RAG RUGGERS

by Angela Webber

First of all can I say how much I am enjoying my projects with The Stitchbook Collective after meeting you at Harrogate Knitting and Stitching Show.

I enjoyed the collections theme and have done two pieces up to now for that and expect to do more because as a crafter of course I collect everything ! I have a plan for ' journeys' but it is only in my head at the moment and some photos that I have taken and using freezer paper (with the help of one of your workshops) have printed on to fabric in readiness.

I only use recycled clothing or remnants in my work as I like it to still be a thrift craft and it is a nice hobby to have when you are on a low income! Then in the magazine I was reminded of the fun of weaving so I am doing small pieces using Helen's idea of using small boxes. For the weaving I used some strips of fabric and some treasured sari yarn that I have not wanted to use till the right project came along.I am embellishing the piece with beads that I made from Fimo and leaving the ends free with couching.

But all that went on hold when I received the third magazine that had my favourite craft Rag Rugging in.

I have been making rugs and wall hangings for many years having first learned to do proddy at Beamish Museum . I was lucky enough then to be shown how to hook rugs in Cumbria. This was before You tube had demonstrations so we had to search out people who could show us different techniques.

Later I was fortunate to attend workshops by the wonderful Heather Ritchie who has unfortunately passed away (her books are amazing), Cilla Cameron who sells hooks and the best hessian and monkscloth. and Amy Oxford who teaches punch needle.

I demonstrated at The Old farmyard in Ripley with my friend Trixie who spun the fleece from the sheep there. We both dressed up to make it look more authentic. I then progressed to running my own weekly workshops on the farm and they became well attended.

We started our own little group on Facebook to keep in touch with each other an suddenly I had friend requests from all over. We can post our work in a similar supportive way as our Stitchbook Members group.

Our Facebook Group is called Rag Ruggers

PLEASE feel free to join us if Helen has encouraged you to give it a try.