What is a Penny Rug?
"Penny rug" is a name given to a folk art style of appliqué. Dating from the mid 19th century, they were traditionally made from felted wool (i.e. the wool was washed to shrink it). And despite their name, they were not used on the floor, but as decorative table rugs or wall hangings. Fabric was just too precious then. The "penny" comes from the coins that were used as templates for the circles. Most of the penny rugs had simple shapes of flowers or animals, usually layered and appliquéd on the rug with blanket stitch embroidery in contrasting colors. Their simple, primitive style gives them a charm that has continued through the years.Today, you'll find more penny rug information and designers among the rug hooking community. It's a "wool" thing, ya know. I have found very little information overall on the internet. I've listed a few links below so that you can see some "real" penny rugs. I also added a book list that I will add to as I continue to do more research myself.
LINKS:
Heartisan Studios -- lots of patterns, kits and info
Moondance Color Co. -- info, kits, supplies
Hawthorne Gallery -- kits, supplies, a picture of a beautiful round penny rug!
Rabbit's Gift -- kits, supplies
Fredericksburg Rugs -- supplies, kits, rug hooking info and lots of links
Holly Berry Hill Catalog -- kits
Colonial Crafts Online -- kits
Bears Paw Designs -- Jill Kemp's website, patterns, pattern booksBOOKS & PATTERN BOOKS:
"W.O.W.: Wool on Wool Applique" by Janet Carija Brandt
"Folk Art Animals" by Janet Carija Brandt
"Rag Rugs: Contemporary Projects in a Traditonal Craft" by Juju Vail
"Northern Reflections" by Jill Kemp (pattern book)
"Wondrous Christmas" by Jill Kemp (pattern book)
"Tradition" by Jill Kemp (pattern book)
"Crooked Cabins" by Jill Kemp (pattern book)
"Summer & Fall" by Jill Kemp (pattern book)
PLEASE e-mail me if you have information I can add to this page!: patti@patchpieces.com
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