AMHERST - Deanne Fitzpatrick says she feels honored to be featured as one of Atlantic Canada's leading rug hookers in the August issue of Chatelaine magazine.
"I was shocked and excited when they called and asked if I would be interested," said Fitzpatrick.
Fitzpatrick, who has lived in Amherst since 1981, grew up in Fresh Water, Placentia Bay, NL.
The August issue of Chatelaine examines the rich roots of rug hooking in Newfoundland and refers to Fitzpatrick as one of its masters.
"In the early days rug hooking wasn't just a hobby, it was a chore of poverty," explained Fitzpatrick.
"Hooked rugs were used to mask cold floors in homes with little or no heat. It wasn't until later on that they became a source of income for women," she added.
Fitzpatrick says her hobby, turned life's work, has warmed both the floors of her home and her heart.
"Knowing yourself and what you want out of life is critical to happiness. For me, writing and hooking my rugs have been critical parts of getting to know myself and enjoying my life," said Fitzpatrick.
Aside from designing, producing and exporting hooked rugs from her shop in downtown Amherst to North America and beyond, Fitzpatrick is also making a name for herself as a non-fiction writer.
To date, she has three published books, including runner-up at the 2007 Atlantic Book Festival, 'East Coast Rug Hooking Designs', 'Hook Me a Sea; The History and Method of Rug Hooking Atlantic Canada' and, most recently, 'Making Time', a daybook and journal featuring the rugs and writings of Fitzpatrick.
In October, Fitzpatrick will host roughly 100 rug hookers from all over North America in a two-day workshop examining creativity and the art of rug hooking.
"Some people like to buy a pattern and stick to it, but for me, getting to be creative is one of the most fulfilling parts of the whole process. Thinking about themes, doing studies in colour, it's a real joy for me."
For more information on Fitzpatrick and her work visit www.hookingrug.com or phone 1-800-328-7756.
She's hooked...on rugs
She's hooked...on rugs
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Published on
July 24, 2007
- Published on January 4, 2010
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Hannah Morton
Amherst woman featured in August edition of Chatelaine magazine
AMHERST - Deanne Fitzpatrick says she feels honored to be featured as one of Atlantic Canada's leading rug hookers in the August issue of Chatelaine magazine.
"I was shocked and excited when they called and asked if I would be interested," said Fitzpatrick.
Fitzpatrick, who has lived in Amherst since 1981, grew up in Fresh Water, Placentia Bay, NL.
The August issue of Chatelaine examines the rich roots of rug hooking in Newfoundland and refers to Fitzpatrick as one of its masters.
"In the early days rug hooking wasn't just a hobby, it was a chore of poverty," explained Fitzpatrick.
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