BEAUTIFUL RAGWORK By Lizzie Reakes

BEAUTIFUL RAGWORK
By Lizzie Reakes
Search Press) - October 2002
ISBN 1903975336 PB
Nonfiction / How-To Books / Making Rag Rugs etc

Reviewed by Rachel A Hyde, MyShelf.com
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If you sew, you will find that you have lots of leftover fabric, including many tiny scraps that are too small to be of much use. Even if you don't sew, you wear clothes, and these wear out or become unfashionable. Don't throw them away; be really green and make them into something useful and have some fun too…ragwork! This is one of those crafts that don't entail a lot of expensive outlay, as you don't have to have a frame (it helps but I have personally made rugs without one) and the hooked tools are not expensive. Add a pair of good sharp scissors and you are ready; just add cloth.

This is one of those crafts that are actually quite addictive and can be done while watching TV or chatting, so this book is more about inspiration than instruction, of which little is needed. Lizzie Reakes is inspired by bright colors and bold designs, so if you are not, then there are other ragwork books around, but none so reasonably priced and I personally loved the "dive in and have a go" ethos that pervades the whole book. Lizzie shows that designing is as simple as you like (very complex designs aren't what it is all about, so no worries if you cannot draw well). Ragwork isn't just about rugs, of which a house can have too many quite quickly. You can make wall hangings, bags, cushions, picture frames and wearable art such as motifs for slippers, hair accessories, a purse and a delightful hair band for a little girl with net flowers on it (just the thing for the fairy in your life).

This is a sprightly, fun primer and ought to encourage a lot of people to try this very environmentally friendly craft.