Thursday 27 January 2011

New Skills

Thank you all for your encouraging words on my last post regarding my minor sewing disaster - mistakes will happen.....

Whilst flicking through some books the other day, I came across one I hadn't browsed through in years.

Many of the projects are now out of date but I liked the look of this one - Braided Rug


You might need to click on it to enlarge it.

"Apparently the first fabric-strip floor coverings were made at a time when new cloth was in short supply.  Their distinctive muted appearance came from the use of mixed fabrics, recycled from clothing and domestic textiles, as few of the early makers could afford the luxury of planning a special colour scheme for their work."

I have an ever growing pile of fabric strips which I do get utilised for various projects but I thought this one would put them to good use too.

You basically need to take 3 fabric strips of about 2.5" wide (length doesn't matter).  Put a few stitches through them at one end (to keep them together) - then plait away! until you reach the end when you add some more stitches.  Don't worry about being too precise!



Keep making plaits until you have your desired number, stitch them into one long length, coil them round adding little stitches to keep the coil together.




Make coasters, mats or indeed rugs which I'm hoping to do - I'm not sure how long it'll take me, but I'll squeeze a few plaits in between other jobs.



I'll let you know once I've made a rug!

17 comments:

A garden just outside Venice said...

What you've made so far looks perfect to me!
Have a good weekend!
xxx

bellaboo said...

I love that! Happy plaiting! :0)

Vintage Tea Time said...

Oh, yes - I love that! It's going to be fab!!

Lalabibaby @ Dreaming of The Simple Life said...

Another great way to use up the scraps ... thanks for sharing x

Anonymous said...

oooh I fancy making one of these one day its going to be lovely
xx fee

Pretty at Heart said...

Oooh! I like that!! Ideas ideas! But can I fit in all these new hobbies!! P'raps I should just concentrate on one!

-x-

Used-to-Bees said...

So pretty already! Look forward to seeing the finished rug

Dawn said...

What a lovely idea - I'm sure something similar featured on Victorian Farm (Or possibly Edwardian Farm !)

Loo xx from Jumbles and Pompoms said...

Wow already! Can't wait to see it in its plaited glory.

harmony and rosie said...

Oh wow, that is going to be amazing, can't wait to see the finished article. Sorry to hear about your sewing disaster, not a complete disaster though because you've learned lots of things along the way. I too learned to my cost not long ago that sewing is a bad idea when you're tired, it's just not worth it however frustrating it may be. Happy rug making x

Unknown said...

WOW i am loving that, i have never seen that before, thats a great way to use up scraps of fabric, and quite a simple concept to, i love it brilliant, Can't wait to see your finished rug. Dee x

Serenata said...

Oh that looks like a great way to use scraps, it is coming on well. Can't wait to see it finished.

Andi's English Attic said...

Have fun. Looking forward to progress reports and finished product. xx

Donna -Little Tiny Stitches said...

Hi,
I've been lurking for a few weeks now, but I found this post SO interesting I had to comment :0)
I made one of these several years back now, before I knew they were cool :0)
Mine was 6feet in diameter, and made out of necessity rather than fun.
I'd just like to say that the one thing to keep in mind, is to sew the braid REALLY TIGHT as you go round. Sew it, then sew it again, as with use they come undone and your forever sewing them up :0)
They turn out beautifu though, and I can't wait to see yours when you finish :0)
Have a great weekend.

KC'sCourt! said...

Think I may have a go, I have seen them in books but never had the courage to have a go, but I think I will now
Julie xxxxxx

...Nina Nixon... said...

It's looking good and a great way to use up some odds and ends.

Do you know I think my gran use to make her own rugs.

Nina xxx

Mimi and Tilly said...

Gorgeous! One of these would look fab in my bathroom. Another thing to get cracking on! Emma xxx