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2naSalit

(100,980 posts)
Fri Apr 19, 2024, 09:06 PM Apr 2024

It's DONE!!

After I was 2/3 finished with this thing three years ago, I recently tore out the lacing and relaced most of it and then finished braiding and lacing up the rest of it.

The rug is done! Needs some blocking but that's next week when the weather is warmer and I can take it outside to mess with it.

It contains three complete Army blankets most of a blanket of the other colors, 100% wool braiding, 100% cotton lacing.







130 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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It's DONE!! (Original Post) 2naSalit Apr 2024 OP
sharp looking. BootinUp Apr 2024 #1
Thanks... 2naSalit Apr 2024 #5
Meh! Anybody could do that...... AZ8theist Apr 2024 #67
Absolutely wonderful. Srkdqltr Apr 2024 #2
Thank you! 2naSalit Apr 2024 #10
Beautiful job! Diamond_Dog Apr 2024 #3
Thank you! 2naSalit Apr 2024 #6
Take a bow, my dear 2naSalit! This is nothing short of gorgeous. CaliforniaPeggy Apr 2024 #4
Thank you dear CaliforniaPeggy! 2naSalit Apr 2024 #9
Beautiful BOSSHOG Apr 2024 #7
Thank you! 2naSalit Apr 2024 #12
you did such a good job...lovely. Demsrule86 Apr 2024 #8
Thank you! 2naSalit Apr 2024 #27
You are welcome! I hope you enjoy it... Demsrule86 Apr 2024 #52
WOW. That is beautiful. FalloutShelter Apr 2024 #11
Thank you! 2naSalit Apr 2024 #28
That is beautiful, 2naSalit. I love the color combinations.You should be so proud of yourself. Thanks for sharing. debm55 Apr 2024 #13
Thank you! 2naSalit Apr 2024 #29
Very fine! Hope22 Apr 2024 #14
Thank you! 2naSalit Apr 2024 #30
I absolutely love the colors and pattern, it's a beautiful work of art. MLAA Apr 2024 #15
Thank you! 2naSalit Apr 2024 #32
After a break will you start a new one? MLAA Apr 2024 #36
Beautiful. Absolutely love your color combos. blm Apr 2024 #16
Thank you! 2naSalit Apr 2024 #33
Bravo! It's gorgeous ! fierywoman Apr 2024 #17
Thank you! 2naSalit Apr 2024 #38
Wow, that is an amazing rug. wendyb-NC Apr 2024 #18
Thank you! 2naSalit Apr 2024 #40
You're So Talented! That's an heirloom! Well done! ❤️ littlemissmartypants Apr 2024 #19
It is an heirloom... 2naSalit Apr 2024 #42
The result is really good looking, but it looks like a lot of work. Hermit-The-Prog Apr 2024 #20
It's really super easy. 2naSalit Apr 2024 #43
I've braided rope, rawhide, telephone wires, honeysuckle, willow, and white oak strips Hermit-The-Prog Apr 2024 #69
I like to use... 2naSalit Apr 2024 #70
That is incredible WhiteTara Apr 2024 #21
But it's just braided fabric... 2naSalit Apr 2024 #44
That's what makes it so incredible WhiteTara Apr 2024 #74
Always UTUSN Apr 2024 #22
Love it! Beautiful work! lucca18 Apr 2024 #23
Thank you! 2naSalit Apr 2024 #45
A masterpiece!! Far too nice to be trampled by human hooves :) diva77 Apr 2024 #24
Well... 2naSalit Apr 2024 #46
Great job. That is beautiful. LoisB Apr 2024 #25
Thank you! 2naSalit Apr 2024 #47
Wow! Nice rug! mountain grammy Apr 2024 #26
Thank you! 2naSalit Apr 2024 #49
It is absolutely beautiful! Dem2theMax Apr 2024 #31
Thanks... 2naSalit Apr 2024 #35
Impressive chair. Fits with the rug. Your seat of power. OAITW r.2.0 Apr 2024 #48
Yes, long ago. 2naSalit Apr 2024 #50
It looks pretty good to me! Dem2theMax Apr 2024 #73
That is gorgeous moniss Apr 2024 #34
I remember those days! 2naSalit Apr 2024 #51
