Snug as a Bug in a Rug!

I've been working on this rug for Lauren's living-room for about a year now, a little here, a little there. This morning, while watching Ethan sleep after a seizure, I finally finished it. The "core" print fabric from which the other colors were chosen is the same as her curtains. It is not readily visible in these photographs, however. This will be a bright spot in the room, and can always double as a heavy blanket, safe from the bed bugs.    :)

 

"Weep With Those Who Weep" (Romans 12:15)

And, that's just what I did. 

I wept as I wove these strands together and prayed for a family, which prepared to say "good-bye" to their beloved patriarch. I know that pain...though mine occurred almost 17 years ago. And, although there is comfort in the knowledge that your loved one is passing into the everlasting arms of Jesus,and is free from pain and fear, letting go is never easy.

My sweet friend passed through this valley with such grace. May this rug signify God's grace, which is all-sufficient.

On a coffee table in her home, safe from "muddy feet".

 

Sorrowful, Yet Always Rejoicing (2 Corinthians 6:10)

This rug is a prayerful tribute, a memorial, to a man whose life has passed on into Eternity...and to his loving, faithful wife, who yearns after him.
As Barry's life ebbed away, and I could think of nothing else except Jan's grief, her loss, and incredible courage, I HAD to turn those thoughts and prayers into something tangible...this rug was the result.


The colors represent their geographical location on Earth - wine country - but, more than that, their Heavenly Home...deep purples (royalty! Son and daughter of the King of Kings!) and greens (eternity!)

That middle strip was the foundation for the choice of other colors.

This poem accompanied the rug to its new home:

 Jan, I prayed for you while I wove with love

And will continue to lift you to God above

Though there is nothing that can replace

The warmth and strength of his embrace. 

I pray this rug beneath your feet

Will massage and comfort meet.

May it serve to remind you that I care

And, a degree of your grief and loss I share.

"Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy."  (John 16:22)

God bless you, Jan. My prayers continue.

Beginnings

I've just begun work on another wedding rug.  As I laid the strips of fabric out, planning the order of the color scheme, my mind turned toward the symbolism, once again.

The fabrics that I've chosen are all from different places, from different uses: sheets, shirts, unused yardage, curtains, and skirts. These will be sewn together, intertwined, woven, twisted, joined...to form one new thing, a rug.


"AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH; so they are no longer two, but one flesh." (Mark 10:8)

As the couple for whom I am creating this rug join themselves in holy matrimony, they are joining their distinctly unique backgrounds and experiences and personalities and gifts into one, new creation; and for a new purpose.

God bless them for His glory, is my prayer.  
God bless you, Joanathan & Raquel!

 

New and Newest

In all the years that I have been crocheting rag rugs, I may have sold two or three. The remaining 50 (or so) have been gifts. Recently, I opened an account with a site called "Etsy" from which I may sell a rug or two in the future. Feel free to visit my "shop" there: 
http://www.etsy.com/listing/60257126/crocheted-rag-rug


Although it slows to a standstill oftentimes, I am also in the process of crocheting a large living-room rug for my daughter, Lauren. I have a long way to go. This rug is different in that I am using 2" strips, instead of 3" or 1 1/2". I think 2" are "PERFECT"!...easy on my hands, economical on fabric, and a nice, flexible, safe rug height. So, 2" is probably what I will choose from now on. (that is, after I've used up all the rolls of 3")


Has anyone out there in Cyberland been inspired to begin a rag rug?

With a Prayer For Healing

This rug is for a far-away friend, introduced through facebook, who has had severe pain before and after surgery on her back. As I wove colors of red wines and forest greens, I thought of the suffering of our Lord (by His stripes we are healed) and that blessed hope of eternal life (no more tears, no more pain). I prayed for this dear sister, for healing, freedom from pain, and for an uplifted spirit of peace and joy.
May it remind her of His love and mine...

In Time for a Family Reunion

I finished this long, narrow bathroom rug for our elderly neighbor, who moved to Illinois; and sent it along with family on their way to a reunion in December.

What makes this rug different?
Instead of 3" strips, I used only 1 1/2" strips, making the rug half as thick. Not only will my dear friend be less likely to trip over it, but it will be lighter to shake out and/or wash, as well. I may do this more in the future for rugs that are being shipped, as it will cost less for postage, too!

The drawbacks to using 1 1/2" strips:
1. It takes twice as long to crochet
2. Is more difficult to fold the raw edges inward and to keep it from warping. See how this one looks rumpled? It won't take long to lay flat...just a day or two of being stepped on.