How much of who we are or what we do is attributed to mentors who have inspired us along the way? This spring, the rug hooking community lost two of its greats: Betty Laine of Thornhill, Ontario and Patsy Becker of South Orleans, Massachusetts. Betty recently contributed an article to the March/April/May issue of Rug Hooking Magazine, and Patsy’s work will be featured in the September/October 2009 issue’s Reader’s Gallery.

Both of these women were passionate about rug hooking and devoted a large part of themselves to sharing this love with others. Betty and Patsy will be sorely missed by all who knew them.

With Rug Hooking Magazine, I have experienced the impact that teachers have on others, allowing students to develop and to find their own styles. Beginners and seasoned hooking veterans alike can benefit from the passion and enthusiasm of a good mentor; their creative energy is invaluable, stimulating and contagious.

The June/July/August issue includes articles for rug hookers of all levels. Anne-Marie Littenberg writes about her hooking mentor and describes how she learned to express herself artistically using her mentor’s tips. Gene Shepherd’s article on hooking with very wide cuts proves that you can hook wide without losing the integrity of your pattern, while Norma Batastini provides step-by-step instructions for hooking animal- and floral-print totes.

Also featured in the June/July/August issue are the Readers’ Choice Winners from Celebration of Hand-Hooked Rugs XVIII, chosen by the readers of Rug Hooking Magazine. These rugs exemplify unique senses of style in rug hooking. Cast your ballot for next year’s Readers’ Choice Awards once Celebration XIX arrives this August.

Enjoy the slower pace of summer with a leisurely read of Rug Hooking.
-Ginny Stimmel

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