The History of The Penny Rug-Article 2
When a penny rug found its way to the wash tub in the spring, it normally had damage. If a medallion’s stitching was worn or broken from the wiping of the shoes, it meant repair was required. If it was not in to bad a shape, the medallions were replaced with new ones, but more often the rugs were set aside and braided rugs took their place. The braided rug was far more durable, easier to make and washed more often without falling apart. More garments could be recycled into the braided rug, which meant lots more colorful design. It was not long before a homesteader’s cabin floors displayed many braided rugs.
The penny rug was about to take a turn, and become fine homesteaders folk art that could be passed down from generation to generation. My grandmother’s penny rugs with appliqués lasted for many years. I recall one in particular that covered the back of an old couch. It was covered with the medallions except for a large oval area in the center, which had brightly colored flowers in blues, reds and yellows. If I remember correctly, the stems were embroidered in yarn with green leaves on each stem. On the outside of the rug, is what is known as the cat’s tongue pattern of flat wool felt. Each one top stitched at the edge using a running stitch.
As time has progressed even further, you will find that penny rug folk art does not always use wool fabrics. Regular felt is also used for the appliqués. Quilters once used feed sack fabrics to make medallions for decorative bed throws, but today they are bright cheerful cottons.
Our present day penny rugs barely resemble the original penny rugs. Pillows and throws look more as if free hand folk art is stitched to fabrics, and do not have any medallions. Some appliqués are stuffed with cotton to give them a three dimensional effect. While the artwork is stunning or fun, the original penny rug seems to be missing.
Collectors have recently become more educated in which penny rugs are of the original nature and which ones fall short of their expectations. Originals are quickly snatched up at various prices. As a result, it is becoming harder to find the true antique, original penny rugs in good shape, if at all. Finding a penny rug with minimal damage is still well worth the price. Antique shops will be a good source to find original medallion penny rugs. As you look about the internet, there are other sources which may also help you locate original antique penny rugs
Modern day penny rugs and penny rug patterns and kits can be found in our store. They are extremely enjoyable to make in any form.
On occasion our crawler, which scours the Ebay Mall, may find a genuine original medallion penny rug or two and display them under the vintage penny rugs category in the store.