The Crafters' Way 55 - Library Review

I write a weekly craft column for a local paper. I post it here for bloggers or you can view it online at http://www.northlakesmessenger.com.au/

Date Claimer: Multicap will be holding their Star Festival at Old Petrie Town, Dayboro Rd. Kurwongbah on Saturday 12th July. The Festival will run from 1pm – 4pm. You will be able to participate in Pottery Making Workshops, enjoy an Art Exhibition and much more. Hope to see you there.

The Moreton Bay Regional Council Library at Pathways has a wonderful variety of craft books to borrow. Many of these books are recent releases. Borrowing craft books from the Library is an inexpensive and convenient way to learn a new craft. The Pathways Library is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm. Thursday 9.00 am – 8.00pm. Saturday & Sunday 10.00 am – 3.00 pm.

Rug Hooking for the First time by Donna Lovelady (746.74 LOV)
As the author says in her introduction “ rug hooking is one of the easiest crafts to learn. There is really only one stitch”. This book set out to teach you how to hook, this is not latch hook or proddy. The tool looks a little like a crochet hook. The base fabric is inexpensive Hessian. The author only uses wool fabric however once you master the basic you can experiment with other types of fabric. Once you have mastered the basic from this book you will be ready for the next title.

Handcrafted Rugs by Sandra Hardy (746.7 HAR)

This book moves on from the above method. All Rug Making techniques are explored. There is a thorough explanation of colour theory and for dyeing your own fabrics and threads. Each chapter is divided into Materials, Equipment and Tools, Design Considerations, Working Instructions, Finishing and Variations. Each technique is then covered with a project. All diagrams are relevant and are easy to follow. Toward the back of the book is a chapter solely devoted to Finishing Touches.

If you’ve been confused by the various methods for handcrafting rugs this book will clarify them for you. I’m sure you will try at least one of the methods.