P.S. A Plug for a Fellow Rugger

As they say, "There's more than one way to skin a cat!"
~there's also more than one way to crochet a rag rug. 

Check out this dear friends' blog for details on her method, 
and enjoy viewing the beautiful workmanship!

http://momentswithmama.blogspot.com/2010/04/crocheting-rag-rugs.html?spref=fb























This way is much less time consuming, as the strips are not connected by stitching them together, but by pulling through a slit cut in each end. Also, the narrower strips are not folded to hide the raw edges. This gives a more rustic look.

Slowing down...

I had forgotten to chronicle this custom order, which was finished in November (if I remember correctly), and sent to it's recipient before Christmas. (2012)
These earth-tones were a pleasure to work with...very "grounding", pun intended. ;-)

Choosing the colors...

Getting started

But, I haven't done another rug since then. I have done a number of "raggy" quilts, however for sons and grandchildren. And, lots of other sewing.

So, it was time to get back to rag-rugging! I have a LIST of rugs to do! Begone arthritis!! :-D

The finished rug

This next project is in the very beginning stages and is for a life-long friend of mine.

Jewel colors

Very, very different from the last rug.     
And, just in time to welcome Spring! :-)

From Beginning to End

 

First, choose the color scheme...

and, no, this wasn't "Christmas".

 

 Stitch the strips together,

and begin crocheting.

 It's coming right along...

faster than I thought it would!

 The finished rug...

a neat and tidy 2' by 3' oval. 

Closer view of colors,

but, the camera

just doesn't do it justice.

 

Finished...Begun

  
I actually forgot to post this very peaceful, "misty" rug that has now found its home along the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland.  It's soft colors reflect the gentle nature of its owner.

And, already I've begun another, quite different rug as a belated wedding gift for Ethan's "ex" - physical therapist.

I told her that at the rate I was going, she might have it for her first anniversary, instead. She didn't mind.

Seriously, though...I am thinking up new rugs faster than I can create them...there's the one I want to do for Lina, and Joel, and Amber's friend, and Theresa, and Regina, and...

Etsy. ;-)

Custom Order x3

A  coordinating set of kitchen rugs with Spring and celery greens and light blue and dark teal. Each one has some of the same fabrics, and each one has its own unique selection of fabrics.  You should have seen my bed and bedroom as I gathered the strips into piles (and piles and piles and piles!)  There was fabric and fabric dust everywhere!  I'm amazed when it all comes together in a neat and tidy, useful rug.

"I have you in my heart... you all are partakers of grace with me."

This verse (in part) from Philippians 1:7
summarizes what I sensed as I crocheted these rag rugs for two very special women.
Both rugs were "overdue", in my mind.






Recently, I received an "order" for three custom rugs, along with a standing request for two more from a previous customer; and, yet another request from another friend!

So, although my hands were quiet for quite awhile, it seems I'll soon be busy again. The fabrics are already chosen, and I've been snipping and ripping up a storm! I can hardly wait to begin. :-)

"How to End" Video

Several folks have asked me how I finish a rug so that it doesn't look obvious where the crocheting ended. 

I hope this little video is helpful, since it is difficult for me to put into words what my hands are doing.

Perhaps you have found a better, easier way; but, for now, this seems to work alright.


Happy rug-making, friends!  :)