The world of rug hooking has lost a special person. Lyle Drier passed away December 21, 2023 at the age of 75. Lyle was the wife of Dennis for 53 years and for 17 years fought multiple myeloma. She will be remembered for her talent, enthusiasm in her projects and the projects of others, love of life, concern for others, easy smile, and contagious laugh.
Here is Lyle's story, in her own words:
In 1979 I read an article on Rug Hooking in Woman’s Day magazine. I sent away for the pattern mentioned in the article (Texas Star), and after teaching myself how to hook, this became my first rug. I followed this rug with a few others in the 1970’s, and a small rug in 1981 featuring our neighborhood cat. I then took a break from rug hooking and did some weaving, created a number of counted cross stitch samplers, and worked on other needlework projects. When we moved to Waukesha in 1988, I continued with my cross stitch projects. Then one day in late 1989, a neighbor (Donna Zinnecker) asked if I would be interested in attending a Cream City Rug Hooking Guild meeting (CCRHG). Donna was an active rug hooker and long time member of Cream City Rug Hooking Guild. The dye was cast. I became a member of Cream City Rug Hooking Guild and resumed my rug hooking. I met Joyce Krueger, who became my teacher, friend, and traveling companion to rug hooking schools and exhibitions all over the country. I created 310+ rugs, wall hangings, and small hooked items over the 33 years since I resumed hooking in 1989. I have been fortunate to have my work recognized both locally and nationally. My rugs and wall hangings have won 100+ awards at the Wisconsin State Fair (1993 – 2023). My work has been recognized through seventeen appearances in “Celebrations”, the annual juried publication of Rug Hooking Magazine. My work has been exhibited in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Indiana, Georgia, and Minnesota, where my pieces have won many awards. I have met many wonderfully talented rug hookers and teachers over the years, and have had the chance to take classes from some of the leading teachers in the country. I am very fortunate that there is a very active rug hooking guild centered in my home area (the Cream City Rug Hookers). What a wonderful group of people rug hookers are. These factors certainly helped to stimulate me creatively. There are many rugs yet to be hooked. Many Ideas yet to be explored. Many classes yet to take. Many rug hookers yet to meet.
We will truly miss you, Lyle.
Some examples of Lyle's work are shown below.
Masks, 39"x109", hooked in 2003. Appeared in Celebrations XV. Designed for a specific place in Lyle's home, inspired by NW Coast Indian masks and designs.
Gamlastan, Swedish Doors to the Past, 26.5"x36", hooked in 2007. Appeared in Celebrations XIX. Lyle and husband Dennis vacationed in Sweden with our friends. We loved the doors in the old part of Stockholm called Gamia Stan. The rug was designed from photos of the doors. The center block is the entrace to Gamla Stan, through the stone walls. The pattern was drawn directon on the linen and hooked in 2 and 3 cuts.
Lyle also appeared in Celebrations XXII.
