Rya rugs

This video was created in 2011 when an internet search for “rya rugs” yielded only a few results. The rya world has changed dramatically since then. If you google “rya rugs” today you will see over 2 million hits.
Melinda Purcell Byrd and this video have played an active role in the resurgence of interest in the Nordic art of rya rug making. The renewed interest in all things of midcentury modern times as well as the desire to reconnect with using our hands to create art have brought rya rug making back to the forefront.
Since this video was released, Byrd has written a book (almost 9 years in the making) to answer all the questions she has received since this video was made. The book is entitled RYA RUGS-Design and Make Your Own. It is beautifully laid out and richly photographed by Ken Koons, creator of the Handcraftedtradition video series.
The book is available at this link in either hardcover or softcover. byrdcallstudio...
To stay up-to-date on international rya conversation, apply to join the Facebook Group: Byrdcall Studio Rya Rug Friends where beginner and advanced rya rug makers share tips, questions, and ideas with one another. / 2020827664850207
Byrdcall Studio now offers all supplies for the off-loom rya rug maker just like her grandparents, the Lundgrens did from 1956 - 1982. After this video was produced, Byrd bought back all of the Lundgren rya supplies from the person who had bought it all and had it safely in storage for over 30 years. She now buys backings and yarn from the Rauma company in Norway. She sells kits, yarn, backing, needles, and her book which explains how to use them all.
Byrd currently operates Byrdcall Studio, LLC by herself and is hoping other rya designers and entrepreneurs will emerge to ensure the rya art continues for decades (or centuries) to come.
The most comprehensive listing of kits and supplies Byrd offers is through her Etsy Shop, Byrdcall. Go to this link to view and buy if interested. www.etsy.com/s...

Mailing address:
Melinda Byrd
Byrdcall Studio, LLC
PO Box 162
Woodbine, MD 21797
Subscribe to her monthly e-Newsletter at
byrdcallstudio...

[@knmonlinemedia]

My grandmother had a rya rug. I mistook it for a latch rug but noticed the piles and stitching weren't the same. Now I know how to do it. Thank you for sharing

[@lisaallen6560]

My Finnish mother told me that during the wars in Finland, when commodities were scarce and need was great, some families resorted to untying the Ryiji (Rya) rugs to re-purpose the the wool yarn for mittens and other woolen garments for their soldiers in the field. The rugs kept drafts at bay when hung on the walls and were also used as sleigh blankets on cold journeys. What a wonderful part of history and heritage you are helping to preserve! Thank you.

[@Byrdcallstudio]

+Lisa Allen , Hi, Lisa! I love learning history like this from you. It makes so much sense that the wool yarn would be repurposed in times of war and freezing temperatures. I had never heard this before. Thank you for sharing your mother's story with us. I will pass the information along in my classes, newsletters, etc. And Lisa, i got your order for the Fireflower Rya kit from my Byrdcall shop on etsy today. I will be putting the kit together for you tomorrow! It is a fun one. Thanks so much. Melinda

[@bernarditapinedo4880]

Melinda Byrd, I am very thankful to you, because with your tecnic I have done five or six rugs , I think it was nine yesrs ago, and they are like they were new. Thank you teacher. I even have taught to a friend , how to do this..She was very happy. I live in Chile South America and my language is spanish , then sorry about my English . This tecnic is a real treasure. Thankyou again.

[@Byrdcallstudio]

Hello, Bernadita! I am so happy that our video has help you start your own rya rug collection. And now YOU are a teacher, too. Keep spreading the word showing others and maybe a new rya style will begin in your community. Gracias! Melinda

[@Corinnecy]

Here I am watching this again! I cannot wait to get a kit from Brydcall!

[@Byrdcallstudio]

Glad to know you are teaching kids this knotting technique. That makes my day. You are helping to keep the tradition alive. Thanks for your comments on the video! Melinda

[@mireyaramirez2550]

Hermoso trabajo hace mucho que no veía ,cuando niña me sentaba a mirar a las sras que se reunían a hacer manualidades en los llamado centro de madres y desde entonces me quedo el amor a todas las manualidades .Un saludo desde Chile bendiciones.

