Editor’s Note February 2026

February can feel like a quiet pause between seasons, a moment when the light begins to shift and our hands naturally reach for projects that bring comfort and the small promise of spring. In this issue of We Like Rug Hooking, we lean into that sense of renewal, offering inspiration to carry you throughout the coldest winter nights.

In the Color Lab, “One Pan, One Project,” we explore a simple, efficient dyeing method that delivers beautiful results without fuss—a perfect approach for days when you want to create without turning your workspace upside down. And in Hooking 101, “Hooking Large Rugs” offers practical guidance for tackling bigger designs with confidence and ease.

Our Readers Gallery this month highlights the “Zodiac Collection,” a charming and imaginative series of rugs inspired by the twelve signs.

We’re also pleased to bring you several features that shine a light on artistry and innovation. You’ll meet Doris Norman, whose work blends technique and storytelling, and Ardemia Negro, a hooker turned designer whose creative evolution is sure to inspire. “Thirty (Fun!) Plaids and a Plain” celebrates the playful potential of patterned wool, while “Antique Vine” offers a fresh punch-needle interpretation rooted in tradition.

For those ready to start something new, don’t miss this month’s digital patterns: the whimsical “Magpie Cherry Pie” design and “A Passion for Punch, Part 2,” which includes a cheerful calendar hanger to welcome spring.

Plus, this issue marks the beginning of something extra special: a chance to win $1,300 worth of rug hooking products from our wonderful sponsors. Enter all year long, once per day, for your chance to win.

Warmly,