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Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsIt's DONE!!
After I was 2/3 finished with this thing three years ago, I recently tore out the lacing and relaced most of it and then finished braiding and lacing up the rest of it.
The rug is done! Needs some blocking but that's next week when the weather is warmer and I can take it outside to mess with it.
It contains three complete Army blankets most of a blanket of the other colors, 100% wool braiding, 100% cotton lacing.
BootinUp
(47,179 posts)I had to do something with all those blankets. They weren't nice enough to put on a bed and I don't do quilting. I would have had a bunch of quilts. This was the best thing I could think of doing with them. If I had worked on it eight hours a day five days a week, it would have taken about 7 - 8 weeks.
AZ8theist
(5,488 posts)JUST KIDDING!!!
I wouldn't know where TO START!!!!
Beautiful work!
Srkdqltr
(6,315 posts)2naSalit
(86,767 posts)Diamond_Dog
(32,047 posts)2naSalit
(86,767 posts)CaliforniaPeggy
(149,683 posts)I have a couple of braided rugs like yours (one is smaller) that my mom made, and they are astonishing.
Thank you for sharing your art!
If you feel like it, you might post this in the Photo Group too. I'm sure our photographers would also love it.
2naSalit
(86,767 posts)It was fun to make and gave me lots of "therapy time"! And used up a bunch of old blankets.
BOSSHOG
(37,096 posts)Craftsmanship My Friend.
2naSalit
(86,767 posts)I make lots of things but I haven't made anything for a while, it was nice to get this project finished so I have room to do something else. It literally took up my whole living-room space* with the table to keep it flat while I worked it. You have no idea how good it feels to sit ON it instead of making my way around it for a couple weeks.
*Kind of too small to call it an actual room.
Demsrule86
(68,643 posts)2naSalit
(86,767 posts)Demsrule86
(68,643 posts)FalloutShelter
(11,877 posts)Great job.
2naSalit
(86,767 posts)debm55
(25,300 posts)2naSalit
(86,767 posts)Hope22
(1,857 posts)Nice job!❤️❤️
2naSalit
(86,767 posts)MLAA
(17,318 posts)Considering there are three shades of Army blanket green, it was interesting to see if I could transition from one to another without making that point loud. I'm pleased with it. I acquired the green blankets separately over time so I had to work with what was available. The other colors were old blankets I already had. I spent more on cutting tools for stripping up the fabric than on anything else.
But it made me learn how to make a proper rug. I made an attempts several years ago and did everything wrong that could be done and still end up with a little rug. I laughed when I looked everything up and realized how big a "blow-it" case the first one was.
MLAA
(17,318 posts)I use to make quilts by hand and my least favorite part was cutting the fabric. But when I finished a quilt I kept it a few weeks to enjoy looking at it then gave it away. Wish Id kept one! But the older woman who taught me quilt when I was in my 20s made me several and I treasure them. Your rugs will be the same kind of treasure.
blm
(113,083 posts)fierywoman
(7,690 posts)2naSalit
(86,767 posts)wendyb-NC
(3,328 posts)Well done.
2naSalit
(86,767 posts)littlemissmartypants
(22,746 posts)2naSalit
(86,767 posts)That was the intent, at least. The only things I have to leave behind are pieces of my art and maybe some jewelry.
Thank you, I don't show off my stuff very often, this was a project. It wasn't hard work, just took perseverance.
Hermit-The-Prog
(33,403 posts)2naSalit
(86,767 posts)All you have to know, for most of it, is how to braid.
Hermit-The-Prog
(33,403 posts)That still looks like a lot of work and a pretty result.
Congrats!
2naSalit
(86,767 posts)Denim for this, it looks pretty when braided. If you can braid a rope, you can do this. I watched videos online to learn how to do it properly... and the easy way to do it. You just need a big, flat surface to do the lacing. Lacing is like lacing a shoe, you just draw a cord through the braid loops, that's all.
I have some "rounds" that I started a while ago that are denim, those will become throw pillows.
WhiteTara
(29,721 posts)You have some great skills.
2naSalit
(86,767 posts)When you lash it together is where the design takes form.
WhiteTara
(29,721 posts)Creating a beautiful rug from strips of material. You are definitely a master.
Ive just gotten back in to crocheting and to me its another form of magic.
lucca18
(1,243 posts)Nice design and colors.❤️
2naSalit
(86,767 posts)diva77
(7,652 posts)It's getting walked upon, that's for sure. I don't wear shoes around the house so that will help keep it nice for a time.
