Rag Rugs Tour
1. Tambour
2. Shirred 
3. Standing wool

4. Knitted
5. Flat Wrap
6. Amish Knot

7. Chain Braids
8. Broomstick & String Crochet
9. Crocheted

10. Fabric Tapestry
11. Anchored Loop
12. Hooked, Poked, Prodded, Bodkin

13. Needleworked
14. Toothbrush rugs
15. Braided rugs

16. Knotted & strung shags
17. Loom woven
18. Patched (penny rugs) & sewn shags
19. Frame made rugs
20. Wagon wheel & frame braids 
21. Odds 'n ends

"Traditional Shirred & Standing Wool Rugs" (Rev. 2nd ed.)
You'll be amazed that rugs that are so easy to make are such positively luxurious additions to your home! The extraordinarily rich, velvety (and reversible) texture of shirred rugs makes it hard to regard these as "rag" rugs, but the techniques lend themselves to the use of the very smallest of fabric scraps.

This is a complete guide to all of the methods by which shirred and standing wool rugs can be created, several of them appearing in this book for the first time ever in print. The book covers the simplest methods of using wools "on edge" in sewn shirred rugs with center shirring, edge shirring, awl shirring, faux shirring and mono shirring. 

All of the methods of crocheted shirring are included. From the very simple uses of the afghan hook to the more complex use of "bent" or "hump back" crochet hooks, plus the use of a plain steel crochet hook to create faux shirred rugs. Also included is how to 'sculpt' the rug surface for more textural options and how to create designs/ pictorals in shirred rugs. "Standing Wool" rugs are also covered, including the rare variation of "beaded" rugs in a newly expanded section, and making rugs combining shirring and standing wool. (66 pages)

Rugmakers Bulletin #16:
SNOW-ON-THE-MOUNTAIN SHIRRED RUG
This bulletin covers the technique of crocheted shirring with an afghan hook and assembly with a shirring needle. This is the easiest method of crocheted shirring-- ideal for the beginner--and creates a wonderfully deep, rich, reversible rug. The Snow-on-the-Mountain rug with its flecked ebony/ivory design is only one type of rug that can be made with the technique, any other wool fabric can be used! (This information is already in the larger book on shirred rugs, so you don't need to order both.)

5-inch, blunt tipped, SHIRRING NEEDLE
For years I've looked for just this needle. It is long enough to shir efficiently (5 inches long), and without the sharp tip which can split warp threads. It is ideal for center and edge shirred rugs, and standing wool rugs.

2mm AFGHAN HOOK for Crocheted Shirring
2mm AFGHAN HOOK for Crocheted Shirring
The hook is a full 12 inches long for the easiest type of crocheted shirring. These German-made hooks are ideal for your first rug with the wonderful softness of crocheted shirring. (See Chapter 8 in "Traditional Shirred and Standing Wool Rugs", or the "Snow-on-the-Mountain Bulletin.) If you want more durability in these aluminum hooks, select the 2.5mm size.

STEEL CROCHET HOOK, Size 8
These quality Boye hooks are just the right size for crocheted faux shirring, and for the 'half-time' crocheted strung shag rugs. Also, use these hooks for the wool stadium blanket or Christmas tree skirt projects.

BAROQUE COTTON, 400 yd. skein
For years, this is the cotton we've most recommended for shirred rugs, string crochet, and patched rugs with cotton stitching. This DMC cotton thread is 100% cotton, tightly spun, super-mercerized to stand up to wear, and handles like a dream. Since we've heard that folks are having a hard time finding this, we're now going to carry it in the catalog. It is available in white or ecru.