ridinteacher

About me

Weaving Since

2005 ? can't remember!

Kinds of weaving

rag rugs

Pets? Kids?

twin girls( 21) and a boy (19). Horses, dog, cats

Favorite Color

buckskin with chestnut as a close second - horse colors!

Favorite Fiber

I'll use anything I can weave...

State/Province

South Dakota

Website or blog

http://renew2beginagain.blogspot.com

About me

I'm a self taught rug maker. I originally was a denim blanket maker who couldn't bring herself to throw away the denim pieces that were stained. These I cut into strips, sewed together, balled and saved until I had a big stash. At that point the search started to find someone who had a loom to get them made into rugs. Each time I had accumulated enough to send away, I found my previous weaver had passed on. It was literally a dying craft in my area!

I started to watch for a loom. I found one at an estate auction sale only 4 miles from my home. I bought a Union #36 (antique) and amazingly the original instruction book was with it.

From that book, and alot of head scratching, I figured it out. I am at heart very frugal (the ex called me cheap) so all my weft is "found" materials. I use denim - just spread the word about needing jeans and they appear! I use sheets, curtains, towels, chenille blankets, etc. Anything textile that is given to me, along with materials bought at salvation army stores, garage sales, and thrift shops -- as long as it is cheap. I would like to find someone to mentor me on different warping options and find out what all is possible on my loom.

Rugs are a way for me to enjoy myself and make a little cash on the side to help make ends meet. I also do alot of other crafty type things including drawing, stained glass, quilting, furniture refinishing, etc. I am currently remodeling a house.

Other activities include 4-H, church activities, and following the sports my son is involved in. I've been a 4-H leader for 21 years and have my own club and also the horse key leader for the county.