Ladies Turn Rag Rugs Into Cash

 

Update from Marta: "There are 42 ladies involved in the program who have created and sold about 200 rugs, 20 sets of placemats and a few hand bags.  We are presently  working on an order of 480 rugs!!!! The materials used for weaving is  recycle strips of fabric from local tailors". . . .READ MORE. . .

 

 



Method for Cutting Fabric Into Strips for Weaving

 

THIS IS GENIUS!

I've seen it before for crocheting with fabric,

but never thought about applying it to weaving.

 

From: PINTEREST BOARD CD3WD

 

Thanks for a GREAT TIP!!!!

 



Weaving Stripes: Pattern Tutorial for Stephanie's Rag Rugs

 

Aren't these lovely?

I knew they were special when I opened the first photo that Stephanie sent me a few months ago.

They look so neat. . .no strings. . .but what struck me was the uniform stripes. . .and the perfectly matched pattern of them. . .not like the overall patterns that I weave. . .I love to weave 'tongues' of color, but I've never tried making the uniform rows like these. . .

 

 

AN EARLY RUG, MADE WHILE PERFECTING THE TECHNIQUE

 

I was very curious about the technique Stephanie used. . .

so I emailed her and asked if she would share with all of us. . .

It was before Christmas, so we had to get through the holidays. . .

True to her word, she emailed me the photos and her weaving technique just recently.

She also went the extra mile and wove a sample rug just for us!

That's no small task. . .

 

 

 

I'll be using parts of her emails so that the instructions are in her own words. . .

She deserves the entire credit. . .

I'll only make a few comments and basic steps in red.

 



 

 1. Warp (up and down) strips are cut from sheets or cheaper fabric,

approximately 2 1/2" wide and sewn together, not knotted.

 

"I cut the warp strips wide, but I use fabric like sheets or the thinner fabrics. . .the flannel fabric I use for the rest of the rug. . .I cut the strips about 2 1/2 inches.  I also like to cut the strips for the warps wide, I think this gives the rug more stability. (* See more details after Step 2) I've done it both ways. . .the thicker strips may make the rugs last longer too. If I use a fabric that's thinner with the thicker, I cut the strip thicker so it matches up with the thicker fabric. I also found out that when having thicker strips, I can roll the fabric so that the raw edges are hidden within the strips for the most part, giving a cleaner look. I also started to stitch my stripes together instead of knotting them. . .This gives a cleaner-smoother look on the back side."

 

2. Cut Waft strips according to the thickness of the fabrics before beginning to weave.

 

*In answer to my question if she normally cuts both the warp and waft strips 2 1/2", Step replied,  "Yes, I cut most every strip of fabric 21/2 inches, even the warp strips.  There is a time I may cut the strips even a bit wider and that is when I may use a lighter weight fabric with the heavier fabric. I do this so the rug feels level, smooth, not wavey when it's on the floor and not uncomfortable when your standing on it with your bare feet.  But I think you would feel the uneveness if you were in slippers or shoes. A person  needs to use their own judgement on how wide to cut a fabric. Most of my fabric is cut 21/2 inches, But there has been some of the thick blankets that I had to cut in half to use after first cutting them 21/2 inches.  They were just too bulky. I like to use sheets (for the warp) because I like the consistant strength of the whole area of the warp.  I once used something different and the warp was not consistent, so by the time I got to the center of the rug, it felt sloppy in the middle. The sheets, the regular ones, I like the best for the warp, but ofcourse, a person can use what they want and like."

"I use mostly flannel blankets and heavy knits (for the waft).  I have a great thrift store here were I get most of my fabric, used and new.  I like the softness under my feet.  I started with a heavy knit, got three large rolls at a yard sale the year before and after making some curtains and a bed skirt, I didn't know what I was going to do with the rest. Ha! surprise, I bought a loom 8 months later and wished I knew that when I bought the rolls of fabric, I got each roll for a $1.00. What I could be doing with all that fabric."

 

Note her use of clothespins while weaving the first few rows. . .

Another super idea to keep the warp in place.

 

 

 

 

3. Divide the cut strips in half and set aside--1/2 for the top, 1/2 for the bottom.

Also cut strips for the fringe and set aside.

 



"After cutting the strips of fabric (for the waft), I count them out, half for the top, the other half for the bottom. This doesn't mean I use them all, it's just a way of being sure I have enough to do the same design on the other end.  I also pick what fabric I'm using for the fringe and set that aside."

 

 

 

4. To weave distinctive rows, change the colors of both weaving strips close to the rod,

stitching the two strips together.



