Rug Making

After reading Mary Etherington’s blog Country Threads Chicken Scratch, I noticed she offers a booklet and DVD with instructions for making rugs from scrap fabric.  Upon reading through her blog archives, I decided to order.  ‘Rugs from Rags’ and the accompanying DVD arrived quickly.

As I’ve mentioned, I’ve not derived great satisfaction recently from quilting.  I needed a change and since we also can use some new rugs, it seemed a perfect match.  DH immediately began gathering materials to build the simple frame as I dug out fabric.

I was astonished to find a large stash of ‘why did I purchase this?’ fabric…. stuff I would never use for clothing or include in quilts.  Yes, I have purchased extremely marked-down fabric without a purpose and it is often set aside and never used.  I’ve also received ‘frequent customer’ free bundles of fabric I won’t sew.  These are all perfect for rug making!

I rotary cut (with a pinking blade) an old, faded bed sheet into 2″ strips for the warp and various mostly-cotton or blends for the ‘twining’ (the part of the rug that shows).  I aimed for a good mix of colors as I wanted the rug to be ‘scrappy’.

The instructions for the frame were very easy to follow.  Thanks to DH, it was assembled in less than a day and I quickly became completely absorbed in the rhythm of rug-making.

In 2 days, I was nearly half finished with a rug measuring 38″ x 25″.  I was surprised how tired and achy my arms, shoulders and hands became.  Though I often use these same joints and muscles in quilt-making, they were being used differently…. a shock to this old body!

I slowed down over the next few days and included doing other things around the house (cleaning!!) to allow my shoulders to rest.  I only worked several rows on the rug each night and the work went quickly.

After only 8 days, I have a beautiful completed rug that will last at least a lifetime.  It is completely machine washable because I used all washable fabrics.  The colors are bright and fun and it is comfortable to walk upon.  I plan to make several more!

The next rug on the frame will be very similar to this one to use the leftover strips (and more).  I then plan to make a rug for outside the kitchen door using rip-stop nylon I already have in abundance.  I’m anxious to see how well the nylon performs.

DH has tilled the garden and today is out planting the first few dozen tomato and bell pepper plants.  My fingers are crossed we have timely rains this growing season.

Shirl