These are some old mats which I’ve come across with my work. I love being able to touch and study each one
It’s like touching history.
The cream “fabric” which is the greatest makeup of first mat is actually corn husks! I’ve hooked with some challenging wools in my time but never like that.
The second photo is a close up of those loops.
Likely a Garrett Bluenose pattern (above)
This is a Maltese Cross with flower centres (above)
Another Garrett Bluenose…
Sometimes we know what family these come from but the frustrating part is not being able to identify the maker. Women (most often the maker in our area), viewed these as necessity for cold floors, not as worthy of her signature.
This week the New Brunswick Mat Registry will once again hold a registry day: mats made in NB or by an NB maker which are 25 years or older will be photographed, historical narrative recorded and tagged.
I love that this is preserving history forward!
16 comments:
Very cool about the corn husks in the rug! They are surprisingly tough once they are dried. Yet they are pliable if soaked in water a bit.
Yes, "women's work" was (still is) often not considered worthy of tracking who made it.
The corn husk hooked mat was interesting and I save a photo of both photos. Thanks so much for sharing!!!
Corn husks? I would think that would be a killer to hook with. Who'da thunk that possible?
Yes at first I thought the mat had a coat of hard dirt but it was the husks! That’s a lot of work…I consider my rugs artistic, whether the design is my own or not, and I still use them on the floor
It was common to a specific area of NB. If you zoom in closely you will notice red polka dots on some of the husk surfaces. These were painted on !
Not sure what was used for dye
“Needs must” as the Brits say. There must have been no fabric to spare
It is amazing how the husks wore over the years
I wish I were better at labeling my rugs
cathy
Corn husks is a first for me that was used in hooking. Just amazes me how our ancestors used what they had on hand. I so love that rug! Yes they were mostly used out of necessity as well.
There is a penny rug which was made for an entire bedroom on display at a museum near us. It amazed me that someone made this as well. Janice
What a brilliant idea the registry is! And what an honor to be a part of it. Hmmm...there are (too many) times I have problems hooking with wool, I can't imagine hooking with corn husks. Yikes. ~Robin~
I didn't know that rugs were hooked with corn husk. Why not?
They used what they had on hand and nothing went to waste.
Thanks for sharing.
Hugs,
Julia
Often I’ll just write on the rug tape my name and year. Plus designer if it’s not me. Nothing fancy
The first rug is so pretty ...and can't believe the woman used corn husks !!! That had to be so hard to hook with !
Very pretty old rugs !
I’ve never seen a room sized penny rug, that must be an awesome sight. Yes, creative frugality! That’s what I try to do when I’ve underestimated the amount of wool colour I need for a rug…
I imagine husks would feel dusty in the hands. It was hooked through burlap. Great imaginations. Yes, I’m not sure whose brainchild the registry was but it is a labor of love
And I know the cobs were used in the outhouse but I haven’t quite gotten that one figured out.
Must have used a bigger hook for them. I just love the old rugs, not so fond of the moth mess and the decades of grime!
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