J & J’s Loopy Rug School is the newest McGown sponsored Rug School. They are located in Angola, Indiana.
Their first rug school event will be in early 2027 with 4 certified McGown Rug Hooking Instructors.
Their teachers line up are:
Connie Bradley
Connie has been rug hooking for over 38 years. She is a certified McGown teacher, and a member of ATHA.
She grew up learning all types of handwork and rug hooking became one of her favorites. she is drawn to the many different styles of rug hooking and she absolutely LOVES color. Whether it is hooking bright colors or muted colors, sculpted, 3-D, wide cut, crewel, creative stitches, or tapestry.
She owns a shop that carries many original and commercial rug hooking patterns, kits, and supplies as well as punch needle and wool applique kits and supplies.
Susan Nash
Susan has been rug hooking since 1997 and received her McGown teachers’ certification in 2016. She has experience with all cut sizes and teaches all styles of rug hooking from wide cut to fine shading. Susan loves to dye wool and can personalize your project with your color choices, or you can use some or all of your own wool. Finishing methods will be discussed throughout the week. This will be an open class. Choose your own pattern, either a new one or one you have in progress that you want some help with. Susan will be in contact before class to discuss your project and plan for the class.
Deb Szwed
Deb will be teaching a themed class on landscapes.
Deb Szwed is an award-winning rug hooking artist whose work has earned recognition throughout the fiber arts community. Her accomplishments include receiving a Sauder Award, multiple Sauder People’s Choice Awards, and a Craft Ontario Affiliate Award. Five of her rugs have been selected for inclusion in the prestigious Celebration of Hand Hooked Rugs juried exhibition series, and achievement that earned her induction into its Hall of Fame.
She is an active member of several rug hooking organizations, including Michigan Rug Artistes in Dearborn, Michigan, where she serves as education chair. She is also a member of ATHA, TIGHR, and the National Guild of Pearl K McGown Hookcrafters.
In addition to her artistic and teaching achievements, Deb is a respected writer in the rug hooking community. Her articles have been published in Rug Hooking Magazine and the McGown Newsletter, where she contributes insights, techniques, and inspiration to fellow rug hookers.
Through her award-winning artistry, dedication to education, and commitment to preserving and advancing the craft, Deb Szwed continues to inspire rug hookers across North America.
Pamelyn Thacker
Pamelyn’s passion for rug hooking began while attending the Indiana State Fair with her sons. A previous quilt shop owner and teacher, her passion for rug hooking soon became a singular focus. Since 2000 Pamelyn has studied with many teachers to continue the learning process. She enjoys supporting and participating in state, regional and national guilds such as ATHA and TIGHR. Currently serving as president of the Buckeye Rug Hooking Guild, Pamelyn has also performed the roles of Education Chair and Vice President.
A McGown certified instructor, Pamelyn is experienced in teaching all styles of rug hooking. She favors open class formats because of the creativity experienced with each student and is equally comfortable teaching classes that focus on a specific technique or style of hooking. Designing patterns, creating custom dye formulas for wool and fibers is one of her favorite things about this craft.
Students describe her class as perfectly organized, fun, creative, and while relaxing, full of meaningful learning and support. Pamelyn’s goal is to provide every student with the best class experience that begins before class via communication and planning.
Some of her work is published in the 2026 Celebration 36 publication and in the 2025 volume, Sept/Oct Rug Hooking Magazine. Additional original works can be viewed on her website at www.pamelynthackerstudio.com and/or her Facebook page, Pamelyn Thacker Rug Hooking.
Pamelyn will be teaching an open class.
Please join the newest rug hooking school in 2027 with J & J’s Loopy Rug School.
We are very happy that you have decided to join us from Feb 28 through March 5th. We are so excited to kick off the registration process!
Registration deadline is Nov 1, 2026
Contact Director:
Judy Werling at we**********@******er.com