After yesterday’s post, a reader wrote in asking me to talk about my experience with using left over wool to braid a rug. I am happy to do that as I think my “way” to braid is, by far, the easiest way I have seen to get the job done. Since lots of rug hookers have extra wool around, this might be a good way for them to use up a lot of wool that’s just taking up space.
Here is a shot of the wool rug I braided for my mother in law’s room. While I am not as experienced as many braiders and don’t want to brag, I do think my way works really well.
Step #1 – Prepare your wool.
Colors of wool were chosen from a big box of braiding wool that someone gave me. It had already been cut in uniform widths and sewn together, then rolled up. I did not have to add anything to it.
Step #2 – Get the “Pig Tail” started “just right” before braiding.
To get started, since I knew the first few steps were crucial to the over all success of the rug, I called Jane Olson to get any tips she might have. As it was a day or two before a 1st Thursday Night Hook In, she suggested that I wait until then as it was easier to talk about it in person than describe the process over the phone. When we got together, she described her beginning point as the “pig tail,” then proceeded to show me how everything had to go together just right. It ended up being just easier for her to do it, me not being familiar with the process and she being able to do them in her sleep. The same was true for the braiding part. In no time flat she was able to whip out about 3 feet of of braided length, folding in the wool expertly as she went. It was a thing of beauty to watch her work. I did do a few braids, just make sure I got the concept down, but I was hesitant to interrupt her rhythm.
Step #3 – Lacing makes a difference.
Before the evening was over, we got out the waxed linen thread and my big braiding needle (all gifts from someone who didn’t need them any more.) It was amazing to see that there was a right way and wrong way to lace those braids together. Jane explained, but I had trouble getting the hang of it, this being my first time. Again, she quickly was able to lace two sides together while I was thinking about it. Before the evening was over, she made the turn and started lacing in the 3rd row.
Step #4 – Braid, braid, braid.
I took the wool home and started braiding like a big dog. I could do the work, but did notice that it sort of hurt my hands … but I persevered until I must have had another 3 foot length. However, when I started lacing my braids to Jane’s it wasn’t long before I could tell that my braid did not lay flat, nor against the other braid just right … and then that first “round,” … well, it just did not look right at all – it was both pointy and lumpy. So, I opted to put the project away until I could resume under Jane’s watchful eye at the next Thursday night gathering.
Step#5 – Don’t be content with sloppy work.
Boy, was I glad I waited to resume under Jane’s watchful eye. My lacing was just not up to par and, like a shoddy first course of bricks in a wall, had to be taken out by Jane and re-laced. After that was done, Jane offered to give me more pointers on efficient braiding and lacing, which I gladly took. Fortunately, I had also brought along a hooking project, so could hook AND watch her braid at the same time. I felt really good with my accomplishment that night as Jane made about 2 or 3 complete circuits before the evening was over. The project was really starting to come together and look like something of which I could be proud.
Step #6 – Be patient.
It just so happened that the next time there was a hook in it was a First Saturday and Jane’s sister, Norma Flodman was in town from Massachusetts. I had patiently waited until this event to get going again on the braided rug. By this time, the entire project had it’s own big bag and I could easily bring it all with me. (One really feels they have taken their skills to a new level when the project requires the acquisition of additional equipment and it was satisfying to know my braiding expertise now called for the big bag.) Of course, with all the students I had at the hook-in, it just sat there by Norma’s place … for about 30 mins. before she got it out and started working on it. Truth be told, she has been braiding longer than Jane and I could tell, by the look in her eye, that she had a gift for this sort of work. I had hoped to do some braiding myself in the after noon but, once again, “rhythm” was a beautiful thing to behold … something that should not be interrupted. She was having a lot of fun and I told myself: “Just be patient and do your braiding another time – don’t deprive Norma of her little pleasures.” I also noticed another milestone by this time – my skills had progressed to the point where my hands no longer hurt as the rug was being braided.
As luck would have it, I was unable to work on the braided rug while at home after that session. However, I kept taking it to the 1st and 3rd Thursdays and another First Saturday Hook In. By that last meeting, Norma had the rug completely finished. This worked out well as it allowed me to give my Mother in Law a beautiful rug that I had personally made for her Mother’s Day gift. With all I learned from the experience, it’s a bit surprising that I haven’t made any other braided rugs. However, if I want another one, I know EXACTLY how to get it done.
It’s what I call the “Jane and Norma” method of braiding rugs.
jaNetMN
December 29, 2008 at 7:37 am
As an old, long time braider, I read your blog entry today with a smile on my face. I braided for many years before dropping it in favor of trying to learn to hook. I loved braiding but it was indeed too hard on my hands (actually the lacing part). I always used braiding cones to fold my wool for me as I braided. There is a bit of a trick to getting used to those too (there are so many little ‘tricks’ in braiding). I used a loop counting method to keep my rugs flat. I love all of my braided rugs, but now I am so much enjoying trying to learn this new form of art, rug hooking. I enjoy your blog each day, especially the ones with lessons. I have your books and all of your videos. They are the only lessons I’ve had, as there are very few instructors in my area. Thank you for your blog and your generosity in sharing your knowledge. Yes, the Jane and Norma method sounds like a fabulous method.