LoisB
(7,223 posts)mountain grammy
(26,644 posts)I love braided rugs.
2naSalit
(86,767 posts)I needed to do something with a pile of old blankets, this is what I came up with.
Dem2theMax
(9,653 posts)And that rocking chair looks pretty amazing. Wish there was a full view of it. I've never seen one with a seat like that. The rug and the chair go very well together.
2naSalit
(86,767 posts)The chair does go well with the rug. It's what I sat in while braiding and even while I was lacing sometimes.
It's not as spectacular as it looks but it's comfortable and looks great with the rug which you can see was not finished when these pictures were taken.
OAITW r.2.0
(24,570 posts)Did you ever read, "The teachings of Don Juan"?
https://www.amazon.com/Teachings-Don-Juan-Yaqui-Knowledge/dp/0671600419
2naSalit
(86,767 posts)I'm so relieved to have it finished.
I do like geometric designs, the Native American art out here is a feature so there are great patterns for inspiration.
Dem2theMax
(9,653 posts)I love rocking chairs. And I've never seen one like that one. Nice to know it's comfortable to sit in as well. And the rug was still a baby rug! It grew!
moniss
(4,274 posts)as is the chair!! I can remember the days before decent vacuum cleaners when we would have to take the rugs outside every so often and hang them over the clothesline and beat them with a rug beater. It gave you all the work out you could take.
2naSalit
(86,767 posts)I'm hoping my succulator machine is strong enough to spare me that workout!
LeftInTX
(25,521 posts)2naSalit
(86,767 posts)You just keep the edges folded in while braiding, it actually goes by pretty fast.
OAITW r.2.0
(24,570 posts)Like a trip I took in 72.
2naSalit
(86,767 posts)I can't see the whole thing when I'm sitting in the chair so I don't get that effect.
OAITW r.2.0
(24,570 posts)If not, you should!
2naSalit
(86,767 posts)This is an exclusive for DUers only.
OAITW r.2.0
(24,570 posts)2naSalit
(86,767 posts)arkielib
(119 posts)2naSalit
(86,767 posts)rubbersole
(6,723 posts)Beautiful work 2naSalit
2naSalit
(86,767 posts)Rhiannon12866
(205,887 posts)2naSalit
(86,767 posts)It was a lot easier than it looks.
calimary
(81,440 posts)Absolutely TERRIFIC workmanship!
You didnt merely make a rug. You created a new family heirloom!
It is an heirloom, I realized somewhere along the way.
I'm pleased with the result. My floors get cold in winter and it makes a good sound barrier too. But it's nice to look at too.
ShazzieB
(16,497 posts)I love braided rugs, and this one looks really good. Nice work!
2naSalit
(86,767 posts)democrank
(11,100 posts)Well done!
2naSalit
(86,767 posts)brer cat
(24,595 posts)2naSalit
(86,767 posts)Sanity Claws
(21,852 posts)Great upcycling of other materials and you got a unique color scheme.
What is this craft called? Rug braiding?
Once I have a name, I know how to research it. I have some materials that I'd love to reuse in a different way.
2naSalit
(86,767 posts)Yes, it's just braided fabric, you can use anything... Tshirts, old anything really. There are other techniques using simple or no tools. I just did a search for braided rugs and rug braiding and found a wealth of instruction videos and supply sites.
I liked the way this lady explains things:
https://www.youtube.com/c/MarjorieKBraidBuddi/videos
Niagara
(7,649 posts)That is gorgeous !
I love it when a plan comes together and when that plan becomes a reality, a colossal accomplishment has emerged.
2naSalit
(86,767 posts)It really is one of the simpler fetes in my repertoire. It does look great when done, though. Really looks far more difficult than it was to accomplish. wasn't even all that time consuming.
Niagara
(7,649 posts)MiHale
(9,773 posts)Youre so talented. One of my favorite color combos.
Excuse me but that rocker looks fascinating that seat is awesome.
2naSalit
(86,767 posts)Oak veneer seat, I was skeptical at first look but I couldn't leave the antique store without it. I like the leather headrest, still in good shape. It came form some high rolling ranch at some time in the past. Definitely a big ranch western style of furniture, slightly grandiose.
