Directly inside the entrance to the right, one sees “Wooly Worm”
by Lucy Long Amour of Larkspur, an organizer and teacher in the
Rocky Mountain Rug Braider’s Guild. The brightly hued rug zigs and
zags, instead of staying in a sedate circle or oval.
In the same case are three round chair pads by Joan Kittelson of
Centennial, an example of the class project underway. (Kits are
available at the Museum shop). To the left are Sedalia braider Joan
Elliott’s Piggies, three in number, and a bright Tartan Rug by
Doris Cruze of Littleton, who said “it’s such a relaxing thing to
do,” as she demonstrated braiding at the opening reception.
“Braided Rugs: Then and Now” is an exhibit incorporating rugs
from the Littleton Museum’s collection and contemporary rugs by
members of the Rocky Mountain Rug Braiders Guild, which fills
cases, walls and hanging racks. In addition to wool braided rugs,
there are knitted, crocheted, hooked and poly-point technique rugs
that invite touching.
A case at the sideshows tools of the trade.
Honey Brady of Highlands Ranch exhibits a rug called “Mexican
Fiesta,” created with brilliant turquoise, red, orange and yellow.
She is among many guild members who volunteer to demonstrate the
craft from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 2 to 4
p.m. Saturdays and Sundays during the run of the really pretty
show. The rug they are creating at the demonstrations with, help
from visitors of all ages, will be donated to the museum
collection.
Doris Cruze said visitors and new members are welcome. The
group, started by Norma Sturges of Littleton following publication
of her ”The Braided Rug Book” in 1995, meets twice a month: the
first Saturday of the month at St. Timothy’s Church in Littleton
and a second time in members’ homes. Once a year in July, the group
sponsors a workshop in Salida which draws braiders from across the
country.
For information: Jan Watson, 303-794-2943; June Kittelson,
303-771-6885; Beverly Sullivan.
If you go:
“Braided Rugs: Then and Now” It will run through July 5 at the
museum, 6028 S. Gallup St., Littleton. Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesdays through Fridays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; 1 to 5 p.m.
Sundays. 303-795-3950.
Craft
