The June/July/August issue is one of my favorite issues each year. We highlight the winners of the Readers’ Choice Awards, whose rugs from A Celebration of Hand-Hooked Rugs were chosen as favorites by the readers. Having your rug chosen by your peers is the highest honor that can be achieved. When the votes begin to roll in at the beginning of January, I hold my breath to see who will win First, Second and Third place in each category. The rugs are wonderful and it’s a pleasure to share them with you this issue.

Of particular note this issue is the article about the upcoming McGown National Biennial Exhibit, which will be held in Owego, New York at the end of October. October is a beautiful time of year in New York State- the perfect time to enjoy the fall leaves at their peak. It’s not too early to make reservations and plan your fall schedule around the exhibit.

Even though summer is a busy time, it’s a great time to plan projects and visit rug hooking studios while on vacation. I’d love to see you at Sauder Village during Rug Hooking Week in August. Please stop by the RHM booth to say hello.

Summer is also a time when the days are longer and we feel that more can be accomplished. Those of us here on the staff of Rug Hooking Magazine wish all of you a full and wonderful summer in the months ahead. --Ginny Stimmel

Last Issue's Poll Results:
Over half of you who voted in the March/April/May issue's poll are looking forward to enjoying warm weather and planting flowers this spring. Although dyeing and connecting strips were added as "other" answers (along with skiing!?), most of you voted for outdoor activities. I hope you're taking your hooking projects outside with you this summer! -Dana