[@Byrdcallstudio]

For those of you who are wondering... Since I made that video, a lot has changed. Suppliers have found ME and now I am selling excellent rya yarn and backing from Norway, yarns from Sweden, and I bought back my grandparents' entire rya business which had been sold out of the family for over 30 years. I am writing a book on the subject of how to design and make your own, so hang onto that interest. I believe the book will be out around the middle of 2016. For now, sign up for my blog or newsletter (or both) to get the latest in kit offerings and supply updates and MANY inspirational stories from people like yourself. Go to my web site to sign up: byrdcallstudio.com.

[@Byrdcallstudio]

Susan, I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Just this past wekend I "bought back" my grandparents' rya rug business after 30 years! Now I have LOTS of materials to work with and designs. Cheers, Melinda

[@SandraSANDRA-gj5yr]

!!FIQUEI APAIXONADA PELO SEU TRABALHO !!! ME ENCHEU DE IDEIAS VOU TENTAR FAZER.... MUITOS BEIJOS E PARABENS .

[@raquelturnquest4646]

Thanks for the video. I have not made Rya Knot Rug since college. I will teaching the technique to a group of kids at a summer camp starting tommorrow. Watching brought back memories. Keep up the good work!!!

[@ClaireYvonne]

VERY nicely done video- thank you for sharing! congrats on getting the family company back! i will definitely be attempting this. i am very interested in arts and customs from the very distant past, VIVA LA RYA RUG!

[@Byrdcallstudio]

Thanks, Ginn. And you are very correct about how hard it is to find a woven backing these days. I haven't had any wool backings for over a year now. Good luck to you.

[@yvonnestahr6165]

beautiful!! Thanks for sharing. I never knew of this craft.

[@christywright5439]

If I had the materials, I would start one now without hesitating. Absolutely beautiful and so creative.

[@Byrdcallstudio]

Thanks, Alison. I love mixing yarn colors in my ryas. It's a lot like mixing paints. Fun!

[@frozenbear1888]

Hi Melinda, I am making a "Rya-style" (Ghiordes knot) on my traditional floor loom. I first watched your video about a year ago and became interested...I am using 5" pieces of jute on a linen warp...I hope it comes out ok, it took me forever to tie the warp, and now I have to make 5 thousand knots !! I am putting in a couple of rows of plane jute twine after a row of knots...thanks for posting this video, especially the history part...!

[@frozenbear1888]

Melinda Byrd Hi Melinda, I sent you an email with some photos...

[@rayjengwu2723]

Thank you Melinda. I am from Taiwan and I really enjoyed your video.

[@kathyperry863]

hi, i learned this in the 70's but forgot how to do it, so glad to find you! thank you so much. wonderful video.

[@Byrdcallstudio]

You, and many others have the same experience. If you ever want to do it again, I have all that you need--and a book to be published hopefully by the end of the year

[@kathyperry863]

nice.:)

[@irenitele8497]

Hi Melinda I enjoyed this video very much. I work with weaving and love including rug knots as I weave. This technique gives me a new view on things I can do. I am wondering if the backing materials and basics are discussed in another of your videos so I can try my own. Thank you from Irene, from Brasil. ❤❤

[@Byrdcallstudio]

Thank you so much Irene. It makes me feel good to know you are adding rya knotting to your weavings in Brasil! Most backing material is linen warp and wool and linen weft, but people do it other ways, too. Here is a video shared by Paivatar where she is weaving on all linen. Mostly it is wool though. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYG7o32HrryXd9k and here is another video I did showing how to do rya knots on the surface of a woven backing which is from Finland. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqmVeqiCdr6Xf7M. And here is another one I did that shows th Norwegian backing quite well. Hope this helps. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5Oyh5iDpJ2Nlbs Cheers! Melinda

[@lizzyanthus1]

I had never heard of this method of rug making but it is pretty awesome! I loved the history lesson as well. Your Tree of Life rug is just wonderful! Such vibrant colors! Thanks!

