Author: smocks & sews
Date: 11-27-04 15:02
Hi Gita,
Penny rugs are not new, they have been around since the mid 1800's, housewives at that time, never threw anything away, every little scrap of fabric was used, and many times the piece was only as big as a penny, so the name Penny rugs. Most often it was wool, cut into circles and stitched together, the very first rugs were actually bed rugs, and used as a coverlet, smaller items were used for floor mats and table coverings. The largest penny rug that I have made is at www.groups.msn.com/nanapennypockets/wendys, I think its on page 3. Start with a wool base and just be creative, with shapes, and colors, the process is very relaxing and enjoyable, I use felted wool, so when I applique the pieces onto a wool base, they do not ravel, I usually stitch them down with either a buttonhole or top stitch, or even running stitch with pearl cotton #5, 8 or 12. The design which is part of the base, it borders the inside design , these are refered to as "lamb's tongues"
Check out www.colonialcrafts.com they carry some cute patterns.
Wendy P.
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