Wow! Looks extremely difficult! My braids would be very sloppy and uneven. Yours are perfect! LeftInTX Apr 2024 #37
It isn't as hard as it appears... 2naSalit Apr 2024 #53
Makes me dizzy looking at it. OAITW r.2.0 Apr 2024 #39
See... 2naSalit Apr 2024 #54
Did you post this creation on YT? OAITW r.2.0 Apr 2024 #56
I don't post to YT. 2naSalit Apr 2024 #58
Cool, that;s why I subscribe to DU....exclusive content! OAITW r.2.0 Apr 2024 #60
Same here! 2naSalit Apr 2024 #62
Very nice! arkielib Apr 2024 #41
Thank you! 2naSalit Apr 2024 #55
Absolutely amazing! rubbersole Apr 2024 #57
Thank you! 2naSalit Apr 2024 #61
Wow! That's beautiful! Amazing job! Rhiannon12866 Apr 2024 #59
Thank you! 2naSalit Apr 2024 #64
Superb! It looks so professionally done. calimary Apr 2024 #63
Yeah... 2naSalit Apr 2024 #65
Nice! ShazzieB Apr 2024 #66
Thank you! 2naSalit Apr 2024 #71
A beautiful, beautiful labor of love democrank Apr 2024 #68
Thank you! 2naSalit Apr 2024 #72
Very nice work, 2naSalit. It looks great! brer cat Apr 2024 #75
Thank you! 2naSalit Apr 2024 #77
Beautiful and environmentally friendly Sanity Claws Apr 2024 #76
Thank you! 2naSalit Apr 2024 #79
Holy laced rug, 2naSalit ! Niagara Apr 2024 #78
Why thank you! 2naSalit Apr 2024 #82
You're welcome! Niagara Apr 2024 #84
Beautiful 2na!... MiHale Apr 2024 #80
Thank you! 2naSalit Apr 2024 #85
Very nice. underpants Apr 2024 #81
Thanks... 2naSalit Apr 2024 #90
Absolutely gorgeous! Goddessartist Apr 2024 #83
Thanks... 2naSalit Apr 2024 #88
I can't wait to see! Goddessartist Apr 2024 #92
Just awesome. nt sl8 Apr 2024 #86
Thank you! 2naSalit Apr 2024 #87
Beautiful job! LuckyCharms Apr 2024 #89
Thanks! 2naSalit Apr 2024 #91
Excellent! BumRushDaShow Apr 2024 #93
Thank you! 2naSalit Apr 2024 #101
this. ding. eggscllent AllaN01Bear Apr 2024 #94
Thanks... 2naSalit Apr 2024 #102
Such an incredible piece. onecaliberal Apr 2024 #95
Thank you! 2naSalit Apr 2024 #103
Looks great! Wicked Blue Apr 2024 #96
Thank you! 2naSalit Apr 2024 #104
That is impressive AND handsome. Congratulations on both the result and reward! yonder Apr 2024 #97
Finish up the... 2naSalit Apr 2024 #105
Dang, girl, that's awesome work! I'm proud of you, too! ancianita Apr 2024 #98
Thank you! 2naSalit Apr 2024 #106
Gorgeous! My favorite colors. And the rocker is a fine piece too. CousinIT Apr 2024 #99
Thank you! 2naSalit Apr 2024 #107
Wow. It's still nice. Really cool looking. CousinIT Apr 2024 #115
Great work and recycling, too! pandr32 Apr 2024 #100
Thanks... 2naSalit Apr 2024 #108
The greens are outstanding. Kid Berwyn Apr 2024 #109
Thank you! 2naSalit Apr 2024 #117
Very nicely done! GeoWilliam750 Apr 2024 #110
Nice! Well done! liberalla Apr 2024 #111
2naSalit........ Upthevibe Apr 2024 #112
Very nicely done Tesha Apr 2024 #113
Thank you! 2naSalit Apr 2024 #118
Wow, from Army blankets to art 10 Turtle Day Apr 2024 #114
Thank you! 2naSalit Apr 2024 #119
This place is just dripping with talent. planetc Apr 2024 #116
Yeah... 2naSalit Apr 2024 #120
BOSS orangecrush Apr 2024 #121
Formidable! Mme. Defarge Apr 2024 #122
Oui, vraiment! 2naSalit Apr 2024 #123
De rien ma belle! Mme. Defarge Apr 2024 #124
You are so talented Duncanpup Apr 2024 #125
Thank you! 2naSalit Apr 2024 #127
"Tooth brush" weaving? Very nice. marble falls Apr 2024 #126
Nope... 2naSalit Apr 2024 #128
Good job! Bayard Apr 2024 #129
Thank you! 2naSalit Apr 2024 #130

