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RAG RUGS, MADE WITH RECYCLED FABRICS
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Hello, I’m pleased to be invited to teach you about recycling rags to make rugs. They are not quick projects, but very satisfying. I began making braided rugs over 10 years ago, when I had more old t-shirts than I needed for rags. Since then, I have experimented with a variety of fabrics and techniques. My preferred fabric is plain t-shirt cotton because it is easy to work, does not fray, and rolls nicely when cut in strips. However, it is stretchy; woven fabric makes a firmer rug. My designs are mostly simple spirals, which may be round or oval, but any shape is possible, and there will be examples of others. Deirdre.
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Date: 10am – 12 noon, Saturday, October 30
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Tutor: Deirdre Casparian
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Project: Three techniques for using rags to make a rug will be demonstrated. There will be samples to show how to select colours for intended effect.
You will choose one method and make a small sample rug to learn beginning, joining, and ending techniques.
Techniques for a knotted rug
- Needs two strings and one large safety pin
- How to begin with either knotting or crochet
- How to make the basic knot over a core string
Techniques for a braided rug, laced after braiding
- Needs three strings, and one large needle or safety pin, plus lacing thread
- How to braid with three strings, (plaiting)
- How to begin for circle or oval
- Ending a braid either square or tapered
- How to lace the rug into the shape you want
Techniques for a braided rug, woven as you braid
- Needs four strings, and four large safety pins or needles
- How to braid with four strings (weaving)
- How to begin a 4-strand braid for a round rug or square rug
- How to begin a 4-strand braid for an oval or rectangular rug
- Where to place increases to make the shape you want.
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Cost: $30 (Maximum 10 students) – Fabric and safety pins will be provided
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What to bring: Please bring your own scissors
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TO BOOK: email: admin@quiltandcraft.org – include your name, phone number, nominate this workshop and which technique you’d like to learn. Alternatively, call 0409 621 232.
