rug hooking question

[GenB]

Ok, i was cleaning out an old chest the other day and found an beautiful rug pattern printed on a large piece of burlap for a hooked rug. I got this years ago when my sister in law was into rug hooking. I've never started this project but suddenly find myself craving something like this to fill the post-holiday gap.

Here's the question, crafty momas: she used wool strips she made from old woolen clothing she collected. (they lived in New England and there was plenty to be found at thrift stores.) I live in Georgia (think: HOT) where it is not as plentiful.

Are there any acceptable substitutes or can I purchase wool strips from an online source? I tried cutting up a few things I found and discovered I'm not very sure-handed with the sissors. My strips weren't really usable. But the real problem is finding enough wool clothing. Can strips be made from anything else?

Any replies are helpful - I really want to tackle this - it is a lovely piece. HELP!!

[tinasquirrel]

You can buy wool strips for rug hooking. They have them at my local quilting store (in New England). I've never purchased from here, but here's an example:
http://www.colonialcrafts.com/manufa...ol_Strips/1770

[GenB]

Great site! Thanks for the info!!

This is a huge project but I remember the rugs my SIL made were beautiful!

I am really anxious to get this up and running!!

[tinasquirrel]

You've reminded me that my local community college has rug hooking classes. Wouldn't that be fun? Hmm....maybe next fall.

[chinaKat]

can I leapfrog onto this thread with my own rug hooking questions?

I'd love to try this craft, but the frames all seem so expensive. I asked on freecycle to see if anybody had one, but that's probably a long shot. Any less expensive alternatives to a $100+ frame out there?