New Crafts: Rag Crafts

25 contemporary projects shown step by step. The rich tones and textures of a traditional craft celebrated in inspirational designs and practical projects. It explores interesting materials such as t-shirts, curtains, bedclothes, calico, hessian, felt, gift wrap and carrier bags. Superb ideas include a textured shoulder bag, tiger skin rug, strawberry cushion, medieval picture frame, geometric hairband, hooked hair accessories and a striped hall runner. It comes with photographs by Tim Imrie, a still-life photographer whose work has appeared in numerous books and magazines. The ultimate in thrift crafts, rag rugwork is enjoying a timely revival with the interest in recycling materials to produce something new, beautiful and useful. The textile materials are cheap or free, the techniques simple to grasp, and the only equipment needed to get started is a simple frame to hold the backing material and a hook. This practical book illustrates the remarkable work being produced by contemporary craft artists, and shows how to create 25 beautiful and varied projects. These include cushions, accessories, a teacosy and matching eggcosies, a hat and bag, as well as many rugs and wall hangings.A techniques section explains how to use a range of materials, from old woollen blankets and dress fabrics to shiny candy wrappers.Whatever you decide to make, this book will help you to turn your rags into riches.