The Thomasville History Center is kicking off a new year of programs including the popular Hands-On Heritage series. The History Center invites you to engage your curiosity and craft skills at its next workshop on January 19. Back by popular demand, the Center has arranged an encore of the Traditional Rug Hooking workshop led by the Wiregrass Rug Hookers Guild. 

Learn the art of traditional rug hooking and begin your own starter project under the guidance of the local Guild members. Rug hooking is a centuries-old art form with deep roots in the United States as a folk art tradition and practical decor. All materials will be provided and participants will leave with a rug hook, a frame, a starter project, and wool. 

Participants will be encouraged to begin a practice sampler using colors of their choosing and will be provided with a template drawn on their cloth designed to familiarize them with the mechanics of rug hooking, common shapes, and stitch directions that appear in intermediate and advanced patterns. There will be opportunity for individual creativity in a designated area of the sampler for those who feel comfortable moving beyond the basics! Following registration, you will receive a link to the History Center’s workshop Pinterest board, which features patterns and instructional videos for helpful tips. 

Registration is open now at thomasvillehistory.org and current members of the History Center receive a discounted rate. Visit the online shop and select the “Programs & Events” category. Fees: Members, $20; Non-Members, $25. Space is limited in this workshop so interested participants are encouraged to sign up early. Please bring a pair of sewing scissors if possible.

Interested in seeing a finished project? A tapestry designed and hooked by the Wiregrass Rug Hookers Guild is on display in the children’s room of the Thomas County Public Library downtown where the Guild also meets every Monday afternoon. Their meet-ups are open to all and those interested in the handicraft are encouraged to attend. 

For more information regarding this and other upcoming programs at the Thomasville History Center, please find the Center on Instagram and Facebook using @thomasvillehistory to follow daily updates on current programs, research projects, and images from its photographic archives. Additional information is available on its website, www.thomasvillehistory.org or call (229) 226-7664.