Since there are still questions about the Rug Along which starts in January I thought I’d show you some more examples of rugs I’ve made. These are rugs made from woven fabrics which are the same color on both sides, the very easiest kind of fabric to work with. When I learned this technique from Rosa she cut strips of old clothing and painstakingly folded each strip into fourths so that all raw edges were folded to the inside. I don’t have the patience for that and don’t do it but you can if you like.
This rug is one that has been used and washed many times.
I discovered working with t-shirt knit was very easy with very nice results and the color palette is very contemporary – something that homespuns and brushed cottons are not. As gifts a bright colored rug is much more exciting for a young couple to receive than a dark country farmhouse throw rug.
And here is a wool rug which I love but is not as easy to make so I would advise you to make a cotton one first. Denim is also harder to work with but makes a great second rug.
And here is a stack of finished rugs that Pammie decided to take a nap on.
Another rug.
The technique used to make these rugs is called twining and is done on a wooden frame. The directions to make any size frame are in the book. You will need to have your frame ready to go by January and have some 2″ cotton strips cut for warp which is what we will start with. Please read through the book before we begin so you have an idea of what we’re going to be doing.
The Rug Along will start in January. The Rugs From Rags book and DVD are available for $20 from Mary Etherington, 2345 Palm Ave, Garner, IA 50438. If you have the book and just want the DVD, send $8 to the same address.
HI Mary–It looks like Pammie and ?? love your rugs!! Is it ok to use cotton strips or do you think t-shirt
knits would be better? I have my warp strips cut and ready to put together. I am exited to be participating in this in January. Thank you:)
I have the book but I should have ordered a frame when I could. Any suggestions on what woods work best?
I think making the frame will be a hubby project.
does this require a lot of hand work(using your hands ) have problems with palm of my hand. would love to do this.
Trudy – this is done entirely with hands — fingers and wrists.
Mary, Your assorted twining rugs are just beautiful…..good to see Pammie with her pink nose!
Celebrate VETERANS’ DAY.
These are lovely! My daughter and I have our looms and the book and ordered the DVD (thank you!) We have a bunch of pretty cotton sheets for warp/weft and are excited to get started in January with you.
Many, many years ago I bought one of your frames…and a book, and have yet to make a rug. 🙁 I think this Rug Along just may be what finally gets me going on one. I may decide to order the dvd if after reading through the book, I think it may be helpful to have a more visual guide.
The rugs look so nice, I will have to get my frame built too. Concerned about the types of fabrics to use, worried they will not look as nice and as substantial as yours. They look great.
Hello Mary, are you shipping the Rugs From Rags book and DVD to Ontario, Canada? My stash of materials for rugs is growing and I am very interested in learning about the frame. Let me know how l can get the book & DVD. I want to participate in the Jan. project. Love your blog. 🙂
Penny – send your address, I will send the book and DVD along with any additional shipping costs above $20. You can mail me a Che k when you receive the book.
Mary
I would like to be notified of new posts by email. I did not check the box the first time I posted . Thank you.
Penny – you need to make this notification from your own computer.
Penny Brooks
P. O. Box 173
28 Roche St.
Killaloe, ON
Canada
K0J 2A0
I have an USD account so you have made this incrediblely easy for me I am very grateful :). I will be anxiously watching my mail.
Penny – I will get it in the mail and include the bill.
I’m fairly new to your blog but have been a faithful follower since I joined. I missed where I could order a frame already built, hubby isn’t great with wood working, but my son in law isn’t too bad. Do you still have frames available or would it be best to have S. I. L. Build me one up. I’ll be sending out a check for DV & instructions tomorrow. If possible. (I know how very busy you are) could you email me the cost of your fame, If you have any left. Thanks in advance from a removed Iowan to a now Texas Southerner. BTW your beautiful pictures from my home state makes me miss the beautiful fall colors BUT not the snow and having o drive in it.
Jeri. ((Wasn’t born in TX but got here as fast as I could) lol
Jeri – we no longer have frames available but you can purchase one from Farm Chick Quilts online. Mandy is a former employee and would be happy to help you.
This looks wonderful. Anxious to participate. Getting ready
to look into the loom at Farm Chick Quilts first and order the book
and DVD.
Marcia A. Ellerbusch
1207 Woodlawn Court
Rolla, Missouri 65401
Looking forward to trying this. I bought the book and the frame at the International Quilt Show in Chicago back in 2008.
Mary:
My copy of Rugs from Rags arrived today, thank you so much. I will be going over to the bank today to get a cheque to send to you.
Big smile on my face,
Penny