Thursday, October 11, 2012

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.

IMG_2290cr02
 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.

Toothbrush Rag Rug
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. :-)

4 comments:

Loretta said...

I know what you mean about the rabbit hole and I just fell into the same one after reading your post!!! I love the rag rug and I have SO MUCH fabric laying around. Not to mention plenty of UFO's :-( Hope that all is well!

LaBean said...

Oh, I know this story. I have a friend who's been into tatting lately and it's taking everything I have NOT to learn and start doing it too. But it's so pretty!

Evelyn said...

Oh no, you just nudged me down the rabbit hole! Love the rag rug and must try it!

nova said...

Oh, I meant to ask you, how big is your weavette? I have a 4 inch one, I think I want a 6 inch...the 4 inch is great; but, the 6 inch seems like it would be better to me for some reason.