WISHING YOU. . .

MAY ALL YOUR CHRISTMAS DREAMS COME TRUE. . .

 



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!