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Wakefield
Library Hosts
Toothbrush Rug Making Seminar |
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| Wakefield - September 4th, 2008 |
| Donna Brown gave a demonstration on how we
can make what is referred to as a
"Toothbrush Rug" The name toothbrush
refers to the tool , the only tool required to
make these terrific rugs. Originally rug
makers would cut off the bristle end of a
toothbrush, leaving the handle with the hole on
the other end (used for hanging up the
toothbrush on a hook). Today of course you can
by a small tool that serves the same purpose. |
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| Donna demonstrates the first step after
tearing the material - slits are cut into the
ends of the fabric strips. This is how the
strips are joined. These rugs require NO
SEWING ! |
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above - Donna demonstrates how to begin the
process
below - Donna continues the starter strip - the
hard part |
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All you need besides this small tool is
scrap fabric. Since these rugs "require no
sewing" no other tools are necessary.
The rugs are created with two 2" strips of fabric.
the strips are folded in half to make one inch
wide stripsThe details of the complete
process can be found on
Decorating : Other : Toothbrush Rugs : Home &
Garden Television |
There are some tips that Donna has passed
along to those gathered at the demonstration
- always use similar materials - do not
mix fabrics - don't mix cotton with
polyester etc. Many fabrics are suitable.
You can even use used material. One onlooker
mentioned that she used the legs cut off of
pantyhose. Those rugs lasted 25 years!
- Cut your fabric strips - tearing creates
unraveling
- Donna places a safety pin on the top
side of her work, so that she always knows
the top from the bottom
- you want to always work on a flat
surface with the top up Donna tapes her
starter strip to whatever surface she's
working on.
- keep your work to the right side
Donna says that these rugs are easy to make
and that the average rug will require 8 -10
hours to make. Of course she's was not familiar
with my eye hand coordination when she made that
statement. It would take be a bit more time to
do, but fortunately there is no needle required
, thus eliminating some trips to the medicine
cabinet.
I asked Donna if she sketches out her plan
before starting. She said "no I just plan it my
mind" I asked that question as Donna
brought along a really, really nice rug that she
just started. She said she just knew that she
wanted a green rug!
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| above - Librarian Denise Engel gives it a
try.... we think that she's done this before! |
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| While at the library I notice three men
sitting at three of the computers lined up along
the west wall. I checked with the guys to find
out how they were using the computers. Bob
told me that he used the computer to keep up
with politics and Harold was perusing the
"myspace" website . Mike had a headset on so I
could guess that he was listening to music. Mike
does not own a computer and neither does Bob nor
Harold. They depend on the Library for computer
time. |
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| above - Bob, Harold and Mike get time
on the Wakefield Library's Dell Computers |
| I noticed that the screen saver
said "GATES" so I asked the Librarian
Denise Engel, if she had acquired the computers
through a Gates Foundation grant. She told me
that was in fact how she obtained the new
computers. If you enjoy demonstrations like
the one Ms. Engel provided for her members
today, keep in touch with this very gracious
librarian. We're bet she's already planning
something great like today's "Rug Event".
Librarian Denise Engel may be contacted at
906-229-5236 or
e-mail
dengel@uproc.lib.mi.us.
Donna Brown is a member of the Northern
Lights Quilting Guild. The Quilters will be
hosting a Quilt Show at the Ironwood Memorial
Building on September 20, 2008. The show ours
are from 10:00 AM to 4:30
PM Donna assures us that
this will be a show that we won't want to miss.
There is a modest $3.00 entrance fee, however,
quilters can enter their work without charge.
For more information regarding
the show
call Heidi 906-667-0814 or
The Fabric Patch 906-932-5260
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