hooking, knitting, crochet, punch needle and needle
felting.
The studio is filled with a large selection of dyed
wool in a variety of hues. Because their inventory is
so large, those looking to repair rugs often turn to
Searsport.
Browsing through the studio and store, guests
quickly are drawn to the art, and become curious
about the kinds of creations that could be made.
One woman in the studio was working on a
Halloween rug. It was her first project.
Why does she do it?
“Because it’s fun!” she exclaimed.
Boca Grande resident Carolyn Eha met Chris and
Julie years ago at a rug hooking event.
“They are very helpful, such delightful and
talented women,” she said.
Eha is part of the Boca
Grande rug hooking
group that meets from 1
to 4 p.m. on Mondays at
the Boca Grande
Community Center.
“Everyone is invited and
there is no charge,”
Carolyn said. “We
have rug
hookers,
knitters
and
some who
do needlework ...
it’s a fun way to catch
up and talk.”
Julie and Chris are both
self-taught and are
modest about their
wares. Julie’s husband,
Neil, makes the working
rug frames in the
store, and stand-alone frames for those who
wish to frame their work and not walk on it.
“But the rugs are made to be functional – these
will last 100 years,”Chris said.
Neil also makes rug hooks for those who would
like to purchase one. He uses the ends of old pieces
of silverware for some, and others are made from
deer antlers.
18GASPARILLA ISLAND September/October 2018
“He’s very handy, and he uses all Americanmade
products,” Julie said. “We warranty them
and stand behind them 100 percent.”
Who would have guessed that so much exists
inside a small plaza located just off Gasparilla
Road?
And after just a few months, the business is
already growing.
The owners plan to purchase a third parcel in
the plaza. Their handy husbands will turn the
space into a classroom that will accommodate
more students.
“With all of our material, there isn’t much
working space, so that will really help,” Chris said.
So far, students have been coming from Tampa,
Naples and Daytona Beach to shop and take
classes.
Top: The dye process for the wool takes about three hours.
Above: This is owner Chris Sherman’s largest piece.
She hand drew the pattern for the rug.