We are a rug hooking group established in 1980 to bring together rug hookers throughout the Rideau Valley area and beyond in Ontario. Our membership includes rug hookers from Burritts Rapids, Merrickville, Kemptville, Carleton Place, Perth, Osgoode, Smiths Falls, Ottawa, Almonte, and elsewhere. We're also a branch in Area 1 of the Ontario Hooking Craft Guild.
Everyone is welcome to join us, from beginner rug hookers to the very experienced. From October to June, we meet in the historic Community Hall in Burritts Rapids, a beautiful village on the Rideau Canal approximately 45 minutes south of Ottawa or 15 minutes east of Kemptville.
When: the first and third Thursdays of each month from October to mid-May. Meetings start at 10:00 a.m. and end by 2:00 p.m.
Where: Burritts Rapids Community Hall, 23 Grenville Street, Burritts Rapids, Ontario, K0G 1B0.
 |
The Burritts Rapids Community Hall |
During the summer and up until October, our members get together every Thursday (weather permitting) to hook outdoors at Lock Station 17 on the Rideau Canal, just outside Burritts Rapids. It's a lovely venue and all rug hookers are welcome to participate. You don't have to be a member of our group to join in the summer fun.
[Photo credit: The North Grenville Times]
How to join Rideau Valley Boots & Baskets Rug Hooking
If you're interested in rug hooking and looking for some like-minded fibre friends, come and join us!
Membership in our group is $30 per year. For more information, contact us at: rideauvalleyrughooking@gmail.com or drop by during one of our meetings.
A little history information
Rideau Valley Boots & Baskets was established in 1980 at the home of Marg Carson, near Burritts Rapids. The name "Boots and Baskets" was chosen at that time. As the group grew,
"Rideau Valley" was added to the name and we moved our gatherings from people’s
homes to the Burritts Rapids Community Hall. When you see "RVBB" in references to us, it refers to "Rideau Valley Boots & Baskets".
Why "Boots & Baskets"?
There are two different explanations for the name "Boots & Baskets". One is that it refers to the popularity of button-hooked Victorian boots and the apple baskets used for carrying rug hooking supplies. The other, more risqué, explanation for the name is that it's a play on the word "hooker" and refers to the boots and baskets of "hookers" in Victorian London who disguised their trade by selling baskets of flowers on street corners. The real explanation for the name "Boots & Baskets", however, is lost in the mists of time.
Our book and community work
In 2020 we marked our 40th anniversary by publishing "The Hook Book: Celebrating 40 Years of Rug Hooking and Friendships".
Our members also worked together to design and create group rugs celebrating the new Millennium in 2000 and the 175th anniversary of the Rideau Canal in 2007.
Questions?
Email us at: rideauvalleyrughooking@gmail.com You can also find us on Facebook. Happy hooking!