It is our second to last day here and we spent most of the day in and out of the exhibit, soaking as much of the art up as we can before we have to say goodbye.  The show is so incredible, you see something new every day.  In between learning, dissecting and just standing in general awe – we found some time to do some shopping.  The wool, ahh the wool.  Enough wool in a single place to hook a rug until the day you die (or dye) HAHA!

As we mentioned in an earlier post, there are a few vendors that return year after year.

The Dorr Mill Store – Dorr is one of three large bolt fabric manufacturers on the east coast.  They have an enormous selection of fabrics in every color and a good selection of equipment.  But arguably the best part of the Dorr Mill Store is the owner Terry Dorr.  He is a real gem in the rug hooking world - no one is more knowledgeable about the contents or make up of wool.  If you have any wool related question we are certain Terry has an answer.

Ali Strebel Designs – Ali sells a wide variety of fiber art supplies, you won’t be disappointed you stopped in here as you are sure to find something you are looking for.  You can find felting, applique and rug hooking items as well as books, dyed yarns, threads and even dyed velvet!  Our favorite part of this vendor booth is Ali and her always cheerful staff - we heart Melissa!

The Wool Studio – You will be greeted as you enter the exhibit hall by the friendly Erb family.  This family run business has more yardage then we have ever seen in one place, what seems like endless stacks of wool!  They carry an amazing selection of bolt fabric and primitive patterns and they are just so darn nice!  Vendor fun fact - at the end of the event when everyone is tired and wants to go home the Erb family will load their van and then help every other vendor load theirs until no one is left!

Let Nola Do It – This booth is full of beautiful dyed wool and patterns.  Nola will help you color plan or answer any rug hooking questions you may have.  Have a problem rug?  Nola will help you work through it! 

Rug Hooking Magazine – The entire exhibit is centered around Rug Hooking Magazines Celebrations!  They also have a booth and have all their books available for sale – like a mini library at your fingertips!

Bee Line Art Tools – The old “Townsend” cutter.  If you are in need of a new blade or looking to upgrade your current cutter, you can plan to do so here as they are a Sauder Rug Hooking Week staple.

In addition to the vendors above there were 7 others including:

• HoneyBee Hive – they have all the PRIMCO AND CHARCO patterns – the House of Price. If you are looking for a new pattern, this is the place to do it!
• Spruce Ridge Studios – has a great selection of dyed wool, patterns and kits. Kris Miller is also the writer of the book “Introduction to Rug Hooking” (and an upcoming teacher at Green Mountain Rug School in 2017!)
• A Nimble Thimble – Recently bought Barb Carroll’s patterns - The Wooley Fox. Katie had the most interesting piece of dyed wool I have ever seen and I had to buy it.  I will share it with you when it goes into my next project!
• Cushing Co. – Now owned by the fabulous Lisanne Miller, one of rug hooking’s finest – we sometimes call her our long lost Aunt!
• The Old Tattered Flag – This booth was so packed with people every time I went by I could barely get in – what a hit! They sell all things rug hooking but what I thought was really special was their little hook bags.  I always lose my hook at the bottom of my bag, so clever!
• Meeting House Hill Designs – Primarily an applique vendor, it was really interesting to see a different medium represented. So exciting!
• The Sampling – Carol had some great suggestions for my latest project. She came all the way from Oklahoma too – what a trip!

You are likely drooling by now just thinking about all these great vendors.  The opportunity to see so much wool, kits and equipment is reason enough to attend Sauder Rug Hooking week.  In addition, every vendor is so knowledgeable, they can help you with any project you may be working on!

Tomorrow, at long last, we will share the amazing exhibit with you!  Here is one of the rugs below!  Enjoy!

"Maine Barn"
Roslyn Logsdon