Back in 2004, my sister Barb and I took a class called "Dye and Design" at the famed Hooked in the Mountains rug school in Vermont. It was taught by partners in life and in rug hooking, Dick LaBarge and George Kahnle. Dick taught the dyeing and George taught the designing. Barb and I laughed so much that weekend that we dubbed the class "Fun with Dick and George." George's approach to rug designing was whimsical and fun -- the perfect foil for Dick's gorgeously dyed wool. We were able to visit with them again in 2008, when we traveled to their hometown of Victory Mills, NY to attend a show featuring their students' rugs. Once again, we laughed the day away.
There's a lot less laughter and whimsy in the world this morning -- George Kahnle passed away yesterday. I send my heartfelt condolences to Dick, and I am thankful that George's spirit will live on in the rugs people have hooked from his delightful patterns.
