Rag Rug Inspirations: New Design for Traditional Techniques

Just look what you can create with rags you hook together! This beautiful craft comes from the thrifty traditions of people who learned never to throw away anything, and in our environmentally sensitive age it's making a huge comeback. By recycling your scraps of cloth, you can make rugs of all shapes and sizes, including ovals, stars, and hearts, as well as traditional square and rectangular floor coverings for every room in your home. And you can also make comforters, mirror frames, chair pads, door arches, banners, wall hangings, Christmas stockings, smoking caps, and many other designs. They're all pictured here, with detailed instructions on how to make 15 different ones, plus suggestions for ways to personalize them. The word "Inspirations" is key, since you're sure to be inspired by the most magnificent collection ever published of designs by award-winning artists. Taking your cues from the photo gallery, reach into your own accumulation of scraps, gather the simple frames, stretchers, backings, hooks, and prodders you need, then follow the tips for dyeing, your rags and hooking them. That's all it takes to join the countess generations who've transformed their throwaways into breathtaking works of art.