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In
Loving Memory of Patty Yoder was a special gift to the world of rug hooking. She brought her artistry, her love of the art form, her strong leadership, her humor and her warmth to our special world. Patty loved creating hooked rugs. She loved every step from the first pencil drawing through the constant dye pot stirring to the serenity of pulling loops. And she passed on her enthusiasm, reaching out and always asking, “Tell me what you are working on.” The hooking world knew who she was but Patty’s style was to quietly introduce herself, sit and chat, always turning the conversation to this newly-met hooker, always encouraging and complimenting her hooking, always making this new rug hooker feel important and valuable and full of potential. She gave so much and touched so many people. Her family was the center of her life, Ramsey, her gentle shepherd, and their sons, Brad and Shane and grandson, Brett. Her wondrous gardens, their beautiful home and their farm full of animals filled her with delight. Patty was a leader. She would present creative, challenging ideas, draw people to her and then, with supportive but firm prodding, she saw that things gone done, all the while giving to much of her own energy to each project. Remember the 1999 calendar, followed by the Circus Train project and book, the move to Shelburne Museum for the Guild exhibit, the Cortina and Tinmouth Hook-ins and the growth of the Guild to over 850 members! Patty had an insight into the creativity and originality in others, a sense of each person’s strength. Valuing those strengths, she drew them out with encouragement, mentoring, support and respect. Her artistry inspired us as she encouraged us to lift our own artistic level. She wanted so much for each of us to expand our worlds, our work, our relationships and our horizons. She knew that rug hooking was an art form and she wanted each of us to feel that excitement, to stand up for our art and the people who do that art. Always honest and direct, she led by striving to continually improve her own work. How can we do less? In the spirit of the way Patty lived her life, let us celebrate the passion, warmth and grace of this exceptional woman. |
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