Rug Aid Rug Rave
Sponsored by The Ladies of the Wool
Saturday, November 21, 2009
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Westerville Public Library
126 S State St
Westerville, OH 43081-2095
About Rug Aid
Heather Ritchie founded Rug Aid in 2007 to teach blind and partially-sighted ex-beggars ( and
sighted members of their families) in Gambia, to make hooked rugs. Life has been very hard for
blind people in Gambia since begging was criminalized, but Rug Aid is making a difference:
trainees can earn some money by making rugs to sell to tourists.
On Saturday, November 21, 2009, rug makers around the world are invited to join the Rug Aid
Rug Rave. As well as having a fun-filled day, Rug Aid's founder Heather Ritchie would like
participants to try hooking blindfolded for 30 minutes. This will give everyone an idea of what
the blind trainees in The Gambia experience.
Anyone who wants to join in can work on a current project or make a start on a special rug which
Heather has designed for the day. The design features the face of Musa Chan, a rug maker who
has no eyes, and the three huts are based on a design by Ernest Fahl, another Rug Aid trainee
who is blind. Arched high above the huts, which Heather has completed with doors made of
printed African cottons, is a palm tree with shaped proddy leaves.
The photo above shows how Heather interpreted her design but she'd love you to bring your own
color scheme and techniques to the design. You can obtain a pattern from Barbara Hanson and
Shelley Flannery, who have agreed to handle sales through www.rugartsupply.com. Heather
would appreciate having a photo of your finished rug to include in an online gallery that will be
created later.
Rug Raves are being held up and down England, from Cornwall to Northumberland, as well as in
America and Australia. For more information go to their website: www.rug-aid.org/rugrave.html
About the Rug Rave
Bring a blindfold and a project to hook. You can work on a current project or the rug Heather has
designed.
Beverages will be provided but bring a sack lunch.
There will be an array of door prizes.
Donations for Rug Aid will be accepted at the event.
An RSVP would be appreciated, so organizers can plan the event. Call Mary Jo George (614895-2824) or send an email to Jan Grose ([email protected]). If you decide to come and
haven’t let anyone know, don’t let that stop you. You will be most welcome.