Trying Something New

There are some days that I am itching to try something new. Often it's triggered by seeing something on the internet that peaks my interest. Then I scour the internet and fall down the rabbit hole into information and inspiration overload. Other times I call it Crafter's ADD. Wave something new or shiny at me and I am immediately distracted. Most of the time I curb the desire to start something new by allowing myself to browse the internet to my heart's content. After that, I remind myself I still have 10,000 work in progresses that I have neglected. Then there are times that I give in because the desire stays with me for days and weeks. Hey, we all have our weak moments. I am only human.

 This week, I decided to indulge in a few small projects. I saw some pretty woven squares and rectangles on a Pinterest board that uses small hand looms like the Weave-its or Weavette. (No, I do not have a account. I already get distracted enough. I don't need more temptation.) I noticed it was not woven the same way as I usually use those looms. It was warped like a regular loom with warp threads running just up and down. Of course, I immediately wanted to experiment and give it a try. That little square above was my first go at it. Not bad, but I need to experiment further. I was satisfied that I gave it a try so now I can move on.

I am not sure how I found out about Rag Rugs. I saw a colorful rug online and boom, I fell down the rabbit hole head first. I spent a few days researching techniques and different styles of rag rug making. The technique that I came to focus on is called Toothbrush Rag Rug or also called Nålebinding. Basically, if you can make knots, you can make this rag rug. I happily dug through my collection of fabrics and ripped up strips of fabric. Since I didn't have a toothbrush handle that I could cut up, I took a large paperclip and altered it with pliers and electrical tape. It works great as a "needle". With any craft, there are many ways to go about doing something and it takes a lot of trial and error to find a technique that produces the results I want. I made mistakes along the way, but I think I have the look I want and the rug is growing and growing. Okay, enough writing. I need to get back to my new obsession rug making.

Have a great weekend! And go out and try something new. :-)