I finally sat down and finished my rug today. It isn't that wide, but it sure is long, 144" long.
Lots of braiding and sewing in this one. I did traditional braid with 2" strips, sewing each piece by hand, as I went along.
I do not like long strips, they tend to tangle around each other, as I braid. So, I braid and sew the next piece on, when I reach the end. I had to lighten the image, so you could see it, so of course the colors are off. The outer edges run into the darker colors and the middle are brighter, but they don't pop and look so white. The hallway is a dark area, so I can get away with brighter colors;)
I used scrap wools, including flannels, thinner and thicker, and even some worsted weight. I have to admit, the worsted gives it a more solid feel, but the flannels make it too cushy. I prefer a thick heavy rug to walk on. But for now, this one will do. I may even take the ends and cut across and make it into a rectangle rug. Just doesn't look right in that shape, in that hallway?
We still have to finish off the flooring, but we are putting up wainscoting, so it will go in a bit at a time.
WOW, that is one big rug...well, LONG rug...very well done. I would have given up long ago...
ReplyDeleteWow...you did a great job on your rug!!!
ReplyDeleteWOAH Debbie!! That is one gorgeous honkin rug!! You are so multi talented! And i swear.. if you mess with those ends, I am going to find you and beat you up!! LOL!! LEAVE IT BE!! Let it be gorgeous the way it is!! You goober! Way to go getting that done - huge accomplishment me thinks!!
ReplyDeleteI love it and it looks just perfect.
ReplyDeleteHey Debbie...WOW. That is a gorgeous rug...and BIG! Ya done great!
ReplyDeleteIt's perfect; P E R F E C T ! !
ReplyDeleteAwesome Job Debbie! Love the runner..
ReplyDeleteDebbie,
ReplyDeleteFantastic!
I, too, love it just the way it is.
Just out of curiousity, how long did it take you to make it?
God bless,
Helen(grammea)
grammea22@verizon.net
That is such a beautiful rug! And it looks perfect in the hallway. Before I discovered and became addicted to wool, I made a braided rug using polyester doubleknit fabric! It looks good and will never wear out, but isn't as lovely as yours!
ReplyDeleteIt took me longer, because I stopped a lot to work on my other projects. I could probably do it in a week, if I just did that.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
wow I love your rug. Is there a pattern or book out there tilling how to do this with wool? Kathy
ReplyDeleteThere are lots of books for braiding, so I am not sure how good the other ones are. I got mine from the library. It is called "The Braided Rug Book: Creating Your Own American Folk Art by Norma M. Sturges and Elizabeth J. Sturges." It has beautiful color photos and examples of the best in rug braiding.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
You just amaze me Debbie! WOW!
ReplyDeleteDebbie,
ReplyDeleteYour runner looks gorgeous in your hallway. I wouldn't change a thing either. You really are multi-talented!
Lori R
Debbie, the rug is a beauty! Love the oval ends, it makes it look older anyway with that shape, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteA week? When you say if you weren't doing anything else, does that include sleeping? LOL Jo
I'm lovin' the rug! I can't believe you made that; it's just mind-boggling! I have one like it, but mine came from Sam's club, LOL! No home made treasure rug for me... I love, love,LOVE braided rugs. They make me think of old slatbox houses and wood burning stoves... Congratulations on finishing this one, I'm in awe of your talents, B=)
ReplyDeleteExcellent article - thanks! Another site to check out that has loads of cool Rugs info is http://www.rugsale.com/area_rugs.html
ReplyDeleteThey have pictures, videos, tutorials, product comparisons, and more.
Have fun!