"Rugmaker's Homestead"
On-line catalog for Traditional Rugmakers
It's pretty hard to believe that 2008 marks the 24th year
since
the publication of our first book on traditional rug making. Each year
we have published a regular printed catalog for mail orders, but with
the internet, it is now possible to provide our catalog instantly. (If
you want just a listing of publications and supplies to print off, click
here.)
Our Catalog has outgrown a single web-page,
so it is
now in seven parts:
Part 1: Rugmaking Books &
Bulletins (starts
just below)
Part 2: Rugmaking Tools
Part 3: Rugmaking Supplies
Part 4: Rugmaking Sets
Part 5: Rugmaking Kits
Part 6: Bargain page and Discontinued
Items
Part 7: Rugmaking Fabrics
Catalog Part 1: Rugmaking Books &
Bulletins
Rugmaker's Notebooks, Rags
to Rugs Books, Rugmaker's Bulletins, Other
Rugmaking Books
The "Rugmaker's Handbook" Series
The biggest news in years is the debut of our new "Rugmaker's Handbook"
series. These are the reference books that so many of you have been
asking
for. Our master rugmaker, Diana Blake Gray has been busy creating these
new books to cover all of the types and variations of rug making that
have
been requested over the years. These books are not "craft
books"--instead
they are true "handbooks" with a wealth of information for the textile
explorer.
Rugmakers Handbook No
3: Crocheted & Fabric Tapestry Rugs--
 This classic book
has been revised, updated and expanded. It is more
than doubled in size from the 1996 edition. Even beginning crocheters
can make rugs with the step-by-step instructions since only the chain
stitch, single crochet stitch and slip stitch are used. The book
includes charted patterns for over 40 rugs. Learn to crochet rugs in
round, oval, square, rectangle, heart, corner, and heelprint shapes or
follow the directions for creating your own shapes including hollow and
freeform rugs. For the first time, directions are included
to modify the patterns for use with alternate materials including
yarns, so it isn't limited to just rag rugs. From basic crocheted rugs,
the charted patterns make it easy to transition to marvelous fabric
tapestry designs including geometrics, stars, diamonds, quilt patterns
and more. The patterns are classified by skill level (beginner, novice,
intermediate) and instructions for how to read a fabric tapestry
pattern directly from a rug expands rug making horizons. For the folk
artist in every rug maker, there are blank charts to use for designing
your own patterns and advice about the business of rug making.
Rugmaker's Handbook No. 3:
Crocheted
& Fabric Tapestry Rugs.........$18.95
ISBN 1-931426-29-5, 6" X 9" Paperback, 212 pages, color cover, B&W
interior
with over 230 photos and illustrations.
Rugmaker's Handbook No. 2: Fabulous Rag
Rugs from
Simple Frames
This
long
awaited book is the first ever to treat wooden frames as a unique and
versatile
tool for creating an amazing variety of rugs. Over forty techniques are
included, most for the first time in print, including spider-web warps,
the cheater's warp and twisted warps. Using simple household materials
learn to make fabulous rugs, even freeform rugs, on wooden frames. This
book opens a whole new world for the rugmaker!
Some of the techniques included are: Knotted shag rugs (including the
high-speed knotted shag which cuts rug making time in half); darned
rugs,
Amish knot rugs; Bess Chet rugs; twined rugs; locker hooking (no canvas
needed!); modified taaniko, soumak and rya knots; and various weaving
methods
suited for frames such as flat weaving, frame braids and wagon wheel
rugs.
Learn to use different types of frames including pegged, flat,
high-low,
fifth stick, scroll and pinned frames.
Rugmaker's Handbook No. 2: Fabulous Rag Rugs from Simple
Frames
6" X 9", 196 pages, 296 black & white photos and illustrations.
Paperback (ISBN 1-931426-27-9)............... $16.95
Hardback (ISBN 1-931426-28-7) .....$24.95
Knitted Rag Rugs for the Craftsman--20th
Anniversary
Edition is here!
More
than doubled
in size from the 1996 edition, this new book covers over 30 techniques
for knitting rag rugs, including the really unusual ones that have
never
been documented before. It has already been called an "amazing
compendium"
and it is. With 181 pages, 139 b&w photos and over 30 line
drawings,
it is the first book to completely cover the topic. Beginning knitters
can start right in with recycled T-shirts to make rugs and advanced
knitters
will find new techniques. Even non-knitters can make spool and rake
knitted
rugs.
