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Lady’s Slippers, 13” round, #4-cut wool on rug warp. Designed by Jacqueline Designs, Seaside Rug Hooking and hooked by Lisa McGreavy, February 2022, North Kingstown, RI.
I recently moved to North Kingstown, Rhode Island, and was exploring the area on a chilly winter day when I came across an open house at Shady Lea Mills, a textile mill built in the 1820s along the Mettatuxet River to manufacture a burlap-and-dungaree fabric called Kentucky Jean. Today, the mill houses several artists’ studios, and when I walked in, it was humming with that creative buzz and the smell of clay and fresh paint. A ray of sunshine and laughter led me to a door labeled “Seaside Rug Hooking—Welcome!” and it was such a cheery, cozy place. There were gorgeous rugs of all shapes, colors, and patterns covering the walls; side tables neatly piled with earthy wool in rich colors; and stacks of patterns, linen, and other curiosities—all surrounding a big wooden table in the middle of the room, where ladies chatted brightly as they worked on their projects.
“This is a hook-in—let us show you what it’s all about…” And that was it—I was hooked! The sisters helped me pick out a pattern and wool. Later, I discovered that Laura is a master rug hooker and current president of the National Guild of Pearl K. McGown Rug Hookrafters. As a gardener, of course, I chose the Lady Slipper design and selected pastels in the palette of Beatrix Potter. I have since enjoyed going down the rabbit hole of rug hooking, learning about its thrifty roots and its growth into the wonderful art form it is today.
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