Country Rag Crafts

Turn old scraps of fabric into rustic country crafts -- the possibilities are endless. Create an original stencil design or wall border from fabric motifs, and transform dull chairs, stools, and curtain rods into fun furnishings.

Many home sewers and fabric crafters have a stash of remnants and colorful old clothing but really don't have any plans for what to do with them. Bawden (The Cushion Book, Abbeville, 1995) and Reeves have the answer. Castoffs are traditionally used in rag rugs, and Bawden has instructions for hooked, braided, and woven rugs, as well as a British variation of reverse hooking called "prodded." In addition to general instructions and several projects, her book has a gallery of works by other designers. Reeves ventures into rag chair seats, greeting cards, wreaths, and jewelry, as well as the usual rugs. Her use of cut-up knit sweaters is unusual and effective. All her projects have step-by-step instructions and lists of materials. Both books are colorful and very practical.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Rag may acquire additional meaning as an adjective with the publication of Reeves' introduction to rag crafts. Although country style to some people might be equivalent to kitschlike, primitive-looking cows, sheep, and geese, in the author's hands it--as well as rag rugs, rag wearables, and rag decorating--becomes sophisticated, uptown design. The full-color photographs, all a melange of different projects, not just one or two, give readers a great sense of the possibilities, especially since the 50 projects contain only generic instructions. Some of the featured ideas are old indeed, from the rag rugs to coiled carpets. Others reveal both Reeves' familiarity with a variety of techniques (marbling, tie-dyeing, needlework) and her genuine creativity, such as stuffing clear plastic tubing (materials used for wine making) with brightly colored scraps. Earth-friendly, environmentally conscious, and innovative design. Barbara Jacobs