(Six days until the Internet Rug Camp goes on line.)
Yesterday’s blog post introduced the work of Eunice Turgeon – a Massachusetts rug hooker who was active in the 70’s and 80’s, if not before. Keeping her hooking to herself, not even her niece had seen her projects and only found them carefully stored away after her death. Since Eunice seemed to prefer hooking designs (not the backgrounds) everything she left behind needs to be finished. (It should also be motivation for you to finish all your projects!) Fortunately, her niece is committed to completing everything. That is good news since the work that Ms. Turgeon did get done is certainly worth all the effort.
See what I mean about not getting around to those backgrounds?
A few detail shots will also illustrate that her work is worth finishing. I love the surprise colors in the leaf … it is not what I would expect to find in a traditional design of this era. Eunice is my kind of lady!
Of course, I have a soft spot for thistles.
Great attention to detail color and hooking drama. (Is this a Jack in the Pulpit? No wonder I am attracted to it.)
We can also conclude that she was not hooked in to just one style of rug design.
Here is a particular favorite of mine. Although hard to see in this photo, most of the dark blue wool is a plaid … again, another unusual choice for a rug of this age. However it works to great effect.
Does one brick top qualify as a finished piece? Maybe it is a rug for a doll house?
This was designed to be a bag for knitting supplies – it should fold at the crease.
While called a place mat, I would use this for a chair seat.
I misspoke – Eunice did completely finish one project, as evidenced by this little ornament.
With this impressive body of work, she also left behind books, hooks, mailers, fliers, frames and all sorts of rug hooking paperwork and documentation, which I have already asked to look over at another date. I think Miss Turgeon still has more to teach us.
ivi
January 5, 2010 at 7:40 am
Gene, thanks for showing us these beautiful rugs. I too am fond of thistles and that is one of the prettiest I’ve seen. I suspect she loved the work she did – it shows.
jaNetMN
January 5, 2010 at 8:06 am
What wonderful rugs. Beautifully hooked. ~ I am looking forward to Internet Rug Camp. ~ I must say too that 78 degrees is like a balmy MN summer day. We have been in a deep freeze here. I think I heard that it was -34 degrees up near the Canadian border. Brr, it was wayyyyyy below 0 in Minnetonka also (10 miles west of Minneapolis.) It will be at least 6 months before we will see temps anywhere near 78.
BillieJo
January 5, 2010 at 8:49 am
Most lovely work…I suspect that she got bored quickly. BillieJo
Gene Shepherd
January 5, 2010 at 8:53 am
BillieJo – Perhaps her plan, all along, was for the niece to find and finish? GRS
BillieJo
January 5, 2010 at 8:56 am
That is a wonderful plan! And she really benefited many rug hookers, which may not have happened otherwise. BillieJo
Jacque
January 5, 2010 at 11:36 am
Gene, are these hooked in wool? If so what size cut? They look so fine.
thanks
Gene Shepherd
January 5, 2010 at 11:42 am
Jacque – Yes, all wool and all in a #3 cut. Gene
Alexis52
January 5, 2010 at 12:21 pm
The largest I’ve ever hooked is a #6. I learned on a #3 cut (the instructor MADE me learn that way and I’m pretty sure she walked around the room with a paddle while checking everyones work) and I’m mighty impressed with the work/time she put into these, finished or not. I love so many of them!
Miccosukee
January 5, 2010 at 12:38 pm
Gene, thanks for sharing these beautiful rugs, It’s nice knowing that talented hookers also have a stack of UFOs with much of the backgrounds unfinished. That’s why I try to work the background as I go along knowing otherwise I might never finish the rug. However mine are no where near the quality of Ms. Turgeon’s and not a one is under an #8.
Trisha
ontariojill
January 5, 2010 at 10:11 pm
Yep, that’s a Jack-in-the-Pulpit, a wonderful woodland plant that I’m happy to have in my early spring garden. Ms. Turgeon’s work is just wonderful!
jill in Ontario
Gene Shepherd
January 5, 2010 at 10:14 pm
Although I do not use a pulpit, as a minister, am drawn to anything with that name. GRS
Sarah P
January 6, 2010 at 8:11 am
Does anyone recognize these patterns as being from a known designer?
Gene Shepherd
January 6, 2010 at 8:30 am
Sarah – The large rug with flower diamonds and the geometric is McGown. The Knitting Bag is a Mattie Whitney from Cape Cod. The brick top is Moshimer … and I think the Toy Parade might also be by her. I do not know where the chair pad came from. Gene
Sarah P
January 6, 2010 at 8:35 am
Thanks, Gene, for the info on the designers. Her work is exceptional, as you pointed out. I’m guessing that she was an artist who only wanted to hook the creative part!