Saturday, March 27, 2010

Standing Wool Rug

Chelle asked what a "standing wool rug" was so I wanted to post a picture. This one is in process and is made from a variety of wool that is torn or cut to 1/2" strips. Those strips are then rolled and secured to form the mat. I use a long thin needle and thin crochet cotton to sew it together. I sew through the center of the strips to secure it to the "base" and you don't see the threads at all. If you want I can post pictures of how I sew them together.

There are a variety of ways to create different looks, including beading (small rolls), and shirring (folding the strip on the row). This is an old pre-1850's technique (before rug hooking was popular) and creates a plush mat that is sturdy and great as a chair pad or hot plate mat. You can play and create as you go...no patterns! You can use a combination of wools from thick blanket weight to thin and thready. Great for scraps!

11 comments:

  1. Wow! This is really beautiful....I'd love to make some coasters like this....I'd love it if you'd share more "how to" pictures.
    Inspiring!

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  2. That is gorgeous! Thanks for posting and letting me know about the standing rugs. I would love it if you share more pics and let us know how to do it.

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  3. Very interesting and yes coasters how unique.
    Thank you for sharing.

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  4. Hi Gayle -

    Love your wool rugs - I really need to get going on mine. I have a Maggie B. pattern that I am working on. Your blog inspires me to at least THINK about digging it out and get going on it. Keep the photos coming! I am getting excited for my missionary to come home. Mother's Day phone call right around the corner!!!!

    Shanda

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  5. Beautiful, it's really standing wool rug. I need just such as wool rugs.

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  6. Gosh this is gorgeous, I'm really impressed, and it would be really durable too!
    One day I'll give it a try!

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  7. This is really beautiful! I would love to see how you sew it together. I am a wool rug lover who does not quite have time to get to it....but someday! Thanks for joining in my blog...looking forward to seeing your future posts!

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  8. Yes please show the how to and finished pictures.

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