10-26Relay for Life 4480

Taking an active part in community events is important to Hudson, Wisconsin residents Cyndee Lindgren, owner of Hudson House Inn and Connie Piecarski, retired longtime elementary teacher from the local school district.  A few years ago, a friend passed away from cancer and feeling like they wanted to be a part of the effort looking for a cure; they talked with other friends about what they could do to give something back to the community.  The group of women, who are a dedicated group of rug hookers, decided they would like to work together on a hooked rug for the silent auction.

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Connie and Cyndee began looking for a rug that represented the spirit of life for this year’s event. When they found “Dance of Life” by Cecile Caswell, with all of its feelings of hope and triumph they knew they had their rug!  Now, the only question was, where is the pattern for this rug?  That proved to be somewhat problematic at first, but the synchronicity of life intervened and smoothed their way.

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While Cyndee was vacationing in Vancouver, BC, and like any good rug hooker, knitter, or quilter; she scouted out the local shops. Chatting up BC hookers about the general state of hooking affairs, she mentions the search for “Dance of Life”.  Cyndee: have you seen this rug?  Local: Who made it? Cyndee: Cecile Caswell. Local: Oh, that’s Cec!  Cyndee (feeling surreal): You know her? Local: Sure, let me give you her email address… Okay, there are a couple of morals to this story—always go the local shop and, the most important one; hope prevails and triumphs even when there is a lot of uncertainty  about the shape of the future.

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With her blessings, Cecile Caswell offered to donate the pattern when she learned of their story and why they were making the rug. Here’s the cast of hookers and their contributions!

Connie Piecarski—hooked the background

Cyndee Lindgren—hooked the stars and confetti

Deb Johnson—did the beautiful finishing work

Paulette Wentzlaff—contributed the wool

Sharon Smith—hooked the hair

>Pearl Gies—hooked the border and letters

Ann Knudson—hooked the clothes

Cecille Caswell—pattern designer.

I would like to add a very special thank you, thank you, thank you! to all of these wonderful women who have welcomed me into their circle of friendship. You are a blessing.