of silk stockings in the Grenfell mats.
Commercial dyes such as Tintex and Majic Carpet as well as experimentation with Kool-Aid will be included. Two dyeing methods – stove top and microwave will be used. Discussion will also include the characteristics of a Grenfell design, the traditional way of finishing Grenfell mats and the use of the various Grenfell tags.
Materials
You will need to bring:
- a frame
- size fine mat hook
- scissors suitable for cutting nylon hosiery
- rug hooking scissors.
- (Instructor will have size fine hooks available for purchase @ $15)
Kits Available:
Choose from authentic Grenfell designs “Polar Bear” (10” x 12”) or “Map Mat” ((10” x 12”) at $70 each [includes a $10 royalty fee to Grenfell Handicrafts Ltd.] or choose my design “Inukshuk” (6” x 8”) at $55.
Kits include the pattern on linen, dyed hosiery for the project and dyeing supplies for the dyeing demonstrations and handouts. Alternatively, students may bring their own or a commercial design of a northern style scene already on backing and their own hosiery but must be sure to observe copyright laws.
There will be a dyeing fee of $10 for those bringing their own pattern and hosiery to cover the cost of dyeing supplies.
