Saturday, July 2, 2011

A New Summer Project!

If you haven't noticed, I LOVE the color pink. Everything I have is PINK. A pink room, pink iPod, pink bedspread, etc. I love to accent everything in my room, with a shade of pink. I had this really cute fluffy, hot pink rug that looked adorable in my room. The problem was, it shed. EVERYWHERE. It got in my hair, my clothes, my carpet, and every other place you could imagine. It was bad.

You may have seen the circle rug, my mom Maiden Jane, has made. It was made out of old t-shirts and woven with a hula-hoop. 

I really liked the idea, but thought a circle rug would not work for me. So I brainstormed, and thought some way I could make a big, long rectangular loom. My dad put together a loom, using PVC pipes, and I was all set to make the rug! I bought 50 cent pink shirts from Pat-Catans and started weaving.

I ran into a problem right away. Although I wasn't pulling that tight, the rug sides still pulled in.

So we brainstormed again and we decided to avoid that problem, we can simply weave the sides of the loom in...and when we are done, just pull the side pipes out. As I was weaving, I wasn't sure if it really was going to work, but after I finished, it turned out great!










It is very comfortable, fun, and looks great in my pink room! It only took me around 7 hours and was fun to do while I was watching T.V.

19 comments:

  1. Great job Annie! As you can see the hula hoop rug is a bit lumpy. I'll post about that soon.

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  2. That looks fantastic, nice job!

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  3. Really good job!! And I *love* that you guys made your own loom, too (looks a lot like a basic tapestry loom!).

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  4. looks great! i have tried knitting throw rugs out of old t shirts before, but I like this look better.

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  5. Great job, Annie!!!!!!! Love the rug and your blog! You are a creative lady...best to you.

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  6. What great projects and fantastic results. I love the pink rug!

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  7. Looks great. Sounds like something my daughter would like to make.

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  8. A very good job Annie congratulations!!! I love your creativity!!! kisses from Kusita

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  9. I'm trying to picture how you weaved the sides in like that. And if you used string on the loom part?

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  10. Would it be possible to get some design for that loom? It is very interesting.
    I am also curious to see closer shots of all that was used on the loom to make the rug. There was not enough detail.

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  11. Can't quite picture how you solved the problem. Any pictures of how you started out?

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  12. So cool! I've been thinking of ways to make a loom with nails and scrap wood, but this idea might make my life a little easier! I also just learned about loom knitting. You could probably make some really cool stuff out of your old pink clothes and a hook & loom. Happy crafting!

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    1. Hi Jess ,read my comment below .I' he included the name of a few textile artists & one works on a kid's books hoops as her look xx

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  13. Estou encantada com o seu tapete. Seria possível vc postar o passo a passo de como fazer o tear e como fez o tapete? Seria adorável. Amei!

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  14. Are the strips just wrapped around the pvc pipe, or are there holes drilled in them?

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  15. As usual I' m late to the party ,about 10 yrs late if seems! BUT well done ,you made a great job of making this wee rug & no doubt you've improved your skills even more since making this one
    .One constructed textile artistiC think you will really enjoy is an Australian artist called Tammy Kannat ( not sure if that's spelt correctly) .Tammy's work is incredible & believe it or not she weaves her rugs & hangings on books hoops..so she works ' in the round' and uses straight up & under weaving like you've done as well as more textural stuff like Turkish/ Afghan knots .
    The other thing is have you ever thought of trying any wet felt making ?? Incredible pieces can be created & often stuff we have lying around the house like bubble wrap ,dog grooming brushes ( for carding wool) et C can be used & very strong rugs & I make wonderful bags this way.Check.out Not Mackay's wonderful work she's from over here from Scotland & has two very inspirational books out on Amazon..
    I definitely suggest you look at Tammy Kannats' work as I have a feeling you will be inspired ,I am a trained artidt/ designer & worked with people with learning disabilities .I sadly am disabled now with MS & visually impairment & when we are not in lockdown..lol I teach voluntary as a textile,print & mainly feltmaking for adults who are going through similar illnesses & anxiety.Good luck to you ,Sophie xx

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