It does take up a lot of space in a small dwelling, though.
underpants
(182,868 posts)Congratulations 🎈
2naSalit
(86,767 posts)I had to take a hiatus from working on it due to having to move and then finding the time and tables to finish it off. Braiding can be done anywhere, the lacing requires a flat surface. When I had the surface set up, it took up a third of my living space in my tiny dwelling making it a priority to get it done. I had all the materials prepared and everything, just doing the work was all it needed. Such a relief!
Goddessartist
(1,851 posts)I grew up with braided rugs! Thank you for sharing!
2naSalit
(86,767 posts)I grew up with them too. I was shown how to make them when I was a kid so the idea for braided rug came quickly when I realized I needed to do something with them. I had to acquire two of the green blankets but only had to buy the last one cheap. I have enough for another.smaller one of other colors but I have to dye one of the blankets as it's a hideous green that goes with nothing other than a bunch of other shades of green in a menagerie sort of arrangement.
My next braiding adventure is to finish off some throw pillows made from old jeans.
Goddessartist
(1,851 posts)I never learned how to make them, and would love to get one for our home for the upstairs room with a wood floor - wood floors throughout the house.
I love your rug. I want one just like it!
sl8
(13,864 posts)LuckyCharms
(17,455 posts)You done good!
You have talent!
2naSalit
(86,767 posts)I'm charmed!
BumRushDaShow
(129,376 posts)I grew up with "rag rugs" and I still get a few when I can find them. Your "hand made" is amazing AND wool to boot!
2naSalit
(86,767 posts)They're easy to make and always look great.
AllaN01Bear
(18,359 posts)2naSalit
(86,767 posts)I like them but they are pretty expensive so I made one. I had a pile of old blankets and this is the best way to recycle them that I could think of. Wool has value until it disintegrates.
onecaliberal
(32,888 posts)It looks like a beautiful piece of art.
2naSalit
(86,767 posts)Wicked Blue
(5,850 posts)Congratulations.
2naSalit
(86,767 posts)yonder
(9,670 posts)What's next?
2naSalit
(86,767 posts)Throw pillows that I started and didn't finish. Braided denim, it looks cool. I made chair-pads for a gift a couple years ago, they came out nice. I figure these throw pillows will be indestructo-industrial strength so they might last around me.
ancianita
(36,132 posts)2naSalit
(86,767 posts)CousinIT
(9,256 posts)I love the rug. And the rocker. Is the rocker also handmade or bought? I haven't seen one like that before.
2naSalit
(86,767 posts)I'm not sure about the history of the rocker. I would guess that it's a custom thing that probably came from one of the big old ranches in the area, they had had some right nice stuff, those ranchers and copper barons. I got it from a junk/antiques dealer. It has enough dings to have lost some value, that's why I could afford it!
CousinIT
(9,256 posts)I think maybe old and recycled treasures are the best!
pandr32
(11,605 posts)2naSalit
(86,767 posts)I like repurposing things. It's a surefire way to know that they got recycled into something useful.
Kid Berwyn
(14,951 posts)You really set them off with the maroon, white and silver blue which also are outstanding highlights.
It's a work of art, alive.
2naSalit
(86,767 posts)GeoWilliam750
(2,522 posts)I can still remember my grandmother doing these sorts of rugs in our living room.
liberalla
(9,257 posts)That's a very handsome rug.
Upthevibe
(8,069 posts)Wow! It's awesome.......... You are SO talented!
Tesha
(20,856 posts)2naSalit
(86,767 posts)10 Turtle Day
(74 posts)Its beautiful!
2naSalit
(86,767 posts)And welcome to DU!
planetc
(7,831 posts)2naSalit
(86,767 posts)I KNOW I'm not the Lone Ranger in that category!
orangecrush
(19,611 posts)Thanks for sharing!
Mme. Defarge
(8,040 posts)2naSalit
(86,767 posts)Et, merci beaucoup!
Mme. Defarge
(8,040 posts)Duncanpup
(12,872 posts)2naSalit
(86,767 posts)Utilitarian entertainment at its best.
marble falls
(57,172 posts)2naSalit
(86,767 posts)That's more like crochet in a large medium. This is flat out braiding like I used to do with my hair. The fabric edges are folded in to make a smooth strand with substance and makes for a solid braid. And it isn't plaiting either. I did that, not knowing the difference, when I made a smaller rug years ago. I did everything you could do wrong and still come out with a finished product, the hard way. This one is so simple that I would make a lot of these if I had the room and fabric supply.
Bayard
(22,128 posts)Its lovely.