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2naSalit

(86,775 posts)
Fri Apr 19, 2024, 10:06 PM Apr 19

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

2naSalit

(86,775 posts)
5. Thanks...
Fri Apr 19, 2024, 10:14 PM
Apr 19

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

(149,688 posts)
4. Take a bow, my dear 2naSalit! This is nothing short of gorgeous.
Fri Apr 19, 2024, 10:14 PM
Apr 19

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

(86,775 posts)
9. Thank you dear CaliforniaPeggy!
Fri Apr 19, 2024, 10:18 PM
Apr 19

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

2naSalit

(86,775 posts)
12. Thank you!
Fri Apr 19, 2024, 10:21 PM
Apr 19

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

(25,311 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, 10:21 PM
Apr 19

2naSalit

(86,775 posts)
32. Thank you!
Fri Apr 19, 2024, 11:29 PM
Apr 19

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

(17,318 posts)
36. After a break will you start a new one?
Fri Apr 19, 2024, 11:47 PM
Apr 19

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

(86,775 posts)
42. It is an heirloom...
Fri Apr 19, 2024, 11:55 PM
Apr 19

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

(33,409 posts)
69. I've braided rope, rawhide, telephone wires, honeysuckle, willow, and white oak strips
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 01:11 AM
Apr 20

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

Congrats!

2naSalit

(86,775 posts)
70. I like to use...
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 01:28 AM
Apr 20

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

(29,721 posts)
74. That's what makes it so incredible
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 04:59 AM
Apr 20

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

(86,775 posts)
46. Well...
Fri Apr 19, 2024, 11:59 PM
Apr 19

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

(9,653 posts)
31. It is absolutely beautiful!
Fri Apr 19, 2024, 11:27 PM
Apr 19

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

(86,775 posts)
35. Thanks...
Fri Apr 19, 2024, 11:43 PM
Apr 19

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

(86,775 posts)
50. Yes, long ago.
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 12:03 AM
Apr 20

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

(9,653 posts)
73. It looks pretty good to me!
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 01:45 AM
Apr 20

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

(4,274 posts)
34. That is gorgeous
Fri Apr 19, 2024, 11:30 PM
Apr 19

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

(86,775 posts)
51. I remember those days!
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 12:04 AM
Apr 20

I'm hoping my succulator machine is strong enough to spare me that workout!

2naSalit

(86,775 posts)
53. It isn't as hard as it appears...
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 12:06 AM
Apr 20

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

calimary

(81,443 posts)
63. Superb! It looks so professionally done.
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 12:33 AM
Apr 20

Absolutely TERRIFIC workmanship!

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

2naSalit

(86,775 posts)
65. Yeah...
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 12:49 AM
Apr 20

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

(21,852 posts)
76. Beautiful and environmentally friendly
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 06:42 AM
Apr 20

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

(86,775 posts)
79. Thank you!
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 07:28 AM
Apr 20

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

(7,650 posts)
78. Holy laced rug, 2naSalit !
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 07:28 AM
Apr 20

That is gorgeous !



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












2naSalit

(86,775 posts)
82. Why thank you!
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 07:32 AM
Apr 20

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

(9,775 posts)
80. Beautiful 2na!...
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 07:29 AM
Apr 20

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

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

2naSalit

(86,775 posts)
85. Thank you!
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 07:37 AM
Apr 20

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

(86,775 posts)
90. Thanks...
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 08:22 AM
Apr 20

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

(86,775 posts)
88. Thanks...
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 08:15 AM
Apr 20

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

(1,863 posts)
92. I can't wait to see!
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 09:31 AM
Apr 20

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

(129,398 posts)
93. Excellent!
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 09:41 AM
Apr 20

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!

AllaN01Bear

(18,359 posts)
94. this. ding. eggscllent
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 10:06 AM
Apr 20
my late mom made an oval like this and i dont know what happened to i after she passed away.

2naSalit

(86,775 posts)
102. Thanks...
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 01:01 PM
Apr 20

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

(86,775 posts)
105. Finish up the...
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 01:06 PM
Apr 20

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

(9,257 posts)
99. Gorgeous! My favorite colors. And the rocker is a fine piece too.
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 12:11 PM
Apr 20

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

2naSalit

(86,775 posts)
107. Thank you!
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 01:10 PM
Apr 20

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

(86,775 posts)
108. Thanks...
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 01:12 PM
Apr 20

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

Kid Berwyn

(14,953 posts)
109. The greens are outstanding.
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 05:28 PM
Apr 20

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

(86,775 posts)
128. Nope...
Sat Apr 20, 2024, 08:44 PM
Apr 20

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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