It was fun filling those big bobbins with long strips of fabric and then watching as they flew back and forth across the loom leaving a trail of the fabric strips behind them, woven into the rug. Aunt Emma would let us try to help her on the loom but it was much harder than it looked when she did it so I was content simple watching and listening to the delightful clackity bangs as she made rug after rug.
She sold a lot of rugs in my parents store and when I was preparing things for my own home she was more than happy to make all the rugs in every color I wanted. By the time she was done I had everything I needed and more. A whole set of blue rugs, a few pink, several made with plastic grocery bags to use in the basement or our front porch, I had rugs that matched the colors for every room of the house. And then a pile to use for special occasions which included several all white ones.
I still have a pile of rugs I never even used including the white ones. Somehow they always seemed too pretty to actually walk on and so they stay tucked away.
Aunt Emma still makes rugs, I would love to spend a day watching her once again.
What a wonderful memory. As a weaver myself, I appreciate the "clackity bangs" you describe. It's been a while, but I still have my looms and I'll get back to them one of these days.
ReplyDeleteFYI, handmade rugs look great on walls and tables too!
What a nice memory to have. This made me think of something my husbands Grandma told me. Don't save your pretty things for special occasions but use them for special people. Many times I have found beautiful linens and dishes like new in a person things never used after they have passed on. Sad that they never got the pleasure of using their good things.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your blog so much. Thank you for sharing your life and family.
So pretty. I bought my dad a handmade rug a few years ago and sometimes wonder what happened to it now that he is gone.
ReplyDeleteI love woven rugs, yours are exceptionally pretty. You have many years to use them and enjoy them.
ReplyDeleteI remember tearing the strips and rolling them into balls years ago. Mom then took them to a rug weaver and sometime later we went to pick up the beautiful rugs.
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of rugs we make. I will be posting about that soon. There's made out of old fortrel clothes and are either woven or cut into small pieces and sewn unto denim or any other strong fabric.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful memory. The special rugs could be used on top of a dresser or table. SO pretty with a bouquet on top.
ReplyDeleteI have seen these rugs made and sold by the plain folks in my area, and you can use them for many things really. Richard
ReplyDeleteSo pretty - I'd love to learn to do that someday. I also want to learn to knit and crochet so I should be about 130 by the time I get around to it. Those are so pretty ~ ♥
ReplyDeleteI make strips out of worn out clothing to make rugs out of, but have never got to the rug stage...
ReplyDeleteMy grandfather had a loom and I loved listening to him work of an evening! Those sounds are memories.
ReplyDeleteWow, I read your entire blog in about 36 hours. You are an amazing story teller and have a beautiful family. Your aunt's rugs are beautiful works of art. I wish I had the skills to do such things, unfortunately, I am not very crafty. I am looking forward to your next post.
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