2naSalit

(100,980 posts)
5. Thanks...
Fri Apr 19, 2024, 09:14 PM
Apr 2024

I had to do something with all those blankets. They weren't nice enough to put on a bed and I don't do quilting. I would have had a bunch of quilts. This was the best thing I could think of doing with them. If I had worked on it eight hours a day five days a week, it would have taken about 7 - 8 weeks.

CaliforniaPeggy

(156,301 posts)
4. Take a bow, my dear 2naSalit! This is nothing short of gorgeous.
Fri Apr 19, 2024, 09:14 PM
Apr 2024

I have a couple of braided rugs like yours (one is smaller) that my mom made, and they are astonishing.

Thank you for sharing your art!

If you feel like it, you might post this in the Photo Group too. I'm sure our photographers would also love it.

2naSalit

(100,980 posts)
9. Thank you dear CaliforniaPeggy!
Fri Apr 19, 2024, 09:18 PM
Apr 2024

It was fun to make and gave me lots of "therapy time"! And used up a bunch of old blankets.

2naSalit

(100,980 posts)
12. Thank you!
Fri Apr 19, 2024, 09:21 PM
Apr 2024

I make lots of things but I haven't made anything for a while, it was nice to get this project finished so I have room to do something else. It literally took up my whole living-room space* with the table to keep it flat while I worked it. You have no idea how good it feels to sit ON it instead of making my way around it for a couple weeks.

*Kind of too small to call it an actual room.

debm55

(57,896 posts)
13. That is beautiful, 2naSalit. I love the color combinations.You should be so proud of yourself. Thanks for sharing.
Fri Apr 19, 2024, 09:21 PM
Apr 2024

2naSalit

(100,980 posts)
32. Thank you!
Fri Apr 19, 2024, 10:29 PM
Apr 2024

Considering there are three shades of Army blanket green, it was interesting to see if I could transition from one to another without making that point loud. I'm pleased with it. I acquired the green blankets separately over time so I had to work with what was available. The other colors were old blankets I already had. I spent more on cutting tools for stripping up the fabric than on anything else.

But it made me learn how to make a proper rug. I made an attempts several years ago and did everything wrong that could be done and still end up with a little rug. I laughed when I looked everything up and realized how big a "blow-it" case the first one was.

MLAA

(19,678 posts)
36. After a break will you start a new one?
Fri Apr 19, 2024, 10:47 PM
Apr 2024

I use to make quilts by hand and my least favorite part was cutting the fabric. But when I finished a quilt I kept it a few weeks to enjoy looking at it then gave it away. Wish I’d kept one! But the older woman who taught me quilt when I was in my 20s made me several and I treasure them. Your rugs will be the same kind of treasure.

2naSalit

(100,980 posts)
42. It is an heirloom...
Fri Apr 19, 2024, 10:55 PM
Apr 2024

That was the intent, at least. The only things I have to leave behind are pieces of my art and maybe some jewelry.

Thank you, I don't show off my stuff very often, this was a project. It wasn't hard work, just took perseverance.

Hermit-The-Prog

(36,631 posts)
69. I've braided rope, rawhide, telephone wires, honeysuckle, willow, and white oak strips
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 12:11 AM
Apr 2024

That still looks like a lot of work and a pretty result.

Congrats!