Gene Shepherd
December 29, 2008 at 7:53 am
jaNetMN – I take your “experienced” words as strong praise for my method. While I did not mention it, I also had those cones (also a gift) and brought them to the first session but Jane did not want to use them. While braiding “my way” is fun, it is not as much fun as a good old hooked rug. Thanks for your encouraging words – I am always looking for topics to blog about, so if you have a question, just let me know. Gene
Jo
December 29, 2008 at 8:10 am
What do braided rugs have over hooked rugs…if anything? Jo
Gene Shepherd
December 29, 2008 at 8:30 am
Jo – Nothing. I much prefer the hooked ones. However one only needs to know a couple of things to braid and virtually no equipment, with the end result being a serviceable rug made from recycled fabric – usually done pretty quick. I think some of their appeal to rug hookers is a “wool” thing. Gene
alice
December 29, 2008 at 8:44 am
You are a character, Gene Shepherd!! I truly thought there was a braiding lesson here ~ actually, there is, isn’t there? You’re funny! And I love the rug and the method by which you attained it!! Do the ‘girls’ know how very clever you are??
Alice
Gene Shepherd
December 29, 2008 at 9:07 am
Alice – Shuuuu – it’s just between me and you. GRS
jaNetMN
December 29, 2008 at 9:31 am
I must say, that although I never could get the hang of the finish of it, that I have braiding friends that can braid 16 strands at a time. This is done in different sequence to make the most beautiful braided rugs. Also, like Jane, many of the older braiders don’t use the cones. With 16 strands you can’t. I feel that braiding vs hooking – one isn’t necessarily better than the other. They are just different art forms. Both can be as simple or intricate as the artist that does them.
Gene Shepherd
December 29, 2008 at 9:40 am
jaNetMN – I would love to see the 16 strand rugs – don’t believe I ever have. Any well made, hand made rug is interesting to me and each has it’s points. I think all fiber artists appreciate them all because we “get” what they are. I passed up several old wool “shirret” rugs at a garage sale once and could kick myself for that miss step. They all are great when on the floor. GRS
jaNetMN
December 29, 2008 at 9:47 am
Gene, I should have said 15 strands. Of course it has to be in multiples of 3. I have a friend that lives in Washington State that does them up to 21 strands. I may have a picture of one. If not, I am sure she would email one to me. I will email to you as soon as I find it. They are marvelous and far beyond anything I could do. Never could figure out how to bind the ends together on a multi-strand braid once I got around it.
JoJo
December 29, 2008 at 12:33 pm
What a wonderful lesson on braiding! (take it, give it to an expert, watch the braiding being done, retrieve it when finished and give it to MIL!) Piece of cake!!
Although I love the look of braided rugs, I’ve never been tempted to try it since I’m guarding my hands and fingers, trying to protect them. Even so, my left palm is bleeding again. But I’ve found something that works better than the foam from the dermatologist…..Vicks Vapo Rub! Slather it on hands at bedtime, wear white cotton gloves to bed (to save the sheets) and in a few days, voila! Now if the arthritis and FM were as easy to deal with!
I sure envy you knowing, being friends with and working with Jane and Norma. How wonderful!
Gene Shepherd
December 29, 2008 at 1:32 pm
If you want to see on eof these “15 strand” braided rugs, check out the link that Janet sent me:
http://www.rugbraiders.com/biographies.html
Gene Shepherd
December 29, 2008 at 1:34 pm
JoJo – Jane and Norma come in handy for all sorts of things! My ointment of choice is “Rawleigh’s Medicated Ointment” – won’t leave home without it. GRS
rugbug48
December 29, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Gene,
I guess the video won’t be coming out any time soon??? I must admit, your way is the easiest of all. I have tried that method on several of my close friends and some not so close in a variety of venues. I have learned that a lock on the door is useful if you do it more than once.
Happy New Year!
Martha
Gene Shepherd
December 29, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Martha – I only share this method with my close Blog readers – it’s not for the general public. Can’t share too many trade secrets. GRS
rugbug48
December 29, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Gene,
Well, it’s a good thing to know. Thank you for sharing. I won’t mention where I heard it. Now, I will need Jane and Norma’s address to put my plan into action.:)
M
Arline Keeling
December 29, 2008 at 5:35 pm
Hi, Well……..I think Jane Olson all but braided my first rugs for me,. I started ordering supplies from Jane in about 1984. I didn’t have classes. I did have a mentor and friend who was very proud of the fact she had been to CA and met Jane. Jane taught me so much on the phone. Hooking too. It was about 20 years before I met her at Cambria.
The braiding link is Donna McKeever and she will do another braiding conference in 2009. Last year she opened the conference for hookers and had classes on putting braids onto the hooking.
Which by the way I would love to do at Cambria.
I am also going to send a picture of my first multi-strand rug which I finished at the National Rug Braiding Conference in 2007.