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Visit the new RugmakersHomestead on Etsy.com
We're trying out something  a little different. We have opened a shop on Etsy under the name RugmakersHomestead (just like the website). On Etsy, you'll find everything that is in our regular catalog, plus a whole lot more--items that just don't fit in our regular catalog. These include discontinued items, one of a kind items, fabrics for rug making, and even some antique rug  tools. We're clearing out the storeroom and finding all sorts of surprises. (After all of these years, even we were surprised!)  You can shop on Etsy and our catalog, and still only pay $5.00 shipping for your total order. (We'll rebate one of the shipping charges.) For those of you who aren't familiar with Etsy (www.etsy.com), it is an online marketplace specializing in handmade items, vintage textiles and  supplies for do-it-yourselfers.

A New Ergonomic Steel Hook for Crocheted Shirring
When the venerable LACIS company set out to redesign their Schirren Hook, they sought the advice of our master rugmaker, Diana Blake Gray. Working together for several months, they came up with a revolutionary design which combined the best features of both straight and notched hooks used for crocheted shirring. At fourteen inches long, the steel hook feels substantial in the hand and can hold more folds than other hooks. The ergonomic bend allows for an overhand grip, yet the hook won't turn in the hand. A real "needle" point at the end pierces even denim strip with ease, but the most revolutionary feature is that the shaft and the hook are two different diameters. Folds go onto the 2.5 mm shaft and come off over the 2.0 mm hook--that allows the hook to pass through the fabric much more easily than any hook ever produced. The black, removable cap at the back end fits cleanly, without bulk.  The hooks can be ordered directly from LACIS at www.lacis.com


New Steel Lacing Needles  for all general rug uses.
For many years we offered plastic lacing needles for all sorts of general rug making uses, and they worked fine. But even better are these new steel lacing needles which have just become available in the US. They are a size 28 rug needle made in England and have an eye that is half and inch long. They will take rug strip folded or unfolded and super bulky yarns. Short enough to fit into tight places and long enough to use for the primary tool for making flat wrap, Amish knot and needlework type rugs. Available singly or in an economical 5-pack.


  Antique and Vintage Sewing Items on Etsy!
We know that folks that love the old time skills, like rug making, also like other old textile arts.  We have opened a shop on Etsy under the name "Pinedrops" (a native wildflower) and are offering antique sewing, beading, needlework tools and supplies, and other vintage items.   We cap the combined total shipping charges from any purchases at only $5.00 shipping for your total order to US addresses. (We'll rebate one of the shipping charges.)




Wow! "Best in the World"
Just in time for our 25th anniversary in 2009, we were delighted to hear that Beesker.com has selected the Rugmaker's Homestead website as the "Best in the World" on the topic of making rag rugs. Quite an honor, since Beesker is so well respected that the British Museum archives it. Beesker selects only one "Best in the World" website per topic and they have over 600 topics, so if you might want to check to see what other sites they consider to be the best websites in the English language. (If you want to look up what they have to say about ours, click on the "Hobbies" category and then "Rag Rug Making".)




Titles Out of Print
As part of the ongoing project to consolidate publications, the following titles have been taken out of print as they are replaced with the new Handbooks which cover the same topics in more depth.
Bulletin #5 Wagon Wheel Rugs--Replaced by Handbook 2: Fabulous Rag Rugs from Simple Frames
Bulletin #16 Snow-on-the-Mountain Rugs--Replaced by Handbook 4: Traditional Shirred & Standing Wool Rugs
Bulletin #17 Beaded Rugs--Replaced by Handbook 4: Traditional Shirred & Standing Wool Rugs
9-014 Crocheted Rag Rugs for the Beginner--Replaced by Handbook 3: Crocheted & Fabric Tapestry Rugs
Rugmakers Notebook Traditional Shirred & Standing Wool Rugs (2nd ed.)--Replaced by Handbook 4: Traditional Shirred & Standing Wool Rugs

Hardback Handbooks out of print. The hardback editions of "Knitted Rag Rugs for the Craftsman" and "Fabulous Rag Rugs from Simple Frames" are officially out of print. Because the printings were not large, they have become collectors items. We will continue to carry them while our stocks last and if you'd like your copy signed, just let us know.