What are Rag Rug Scissors & why are they so great?

If you’ve ever browsed the Ragged Life online shop or have seen me chattering away at one of the fairs then you may have come across our Ragged Life Rag Rug Fabric Scissors. The thing is, if you haven’t used them before then you probably don’t know what makes them different from ordinary fabric scissors… …

My Talented Mother’s Latest Handmade Rag Rug

The Story Behind this Handmade Rag Rug: My mum, Victoria, has been on a rag rug marathon recently and has been knocking out one gorgeous handmade rag rug after another – this rug and this rug, for example. Her latest creation, however, began in a slightly unconventional way. Months ago, we were given a piece of …

Rag Rugging with T-shirt Yarn – Hoooked

I’ve been making rag rugs for over fourteen years now…. about half my lifetime in fact. After sticking with one craft intensively for such a long time, it’s important to try new things to keep things interesting. I’m, therefore, always on the lookout for new project ideas, new innovations that can be applied to rag …

A Fresh Look at the Ally Pally Knitting and Stitching Show

Earlier this month, the Ragged Life team headed over to north London for the Ally Pally Knitting and Stitching Show 2018. As many of you regulars know by now, I like to share a few of my highlights after such shows. This means that even if you couldn’t make it on the day, you can …

Review: Workzone Cordless Cutter

I’m always on the look out for ways to make rag rugging quicker and easier. Over the years, I’ve discovered a number of tricks and “hacks” that save both time and effort (you can read some of my rag rugging hacks here). Without a doubt, one of the most time-consuming parts of rag rugging is …

Our New Ragged Life Company Rag Rug

As some of you already know, I teach and exhibit at some of the largest craft fairs across the country. I’m an expert tutor at the Knitting and Stitching Shows and Living Crafts Fairs, for example. A lot of work goes into getting prepared for these shows, particularly if you’re a perfectionist like I am. Whenever …

How to Make a Remembrance Day Rag Rug Poppy

Sunday, 11th November, 2018 marks the centenary of the end of World War I. Every year, I make myself a poppy or buy one if I haven’t had the time. This small gesture is a simple reminder of what people like my great-grandparents went through and I feel pretty passionately that it’s something we should …

Q&A with Rag Rugger Heather Ritchie

A few of you will hopefully have caught the BBC 4’s Make! Craft Britain programme that aired in March, earlier this year. Well, I was blown away by the fact that the first episode featured rag rugging… wow, who would have thought it? Finally, rag rugging is getting its due 🙂 Well, the rag rugger …

The Short Shaggy Rag Rug Technique

A couple of week’s ago, I shared a blog post showcasing my mum’s beautiful new rag rug made of jewel coloured sari silk. Well, this is the first rug that we’ve ever done in the “Short Shaggy” technique of rag rugging… a new method of rag rugging that we actually invented. Here’s what it looks …

My Mum’s Sari Silk Rag Rug

As many of you know, I was taught how to rag rug by my darling mum, Victoria. She still makes beautiful rag rugs (you can see another one of her other creations here) and is a colour-lover like myself. Below is her latest gorgeous creation and, as usual, she has outdone herself. If you like the rug, …