The denim strips just sat there waiting. I was immersed and for a good three weeks, my fiber-y exploits were all about the knitting. I didn’t even take the time to warp the new weaving cones I got. I kept on telling myself that I would do it… but the linen yarn for the planned rag rug sat there untouched.
…and when I finally did it yesterday, it all came together so quickly…
I wound a three yard warp of the linen I purchased from Webs. I sleyed and threaded. I wound the strips of jeans onto the large rag shuttles. I made a rug for my front door. It was simple and relatively quick to complete.
The rags were quite bulky, and much of the beating was actually done by hand. The unevenness of the strips and the frequent bulk of the seams made it nearly impossible to beat with the loom’s beater. I tugged and beat the strips down with my fingers, and they held up well. I hope that means that the rug will hold up well for all of the feet that will be walking all over it:
Humans
Canines
Felines
I loved making something so functional. I love knowing that it will be right inside my front door when I come home. The ease and simplicity of the process were just what I needed to give me a little boost of weaving confidence. I am hoping that with more practice, the pieces will just get better. The real beauty of working with rags is that it will never look perfect. It has the homemade look: scrappy and asymmetrical. It is supposed to be that way! For a beginner, this is a gift!
It looks totally gorgeous and cozy, Lolly!!! *Fantastic* job!
Lolly, this is absolutely lovely! wonderful work!
I spy hockey skates and a stick! Nice looking rug though
It must feel incredibly resourceful. I bet everyone in your family wants one now!
I couldn’t figure out what you were going to do with old jeans that would look good, but this is awesome! Bold and modern and yet fun to walk on. Great thinking, L!
ohmygosh, i LOVE it. sooo cool!
Your rug is so awesome! Very cool.
How incredibly cool is that! You are such a talented artistic person Lolly and you are making me want to run out and buy a small loom to fool around with (in addition to the spinning wheel I want). I also love making functional things. You should also feel good because you are recycling something that might have been thrown away by someone else.
This is great! You are really making me want to learn how to weave.
Totally awesome way to recycle!!!!
Great idea! It looks awesome.
Wow, that came together so fast! It’s functional, eco-friendly and so charming. I love it and I hope it lasts for many days.
I love the rug! The linen looks much thicker than I thought it would be. Would you be able to knit with it? I’m always curious about knitting with weaving yarns.
Fantastic. I’ve been hoarding my husband’s old jeans for some time now….you’ve inspired me to walk away from the computer and cut strips. I’m going to try to knit something in the same vein! Thanks for the inspiration!!
I have been saving blue jeans for years. I was wondering how wide did you cut your strips? And could you recommend sources of information for weaving with rags made from blue jeans?
Thank you, Kelli