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 Preview the Rugmaker's Handbooks

 Now you can preview the books in the Rugmaker's Handbooks series right on the web. These are PDF files of the actual book so that you can get a feel for what it looks like. You will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software to view them. If you don't have it, go to www.adobe.com to download the program. The books are listed newest first.

Rugmaker's Handbook No. 3: Crocheted & Fabric Tapestry Rugs
Crocheted & Fabric Tapestry Cover
Preview Table of Contents
Preview Introduction
Color Photos of  Rugs
Blank Charts to Use with the book

This classic book has been revised, updated and expanded. It is more than doubled in size from the 1996 edition. Even beginning crocheters can make rugs with the step-by-step instructions since only the chain stitch, single crochet stitch and slip stitch are used. The book includes charted patterns for over 40 rugs. Learn to crochet rugs in round, oval, square, rectangle, heart, corner, and heelprint shapes or follow the directions for creating your own shapes including hollow and freeform rugs.  For the first time, directions are included  to modify the patterns for use with alternate materials including yarns, so it isn't limited to just rag rugs. From basic crocheted rugs, the charted patterns make it easy to transition to marvelous fabric tapestry designs including geometrics, stars, diamonds, quilt patterns and more. The patterns are classified by skill level (beginner, novice, intermediate) and instructions for how to read a fabric tapestry pattern directly from a rug expands rug making horizons. For the folk artist in every rug maker, there are blank charts to use for designing your own patterns and advice about the business of rug making.
Rugmaker's Handbook No. 3: Crocheted & Fabric Tapestry Rugs.........$18.95
ISBN 1-931426-29-5, 6" X 9" Paperback, 212 pages, color cover, B&W interior with over 230 photos and illustrations.


Rugmaker's Handbook No. 2: Fabulous Rag Rugs from Simple Frames
Frame book cover
Preview Table of Contents
Preview Introductory Text

This long awaited book is the first ever to treat wooden frames as a unique and versatile tool for creating an amazing variety of rugs. Over forty techniques are included, most for the first time in print, including spider-web warps, the cheater's warp and twisted warps. Using simple household materials learn to make fabulous rugs, even freeform rugs, on wooden frames. This book opens a whole new world for the rugmaker! 
Some of the techniques included are: Knotted shag rugs (including the high-speed knotted shag which cuts rug making time in half); darned rugs, Amish knot rugs; Bess Chet rugs; twined rugs; locker hooking (no canvas needed!); modified taaniko, soumak and rya knots; and various weaving methods suited for frames such as flat weaving, frame braids and wagon wheel rugs. Learn to use different types of frames including pegged, flat, high-low, fifth stick, scroll and pinned frames. 

Rugmaker's Handbook No. 2: Fabulous Rag Rugs from Simple Frames
6" X 9", 196 pages, 296 black & white photos and illustrations.
Paperback (ISBN 1-931426-27-9)............... $16.95
Hardback (ISBN 1-931426-28-7) ...... $24.95


Rugmaker's Handbook No. 1: Knitted Rag Rugs for the Craftsman
(20th Anniversary Edition)

knit book cover
Preview Contents
Preview Introduction

More than doubled in size from the 1996 edition, this new book covers over 30 techniques for knitting rag rugs, including the really unusual ones that have never been documented before. It has already been called an "amazing compendium" and it is. With 181 pages, 139 b&w photos and over 30 line drawings, it is the first book to completely cover the topic. Beginning knitters can start right in with recycled T-shirts to make rugs and advanced knitters will find new techniques. Even non-knitters can make spool and rake knitted rugs. 

The book covers strip and block rugs, bullseye, coiled and wedge-knitted rugs, winding rugs, hexagonal blocks, heart-shaped rugs, cross-woven rugs, knitted rag baskets and much more. There are lots of interesting stitches, and unique ways to cast on and off--just for rug making. Some of the brand new information in the book includes: rake and spool knitting; "idiot cord" rugs; and four methods of knitting shaggy rugs. 

Rugmaker's Handbook No. 1:
"Knitted Rag Rugs for the Craftsman" 20th anniversary edition rev.
6" X 9", color cover, 181 pages, 
Paperback (ISBN 1-931426-252)............$16.95
Harback (ISBN 1-931426-26-0) .... $24.95


All of the Rugmaker's Handbooks are also available from amazon.com and Barnes & Noble (www.bn.com) online.

 
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