So, I found this book at the library today. I’ve been on a general crafting ‘binge’ since my carpal tunnel has been acting up, making crochet a bit uncomfortable. This book has some great ideas in it. But, the one that really caught me is on page 16 – a sweater made of strips cut from old, thin wool sweaters. Their version is knit – but crochet would be even prettier.
The rugs will turn out something like this – only not woven:
http://www.re-nest.com/re-nest/rugs-carpets/recycled-sweater-rugs-035279
The idea is incredibly simple. Get some old, fine gauge wool sweaters in pleasing colors. Cut them into strips 1 to 1.5 inches wide. Spiral down the body of the sweater to get the longest pieces. It will take 4 or 5 sweaters to make a sweater that’s 18X24 inches. The sweaters can be felted before the stripping process – or not. Either way, you’ll end up with a very cushy rug. Use a very simple stitch pattern and a 15 mm size hook. Voila! You’ll soon have a unique, snuggly rug.