[@katiesgrandmom1]

Melinda, that's a beautifully done video. I now love Rya rugs. I can almost feel the material, as you describe it. You're a very natural narrator & I loved the end. You're doing a good thing keeping the tradition going. Your grandparents would be proud.

[@AzitaManii]

thanks a lot dear Melinda..

[@aldinga52]

The rugs are gorgeous! I would love to do some of that. Thank you for sharing.

[@whereangelswhisper222]

In awe!!! Just amazing to watch and experience with you Melinda. Thank you.

[@Byrdcallstudio]

Hello, Heli, Thank you so much for your kind words and linking my video into your blogspot. I have admired your work many times in the recent past as I search the internet for rya sources. I sure wish supplies were more readily available. I'm enjoying your blog now. Thank you!!! Melinda

[@Byrdcallstudio]

Thanks, Haley I. Have fun with your rug-making.

[@RikiBerlin]

We really enjoyed watching this-thank you!

[@carolejeffers2260]

I love this video. I made two large and two small Rya rugs in the late 60's and have used them as wall hangings - no walking on mine! I would love to get into this again and buy kits with designs and the wool . Go ahead and put together the designs and wool suppliers!

[@shirleymiller9800]

I hope this art doesn't die out. I am a crafter and do a variety. I would like to teach them but not many have the time to learn any more. So many crafts are gone or are too expensive to do. Good luck finding the backing you need.

[@shannonmaeswartz5316]

This is so wonderful thanks for sharing this history-and technique.

[@Byrdcallstudio]

Thanks. Since I don't know when I'll find my next rya backing, I really wanted this rya to be special--in case it is my last. You are right about supplies being hard to find and expensive when you find them. Seems there may be a resurgence of interest in ryas and possibly new supplies made with quality materials...keep fingers crossed.

[@carolinehaskin3893]

For various reasons, a 4 1/2 x 6 1/2 rya rug I started in the early 70s has been stored 2/3 finished for the past 40 years. Today I set it free. Although I wish it were a different design, I was pleased to see it is nicer colors than I remembered. (No hideous 70s greens) So, I have hopes one of my children will like it enough to want it when I finally finish it. I would love to make another rug after this, with colors and a design of my choosing.

[@ScrappyOrganics]

so, i just wanted to tell you...several years ago, i was looking for a new craft to learn when i happened across your you tube video! i was instantly obsessed!!! so i searched and searched for more online videos...there weren't any! and i mean, nothing!!! i google rya rug making, i searched for turkey knotts, i looked everywhere online and found nothing! so i went to my local library...still, nothing! so, your video was the ONLY reference that i had!!! now, several years later, i'm looking again...and the videos are everywhere!!!there are tons of them on youtube...I haven't bothered to look elsewhere.. no need too! my point is, clearly, this ancient form of rug making has made a comeback and i'm sure that its, in part anyways, because of you and your beautiful homage to your family and this lovely form of rug making! you trend setter you :-)... so thank you very much for sharing!

[@Byrdcallstudio]

+geneva mills ...Well, Geneva, you just totally made my day. And you validated for me the fact that there was nothing to be found online. So I'd like to say I had something to do with the "awakening", and maybe I did a little, but somehow I just think that the world of the internet finally caught up with past history and interest has been peaked! Just so you know (and you won't have to search any more) I have been researching RYA RUG MAKING for a book I am writing...you can imagine how difficult it was to research online a few years ago...a little easier now. But I am close to completing it and my goal is still to share the process with anyone interested. Geneva, please sign up to receive my monthly newsletter via my website (byrdcallstudio.com) and check out my blogs while you are at it....very cool rya stuff in both. Thanks again.

