Join textile artist Mary Whitaker for a day of artisanal rag rug making
Rag rugging is the ultimate recycling project which has been around in different guises for hundreds of years. The crafts are enjoying a resurgence in popularity - its quick to learn, practical, hugely satisfying and great for the planet.
Historically, when your clothes were beyond repair, they were shredded up and made into something else - usually rugs and baskets. Traditionally a new hearth rug would be put out on Christmas eve, the old one would be moved to the kitchen and the kitchen one would be put onto the compost heap - perfect circular recycling!
In this introductory course we will be exploring two methods of rag rugging: looping and progging. Looping is where you pull loops of fabric through sacking - the effect can be very neat and accurate when you get proficient. Progging is where you pull tufts of fabric through the holes - this is quite fluffy in texture so often best for more abstract pieces.
You will learn:
- How to prepare your backing
- How choose and prepare your fabrics
- How to sketch out your design
- How to master the techniques of the tools uses for rag rugging (not only rugs!) different ways of finishing the pieces
What you need to bring
- Clothing you no longer want but that has interesting colours or patterns - I find old t shirts are the best for learning the skills but really anything will work as long as it’s not too thick - no heavy wools. I often go on raids to my local charity shops. Clothes must be washed please!
- Sharp scissors - lots of cutting is involved
- Paper or sketch pad
- Packed lunch
Teas and coffees will be provided!
Mary Whitaker studied design at the London College of Fashion and for the past 40 years has worked in many parts of the fashion and textile industry. Lately she has become fascinated by ancient textile techniques used in everyday family homes - lost skills which she hope to revive in the beautiful setting of Bore Place.