Ref: S2D37999
You will learn four different techniques for rag rug making by using traditional hand tools. Your found fabrics will be cut into strips and worked onto a hessian backing, on or off a frame. You will produce a looped or clippy pile to make a homely slip mat, motif cushion or cosy kitchen seat mat.
This heritage thrift craft was used in the make do and mend years, out of necessity, and was the embodiment of recycling and making new from old. You will learn to choose and prepare your fabrics, for hooky and proddy, into either long strips or shorter tabs. You will transfer your designs using a template or gridding up method. You will learn how to stretch your hessian backing onto a frame, how to use a rug hook, bodger, a shuttle hook and how to braid long wide textile strips for a coiled mat. You will be shown best ways to stitch a hemmed backing to finish off your work securely.
On the first evening session, you will be introduced to the hand tools, how to set up an upright frame and hoop frame, and examine some rag rug samples and working fabrics. We will then discuss your ideas.
On the next day, you will transfer your designs to hessian by gridding up or using a template. You will learn how to prepare your textiles and to use a cutting wheel. You will create small samples using each tool (shuttle samples will be worked onto a separate frame) and then choose your tool and working method of choice and start your chosen project.
The following day, you will continue working on your own design, combining techniques if you wish, and experiment with various textiles/fabrics. There will be hand-outs and one-to-one tuition throughout the course. You will finish with an informal discussion on the work produced within the group.
Some textiles to use and hessian to work samples
Available from shop: Cotton calico for backing fabric
Available from tutor: You can borrow tools from the tutor during the course, with the option to buy at the end if you wish. Hessian will be available to buy, if you wish to set up an upright frame. (The tutor has a SumUp payments card machine).
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 9pm (attendance is essential)
Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.15am - 12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm
Teaching finishes: 3pm
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am. Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.
*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options
Debbie Siniska is a rag rug artist and feltmaker, author and teacher, and works using traditional hand tools to create rag rugs, cushions and wall pieces. Her work is exhibited in the V&A Museum, Tate Gallery shop, Charleston Farmhouse, bohemian home of artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, and for the National Trust. She teaches in schools, colleges and art centres in the South East, and has published a book Rag Rugs - Old into New.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
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