[@ScrappyOrganics]

awesome! i will do that for sure! i can only imagine how difficult its been to research for a book! i look forward to owning a copy!!! your video, by the way, is still my favorite! i love the historical lessons! i showed my 8 year old part of it because i wanted her to see how the rugs got cleaned... (tossing them in snow, i found entertaining) then i tried closing the computer. she said"mumma! rewind it so i can i watch the whole thing from the beginning!" so i did! wicked cute and now she wants me to teach her...she has an old soul and gravitates to ancient arts! i'm frequently brought to tears by her amazing ability to see and understand the importance of "passing it down" anyways, been sick for days, so when i'm feeling a little better i will check out all that you mentioned above! again,I thank you!

[@Byrdcallstudio]

+geneva mills , Hi, again, Geneva! You and your daughter are amazing. Thank you. I hope you feel better really quick and enjoy the spring--which will hopefully get here soon. You make me smile. Melinda

[@Byrdcallstudio]

Thank you so much, Charlette! I really hope you and your daughter find time to make a rya together. You will fall in love with the technique and the ease you'll find in working on a project. I'll have the book out in pdf format first, then in paper. I'm about 3/4 done writing it. It will be fully illustrated with awesome photos too so anyone anywhere can learn the technique and how to design. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts. Melinda

[@Byrdcallstudio]

Muchas gracias. Les deseo felicidad con sus ovejas y la lana y telares que hacen. Mi abuelo solía hacer telares. Tejer en!

[@Donnajbe1]

I really enjoyed this. A very nice mix of detailed information and fun facts too!

[@tada9048]

I would love to be your apprentice. To just sit down with you and soak up your wisdom and knowledge and continue of passing it down to the next generation. Thank you for sharing. Blessings from Connecticut❤❤❤

[@Byrdcallstudio]

Hi, Rosie! I could sure put you to work, friend. I will be in Hartford Connecticut at the Stitches United event at the Ct Convention Center March 22-25, 2018. I'll be in the Exhibition Hall with booths run by The Yarn Guys. Please come by and introduce yourself...or better yet, sign up for my 6 hour class while there is still room. Check out details at this link: www.knittinguniverse.com/teacher/teacher_details/view/87/320462/Melinda_Byrd/

[@msbernie1970]

Have always wanted to make a rya rug, but it's very difficult to find the materials & when I did they were very expensive. Your's are absolutely beautiful.

[@angelbethel4032]

I had to refind you video... This has been very beneficial to me. Want to try this method ..

[@Byrdcallstudio]

Thanks, RikiBerlin! You made my day!

[@Corinnecy]

i wish there were more videos of this artist and her process!

[@Handcraftedtradition]

After we finish Melinda's book on rya rugs we will be posting more rya videos. Here is the link to Melinda's block printing video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2PLmKh4q9KNmJY

[@helenmckinnon3782]

Handcraftedtradition

[@vojkaandrejic7786]

Corinne Cascioppo ä

[@walkyourpath4007]

I agree :)

[@nayazsher5333]

Corinne Casciopp9

[@MzKeyz26]

I've truly enjoyed watching and learning from your video! :)

[@markosmandroskylos7174]

So satisfying to watch!

[@veronicapalmasilva5362]

Maravilloso!!! Felicitaciones, saludos ☺

[@remuri1]

Hermoso, hermoso. Gracias por tanta belleza...

[@Byrdcallstudio]

+Ruth Munoz , Thank you so much, Ruth! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Now I am working on a book! keep in touch. Melinda Gracias tanto, Ruth! Me alegro de que hayan disfrutado el video. Ahora estoy trabajando en un libro! mantenerse en contacto. Melinda

[@Byrdcallstudio]

That would be great! I'll spread the word...and get some myself.

[@angelbethel4032]

You are awesome. Your videos are relaxing

[@fatimalopes694]

Parabéns ..adorei seu trabalho ...lindo lindo lindo ...eu nunca tinha visto essa base pra tecer o tapete ...o avesso deve ficar perfeito ...onde encontro pra comprar???

