Wool Rug

Wow!  Blog entries two days in a row.  Feeling homesteady, I guess.
Today I started an experiment with my loom.  I'm making a rug out of wool fiber. 

I card this and twist it into a long rollag.  Then I use it for the weft in the rug.

I know there has to be an easier way than the way I'm doing this.  I plan on washing it after it's done so the fibers can bind better.  I'll post a picture when it's finished.  (But only if it turns out.)

January!!

I'm no longer complaining about how warm it is.  We finally have some real January weather.  It's been -30 two mornings in a row, now.  Finally weather we can brag about.  :)

Have you been over to Mama Pea's  blog?  She's been making some beautiful rugs.  I like making rugs though mine never look as nice, or lay as flat as hers.   I took a class on weaving last October and fell in love with the rigid heddle loom.  This loom is much easier to warp and set up than the standard table loom that I never used and finally gave away.
This is the one that I gave away-

I've been practicing on my new loom and thought I'd try a rug.

I am pleased with the finished project.

So is Houston, he thinks it's his new bed. The rug isn't as tight a weave as my great-grandma used to do on her rug loom, but I think it'll hold up alright.  I used t-shirts for the weft. I'm ready to start another one.  I'm loving this.

I also have a sweater to finish. I've lost my enthusiasm for making it, but I know it has to get done.  It's made out of alpaca that I sheared, dyed and spun.  I like the look, but I'd rather be making rugs, now.

January is a great time for these projects.  Christmas behind us and taxes ahead of us.  January is time for a break.

Making Rugs

I finally finished!  I started this rug last year and just got tired of looking at it sitting on my cedar chest waiting to be finished. I made it out of t-yarn .  I just made granny squares and put them together.  It's not laying flat yet, but it should after laying on the floor for a bit-

I made this one last year-

There are so many ways to make rugs.  Both of these are crocheted, but you can use the toothbrush technique if you want a more heavy duty rug.
You can braid t-yarn- http://sewliberated.typepad.com/sew_liberated/2011/01/the-rainbow-rug.html

Isn't this beautiful?  It's from the above website.

You can weave it on a hoola-hoop- http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/crafts-by-type/sewing-fabric-projects/no-sew-projects/hula-hoop-rug-995304/

(picture from Family Fun)

Or make a latch hook rug- http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/crafts-by-type/sewing-fabric-projects/no-sew-projects/hula-hoop-rug-995304/

(photo from e-how)

One more thing, if you've gone through all of the dressers and closets in your house and people are starting to complain because they can't find a t shirt, thrift stores are a great source for more supplies.  Our thrift store sells a whole bag of t shirts for $2!

 I think the braided rug is next on the list.  I love the colors that she used.