Creative rug making group

Press, 13 February 1986, Page 16

Creative rug making group

“Living Space”

by

PRUDENCE ROTHENBERG

Hand sewing I find most relaxing. I try and make time (mostly at night) to embroider. Mentioning to a friend the problems I was having with a cushion I was making she invited me to “Rugs;” She said with assurance “someone there will be able to help you.” “Rugs” takes place every second week on a Tuesday. The background of the group is interesting. Thirteen years ago a group of six women decided to meet once a fortnight at each other’s homes to spin together. They met at 10 a.m. for morning tea and took their lunch. The group grew so quickly it was decided to form another group to meet once a month at the Redcliffs church hall. The original group, which had grown in numbers, was still meeting at each other’s homes. Dennis Johnston, husband of Joy Johnston one of the founders of the group, had to give up smoking. To take his mind off

tobacco Joy suggested to him that he make a floor rug. She would spin the wool and design the rug. The enterprise was a success. The rug was admired and the smoking stopped. When Joy’s turn came around to have the group at her house they were so intrigued by Dennis’s rug they decided to form a

rug group, making the rugs with their home-spun wool. The rug group gained momentum, and many friends wanted to join. Some did not spin so bought their wool from the carpet factory. Within a year, with each other’s help and advise some really beautiful rugs were made. The interesting designs in handmade flat stitch influenced the New Zealand spinners and weavers to incorporate this class in their programme for their annual festivals. The Redcliffs group still meets once a fortnight, the hostess supplying the morning tea. The group bring their own lunch and continue with their handwork until mid afternoon. Some of the members still make rugs. Others sew and knit their homespun wool into garments for the family. One member is making a petitpoint cover for a stool. The design was complicated and the colours were tonings of pink. Another is making a petit

point evening bag. It has been a most enjoyable experience for me amongst this group of interesting woman of varying ages. The majority live in the area although some come from

outer Christchurch. The conversation is stimulating. Everyone says exactly what they think. It is obvious that no one holds grudges or, for that matter, holds the floor.

And yes, someone was able to help me. Immediately I brought out my sewing Joy Johnston found the mistake for me. I am now happily sewing again but it may be sometime before my cushion is completed.