[@Byrdcallstudio]

Para la limpieza lo mejor es agitar a menudo. Si usted tiene una aspiradora con herramientas de succión - pero no los rodillos giratorios - se puede aspirar es. Se puede lavar suavemente en una tina con agua a temperatura ambiente. Si usa jabón, asegúrese de que no se lave la lanolina del lana cabo. Woolite es una buena marca. Si el vino rojo derramado en el rya, puede sacar los nudos sucias y reemplazar con el nuevo hilo. Un montón de posibilidades - además de vencer en la nieve! Gracias.

[@TheLadyete1]

These are lovely rugs. I can't wait to try my hand at making my first one. Looking forward to your book, also. Thanks for sharing these wonderful rugs with us, as well as taking up the torch to bring them back. Hopefully this will be a project that my daughter and I will be able to work on together. She is better at drawing than I am, so she will likely made the patterns.Enjoyed your vid and am looking forward to more. Charlette

[@mirafromtheseaa]

That was completely amazing

[@Byrdcallstudio]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. Good things to come.

[@anastasiapavitch4078]

This is beautiful artistry thank you for sharing how to. I will find the links you suggested and try it.

[@victoriajo3828]

Hi Melinda.. I am a lover of the arts.. so I usually watch videos of my own genre's and other people's too.. I admire people who love the arts, such as you and your dedication to your art/craft. The work is marvelous and the talent is endless.. I enjoy that. So, I typed in weaving, I think.. and came across your video and just loved and do love the rugs and your skill is amazing... hugs, Victoria ps. Keep sharing.. other people need to find you tooo....

[@miryamcarolinaromobrizuela9825]

Hola Melinda, soy chilena y no hablo inglés, sin embarho tu trabajo me gusta mucho y estoy muy feliz de encontrar tus videos ! Yo misma realizo tapices y varios trabajos en textil y tejidos. Me encantó tu diseño y el colorido. Personalmente realizo varios basados en los pueblos indígenas chilenos que cuentan con ricas tradiciones en telares y otras técnicas heredadas a sus descendientes. Seguiré tus videos, sin duda. Felicitaciones!!

[@revathivadhiparthi8622]

Thank you for this video, will definitely try a rug but the wool that is available in New Zealand. ♥️👌

[@emunahnoa]

very interesting. your passion comes through.

[@sallybickford9548]

Hi Melinda! My grandmother, mother, and aunt all made many many Rya rugs and my cousin and I many many pillows 'back in the day'. It seems that perhaps our grandparents knew each other as there clearly was so much ordering that happened. There are easily over 30 rugs left in my mother's house. I'm inspired by this video - especially the cleaning part!! Just kidding, though that seems incredibly helpful. My mom just passed away this spring and I'm spending time at her house near N. Conway with my brother and all these rugs. Perhaps there is a rug making experience in my not too distant future! In the meantime, I'll get my camera out....

[@Byrdcallstudio]

Hi, Sally. I do remember that we had customers in N. Conway! Must have been your family. What was their name? Sorry to hear about your mother. Please keep in touch with me over the years. I'll bet you will make a rug...or two. You should subscribe to my monthly newsletter for updates on rya. You can go to my website and sign up at the bottom of any page. I work hard to make it a newsletter worth your while. take care.

[@sallybickford9548]

Melinda Byrd Hi Melinda! Thanks for writing me back! Emilie Holmgren my grandmother, Gail Bickford my mom and Frances Costikyan my aunt. I've never met or seen anyone else with quite the passion or collection as these three. Can't wait to be surprised!! And I just signed up so will look forward to learning more!

[@Byrdcallstudio]

Sally Bickford Now that I think of it, sally, I can recall my grandmother's voice referring to "Bickford" or "Bickford's order". The other names are not ringing a bell but Bickford definitely is. Funny how that just struck me as a distant memory. And thanks for signing up for the newsletter.