". . .hopefully you can see in the picture that I cut the fabric close to the rod and attach the next transition piece to it, making the transition cleaner.  This takes a little practice, some fabric stretches more then others, so what happens, the fabric your adding will stretch way into the next roll, which you don't want.  Also, I don't cut the previous strip till I have the new strip sewn on.  This makes it easier to stitch really close to the rod."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Flip the loom over after weaving several top rows and

weave the bottom with the same number and pattern of rows.

 

6. Continue weaving in this manner, toward the center until finished.

(Although she didn't say, I'm sure Stephanie sews the finishing ends together

instead of knotting them.)

 

7. Remove rug from the loom. Attach fringe.





 

Stephanie's Rag Rugs are so inspiring, aren't they?

She says she's a neat freak, which is why she developed a way to weave that isn't as primitive. . .

and they mimic high end rugs made commercially.

She is so clever.

Many thanks to her for this tutorial. . .

I know we will all be referencing it over and over again.

Be sure and print this one out!

 

 

AN EARLY RUG, MADE WHILE PERFECTING THE TECHNIQUE

 

HAPPY RAG RUGGING TO ALL!

 

If you would like to thank Step for her Weaving Pattern, 

CLICK HERE and LIKE IT ON FACEBOOK. 

 



Using T-Shirt Hems for the Rag Rug Warp

I want to pass on to you this incredible tip from a fellow rag rugger. . .Monica has been enjoying John's looms for a couple of years now and has shared a few of her rugs in the past. . .but she certainly put on her 'thinking cap' on this one. . .Here's what she wrote:

Hi Dru - just wanted to pass on an idea I had about warping the loom.  Lately I've been on a kick making rugs from t-shirts (tarn).  It occurred to me to use the bottom hem of the t-shirts to warp the loom a la potholder style.  I used my husband's old t-shirts which, at 3X, turned out to be the perfect size for the loom y'all made for me.  No slip knot!  Woot woot! It works quite well!  I'm attaching a couple of pics FYI.  PS - I was having such a hard time with slippage on the first couple of rows that I replaced the nails with screws, but that's just me.

 

 

 

Now why didn't I think of that? . . .(grin)

Thanks so much, Monica, for your tips. . .

Keep 'em coming. . .

 



Anna's Rag Rug Purse

"What else can I make with my rag rugs?"

I get this question pretty often.

Here is one crafty young lady who didn't have to ask. . .

 

 

Isn't Anna's Rag Rug Purse adorable?

 

Her Grandmother bought a loom from John last Christmas. . .and Anna has been Rag Rugging ever since. . .weaving the traditional rugs, while venturing out to design other crafts with them, too. . .Obviously, Anna thinks 'outside the box'. . .Maybe she's a Kindred Spirit. . .I'm not an 'inside the box' kind of person either. . .

Kindred Spirit or not, she's definitely an inspiration, isn't she?

 

Anna's Grandmother Nancy recently emailed me the photos. . .with a short note:

 

Hello Dru. I had photos of my granddaughter with the first rug she made on the loom I purchased from you last Christmas, but somehow can't locate them right now. But I did want you to see the clever purse she made on her loom. She has enjoyed that loom so so much! It was the perfect gift for our creative girl!

Nancy Kemp

Delta Crossroads

Editor

 

I was thrilled to hear from them and to know that a Delta craft is being passed on to the younger generation. . .

Sure makes all our hard work worthwhile.

 

 

Thanks so much, Anna, for sharing your purse with us!

I'm sure others will be inspired, too. . .I may just have to make one for myself!

 

 



LET'S TALK BUSINESS

   Creative Rug Studio

         Traditional Hand Twined Rugs for your Home

 

"Of the many types of rag rugs that became popular about 1850, twined rag rugs are more durable and beautiful than most. It is possible to incorporate intricate designs that are rarely found in other types of rag rugs."

 

I have shown Mary Zurich's Rag Rugs several times during the last few years. . .Now, she has a WEBSITE! . . .and an ETSY SHOP. . .This lady is serious about her craft. . .as she should be! . . .I love the combinations she uses both in color and fabric choices. . .See what you think. . .

 

Creative Rug Studio--SALTWATER TAFFY



Creative Rug Studio--MINT JULIP



Creative Rug Studio--BLUEBERRY MUFFIN

Creative Rug Studio--APRICOT TART

I've had numerous inquiries from other Rag Rug artists who are interested in starting a business. . .questions such as 'What do I charge?'. . .'Where do I sell?'. . .'What's popular?'  The thing I've found is that 'it all depends'. . .As with any business, you have to find your niche. . .And, it's often a trial and error situation at the beginning. . .That goes for craft shows, boutiques, gift shops as well as online places of business.

