Joyce Krueger: Class of 2019

Name: Joyce Krueger

Location: Waukesha, Wisconsin

Tell us a bit about yourself.
Since childhood I have been doing sewing and needlework. I started rug hooking in 1973, started teaching rug hooking in 1984 and still love the art. Keeping my flower gardens is one of my summer enjoyments.

How did you get introduced to rug hooking?
I saw an article in a magazine about Joan Moshimer and her hooked rugs. At the time I was trying all types of crafts and needle arts, and rug hooking was something that was new to me. It took me two years to find an interest group near my home. It was "love at first loop," and I haven’t stopped since.

What was your first project?
My first project was a simple geometric rug. The interest group that I joined only had #3 and #4 cutters, so that is what I used. Today I would use a #6 cut on the rug.

Is there one rug that stands out as being particularly memorable?
The Dresden Plate rug is my first memorable rug. My grandmother quilted a Dresden Plate quilt, and I copied each of the fabrics to my rug. To achieve the quilting effect, I used a light tan wool. It was an honor to have it featured on the front cover of the November/December 1995 issue of Rug Hooking Magazine. 
                                                           
Is there a particular style of rugs that you’re most interested in hooking?
I enjoy all style of rugs. My challenge is to try something new with each rug, it may be the design or it may be the color path or how it is constructed.

What’s your favorite part about hooking a rug?
The part I am working on at the time is my favorites, from creating to finishing. I guess my less favorite part is when the rug has lots of background, it never seems to end.

What’s a piece of advice you’d give to a new rug hooker?
Develop a good technique, try different patterns and backings. Look around your surroundings and think, How could I translate this into a hooked rug design?

What do you love most about Celebration?
Celebration is the only venue in the rug-hooking world where our rugs are judged. It gives each of us a challenge to develop better designs and use of color in our rugs.

Any other comments/thoughts about rug hooking, Rug Hooking Magazine, or Celebration?
Rug hooking is a fiber art that is creative and challenging. It is also a lifesaver in times of stress and lost. The rug-hooking community in my area is like a family.