I have always loved fabric and textiles—their look, their feel, and the way they have changed over time. I think it’s in my DNA. My mother has embroidered since she was a child, my father teaches upholstery, my grandmothers on both sides were seamstresses by day and knitters and crocheters by night, and my great-grandmother tatted intricate pieces well into her late nineties. They taught me these skills when I was young, and when I practice them, I feel creative, productive, focused, excited and calm all at the same time. It has been fun and inspiring to share these activities with my own daughters.
A dozen years ago, my daughters and I visited the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival searching for unique yarn suitable for our knitting projects. It was there that I chanced upon a single booth dedicated to rug hooking. The hand-hooked rugs on display were irresistible, and I excitedly purchased a pattern, a hook, and a bag full of woolen worms. I returned home, searched the internet for information on the topic, and learned that a world-renowned hooker and teacher, Jane Olsen, lived within driving distance of my home!
I had the privilege to be introduced to the world of contemporary rug hooking by Jane and her extended family of hooking friends. From them, I gained an appreciation for the unlimited nature of the art form. They encouraged me every step of the way. I joined ATHA and its local Chapter Guilds. I attended rug hooking camps and learned from extraordinary artists/hookers. One of the most impactful teachers with whom I have studied, Diane Stoffel, helped me to create works that appeared in Celebration of Hand-Hooked Rugs 28 and 29 and were voted Readers’ Choice awards for both years. Diane worked with me to create “Red Sky at Morning” (shown at left), which won Second Place in Rug Hooking Magazine’s 2020 juried competition and appeared on the cover of its March/April/May 2020 cover.
Nancy Samuels Designs is a gathering place for my designs and the designs of those of artists whose work I respect and admire. As you visit, I hope you will see how the projects reflect the past and the future of this wonderfully diverse art form.