Roberta Wendel grew up when latch hook and punch needle rug hooking were popular crafts in the 1970s. Her mom and aunt involved her in their projects. In high school she excelled at sewing, weaving and ceramics in high school, then went on to art school and a career in graphic design. Since 2017, Roberta has made fiber arts a priority and rekindled a love for punch needle rug hooking. She is excited that punch needle has again gained in popularity and finds the Oxford Punch Needle, invented in Vermont, to be an exceptional tool. This inspires Roberta to teach punch needle rug hooking to crafters everywhere so they may consider it part of their repertoire. Roberta became an Oxford Certified Punch Needle Instructor in January 2025. Her offerings include group classes taught at the Montgomery Center for the Arts, private lessons at your place or hers, and will soon begin an online membership. Roberta lives in Montgomery Center with her husband Kurt and two Siberian huskies. Her studio, Rwen Design and Fiber, is located at her cabin in the Deep Gibou. Here she designs and makes rugs inspired by her interest and experience in the outdoors. Her work can be found for sale at The Crafty Lil’ Gift Shop in Montgomery Center.