 

I don't sell my rugs but at one time I did make a living designing, making, and selling girls clothing. . .It took a lot of disappointing shows to find the ones for me. . .Likes and tastes were so different in this one state. . .Our own Delta area was a so-so venue. . .Yet, I could travel to the Ozarks and have a sell out every time I set up. . .It was a good lesson learned that I've carried through life. . .Don't give up. . .If you like your product and would buy it, then there are those out there who will do the same. . .Life is a learning experience. . .Some of us get more learning experiences than we want, but it all evens out eventually.

 

As for Mary, with her talent and eye for color, we know she'll be a hit. . .

John and I wish her a long and prosperous journey with her new business.

 

Visit Mary at: CREATIVE RUG STUDIO

OR

at: CREATIVE RUG STUDIO @ ETSY

 

If you have a Rag Rug business utilizing our looms, email us and we may feature you in the future. . .It's always nice to know what your doing!

 

 

 



Tip for Weaving Those Last Few Rows

 

 

I must admit, the last few rows of weaving a Rag Rug can be frustrating.

It slows me down. . .besides the pull on my shoulders and can cause my hands to ache.

I probably feel the pull more than most of you,

unless you have fibromyalgia and/or arthritis.

 

One day I was shopping yard sales and happened upon a package of  vintage Bodkins.

I haven't seen these in ages. . .Do they still make them?

If so, I bet they're more than 39c on the package or the 10c I paid.

 

I brought them home with weaving in mind. . .

In the past I've used a large 'bobby pin'. . .so I was pretty certain this would work better.

And. . .it DOES!

 

There were two in the package. . .The one with the loop was a little harder to thread. . .

I used one for each strip I was weaving and zipped right through those last rows.

 

 

 

John has decided--when he has a little more time--that he'll try making a few of these in a size that would accommodate the wider weaving strips. . .In the meantime, check with a fabric store or Hobby Lobby or other craft store. . .I'm sure they still make Bodkins. . .I had just never thought about using them.

It took a yard sale for me to say, "Duh. . .Why didn't I think of this before?"

 

Hope it works for you!!!

 

 

 

 



Change the Strip Size: Change the Rag Rug

It's been a while since I've given you any tips on Weaving Rag Rugs, hasn't it?

Life sometimes goes by too fast.

But, here I am now. . .with an answer to your many questions about strip widths.

 

There is no set width size for the strips, although we all have our preferences.

Did you know, though, that you can change the thickness of the rug by changing

the size of your strips?

 

I needed some thinner mug rugs.

I've long used 3/4" strips for the warp to cut down on the thickness.

I thought I'd try 3/4" strips for the weft, too.

It made a much tighter weave, as well as a rug that's not so thick.

 

I tried to take a close shot for you. . .with no luck. . .

maybe this won't be too blurry. . .

 

Can you see the difference in the two?
The top mug rug is thinner than the one below.

(Sorry for the blur)

I like the closer weave, though I must warn you that it takes a little longer to weave

since you're not working with 1 1/2" strips that work up much faster.

 

It's a matter of preference. . .as well as the purpose of the rug.

I'm more than certain that I will make both sizes in the future.

"Vary the strip size and change the look of your rug"

 

 

I have another tip to share later this week. . .One I just happened across.

Til Then. . .

Happy Rag Rugging!

 

Beautiful Rag Rugs and a Loom Stand Suggestion: You have to see this!

Mary has been busy again! Just look at the gorgeous Rag Rugs. . .She has used cord for her warp and has woven fantastic patterns. . .Far beyond anything I've ever done. . .

Don't you love them?

Mary also shared: "Two months after purchasing my loom and here are photos of my accomplishments. . . .I just took out my business license: Artisan Folk Rugs. Will be selling at the local Farmer's Market. . . I am pleased to find a craft that might help me make some $. In the depression my widowed grandmother make these rugs for $ to feed her 8 kids. I am still working on the website and it isn't published yet. Will let you know when it can be viewed."

Isn't that great news? . . .She goes on to share her exciting discovery for a loom stand. . . . "I have purchased an easel from Hobby Lobby.  It's easy for working and a beautiful display when I am not working."

I have seen these easels myself at Hobby Lobby but never thought about using them for weaving. . . .Thanks so much, Mary, for sharing with us. . . .I'm sure Hobby Lobby will be having a run on easels now. . . .And thank you so much for sharing your Rag Rugs with us. . . .What an inspiration you are!. . . .We look forward to your website!

 



Interchangeable Rag Rug Looms, Lower Shipping and Handling Rates, and a Weaving Video Link

Hello Everyone!

We have some good news. . . .Postal costs have soared lately and no one knows that better than us. . . .But, we got together with the local Post Master and figured out a new way to ship that will cut rates for some of our loom sets and will save you some money! Check out our new prices by clicking on the sidebar link to the loom you desire. . . .or, find links at the tab bar above.

