Country Rag Crafts

by Sue Reeves

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.

Genres: Crafts

120 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1996

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

attractive, doable and usable projects with clear instructions. Lots of color photos as well as drawings to illustrate methods. I've been looking at rag rugging books and this is one of the few that talks about adding a latex adhesive to the backs of the rugs to make them durable. Most books seem to assume that the rugs will never need to deal with wear and tear. Great ideas for upcycling old fabric and old knits.

[Deana David Lissenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books of all time. Glorious eye candy photography to get lost in, and amazingly fun content. The projects are eternal and tasteful. I can't think of a prettier book.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keep in mind that this is an older craft book (from 1996) so the photographs do look a little dated. If you can get past the overwhelming photos of lots of clashing colors and fabric patterns, this book has many good craft ideas with detailed instructions and clear diagrams. Most of the crafts pertain to rug making, weaving, wreath making, sewing or covering things with fabric. While I am personally against gluing fabric to furniture, housewares, and curtain rods, the information on making rugs, block printing, and weaving more than make up for it. I also really enjoy this book due to its focus on reusing fabric and its tips for storage and making continuous strips of fabric. It is refreshing to read a book about recycling from before "green" became a buzzword. Instead of trumpeting the moral merits of being good for the environment, this book focuses on the economy and practicality of making beautiful things from that horrific polyester shirt you saw at the thrift store (or in the bottom of your closet!)If you are interested in textile crafts and you see this book at the library, give it a look.

[Judi · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you hate to waste fabric, new or old, this book has lots of ideas to use it. Unlike a lot of other fabric books, it includes uses for knitwear as well.