We started The Rug Hooker's Network in 1996 as one-stop online resource for Traditional Rug Hookers. The goal was to create an informative, fun site where rug hookers could locate suppliers, teachers, workshops, etc..
I look back on where we started and where we are...and that we STILL are! I am amazed and thrilled that we are in our 13th year and going stronger than ever.
As you see, we have re-designed the web site and plan to add some interactive formats...such as a forum and links to rug hooking demonstrations. If anyone has some ideas or suggestions, please feel free to pass them along.
To share a little bit about myself and what prompted me to create a rug hooking web site, basically, I come from a long line of rug hookers. My great-grandmother, Lucy Selen, was a student of Pearl K. McGown. My grandmother, Jane Olson, learned from her mother while being given the task of hooking the borders on the rugs....she wasn't too thrilled with this duty!. Anyway, I am sure many of you know my grandmother, who still owns her own business at 86 and teaches around the country. She has even embraced the Internet as I designed and host her site for her. And if you think that was an easy sell!! My mother, aunts, cousins, great "Umpie" Norma are all rug hookers. My cousin, Brigitta Phy has even begun teaching classes. My 8 year old daughter spent time with my grandmother this summer and came home with some monk's cloth, a hook and wool! Of course, I notice she has been using the backing as a blanket for her doll. Give her time!
As far as technical web training, I started out designing in 1996 using html, moved on to Frontpage, am certified in Frontpage, Adobe Fireworks and Dreamweaver. In addition to hosting and maintaining this website, and a few others. I have a fulltime job as sales manager for environmental filtration and OEM products. II also have 3 children ranging in ages 3 to 16 and I am an avid gardnener. One of my life goals is to become a Master Gardener. </p>
<p>I manage the website with the help of a partner. I handle the design, maintenance, and customer support elements, and he handles the server and shopping cart elements. He is a hardware engineer , and prefers to stay a silent partner, which is why I refer to him as "he." If any of you know any engineers, you will understand.
Anyway, I wanted to share a little bit about myself and The Rug Hooker's Network and tell all of you that this site is created out of a passion and respect for this art form, as well as for the people that are part of this community. It is wonderful to be able to connect with so many fellow rug hookers from around the world. Thank you for the support throughout the years and Happy Hooking!
Kris Panettiere and "He"
August 2009
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