Nostalgia drives the attraction to cozy country style in home
decorating. Warm colors, soft textures, polished wood, candlelight,
wood floors with braided rugs…
The Littleton Museum opens a new exhibit on May 29, called “Step
On It: Braided Rugs Then and Now.”
We can summon up an image of a Colonial home, with fireplace,
rocking chair and cozy-looking braided rugs— from a visit to
Williamsburg or Sturbridge Village, a historic story on film or TV,
or photos in books.
We know that pioneer women brought rugs and materials for making
them when they crossed the plains en route west. Women taught their
daughters and granddaughters the thrifty skills of creating a warm
rug from worn coats, suits, dresses and other bits of fabric. Some
of those early creations are in the museum’s extensive collection
of local artifacts.
Like other home decor, popularity of braided rugs has waxed and
waned over the years. At present, traditional crafts grow in appeal
and groups such as the Rocky Mountain Rug Braiders Guild form to
share knowledge of techniques and of history. For example, if the
coils are sewn too tightly, the rug will buckle instead of lying
flat. An experienced rug maker can teach the novice how to achieve
proper tension.
The museum show will combine rugs from the museum’s collection
with handcrafted rugs by guild members, who also knit, crochet and
make shirred rugs.
Members of the group will demonstrate their craft in the gallery
and will offer workshops.
Braided rugs will be available in the museum’s shop.
Call the museum for demonstration and workshop schedule,
303-795-3950.
