Description: One form of appliqued table rug that became very popular during the mid to late 19th
century was the “penny rug”, so called because of the small circular patches of wool used to create geometric and pictorial scenes. After shearing, spinning, weaving and wearing one’s own wool, no one would throw away a piece of woolen fabric until it was smaller than a penny! Every scrap was recycled. Soon creative stitchers developed images of flowers, urns, birds, and familiar animals in their penny rug appliques. Each penny rug was further embellished by the use of simple embroidery stitches to hold each patch in place, and to add expressive detail.
Prior to class, students can preview the Penny Rug Kits on Janet’s website. The price of the kits is based on the size and complexity of the project and materials. Each kit contains a unique selection of pre-washed and hand dyed wools, patterns and design suggestions, along with the embroidery needle and threads! Once you have selected your kit, email Janet in advance and she will bring your kit to the workshop. She will also bring additional kits, for those who fall in love with penny rugs and want to start their next project.
In class, the sequence and procedure of penny rug making will be demonstrated from start to finish—including creative stitches. History, antique examples, and sources for purchasing more materials will be discussed. Anyone who enjoys rug hooking, rug braiding, or quilting would enjoy making penny rugs! Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover bits and pieces, it’s a portable project that’s great for traveling, and the finished penny rugs make wonderful gifts!