The book covers strip and block rugs, bullseye, coiled and
wedge-knitted
rugs, winding rugs, hexagonal blocks, heart-shaped rugs, cross-woven
rugs,
knitted rag baskets and much more. There are lots of interesting
stitches,
and unique ways to cast on and off--just for rug making. Some of the
brand
new information in the book includes: rake and spool knitting; "idiot
cord"
rugs; and four methods of knitting shaggy rugs.
The best news is that we have been able to keep these books
affordable
for rug makers. The paperback edition is $16.95. You can order the book
from us, or online at amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.
Rugmaker's Handbook No. 1:
"Knitted Rag Rugs for the Craftsman" 20th anniversary
edition
rev.
6" X 9", color cover, 181 pages,
Paperback (ISBN 1-931426-252)............$16.95
Hardback (ISBN 1-931426-26-0)..... $24.95
Rugmaker's
Notebooks:
Our Rugmaker's Notebooks are all written by Master Rugmaker, Diana
Blake Gray. They cover an entire family of rug making methods with
directions
for many different techniques and/or variations. Each one is a guide to
making many different, but related, types of rugs from start to finish.
These books will take a beginner from the very start and will expand
the
horizons of even the most experienced textile artist, since each one
contains
a wealth of information about technique that is available nowhere else.
The Rugmaker's Notebooks are spiral bound to lay flat for easy use,
with
washable color covers, lots of diagrams, black and white photos, and
vary
in length from 60 to 90 pages. (8-1/2" X 11")
"Traditional Shirred & Standing Wool
Rugs" (Rev.
2nd ed.) .......... $14.50
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, as well as
combining
shirring and standing wool. (66 pages)
Rags
to Rugs Booksby
Master Rugmaker Diana Blake Gray
Each of these books covers one or two related techniques in depth with
step by step photos and drawings. While several of these books include
specific rug projects, they are really designed to give you the skills
to make your own rugs with the technique and inspire your own
creativity.
These are all 8-1/2" X 5-1/4", 40 pages, black & white photos,
with washable color covers
7-016 Bohemian Braid Rugs for the Beginner
................
$7.95
Of
all of the rugs and baskets, the bohemian braid items are the ones
which
are guaranteed to have people shaking their heads. The body of the
bohemian
rugs and baskets is so rigid that folks cannot believe that there isn't
some artificial 'trick' to the technique. There is no trick - just this
old method that has no equal! The unique Bohemian Braid creates a
basketweave
texture on one side and a braided texture on the other, in rugs and
baskets.
It is so stiff that people will think a rope is used inside for
stiffening,
but the Bohemian Braid is done with just a single strand of fabric. The
book covers both the traditional Bohemian Braid and the 'modern'
Bohemian
Braid, developed by the author for use with continuous strands. The
book
is the first time either of the methods have appeared in print.
Instructions
for round, square, oval, pentagon and rectangular rugs and baskets.
5-016 Multi-Strand Braids for Flat-Braided
Rugs ................
$7.95
When Great-grandmother sat down to start braiding a rug, she didn't
just use three strands, she knew that the most beautiful braided rugs
were
made with wide flat braids of up to twelve strands. And the wider the
braid,
the quicker the rug goes together. Now you can learn these braids with
simplified instructions and easy to follow braiding diagrams.
For the beginner or advanced rug braider who wants to make authentic
flat-braided rugs up to 12 strands per braid. Included are standard
braids
of 3 to 12 strands, which are used for making thick rugs from thinner
fabrics;
and flat braids of 4 to 12 strands, which are used to make lovely wide
braids with patterns and designs right in the braid. Instructions,
diagrams
and patterns for each braid plus five assembly techniques (including
false
braid joints and the colonial joint for super strong rugs).
9-014 Crocheted Rag Rugs for the Beginner
................
$7.95
Modern reliable directions for crocheting rag rugs that lay flat --even
on your first project! Beginner book includes step-by step instructions
for the round and oval shaped rugs and teaches the reading of
time-saving
charted patterns. Five rug projects plus yardages for room size rugs.
(This book is just for the person who wants to learn to do a simple
round or oval crocheted rug. The full content of it is already included
in the above Rugmaker's Handbook No. 3:: "Crocheted and Fabric
Tapestry Rugs",
so don't order both books.)
Rugmaker's Bulletins
by Diana Blake Gray
The "Rugmaker's Bulletins" contain the directions for a single
traditional
rug method. These booklets let you choose just the rug that interests
you!