[@Byrdcallstudio]

Cricketstomper. I love your enthusiasm for the rya rugs. Since these nice quality backings are no long woven for general sales, it is very dificult to find them except by chance--maybe someone finds one in their attic and lists it on ebay. Last month and this month, I am teaching my last rya rug-making class to some good friends who have received my LAST backings. Happily, the class is being videoed by Ken Koons so the "how to design" details can be seen as a follow up video! Stay tuned.

[@1Serval]

beautiful. Like the way this looks better than a latch hook.

[@Byrdcallstudio]

Yes, it is a gorgeous craft. Latch hook was invented to imitate the rya appearance, but there is really no comparison. Thanks for commenting. happy New Year!

[@robertahubert9155]

your craft is beautiful

[@cecilialabra9959]

hola, te felicito por los maravillosos trabajos

[@NingasKugon09]

So beautiful, I was moved...I wish to try make this.

[@ClaireMDeFleur]

Thanks for that great explaining! I will soon start my first little rug. :)

[@Byrdcallstudio]

Awesome, Claire! Let's bring this fine handcraft back. Let me know if you need any supplies. I really appreciate your comment. Knot on!

[@ClaireMDeFleur]

Thank you Melinda! I have everything I need and just use some old wool rest to make a tiny rug first, just to improve my skills here. But with your video everthing is super easy and it makes a lot of fun! I once tried the hook but found it so boring; this is how I found out about this, also even more traditional, technique with a needle :) I love it !

[@sandradove2386]

wow I would love to own one of these rugs my mum used to make rag rugs when I was a child absolutely beautiful

[@elizabethme1711]

I am making one. I remember my grandmother making one of these in the early 50s :)

[@Byrdcallstudio]

Elizabeth... Perfect! You make your grandmother proud, as I do for mine. Thanks. Melinda

[@elizabethme1711]

Thank You Melinda. I loved my Grandmother and she was a very wise and thrifty woman. She taught me a lot, and wisely. x

[@Dakiniwoman]

I love this... I could get into making this kind of rug...

[@rosarosado7262]

Beautiful !!

[@Byrdcallstudio]

Thank you so much, Rosa.

[@threzasamuil8406]

Very beautiful

[@RikiBerlin]

Fantastic! I felt the same when I watched your video! Pace!

[@stelagheorghe8060]

fantastic !!

[@kaiaahallikas7]

You can order packages that includes everything you need from finland.

[@victoriajo3828]

Hello Melinda.. I just wanted to say that your Rya rugs are simply beautiful and I love your dedication to your craft... Keep up the great work and if they were not wool, I'd want to buy one from you but I"m just allergic to wool.. I crochet and can't even have it next to my skin if it's wool.. however, these are gorgeous and amazing..

[@tamiraelhiba2576]

formidable. bravo 👍

[@Byrdcallstudio]

Hi, Hathorspirit, You could practice knot-making on burlap I guess, but burlap is not very durable and it would be easy to break the burlap fibers if you pulled the yarn through roughly. You could probably make a little wall hanging with no problem. You know, if you put your mind to just about anything, you can creative something new and fun. It might not be a rya rug, but you'll have fun with it and might make a new discovery!

[@rfurtado2007]

Beautiful

[@thefabricexchange]

cool, im glad you’ve posted this

[@Byrdcallstudio]

Eu estou contente. Eu adoro, também. Thank you.

[@jackyarte1]

bello tu trabajo, te felicito!!!!

[@Oldiesfantwello]

Love it, want to craft those.

[@Byrdcallstudio]

Hi, Oldies, they are fun to craft. Hope you give it a try sometime. My etsy shop is a good place to start doing research.www.etsy.com/shop/Byrdcall?ref=si_shop. Thanks. Melinda

[@PopleBackyardFarm]

really enjoyed this.

[@pathyduk]

Beautiful......and so is the background music. Could you let us know what it is please?

