ISSN 2007-00IX – December 2019
From the Guild’s new President, Maggie Whyte, ACT
I would like to introduce myself but first I would like to thank Judith Stephens our retiring President (2014-19) and co-founder of the Guild in 2008, for organizing three very successful exhibitions in Strathalbyn, South Australia.
Also, a thank you to all the Committee members who have worked tirelessly to promote Australian rugmaking through the Guild Website/Blog, Facebook and Newsletters as well as the members and the groups who are actively promoting this craft across Australia.
I live in Canberra in the ACT and have been rug making for approximately 18 years. I enjoy trying all types of rug making including hand weaving, felting and knitting.
I joined (TIGHR) The International Guild of Handhooking Rugmakers when Australia was Host Country (2009-12) There is a new host country every 3 years. In October 2012, I attended the Triennial Conference in Strathalbyn, South Australia, and have since attended triennial conferences in Canada (2015) and the UK (2018).
It has been so educational and fun to 
meet rug makers from around the world. I hope to attend the next Conference to be held in Newfoundland, Canada.
If you can manage to get to the conference in 2021 you will have a wonderful, creative experience.
This coming year I hope to meet more of our Australian Guild members, if not in person, then online. As many of us are scattered across Australia it can be difficult for us to get together in person.
The committee is working towards offering members talks, demonstrations and mini workshops online.
Wishing you a safe and merry Christmas and a prosperous year in 2020.
While there are many solo rughookers around Australia, you can find Australian Rugmakers Guild groups in these locations;
QLD: Kingaroy, Landsborough & Mt Tamborine
NSW: Bellingen, Sydney(Epping), Milton(Narrawilly) & Bermagui
VIC: Warrandyte TAS: South Hobart & Deloraine
SA: Strathalbyn
WA: Wanneroo
If you’d like to join the Guild, a 2020 Membership Application can be downloaded here
