Our Story

​

The Woolmingtons began quite by accident in the Fall of 2015. After many, many, many years of unsuccessful coaxing, Kathleen Murray-Boyda found that it only took two bottles of wine to teach her best pal, Ida (Dee), how to pull loops - and she loved it!  The next day, they were off to the Hagley Hook-In. Much like Bill and Ted, it has been a most excellent adventure! 

 

Family and friends loved the "projects." Social media proved to be an excellent tool with which to share the enthusiasm for this new found art. Rug hooking is not very well known in Wilmington, Delaware. Photos piqued interest. Kathleen, with the patience of Job, began to teach neighbors, co-workers, more high school friends, and family. Our group of two began to grow. 

​

Our group is also honored to call Ellen Dolmetsch a member; she is a McGown Certified Rug Hooking Instructor. I have had the pleasure of being one of her students myself. Ellen is kind, patient, creative, and has a good sense of humor.

​

You will find links to the following members' shops on our "Favorite Vendors Page."

​

Marian Hall is our resident "Wool Dying Guru." Her Etsy Shop, WoolyDyeWorks, hosts a gorgeous display of color, spot dyes, mottled dyes, etc. Please note that she also does custom dyes- and they are fabulous. You've more than likely spotted Marian vending at some of the major Hook In's around the area. (We promise we'll keep you posted should Marian choose to host another of her legendary wool sales!)

​

​

Colleen Tiefenthal is always creating and hooking beautiful original  patterns. Check them out in her Etsy Shop!

She designed two separate patterns for a "Group Woolmingtons'" project. Our chair pad design and Nutcracker (both available in her Shop) were highlighted in Colleen's published articles in ATHA magazine. 

​

Susan Gonzales, of Susan Gonzales Designs, keeps us up to date with various projects including, but not limited to, original wool applique, rug hooking and punch needle designs. No doubt you've seen Susan vending at many a Hook In. We're thrilled that Susan was able to find a date to teach a class for us, Sept 16, 2023. (Note that will be our September Meeting Date!) Seats are limited, so get your RSVP in ASAP  if interested.

​

​

Currently, there are over 25 Woolmingtons - plenty of room for more! Many of us are active members of ATHA. Many belong to guilds close to our area. We have recently had quite a few members join the International Guild of Handhooking Rugmakers (TIGHR.) The Woolmingtons are  considered  a "fiber inclusive" group. We are mostly rug hookers, but some of us crochet, knit, wool applique, quilt, punch needle, Oxford punch, and cross stitch. We welcome all. Our newest member, Nancy Brady Miller, is a basket weaver. Keep an eye out...we'll be offering a basket class in the near future. We welcome all!

​

We meet the First Saturday of every month, September through May or June.  Date changes occur if weather, holiday or personal conflict warrants. Please check the Meeting Schedule Page , our Facebook Page or join our Email list for most current announcements. Our current Meeting Space is located at the Howard Weston Senior Center, 1 Bassett Avenue, Manor Park New Castle, DE 19720.   We meet 9am-4pm. Bring your lunch, or grab something out close by! There is a WAWA less than a mile away on Route 13. No fridge or microwave available. 

​

 

We find our greatest joy and commonality lies in our shared fellowship, laughter, recipes, advice, problem-solving, and creativity. Our flock is always open to you. 

​

- Ida Marie (Dee) Kelleher