still came the ‘ traditional Log Cabin, Dresden Plate and Wedding Ring patterns. . ,

Rug hooking was another craft which had its start in the early days as a necessity; every home had a number of mats, to keep one’s feet off the cold floor. These were made by the women, the base of the mat or rug being canvas or burlap, laced into a hooking frame, made by the man of the house. Days could be spent getting the materials ready for hooking. Every available piece of wool sweaters, coats, the good parts . of anything discarded, were cut into narrow strips; even hubby’s long drawers were dyed a pretty colour and cut up. When the cutting and dyeing were finished, out came the hook, and loops of material were pulled from the bottom to the top of the canvas. If a person could afford to use all yarn for a mat, it gave a finer and more even texture.

-Women made up their own designs; later, canvas could be bought with printed designs. The hook was made by the man of the house by driving a nail into a wooden handle he had carved, and then filing the end of the nail into a hook. Hooking was always a winter long mess! Stanhope ladies who were expert rug hookers include Mrs. Joe Robison, Mrs. Isaac Lawson, Mrs. Louis Marshall; and Verna Carr

and Cassie Marshall, who made many beautiful mats in the past but are no longer able to work at this craft.

Quilting Bee. L—R: Lillie Shaw, Verna Carr, Marion Marshall Mary J. Shaw coll.

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