These are 'booklet' size (8-1/2" X 5-1/2") and have 8 to 10 pages.
RUGMAKERS BULLETINS...................$4.00
EACH
OR BUY 3 OR MORE FOR JUST $3.50 EACH!
Bulletin #1: FLAT WRAP RUGS &
BASKETS ......$4.00
The Flat Wrap is
one of
the oldest methods of rug construction, developing in ancient times on
nearly every continent. It can be used for baskets and rugs which are
very
heavy and durable, and yet machine washable. Instructions include
working
with multiple strands to develop patterns and make beautiful baskets
from
fabric strips. If you want to get started on these rugs right away, be
sure to order a lacing needle or two when you order this bulletin.
Bulletin #2: AMISH KNOT RUGS
...............$4.00
The
"Amish
Knot" has also been known as the 'Navajo Knot'. This is a very simple
needle
stitched knot for round or oval rugs (or you can use an old toothbrush
handle modified for rugmaking, or a toothbrush tool). The Amish Knot
can
be worked with multiple strands of fabric strip to create patterns on
the
rug surface. Instructions include how to prepare fabric strip, making
rugs
and also baskets with the technique. If you want to get started on
these
rugs right away, be sure to order a lacing needle or two (or a
toothbrush
tool) when you order this bulletin.
Bulletin #3: BROOMSTICK RUGS
.............$4.00
Yes, these really
are made
with a broomstick as the main tool. The rugs appear woven on one side
and
knotted on the other. The technique is traditionally done with fabric
strip
for both the 'warp' and the 'fill' strands, but can be made with yarns,
or fabric and yarn in combination. Instructions include how to prepare
fabric strips and make your own simple 'broomstick' tool from a dowel.
Once you understand the basics of this technique, you can make rugs of
any size.
Bulletin #4: CHAIN BRAID RUGS
............$4.00
If you've ever
wanted
to make a braided rug, but the thought of having to stop and sew on
more
strip constantly has discouraged you, try the 2-strand chain braid. It
is made with long continuous strips of fabric (wool or cotton), so you
can make any size rug. This rug method appears to be the grandmother of
several other rug types including toothbrush and swedish and bohemian
braids.
And it is VERY simple to learn. The chain braid makes a softer and
'spongier'
rug than traditional flat braids, and because it is done with only two
continuous strands, they are quicker to make than other types of
braided
rugs. This bulletin covers the 2-strand detached type of chain braid
only.
(See other bulletins for other types of chain braids.)
Bulletin #5: WAGON WHEEL RUGS
...........$4.00

This is a positive classic rug. It is woven-in-the-round on a
wooden
frame (which can be either square or round). Originating in the
Scandanavian
countries, it is easy to make wagon wheel rugs from wools or cotton
flannels
which are quite striking, and still very durable and practical.
Instructions
include frame construction and weaving for the traditional round, and
the
novel oval shape. Once you know the traditional 'trick' of weaving
these
rugs, you can make rugs of any size. (Wagon wheel rugs are
included in Rugmakers Handbook No. 2 "Fabulous Rag Rugs from
Simple Frames" so don't order both books.)
Bulletin #6: ANCHORED LOOP RUGS (American
Locker Hooking with Rags)...$4.00
This
bulletin covers
the American Anchored Loop technique for making these wonderful
traditional
rugs on burlap or rug canvas. Step by step instructions and photos from
preparing fabric strip for rugmaking to creating and finishing your own
Anchored Loop Rug. Use either the traditional rug hook and lacing
needle
for these rugs or a locker hook with rug canvas.
Bulletin #7: BODKIN RUGS .........
$4.00
Learn
this
"impossible" technique for making superthick, supersoft wool rugs very
easily. With a shaggy, reversible texture, there is just no other rug
like
it. Bodkin rugs can be made on rug canvas or burlap using a bodkin (see
tools and supplies ).
Bulletin #8: WRAPPED FALSE BRAIDS
FOR
RAG RUGS.........
$4.00
This
bulletin
is includes directions for making six different false braids
and
their major variations. Included is the "candy cane" false braid and
the
amazing "squared" false braid pattern, which will let you make a rug
that
is a different color on each side. Each braid is illustrated with line
drawings, in step by step fashion, so you can quickly master the
pattern.
False braids are much quicker than standard braided rugs since they all
use long, continuous strips of fabric--so you don't have to stop and
sew
on more strip-- and several are easy enough for youngsters.
