Another successful rag rug workshop

This morning we had another rag rug workshop run by our Simple Living Toowoomba group. I think this one was our fourth as they are always very popular. One of our ladies brought along some beautiful rag rugs she has made since learning the craft a few years ago and the mauve one on the right in the photo below is absolutely huge.

 Everyone starts off the same...a little frustrated with the first few steps as it can be a little fiddly ...

 

...but after that section has been completed it is plain sailing from then on. 

 

 It is always encouraging to see one's rug grow....

 

...little by little. 

 

 Here is another rug done by the same lady who made the beauties in the first photo...

 ...and here is another one made by another very competent lady. What is great about our group is that everyone is happy to help share their skills and we all have a laugh about our mistakes. 

I did do a blog post a while back sharing some basic info about starting off a rug Toothbrush Rag/Rug Tutorial and in it there are some links to tutorials that I found helpful at the time. Last week I found another great tutorial which shows a different way to start off a circular rug which I hadn't seen before and which you might find interesting Starting an Amish Rug/Toothbrush Round Rug. 

Typically, I always seem to talk my way through these workshops and don't usually achieve much as I don't really have room for a rug as such so had been experimenting this past week with using strips of Tshirt fabric to make a small 'rug' to put on the new bench once the tradies put it in and hopefully the CEO won't burn the laminex with his metal camping cups he likes to use. Mind you, the old yellow bench from the 1970s has done well and has only shown signs of wear from his hot cups in the past few years. 

 

I am no expert with  making these rugs but so far it seems to be working out alright. I am really just experimenting with the circle shape which I haven't deliberately tried before but I do believe I ended up with a circle by mistake once :-) You could also end up with a bowl if you don't add extra stitches as you go around. Don't ask me how I know. LOL! Life's an adventure isn't it? 

As I write this I am still waiting for the forecast rain. I can see clouds but there has been no rain as yet although I believe it has rained in other parts of south east Queensland. As long as those on the land get it that is all that really matters as those of us in town have it easy in comparison. Our farmers are really doing it tough so please help them if you can by donating to the many fundraisers that are around at the moment. Judging by the Aussie Helpers page help is starting to get through but much more need to be done of course. 

Have a great weekend everyone and enjoy the rain if you happen to see any at your place.