Beth Miller

Parris House Wool Works, Paris, Maine

Rug Hooking

Beth’s house is every crafter’s dream come true — a business and studio reside within her historic New England home and just about any type of fiber supply you could imagine as stocked and at the ready! Why? Because it’s home to Parris House Wool Works, Beth’s independent fiber business. Steeped mostly in the art of rug hooking, Beth’s gorgeous home welcomes and inspires you to try your hand at a classic fiber trade. Community is at the forefront of her business’ mission- she offers monthly no-fee open studio days for fellow fiber artists of all levels to gather together.

While you’re there or on your way through this historic section of Paris, Maine, you should stock up on the wonderful array of rug hooking supplies that she offers: wool cloth, dyed fiber, yarn, patterns, full kits, hooks, frames and hoops, and she can certainly outfit you with what you need or point you in the right direction. And if you’re not seeing exactly what you want, Beth will work with you on custom patterns and fully finished commissioned pieces.

Beth’s work:

Beth’s Process:

Beth loves this heritage skill so very much that she offers free tutorials on various aspects, hoping to spark your interest and create more makers. Each topic is either an instructional blog post or video and can be found on her website at: https://parrishousewoolworks.com/pages/how-to

The term “handmade” has gone from being considered quaint but inferior to mass-produced goods to once again representing skill, craftsmanship, and superior quality.

Beth Miller

Beth Miller

Beth Miller

Available directly from Parris House Wool Works:

If you have any level of fiber love inside of you- a visit to Parris House Wool Work’s website or in-person studio will be like a trip to a candy store. And Beth will be ready to answer any of your questions with her skilled expertise. So grab a hook, get some wool, and start hooking.

As Beth states and we agree– rug hooking is a craft best learned from a teacher. Self-taught rug hooking is certainly do-able but having someone immersed in the history and variety of techniques is a sure way to continue this craft from one person to the next. Beth offers classes in a variety of venues, in-person and virtual, including Shaker Village.

“I was first asked to demonstrate rug hooking at Shaker Village after another teacher retired from the task. I was immediately taken with the peacefulness of the place, the kindness and extraordinary devotion of the Shakers themselves, and the staff so committed to the mission of maintaining Shaker values & heritage and educating the public about those things. I am drawn to Shaker Village as an oasis of goodness and positivity in a time when the outside world can be troubling. Teaching and volunteering there has improved my outlook and optimism that each of us, individually and in collaboration, truly can improve the world we live in.” – Beth

She is always open to suggestions on workshops so please feel free to contact her directly to make suggestions/

Watch our recorded live interview and studio tour with Beth.

Traditional Arts Virtual Showcase - Beth Miller, Parris House Wool Works
Rug Hooking Heart in Hand

Shaker Village’s Traditional Arts Virtual Showcase is funded by a grant from the Maine Humanities Council.
Maine Humanities Council