Friday, January 28, 2011

The rag rug

One of the things I want to do this year is finish a rag rug. I have admired them for a long time and always had it pegged for a 'one day' project (same basket as a hexagon quilt).
I have been plaiting for a while. I cut up strips of old clothes, old sheets and some fabric that I realised I would never sew with. I am sticking with a bit of a colour scheme for this one (yes, I think there will be more). 
I started sewing the plait together the other day. Hmm, maybe I was a bit premature in suggesting there will be more- or maybe my 'rug' will turn out the size of a placement. 
Or maybe the whole project will calm me down and help me learn to meditate, enjoy the process...you see, that sewing bit is going to be quite repetitive.
Ooooh, but the end result will be rather lovely I think.
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7 comments:

  1. ThimbleannaJanuary 28, 2011 at 12:26 PM

    Can you sew it with a big zigzag stitch to make it a little less repetitive? It sure is looking beautiful!

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  2. AmyJanuary 28, 2011 at 12:36 PM

    Oh my - you brave woman. This has been on my to do list for a very long time. I have a huge bag of old clothes that are pegged for it. I just haven't started. Did you have an easy way for the cutting? and what about the whole ironing the edges under?

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  3. TanyaJanuary 28, 2011 at 1:27 PM

    Amy, I cut it using a rotary cutter and self healing mat and acrylic ruler and I cut the strips 2 1/2 inches wide. I am a patchworker, so had this equipment already. I didn't realise you are 'meant' to iron the edges under until after I started plaiting (and then read tutorials)- never been good at instructions! So, I haven't done it. Just plaited it straight up- looks abit 'wispy' in places but seems to tidy up as I sew it together. Hope that's helpful!

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  4. Kelly CasanovaJanuary 28, 2011 at 1:55 PM

    This is such an interesting craft, I love sewing with history! Can't wait to see how it turns out :)

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  5. AmyJanuary 28, 2011 at 2:23 PM

    Thanks Tanya!
    I think I'll fly by the seat of my pants like you with a "whispy" model. The iron and I are only occasional friends. I much prefer Mr Iron packed away. :)

    Enjoy the meditative repetition.

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  6. CurlyPopsJanuary 28, 2011 at 4:01 PM

    I love rag rugs - do you have to sew it together by hand?

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  7. TanyaJanuary 28, 2011 at 5:45 PM

    Cam, I am, I don't know if it would go through my machine. I am going to do it as a bit of a 'quiet' project- and hope it do get into that 'meditative repetition' that Amy mentioned!

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