Bulletin #9: INTRODUCTION TO
TAMBOUR BRAIDS.....
$4.00
This
is the bulletin
to get you started with these fantastic, and easy to make rugs. This is
an introduction to tambour braids done on rug canvas and covers the
basic
two-strand tambour braid (which is the easiest tambour technique and
the
best place for beginners to start). The tambour edging shown in this
bulletin
is also very compatible for edging anchored loop rugs.
Bulletin #10: KNOTTED SHAG
RUGS......... $4.00
With
some stout
string, and tiny scraps of fabric, you can make wonderfully shaggy
knotted
shag rugs. This bulletin covers two very different ways to make knotted
shag rugs. The "two string loom" method is so simple it is ideal for
children's
rug making projects--and even the "loom" is so simple they can make it
themselves. The "frame" method isn't that much harder, and will let the
textile artist have a great new medium for design.
Rugmakers Bulletin #11: PJONGING
& SINGLE
STRAND CHAIN BRAIDS ......... $4.00
This
bulletin
includes both the attached (Pjonging) and detached, single strand chain
braids. Both are very simple constructions. For light cotton fabrics a
rug hook or crochet hook is used. With heavier fabrics, such as wool,
these
can be made using your fingers. The detached braids are made separately
and laced together to form the rug. The attached braid makes the rug in
a single step.
Rugmakers Bulletin #12: HOOK
"BRAIDED" RUGS:
The two-strand attached chain braid for rag rugs.......... $4.00
These
rugs really are interesting because the "braid" is a chain braid made
with
a hook (rug hook, crochet hook, button hook or what have you), for
making
the interlocking loops of the chain braid. Made in a single step, each
round of "braiding" is made through the previous rounds so the rug goes
together in a single step. These unique rugs appear braided on one side
only.
Rugmakers Bulletin #13: "KITCHEN
TABLE" RUGS......... $4.00
These
are the
absolute simplest of woven rag rugs to make, since not even a frame is
needed-- just a flat surface to work on which is why they were called
"kitchen
table" rugs. Almost any fabric can be used from light cottons to heavy
denim or wool and they go together very quickly.These make a wonderful
family project. The bulletin covers each step from fabric preparation,
to weaving and finishing your rug.
Rugmakers Bulletin #14: STRING
CROCHET RUGS......... $4.00
String
Crochet
(or "Baling Twine") rugs are a delightfully simple way to get a rug
that
looks like it was woven on a loom, but you make them with a crochet
hook
instead. The bulletin covers the techniques for making long runners and
for making oval rugs in various fabrics for either light or heavy rugs.
Rugmakers Bulletin #15:
PRIMITIVE RUG HOOKING, AN INTRODUCTION...$4.00
Traditional rug hooking done with wider strips is known as 'primitive'
rug hooking. The method is ideal for a first time rug hooker, since
primitive
rugs are quicker to make than 'fine' hooking. The bulletin covers the
basics
of hooking technique on a burlap base and designing and finishing a
'primitive'
hooked rug.
Rugmakers Bulletin #16:
SNOW-ON-THE-MOUNTAIN
SHIRRED RUG ..... $4.00
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! To avoid duplication, do not order
this bulletin if you are also ordering the book "Traditional Shirred
& Standing Wool Rugs"
Rugmaker's Bulletin #17:
"BEADED" RUGS, A UNIQUE STANDING WOOL RUG
..... $4.00
Wool "beaded" rugs are a unique type of standing wool rug, made with
simple stitching, but creating a mosaic of color with tremendous
patterning
options for the textile artist. The bulletin covers the simplest 2-step
method for the beginner, or a family-project rug and the more advanced
1-step process which makes elaborate rug designs possible. The "beaded"
rugs are reversible with the deep velvety texture of all standing wool
rugs. (This technique is covered in the book "Shirred & Standing
Wool
Rugs".)
Books
from other Publishers...
Miss Rosemary's Stick Rug: A Naalbinding
Rugby
Carolyn Carlson.......... $12.00
Finally
everyone
who has waited for good Naalbinding instructions doesn't have to wait
any
longer. Carolyn Carlson has done a wonderful job of explaining these
traditional
"toothbrush" rugs in instructions and color photos. She includes
directions
for both left and right-handers, and tips on these wonderful,
traditional
toothbrush rugs! The cover is plain, but the color photos are inside
where
they count. 8-1/2" X 11", 17 pages
Copyright Rafter-four Designs
|