Let’s Make a Hook Rug! ‘70s Crafts Are Making A Comeback
Posted by: Ami Angelowicz
Filed in:
news
11:00AM, Sunday July 19th 2009
I feel really old when I admit this, but when I was a little girl my mom and I used to sit around on the weekends, listen to Moody Blues records, and make hook rugs together. Awww…the death rattle of the ‘70s. We are not crafty people—I don’t think either of us has made anything since—but the process was simple. It involving a patterned, plastic board type thingy, some yarn, and a needle-type implement called a latch. Lately, I’ve been feeling nostalgic for the hook rug days. But as it turns out, ‘70s crafts are becoming ironically cool again thanks to sites like Etsy and Crafster whose tagline is, “No Tea Cozies Without Irony.” Why? I think with all of the technology, there is a part of us that longs for simpler times with tangible things—like hands, yarn, records, and talking face-to-face. I think this year I will put my Crackberry away for an afternoon and do some crafting. Here are some more ‘70s crafts that I kind of can’t wait to get my hands on.
 |
First things first, want to try making a hook rug? You can buy a kit here with all of the ingredients! |
 |
Got some fabric, a needle, and thread? Then you’re ready to do needlecrafts—they are back and edgier then ever! You’ll get a stichgasm making irreverent masterpieces like Mr. X Stitch, a cross-stitching genius. |
 |
No good '70s home was complete without some macramé jewelry, clothing, wall hangings, or plant holders. Oh yes…you remember. Macramé is the art of decorative knotting. Some twine and a few basic knots are all you need to explore the endless possibilities. Check out this macramé owl necklace that will have you hooting. |
 |
So, I’m not ready to hang a velvet painting of Elvis on my wall (I really hope people don’t start making velvet Michael Jacksons!), but velvet painting is oddly amazing. You’ll need a kick ass piece of velvet, some professional acrylic paints, and probably some artistic skills. The final product…hot. I would be happy if this velvet horse painting galloped its way into my bedroom. |
TheFrisky.com is part of the Turner Sports and Entertainment Digital Network
Kiri Anne
wrote on July 19 2009 @ 08:12 pm: [report]
The cross-stitch pictured is from Subversive Crossstitch. http://www.subversivecrossstitch.com/ It’s a fantastic site and she did a really cool Obama pattern you get free with every purchase. They’re easy to do in an afternoon, and EXTREMELY therapeutic.
Blast from the Past
wrote on July 20 2009 @ 10:09 am: [report]
Having grown up in the ‘70s, I remember watching my mom do the latch-hook rugs. But, being a guy, my job was to make the frames to mount them in, and then hang them up on the wall. We had a few sunsets and owls adorning our avacoado green and burnt orange decorated house back then!
If this discussion at all inspires you to take a trip down memory lane, you can check out a book I recently wrote all about growing up in the ‘70s. I’s a fun quick read that’ll help you remember the good times and long for the simpler life. You can check it out here: http://www.my70sbook.com
Long live the ‘70s!
Perceptible
wrote on July 20 2009 @ 10:28 am: [report]
Oh wow! Nostalgia! I made countless macrame plant hangers and other assorted items, and many hook rugs. I LOVED those! I also did a lot of crochet, and still do. I had forgotten all about hook rugs. Can’t wait to teach my kids! The best was when you finished it and made it into a pillow! Remember? Oh the 70s…