 

And, don't forget. . . .Our Large Rag Rug Loom and the Two-in-One are interchangeable. . . .There are others who sell rag rug looms but the bars can't be interchanged. . . .Changing the bars of two of John's looms will make five different sizes of rugs!

 

 

 The Large Rag Rug Loom (25" x 37")

 

The Two-n-One Rag Rug Loom (16" x 26" and 16" x 13")
By interchanging bars, these two looms will make three more sizes:
16" x 13"
16" x 37"

 25" x 26"

 

 

 A Runner. . . .

 

 

A Square. . . .

 

So the possibilities for weaving are:

One:  25" x 37"

Two:  16" x 26"

Three: 16" x 13"

Four: 16" x 37"

Five:  25" x 26"

 

 

Add a Mini Rag Rug Loom (6" x 8") and you have Six possibilities!
How fun is that?

Instructions are included with every order. . .
as well as instructions on how to assemble the looms.

John's Rag Rug Looms are a favorite of many. . . .
Here's just one review of the many we receive each week:

From Rita: "In the past couple of weeks I have ordered 2 of your looms. Finished 2 rugs and working on a third. I love it!!! Thank you for making such wonderful looms!  They are well built and easy to use.  I've crocheted for over 40 years, started knitting 15 years ago and now I'm weaving.  I found sheets at the thrift shop the other day that match my son's kitchen in his new house perfectly. Housewarming present!! 

Looking forward to many weaving years on your fabulous looms."

If you'd like to see a how-to weave video, you can find a link to YouTube at:

FRUGAL LITTLE BUNGALOW

There are many more Rag Rug Weaving videos on YouTube.
At this time, John doesn't have his own DVD. . . .perhaps in the future.
We're also working on a weaving booklet that will be for sale
here at Our Old Country Store.

Let's see. . .Was that all I had to tell you?
If you find a partial refund on you Pay Pal account,
it is for over payment of shipping and handling.
We try to wait until we're sure you've received your looms
and there is no problem with them before we make
any refunds. . .Any other way can be confusing.
Hope I didn't miss any of you!

Guess that's about it for today. . . .
Happy Rag Rugging, Everyone!

 



Rag Rug Frame Assembly Tip

 

A Note from Mary Zarick:

 

"Mar 26 at 3:59 PM

I received the loom and have finished my first project.

One word of advice for those of you who think the screw holes are too small. Try rubbing the threads of the screws over a bar of soap before inserting them into the holes. The soap makes the screws slippery and they glide right in."

 

I thought I'd pass on this great tip for the loom assembly and also note that it is necessary to make the screw holes small so that once assembled the loom won't get out of square. John does put together every loom he sends out, to be sure the holes are correct. I do realize it's hard for some of us, which is why Mary's tip is SUPER! I'll be the first to use it!

 

Thanks so much, Mary!

 

Your Rug looks beautiful!

 



A New Look: Rag Rug and Wool Applique Combined

I've combined two of my favorite crafts--Rag Rugs and Wool Applique! . . .And, I LOVE the look.

The Rag Rug is woven primarily with blue jean strips. . . .The Mom and Chicks Applique is stitched on a felted wool background. . . .Then I used Wonder Under fusible tape to attach the two together. . . .So easy. . . .and so dramatic. . . .Don't you think?

This one won't make it to the floor. . . .It's going on the center of the table. . . .

I plan to add felted wool hearts and other appliques to several of my Rag Rugs to give as gifts. . . .It's amazing how this simple technique adds so much more to the rugs. . . .Maybe an option you can incorporate into your creations. . . .

Just adorable. . . .if I do say so myself. . . .

 

 

PLEASE NOTE:

Our Old Country Store will close for the Holidays

on December 16, 2013. . . .We'll re-open January 1, 2013.

No orders will be shipped after December 16.

 

 



Strip a Shirt in Five Minutes

Yes! It's possible!

Just five minutes.

Get those scissors ready!

Here's how I strip a shirt for my rag rugs. . . .

 

Cut off Buttons

 

Trim off Collar



 Tear off button plackets; Trim bottom hem

 

 Clip from the bottom of the shirt every 1 1/2" or so;

I don't measure--it will all work into the weaving just fine.

Tear strips as far up as they will go. 



Trim off sleeve cuffs 

 Clip and tear up the seam; lay flat.

 Clip as before across the bottom of sleeve and tear upwards. 



 Go to the back of the shirt; Spread out flat; Cut straight across,

freeing the torn strips--

lots quicker than cutting each individual strip;

Do the same with the sleeves.

 

 There's often a 'V' shape left at the underarm; If it's large enough,

strip it, too; Tear strips at yoke.

 

 Here's all that's left!

I save the pockets for aprons and quilts.

 

Bundle and tie with the string from the cut-off hem.

 

That's all there is to it!

'Piece of Cake'