Rag Rugging with Mandy Smith Wills

Join Mandy Smith Wills as you learn the fun art of rag rugging in person!

Rag Rugging with Mandy Smith Wills

I work in textiles and ceramics. My textile practise is centred around up cycling

fabrics and garments into rag rugs and patchwork.

I enjoy the process of using something which has been discarded and making a

useful and beautiful item from it. Diverting material from land fill is satisfying. I also

relish the tradition of these crafts and their cultural significance in the lives of women

in the past and enjoy keeping the tradition alive, while my design inspirations are

more contemporary.

I have been making rag rugs for 15 years. I was inspired by seeing rag rugs in folk

museums and the historic homes of working people. My family history also includes

a tradition of rag rug making, but sadly no examples or pictures exist.

This is an inexpensive hobby and an art form that requires little in the way of tools

or bought materials. It is quick easy to learn, and designs can be as simple or

complex as you like. It has the advantage of being something one can do while

chatting to friends, listening to an audio book or podcast or with one eye on the TV! It

does not require studio space and can be stashed away when you are not actively

working on it. Therefore, it is ideal for those with limited space. It also keeps fingers

and hands flexible and out of the biscuit tin. So, what are you waiting for?

On this course I will.

Teach you the two main traditional rag rug stitches.

Demonstrate how to go from a sketch, photograph, or other image to a design on

your rug.

Discuss the materials needed to make a rug and how to go about preparing them.

Show you how to finish your rug.

Share tips I have learnt along the way.

Get you started on your first sample piece.

Materials will be provided; however, it would be lovely if you could bring a pair of

scissors for cutting fabric or a rotary fabric cutter for your own use. It would also be

ideal if you could bring couple of discarded clean garments in a lightweight cotton or

jersey, plain, soft, worn, items are ideal. Stains, rips, and logos are not a problem.

I look forward to meeting you.