2naSalit

(100,980 posts)
70. I like to use...
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 12:28 AM
Apr 2024

Denim for this, it looks pretty when braided. If you can braid a rope, you can do this. I watched videos online to learn how to do it properly... and the easy way to do it. You just need a big, flat surface to do the lacing. Lacing is like lacing a shoe, you just draw a cord through the braid loops, that's all.

I have some "rounds" that I started a while ago that are denim, those will become throw pillows.

WhiteTara

(31,209 posts)
74. That's what makes it so incredible
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 03:59 AM
Apr 2024

Creating a beautiful rug from strips of material. You are definitely a master.

I’ve just gotten back in to crocheting and to me it’s another form of magic.

2naSalit

(100,980 posts)
46. Well...
Fri Apr 19, 2024, 10:59 PM
Apr 2024

It's getting walked upon, that's for sure. I don't wear shoes around the house so that will help keep it nice for a time.

Dem2theMax

(11,005 posts)
31. It is absolutely beautiful!
Fri Apr 19, 2024, 10:27 PM
Apr 2024

And that rocking chair looks pretty amazing. Wish there was a full view of it. I've never seen one with a seat like that. The rug and the chair go very well together.

2naSalit

(100,980 posts)
35. Thanks...
Fri Apr 19, 2024, 10:43 PM
Apr 2024

The chair does go well with the rug. It's what I sat in while braiding and even while I was lacing sometimes.





It's not as spectacular as it looks but it's comfortable and looks great with the rug which you can see was not finished when these pictures were taken.

2naSalit

(100,980 posts)
50. Yes, long ago.
Fri Apr 19, 2024, 11:03 PM
Apr 2024

I'm so relieved to have it finished.

I do like geometric designs, the Native American art out here is a feature so there are great patterns for inspiration.

Dem2theMax

(11,005 posts)
73. It looks pretty good to me!
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 12:45 AM
Apr 2024

I love rocking chairs. And I've never seen one like that one. Nice to know it's comfortable to sit in as well. And the rug was still a baby rug! It grew!

moniss

(8,835 posts)
34. That is gorgeous
Fri Apr 19, 2024, 10:30 PM
Apr 2024

as is the chair!! I can remember the days before decent vacuum cleaners when we would have to take the rugs outside every so often and hang them over the clothesline and beat them with a rug beater. It gave you all the work out you could take.

2naSalit

(100,980 posts)
53. It isn't as hard as it appears...
Fri Apr 19, 2024, 11:06 PM
Apr 2024

You just keep the edges folded in while braiding, it actually goes by pretty fast.

calimary

(89,294 posts)
63. Superb! It looks so professionally done.
Fri Apr 19, 2024, 11:33 PM
Apr 2024

Absolutely TERRIFIC workmanship!

You didn’t merely make a rug. You created a new family heirloom!

2naSalit

(100,980 posts)
65. Yeah...
Fri Apr 19, 2024, 11:49 PM
Apr 2024

It is an heirloom, I realized somewhere along the way.

I'm pleased with the result. My floors get cold in winter and it makes a good sound barrier too. But it's nice to look at too.

Sanity Claws

(22,364 posts)
76. Beautiful and environmentally friendly
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 05:42 AM
Apr 2024

Great upcycling of other materials and you got a unique color scheme.
What is this craft called? Rug braiding?
Once I have a name, I know how to research it. I have some materials that I'd love to reuse in a different way.

2naSalit

(100,980 posts)
79. Thank you!
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 06:28 AM
Apr 2024

Yes, it's just braided fabric, you can use anything... Tshirts, old anything really. There are other techniques using simple or no tools. I just did a search for braided rugs and rug braiding and found a wealth of instruction videos and supply sites.

I liked the way this lady explains things:

https://www.youtube.com/c/MarjorieKBraidBuddi/videos

Niagara

(11,639 posts)
78. Holy laced rug, 2naSalit !
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 06:28 AM
Apr 2024

That is gorgeous !



I love it when a plan comes together and when that plan becomes a reality, a colossal accomplishment has emerged.












2naSalit

(100,980 posts)
82. Why thank you!
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 06:32 AM
Apr 2024

It really is one of the simpler fetes in my repertoire. It does look great when done, though. Really looks far more difficult than it was to accomplish. wasn't even all that time consuming.

