Hi! My name is Carla A. Simonson, and I’m the person behind Recycled Rag Rug Kits! I first learned to crochet when I was 12 years old, and I’ve been enjoying this wonderful craft ever since. I learned a few basic stitches from a family friend and made a scarf as my first project. After that, I was definitely hooked! I’ve since crocheted many afghans from yarn of all types. Every member of my family now has an afghan gracing the end of his or her bed.

I learned how to crochet Rag Rugs three years ago and learned right away that crocheting material is NOT the same as crocheting yarn! Crocheting fabric requires a much bigger hook, and you have to pull the material much further away from you than you would with yarn. The resulting stitch is bigger, as you might expect, but this is what creates the distinctive texture and durability of the final product.

Since learning to crochet Rag Rugs, I’ve made hundreds of beautiful rugs from recycled materials. It’s become something of a family affair ever since that first Christmas when I gave them away as presents. My sister has one in almost every room of her home and always calls with a request for a new one when she sets about redecorating. My mom really enjoys showing off the rugs I’ve made for her, and her friends have ended up requested rugs from me, too. Mom also likes to have a couple of extras on hand to give away as gifts. It seems like every spring she gives two or three away as wedding presents.

My kids also get in the act! They help me hunt down recycled material and prepare it for rug-making. They sure enjoy helping me pick out the fun color combinations and dancing on my rugs to train them, chanting “Be a rug!”

As you can see, I really enjoy making Rag Rugs! I get great joy from my recycled creations, and I feel good about recycling good material that might otherwise go to waste. I can’t wait to share with you the FUN of making Rag Rugs, so please check out our Recycled Rag Rug Kits and let me know how your beautiful rugs turn out!

- Carla