12 Hour Classes
INSTRUCTOR:
Pat Richards, Artisan
COURSE:
Textiles/Embroidery
PROJECT:
Penny Woolen Rug
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The first penny wool rugs date from the 19th Century, and appear to have been purely decorative items from our thrifty ancestors who made them out of whatever wool scraps they could lay their hands on. The “penny” part of the name, of course, refers to the lovely round motifs that feature prominently in most designs and from the possibility that the large early 19th Century pennies were used as patterns. Today “penny rug” is a fairly generic term for a decorative rug or mat made from felted wool.
Students will be working with a large assortment of hand-dyed and felted wools, and as they stitch the motifs and borders together, they will be amazed at the evolution of their work, as each new color added changes its overall appearance. Construction of the rug uses a simple blanket or buttonhole stitch; French knots add a little optional decorative touch. If students are not familiar with them when they begin, they will be by the end of the class. It’s a wonderful journey in color play with a lovely finished product at the end.
TIME:
12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS:
none
SKILL LEVEL:
Suitable for all skill levels and all should leave with a finished rug, maybe two!
MATERIALS FEE:
$20 to be collected at school