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Monday 7 September 2009

Authentic Crochet Rag Rug Patterns Circa – 1930/40’s

Rug Making by Penelope

A comprehensive instruction book covering all types of Rug Making

I managed to get hold of this book via the library but it is so old it has no date reference or ISBN number etc. I have researched it on the internet but can find no history of it. What a find.

The earliest library stamp on the book is 9th October, 1941 but the photographs and pictures would suggest that it was compiled and created at some point in the 1930’s.

I am fairly certain that there are no copyright laws that might prohibit it from being documented here it is obviously out of print at this point. . The book covers a multitude of rug making techniques and traditional latch and hook dominates, but here I am interested solely in the crochet rag rugs.


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All of these rugs have been produced using rug wool, unlike my rugs which use recycled household fabrics. However the basic pattern and instructions should apply, with necessary adjustments made, regardless of the media used.


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Foreword


Throughout the centuries our women have plied the needle in one form or another. In medieval times while the menfolk were away at the crusades, tapestry work held sway and beautiful woven hangings and embroidered tapestries were created to add decoration and warmth to their rather bleak homes. It is an interesting reflection that such things of beauty should be the outcome of war and even in our own times many lovely pieces of embroidery and exquisite rugs were made by bedridden and convalescent ex-servicemen.


There is a special fascination and satisfaction in rug-making, for with the completion of each row and the gradual growth of the pattern, one finds it hard to put it on one side, in fact it is a pleasant recreation at which the whole family can join. Practically every one is born with a desire to create something beautiful and lasting, but in this modern world of rush and bustle it is not possible for many of us to find the time to make our own designs and indeed many have no aptitude for this. With this in mind our little book has been compiled, and a glance at the following pages will convince the most expert and critical observer that there are rugs to suit every taste.


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Note: This page has now been rescanned so the instructions are clearer.


If any of the instructions are unclear please email me and I will try my best to clarify.




Penelope was original part of WM BRIGGS & CO Ltd, 34, Can more Street, Manchester, UK


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Here are the embryonic beginnings of my most recent crochet rag rug. Here made using a 15mm crochet hook.


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The rug has grown considerably since these picture but isn’t yet complete. You can see my other rag rugs through out my blogs here http://goodtimesithinkso.blogspot.com/2009_07_01_archive.html and here http://goodtimesithinkso.blogspot.com/2009/08/crochet-rag-rug.html


I will document more of the patterns and other techniques of rug making in the future.


Blogger Labels: Authentic,Crochet,Penelope,instruction,library,October,multitude,latch,hook,wool,tapestry,decoration,reflection,outcome,embroidery,fascination,satisfaction,completion,growth,recreation,world,aptitude,observer,beginnings,techniques,fabrics,adjustments,tapestries,pieces,goodtimesithinkso,blogspot

13 comments:

Diana said...

WOW!! The book is a treasure and so are you.

Diana

Lisa said...

I would like to make the lounge rug but the scan of the 3rd page is cut off on the right side!! I know you said to email you, but I can't figure out how to do that!!

The Sunroom said...

Hi Diana,

Thanks for your comments. You can email me direct at thesunroomuk@googlemail.com and I will send a copy of the scan this evening. I will also try and rescan and adjust the post soon.
Thanks again and good luck with the rug.

PS - there is a small envelope at the bottom of each post if you hit that it sends an email direct.

Allie said...

Thanks for sharing your treasure of a find! I'm just new to the rag rug making hobby and I'm totally hooked... I can't wait to try some of these patterns.
Thanks again!

The Sunroom said...

Allie,
Thank you for your kind words. Rag rugs are a total delight to make and very compulsive!
Happy Hooking

Unknown said...

Spacify has a collection of modern Rugs with an array of modern designs. Each has its own great look that will find a way to enhance your home.

The Sunroom said...

Henry,
Thanks for the link but I think you'll find that the people who visit here are into genuine, handcrafted and handmade items. Most people want to make the items themselves - thus creating something genuine and authentic. Your site looks like it stocks mass produced items that to many are dull and meaningless. Those that state handcrafted are probably cheap imports from third world countries that are proced through an infrastructure of poverty and exploitation.

You might find this link useful too http://www.spam.com/products/classicsevenoz.aspx

and

http://www.buyhandmade.org/

Anonymous said...

These is really nice to see the wide range of modern rugs. Specially I liked crochet rag rug. It is really nice piece.
area rugs

Anonymous said...

I think I know where the book that you scanned was printed/wrote?? England. In Britain the living room is referred to as the lounge. As well as the spelling of color. In the book is is colour. The format for the address to order yarn/wool is in the European format as well. Good book I would like to try and fine a copy for myself

Anonymous said...

I just bought this book from Amazon.co.UK for 4.75 BPS which is about $10.00 US

Kristina said...

love to have a copy of this great find sent to my email. and also i would to have the pattern to the crochet project you are using as ur background, lovely colors and pattern.

Kristina said...

cant wait to make my first rag rug

LisaLisaEm said...

Thank you for sharing, so many people selling patterns these days, it's nice to see people share!