Finished Rug and Tiny Dolls

For several weeks after QuiltCon, I didn't do much except focus on finishing my braided rag rug, and in the evenings, round loom knitting.  

I'm delighted to share that Sunday afternoon I completed the rug. Measuring 57" X 69" and made entirely from recycled clothing, home dec fabrics, bed sheets, and leftover fabrics from garment-making (my clothes), it's now on our enclosed lanai/Florida room floor.

How did I know I was finished? I completely used-up the last two men's XXL t-shirts ($1 each from a thrift store) that were lime green and yellow. It happens that I also finished using a cotton blend plaid sport shirts from my Dad, the last of aqua-colored four-way stretch knit that was leftover from making leggings for myself, and one of my stained blue knit tops. I like working with t-shirt knits best because there's little fraying. 

Mary, ZippyQuilts asked how heavy this rug is... so I weighed it when I finished. TEN POUNDS!

I enjoyed this "photo-finish" with only these sheet strips left over. 

Don't forget that if you'd like to learn how to make a Braided Rag Rug, Ilka White (who I learned from in 2020) is offering a virtual workshop on April 18 and 19 (USA dates). Go here to learn more.

Some of my blog-readers have already registered! 😀

As for round loom knitting, my focus has been on making Tiny Dolls. They're just so darned cute that whenever I'd think about donating them, my soft spot arose and I wanted to keep them! But I made myself a promise - when I'd made a dozen, I'd donate them.

So here they are... one last photo before I give them away. My basketful of tiny babies.

There's one Teddy Bear too. Had to try making a teddy, and learned that it has more parts than a Tiny Doll. I doubt I'll be making more.

I've gotten pretty good at making Tiny Dolls on a 24-peg loom following these instructions on YouTube which I've written on index cards. I've learned which yarns work best, which yarns need to be doubled, and I've memorize the steps. I can make a Tiny Doll in three hours or less, so it's a good in-front-of-the-TV activity. (Keeps me from falling asleep too!) I recently bought some leftover yarns at our local annual Quilter's Notions Sale, so I have some more happy colors to continue making them.

If you make any stuffies, I highly recommend using Cluster Stuff by Morning Glory, for stuffing. It's sort of piece-y, and fills nicely into smaller areas. I buy mine at Hobby Lobby. 

After well over a month, now I've returned to my sewing machine to begin my next Paint Chip Challenge with Big Cypress Quilters. Linda