MiHale

(12,760 posts)
80. Beautiful 2na!...
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 06:29 AM
Apr 2024

You’re so talented. One of my favorite color combo’s.

Excuse me but that rocker looks fascinating that seat is awesome.

2naSalit

(100,980 posts)
85. Thank you!
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 06:37 AM
Apr 2024

Oak veneer seat, I was skeptical at first look but I couldn't leave the antique store without it. I like the leather headrest, still in good shape. It came form some high rolling ranch at some time in the past. Definitely a big ranch western style of furniture, slightly grandiose.

It does take up a lot of space in a small dwelling, though.

2naSalit

(100,980 posts)
90. Thanks...
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 07:22 AM
Apr 2024

I had to take a hiatus from working on it due to having to move and then finding the time and tables to finish it off. Braiding can be done anywhere, the lacing requires a flat surface. When I had the surface set up, it took up a third of my living space in my tiny dwelling making it a priority to get it done. I had all the materials prepared and everything, just doing the work was all it needed. Such a relief!

2naSalit

(100,980 posts)
88. Thanks...
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 07:15 AM
Apr 2024

I grew up with them too. I was shown how to make them when I was a kid so the idea for braided rug came quickly when I realized I needed to do something with them. I had to acquire two of the green blankets but only had to buy the last one cheap. I have enough for another.smaller one of other colors but I have to dye one of the blankets as it's a hideous green that goes with nothing other than a bunch of other shades of green in a menagerie sort of arrangement.

My next braiding adventure is to finish off some throw pillows made from old jeans.

Goddessartist

(2,176 posts)
92. I can't wait to see!
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 08:31 AM
Apr 2024

I never learned how to make them, and would love to get one for our home for the upstairs room with a wood floor - wood floors throughout the house.

I love your rug. I want one just like it!

BumRushDaShow

(167,165 posts)
93. Excellent!
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 08:41 AM
Apr 2024

I grew up with "rag rugs" and I still get a few when I can find them. Your "hand made" is amazing AND wool to boot!

2naSalit

(100,980 posts)
102. Thanks...
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 12:01 PM
Apr 2024

I like them but they are pretty expensive so I made one. I had a pile of old blankets and this is the best way to recycle them that I could think of. Wool has value until it disintegrates.

2naSalit

(100,980 posts)
105. Finish up the...
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 12:06 PM
Apr 2024

Throw pillows that I started and didn't finish. Braided denim, it looks cool. I made chair-pads for a gift a couple years ago, they came out nice. I figure these throw pillows will be indestructo-industrial strength so they might last around me.

CousinIT

(12,362 posts)
99. Gorgeous! My favorite colors. And the rocker is a fine piece too.
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 11:11 AM
Apr 2024

I love the rug. And the rocker. Is the rocker also handmade or bought? I haven't seen one like that before.

2naSalit

(100,980 posts)
107. Thank you!
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 12:10 PM
Apr 2024

I'm not sure about the history of the rocker. I would guess that it's a custom thing that probably came from one of the big old ranches in the area, they had had some right nice stuff, those ranchers and copper barons. I got it from a junk/antiques dealer. It has enough dings to have lost some value, that's why I could afford it!

2naSalit

(100,980 posts)
108. Thanks...
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 12:12 PM
Apr 2024

I like repurposing things. It's a surefire way to know that they got recycled into something useful.

Kid Berwyn

(23,644 posts)
109. The greens are outstanding.
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 04:28 PM
Apr 2024

You really set them off with the maroon, white and silver blue which also are outstanding highlights.

It's a work of art, alive.

2naSalit

(100,980 posts)
128. Nope...
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 07:44 PM
Apr 2024

That's more like crochet in a large medium. This is flat out braiding like I used to do with my hair. The fabric edges are folded in to make a smooth strand with substance and makes for a solid braid. And it isn't plaiting either. I did that, not knowing the difference, when I made a smaller rug years ago. I did everything you could do wrong and still come out with a finished product, the hard way. This one is so simple that I would make a lot of these if I had the room and fabric supply.

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