Fletcher

PARIS – Connie Fletcher, Seven Gables Rug Hooking, will be the featured speaker at the Thursday, Feb. 16, Western Mountain Women’s Network event.

Fletcher, a creative entrepreneur, will demonstrate rug hooking techniques, talk about the history of the fiber art and share how she turned her hobby into a small business venture.

The program, “Stressed Out? Become a Rug Hooker,” will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at Maurice’s Restaurant, South Paris. To register or for more information about the network, visit the Web at www.WMWN.org.

Fletcher began to hook primitive rugs in 1998 and launched her rug hooking business in 2002. She hooks with 100 percent wool strips and hand-dyes many of the colors she uses. She is particularly fond of patterns with patriotic themes or those that feature horses.

In 2005 Fletcher was honored by Early American Life magazine to be in their 20th Annual Directory of Traditional American Crafts (published in August 2005). Her work was judged on the basis of mastery art form, heritage techniques and workmanship by a panel of 20 judges comprised of museum curators, antique dealers, independent scholars and professional instructors.

The network serves as a resource for women as they build professional and personal partnerships. The network creates a professional environment for all women to become more effective in the business world through networking, education and connections with community resources.

All are welcome to the program. The cost, $5 for members and $8 for nonmembers, includes refreshments, networking and the featured speaker.

The Women’s Network is an opportunity to network with other area businesswomen. The Western Maine Chapter holds monthly meetings on a variety of topics at locations throughout the area. Those interested in joining the network or hosting a monthly meeting at a place of business should call Carol Corriveau, membership chairwoman, at 674-3344 or go to the above Web site.