Flea Market Finds

We are all hunters and  gatherers—that is human nature. The fact that now we are able to pick up the phone or strike a few keys on our computer and acquire all the rug hooking tools or lovely woolens we desire is something most of us take for granted.

We should remember that rug hooking has a rich history. Our foremothers, and some forefathers, hooked rugs out of necessity to cover the damp dirt floors of their early homes. They crafted hooks from bent and filed nails, an old boot hook, or even old cutlery. The foundation they used was often the burlap feed sacks that came with the chicken feed. These sacks would be deconstructed and used as backing. Unfortunately, many of these rugs were lost to deterioration.

For anyone who has the desire to “hunt and gather,” opportunities abound to find rug hooking treasures. Flea markets, thrift shops, antique shops, and local rummage sales are all places to hunt. Finding that special hooking gem is thrilling.

This article is from the November/December 2013 issue. For more information on our issues, check out our issues page.