The classic guide to an enduring American craft gets an eye-catching revision. Fantastic to look at and easy to follow, this expanded version of The Braided Rug Book will win a new audience and also appeal to those who own the previous edition. It features thoroughly updated information, brand-new gallery images, two additional rug techniques to try, and a comprehensive primer on planning a project. Beginners will learn about wools and other materials, how to care for finished rugs, and how to recognize a quality rug. Plus, there are several new color plans and entirely new directions and illustrations for building a rug-braiding stand, complete with a finished photo.

Demystifying a confusing and intimidating subject, Oriental Rugs Today is the first book devoted exclusively to new pieces. It discusses issues of dye and finish, looks country by country at examples from every major contemporary source, and profiles the artisans who revived the use of handspun wool and natural dyes. Written for both aficionado and novice, this edition includes 20 percent more material and new information on Nepalese and Iranian rugs, making this must-have guide to the subject. 100color photos are included.

Learn the art of designing and making a Nordic traditions rya rug. With this book, you can make authentic, heirloom-quality rya rugs without a loom or special equipment and enjoy them as art on the walls, floors, beds, and more. Ryas have a long history. In the days of the Vikings, ryas were woven on looms with a wool pile that gave warm insulation in the cold winters as warm cloaks on a freezing sea, sleigh blankets, and as bed coverings. After World War II, Nordic countries marketed their signature crafts around the world. They wove backings, spun hardy rya yarns, and designed kits easily made by beginners. These industries thrived throughout the midcentury modern era, but suddenly supplies became difficult to find when fashions trends changed. From the late 1970s to recent times, not only supplies, but experienced teachers were very hard to find. Melinda Purcell Byrd was born into a rya rug family. Her grandparents, Bill and Angelina Lundgren from Northboro, Massachusetts began importing Swedish rya supplies the year she was born. They established a thriving business by providing kits and custom designs in rya across the United States. Melinda designed and made her first when she was 11 years old. After college, she worked with her grandparents as designer, teacher, and business manager becoming proficient in all things rya. After fashions trends changed, Lundgren Rya, along with dozens of other suppliers in the USA and Europe closed their doors.Thirty years later Byrd has used her experience and the Internet to revive rya rug making and provide a resource for currently available supplies as well as teach how to use them. In her book, history of how this craft began, thrived, and was nearly lost is shared. She demystifies the designing process and gives detailed examples of various designing techniques for right-brained and left-brained thinkers. You'll find personal story profiles of other rya pilgrims, innovators, and visionaries to inspire you. Full of colorful illustrative photos by award-winning photographer, Ken Koons, this book will move you to join the rya rug revival and make your own rya rugs!

Here’s a fresh take on the crafts of rugmaking and knitting—the very first book of its kind. These 21 stylish rug projects are so eye-catching that it’s hard to believe that even novice knitters can create them. But they can, thanks to a thorough section on knitting basics, sumptuously illustrated with more than 60 how-to photographs; advice on embellishments, including embroidery, fringes, and tassels; and instruction on finishing touches, such as weaving ends, sewing seams, blocking, backing, and lining. Put this knowledge to work on a multicolored Big Needle Garter Stitch Rug, Knit and Purl Oval Rug, Thunderbird Wall Tapestry, and others. Every rug is beautifully photographed in a home setting, and includes patterns and ideas for modifying the design. The author lives in Longmont, CO.

Syndicated columnist and renowned craft authority Leslie Linsley presents a beautiful and practical book on the art and technique of rug-hooking--a folk art that is currently enjoying a resurgence in popularity. Over 150 full-color illustrations. Advertising in Martha Stewart Living.

A complete how-to guide to pictorial hooked rugs and it explains the historical backgrounds of different hooked rug styles Describes how to design, color plan, and display rugs Includes step-by-step techniques for hooking multiple pictorial elements One of the most challenging of all rug styles is the pictorial rug or wall hanging. This full-color book guides readers step-by-step through the process of creating pictorial rugs. This book is the definitive instruction manual on how to create the elements of a pictorial rug. Each section contains a description of techniques, materials, dye formulas, and hooked illustrations of the elements described. It contains tips and tricks for the rug hooker to take the guesswork out of planning a personalized rug.

The only juried exhibit of the year's best hand-hooked rugs with three categories--Original Designs, Commercial Designs, and Adaptations Contains a full-page color spreads of 60 beautiful hand-hooked rugs and includes house decorating tips with hooked rugs Reader's Choice Ballot--chance to vote for your favorite rugs A Celebration of Hand-Hooked Rugs XVII, now in its 17th year, is bigger and better than ever before. This special annual book now has 120 pages and is packed with 60 beautiful full-page color images from the only juried exhibit of the year's best hand-hooked rugs. Learn the inspiration and story behind each design, what kinds of challenges were encountered, and how the artisans bring all the elements together to create their special motif. Each story is unique; every design is different. Read the expert rug critiques from each of the Celebration judges to see why they voted for these rugs. Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy the finest hooked rugs of 2007.