[@Byrdcallstudio]

Thanks for the smile, Stela! ;-)

[@jimm8890]

Maravilloso me encantaria y agradeceria qe me dijeran como se llama la base del material qe ocupas para hacer este trabajo de rya gracias ....me encanto

[@Silhomar]

Bello trabajo

[@اناكده-خ9ظ]

حلو اوى بصراحه والشغل داه بيتباع غالى بس المشكله القى فين القماش ااى تحت داه فى مصر ياريت لو حد يعرف يقولى

[@truthlove1114]

Wish this would catch on again!

[@Byrdcallstudio]

Thanks, Mary. The good news is ...it really is making a comeback especially in Finland and in the USA. My book has been out and is it second printing since March 2020, so people are really seeking it out since I'm not going anywhere! See if this link works for you for more info: byrdcallstudio.com/product/rya-rugs-design-and-make-your-own/ Long live rya. ~ Melinda

[@Byrdcallstudio]

Hi, Stephanie,. Yes I have taught many classes in rya rug making. Now it is difficult since the backings are so hard to find, and my yarn supplies are dwindling. But good news: The photographer who prepared this video has taped (filmed?) me teaching a group of four students how to design and make their own ryas. It will be posted here on KZbin when it is edited. I have to help write an abbreviated outline for flow. May be done in Spring 2013. Stay tuned.

[@supertelmamary]

a música que toca é linda. the music that plays is beautiful.

[@Byrdcallstudio]

Mahamjamal, thank you so much for your kind words. Peace.

[@monicacassell2438]

Wow, I love it!

[@Byrdcallstudio]

Thanks, Monica. It sure is fun!

[@Byrdcallstudio]

Hi, Victoria. Wow! So nice of you to comment on a craft you can not physically enjoy. I'm glad you enjoyed the visual experience. It's wonderful comments like yours that keep me focused on sharing this craft with others. I'm curious...how on earth did you find this video? Thanks. Melinda

[@valerieroot5194]

What a wonderful way to make a rug. I took art in college studying landscapes and this would be a way to capture the Adrondack in which I grew up in. I've never used watercolor but would like to try this. Could I use sheep wool or lama wool to create a rug. I have loom and would have to figure out how to make a backing. Would you be able to help me figure out how to get started. Perhaps I could help you get the rya rug started? Maybe I may not have the right wool,but use other wools. Thank you.

[@Byrdcallstudio]

Hello, Shirley (Edward, too!) Thanks for your very kind words about my design and "mission" to bring the appreciation of rya back. I look forward to starting you on a small rya project. I am about half way through writing an illustrated booklet that will make learning very easy for you. It is about two to three months from completion. I have found new sources for both backing and yarn and soon will let people know more about what is available out there. I'll keep you and all here informed.

[@loricook6331]

Thank you for this history lesson. you are very inspiring. Beautiful video.

[@Byrdcallstudio]

Thank you, Lori! I'm glad you were inspired and learned a little history, too. The back-story always makes life more interesting. Happy New Year! --Melinda Byrd

[@GrainneDhu]

Fascinating! I wonder if the custom of using a ruler to cut the loops was related to net making, where mesh sticks are used to maintain the same size loop between each knot.

[@Byrdcallstudio]

Hi, GrainneDhu... What in interesting connection. I didn't know that nets were made that way, but it definitely makes sense. Since making that video I realize that "the ruler" is used by most rya rug makers for uniformity. Thanks for sharing ... Melinda

[@smsmsaleh1337]

روعه وابداع very good and very beautiful

[@Sonumalik9]

I am happy to see this video.Thank you for sharing.7.3.18

[@dourakigia]

Thank you for your prompt reply. A friend told me that you can buy them in Germany. Once I find out I'll let you know just in case others might be interested.

[@aditi476]

thanx for this awesome video.......... can u please upload some videos about ray rugs....

[@Byrdcallstudio]

Hi, Dourakigia, thank you for your kind words. Finding the good-and-hearty woven backings is the challenge these days. I'm hoping someone who sees this video may tell us a good source for the backing someday. I will continue selling the yarn through etsy until I have no more. Some people weave their own ryas on loom which means they don't need "a backing". Cheers.