{"title":"Crafts \u0026 Hobbies--Rugs","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"threads-of-empire-a-history-of-the-world-in-twelve-carpets","title":"Threads of Empire: A History of the World in Twelve Carpets","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCarpet specialist Dorothy Armstrong tells the stories surrounding twelve of the world's most fascinating carpets.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDorothy Armstrong's \u003ci\u003eThreads of Empire\u003c\/i\u003e is a spellbinding look at the history of the world through the stories of twelve carpets. Beautiful, sensuous, and enigmatic, great carpets follow power. Emperors, shahs, sultans and samurai crave them as symbols of earthly domination. Shamans and priests desire them to evoke the spiritual realm. The world's 1% hunger after them as displays of extreme status. And yet these seductive objects are made by poor and illiterate weavers, using the most basic materials and crafts; hedgerow plants for dyes, fibers from domestic animals, and the millennia-old skills of interweaving warps, wefts and knots. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eIn \u003ci\u003eThreads of Empire\u003c\/i\u003e, Armstrong tells the histories of some of the world's most fascinating carpets, exploring how these textiles came into being then were transformed as they moved across geography and time in the slipstream of the great. She shows why the world's powerful were drawn to them, but also asks what was happening in the weavers' lives, and how they were affected by events in the world outside their tent, village or workshop. In its wide-ranging examination of these dazzling objects, from the 5th century BCE contents of the tombs of Scythian chieftains, to the carpets under the boots of Stalin, Roosevelt and Churchill at the 1945 Yalta Peace Conference, \u003ci\u003eThreads of Empire \u003c\/i\u003euncovers a new, hitherto hidden past right beneath our feet.\u003cdiv style=\"display:none\"\u003eISBN-10: 1250321433\u003cbr\u003eISBN-13: 9781250321435\u003cbr\u003eAuthor: Armstrong, Dorothy\u003cbr\u003ePublisher: St. Martin's Press\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"St. Martin's Press","offers":[{"title":"Hardcover (Jun 2025)","offer_id":46080806486213,"sku":"9781250321435","price":31.35,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0708\/6414\/2533\/files\/9781250321435.jpg?v=1776040452"},{"product_id":"landscape-rug-hooking-a-painterly-approach-to-creating-the-landscapes-you-love","title":"Landscape Rug Hooking: A Painterly Approach to Creating the Landscapes You Love","description":"Master the art of hooking the land, sea, and sky in this inspiring guide to making contemporary fiber art that's completely personalized and expertly rendered. Express your own style in yarn and cloth as you learn to turn your vision into a strong line-based design. Then, chapter by chapter, master the specifics of hooking effective, motion-filled horizons, landforms, water, trees, skies--even buildings and people.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e With an approachable teaching style that focuses on our sense of place and the scenes that surround us, expert instructor Deanne Fitzpatrick provides\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e - detailed walk-throughs of 6 projects, such as \"Tiny Landscape\" and \"Sunset Cottages\";\u003cbr\u003e - instructions for 6 core techniques, such as traditional outlining, sketchbook use, and creating mixes;\u003cbr\u003e - inspiring photos of 148 artworks to draw on for learning and ideas; and\u003cbr\u003e - Ways to embrace self-care in your crafting practice, brought to life with stories of Deanne's experiences with landscapes.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e Whether you're making a 3\" x 5\" piece or a larger wall-sized composition, use your newfound skills to bring personal scenes to life.\u003cdiv style=\"display:none\"\u003eISBN-10: 0764370014\u003cbr\u003eISBN-13: 9780764370014\u003cbr\u003eAuthor: Fitzpatrick, Deanne\u003cbr\u003ePublisher: Schiffer Craft\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Schiffer Craft","offers":[{"title":"Hardcover (Nov 2025)","offer_id":46080959873221,"sku":"9780764370014","price":33.24,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0708\/6414\/2533\/files\/9780764370014.jpg?v=1776042421"},{"product_id":"how-to-make-rag-rugs-a-beginners-guide-on-making-rag-rugs","title":"How to Make Rag Rugs: A Beginners Guide On Making Rag Rugs","description":"\u003cp\u003eMaking rag rugs is a traditional craft that transforms fabric scraps or old clothing into beautiful and functional rugs. Rag rugs are known for their durability, versatility, and rustic charm, making them a popular choice for adding warmth and character to any home décor. Here's a step-by-step description of how to make a rag rug: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e1. Gathering Materials: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003eCollect fabric scraps, old clothing, or linens in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures. Choose fabrics that are durable and easy to work with, such as cotton, denim, or wool. You'll also need a base material for the rug foundation, such as burlap, canvas, or rug warp.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ol\u003e\u003cb\u003e2. Preparing Fabric: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003eWash fabric scraps to remove dirt, debris, and sizing. Once dry, cut or tear fabric into strips of uniform width and length using fabric scissors, a rotary cutter, or tearing method. You can vary the width of the strips based on your preference and the desired texture of the rug.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ol\u003e\u003cb\u003e3. Creating Rug Foundation: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003eDecide on the size and shape of your rag rug and prepare the base material accordingly. If using burlap or canvas, cut it to the desired dimensions and secure the edges with a zigzag stitch or fray check to prevent unraveling.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ol\u003e\u003cb\u003e4. Starting the Weaving Process: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003eBegin weaving the fabric strips through the warp threads of the rug foundation using a rug hook, shuttle, or other weaving tool. You can use a variety of weaving techniques, such as plain weave, twill weave, or basket weave, to create different textures and patterns in your rug.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ol\u003e\u003cb\u003e5. Adding Fabric Strips: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003eContinue weaving fabric strips row by row, alternating colors and textures to create visual interest and depth in the rug. Pack the fabric strips tightly together to ensure a dense and sturdy weave.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ol\u003e\u003cb\u003e6. Building Layers: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003eAs you weave, periodically trim the ends of fabric strips and tuck them under adjacent rows to secure them in place. This will help prevent fraying and ensure a neat and tidy finish in your rug. Continue building layers of fabric strips until the rug reaches the desired size and thickness.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ol\u003e\u003cb\u003e7. Finishing Edges: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003eOnce the weaving is complete, finish the edges of the rug by folding or hemming them under and securing them with a straight stitch or whip stitch. Alternatively, you can add a decorative binding or fringe to the edges for a polished and professional finish.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ol\u003e\u003cb\u003e8. Final Touches: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003eTrim any loose threads or uneven edges, and gently press the rug with an iron to flatten and smooth the fabric. Your rag rug is now ready to be displayed and enjoyed in your home!\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ol\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cdiv style=\"display:none\"\u003eISBN-13: 9798326397744\u003cbr\u003eAuthor: Peter, John\u003cbr\u003ePublisher: Independently Published\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Independently Published","offers":[{"title":"Paperback (May 2024)","offer_id":46100285096133,"sku":"9798326397744","price":6.64,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0708\/6414\/2533\/files\/9798326397744.jpg?v=1776648683"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.inveni.store\/collections\/crafts-hobbies-rugs.oembed","provider":"Inveni","version":"1.0","type":"link"}