Thursday, October 22, 2009

Stair Rugs Finished!

I got my stair rugs all finished a couple days ago - they still need to be properly installed with carpet tack strips, but I propped them up to snap a couple pictures so I could share them here. There are a few things I wish I had done differently, but for the most part I'm really pleased with the way they turned out! This stairway leads from our living room up into my studio. Please notice that I didn't let you glimpse even a sneak peak of the studio itself - if you did, you'd run screaming and never come back to visit my blog again! LOL


Here's a close-up shot of one so you can see the variations of color I got when I dyed wool for the black background. I used Emma Lou's Hook Book Black. Love how there is some movement, but it's not distracting or overpowering to the design itself.


I almost changed the design of the rug at the top of this picture, thinking that it might look dumb to have a single motif on it when all the other rugs had multiples, but now that it's done I think it's my favorite one.

And one last shot where you can see all six of them together.


I spent some time in the dye pots today dyeing blues and oranges - YUM! Mister Sister will be glad to find out when he gets home that I used citric acid instead of vinegar - the smell isn't bad at all!

39 comments:

Nedra said...

I've been to your fabulous studio and I can testify it's a very creative, wonderful place. Your stair runners are turning out fabulous and just perfect for the area.

Lewaina@cliffsideranch said...

Oh gayle, they are sooooo beautiful!
I so understand about the work place! lol my sewing room is so deep that i have to tie a rope around my waist befoe i go upstairs so that i can find my way back out and down!
♥ Mercy

Claudia said...

love the rugs. What a great idea.

Myglorystars said...

Love your rugs, makes me want to make some for myself. They look great great. Rhonda

The Wool Cupboard said...

Gayle ~ Your stair rugs turned out great!! I understand completely about work rooms...I just cleaned mine last weekend, and my daughter commented, "Hey, there IS a floor in here." :0)

Deb said...

Oh my goodness, are those incredible. I just can't stop looking at them. They are so beautiful and such a bright spot on your stairs. I think I would be truly happy being able to see those everytime I glanced up the stairs or walked up them.

And let's not talk about studios shall we? I've been at mine for two months (it's a huge spluring/cleaning spree).

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri ~ Boog) said...

Oh my gosh, Gayle!!! I absolutely LOVE your stair, riser rugs! I wish my stairs were pretty wood and not carpet and I'd do some too - I really, really like them; A LOT!

Tiff said...

I'm drooling over your stair rugs!!! I have been planning on making my own for over a year now but have yet to start. Yours have definately lit the spark under me to get going.

Karen~The Barely There Primitive Bear said...

I love your rugs, they are too
cute to walk on! My favorite
is the top one! Beautiful!

Thanks for sharing!

Bear Hugs~Karen

Serendipity said...

Wow...such fabulous idea!

primitivebettys said...

OMG! This is so KEWL! Awesome! Totally Awesome!

:) Betty

carolyn@simple~primitive~devotion said...

Oh, they are fabulous! I know that was a lot of work, but so worth it! A treat to see!

Have a great weekend!

whitey said...

Can not wait to see them in person!!

Joanne said...

Gayle - your stair rugs are great! I can't wait to have stairs (without carpet) to do the same thing some day!

Mimi Sue said...

They turned out so cute. Love them. And, ladies, I've seen her studio and it's wonderful. You need to show all your many fans. Mimi

bayrayschild said...

Gayle, thank you so much for visiting my blog.
It's so nice to make new friends, especially ones that share some of the same interests.

Now what's your address? I'm coming for those stair rugs!

They are FABULOUS!

Audrey

Meadowbrook Cabin Primitives said...

Hi Gayle,

Found your site through another site somehow..

Love your hooked rugs.. that is on my to do list someday.. rug hooking !

Saw your post about buttons.. I am a button junkie ... I have jars and jars of buttons.. but now they are getting a bit costly in the antique stores .. the chest full of buttons is a *treasure* ! Love it !

I am going to put your blog on my favorites, if you don't mind !

Hugs,
Linda

Alice ~ Folk Art Primitives said...

Love your stair risers!!! I am working on one that is Cindy Gay's pattern ~ would love to design some for our stairs ~ maybe you'll be my inspiration!! Now, I want to see your studio!! Mine can be just awful at times so I know where you're coming from!!!

Anne Lorys said...

Oh my goodness, that is just amazing! I can tell that took a LOT of hard work, you should be proud.
Best of luck in my giveaway!
All the best,
Anne

Lisa said...

So that fantastic. I just love them and how they look all together on the stairs like that.
Lisa

weaverpat said...

Gayle, your stair runners are absolutely fantastic! You did such a great job with the colors! I like the one with the flower basket the best.

Lewaina@cliffsideranch said...

gayle, i have tagged you with the honest ecrap. come to my blog to get it.♥

Unknown said...

Oh my these are awesome.. such a lovely job you did. They really dress up your risers :)
M

Cathy said...

Wow, they are absolutely gorgeous! You're just so talented! Oh and yes we DO wanna peek into that studio of yours. ;)

Cathy ♥

Rugs and Pugs said...

Gayle ~
All I can say is "WOW"!!!
Pug hugs :)
Lauren

Kaaren said...

OMG!!! I think I'm in love!!! Your stair rugs are absolutely to die for amazing. I wouldn't change a thing. I honestly thought I'd seen it all but these definitely do it for me.

Simply beautiful work!

Linda said...

Your stair runners are awesome! You've done a great job.

Linda, thepinkeep.blogspot.com

Terri said...

Those are a real work of art! Love them!

Quilting Queen said...

Wow, You are incredible!! I absolutely LOVE your stair rugs. I also buy wool clothing at thrift stores but use it in my quilting and sewing projects. I love wool. Loved your blog!

Lydia said...

All of the runners are beautiful!!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful work Gayle! You must smile every day when you climb those stairs :) ♦~♦

I Play Outside The Box said...

Those are just fabulous!

Priority Health Chiropractic and Massage said...

Shut up! You did ALL those rugs? WOW, those are gorgeous! I love how you're using them.

Katrina said...

Wonderful, amazing stair Risers! I just love them :D Now that I have my first Halloween rig done I am itching to get going on more and your picture definitely has inspired me and made me want to get going. Job well done!

Jean @ www.thebackyardbungalow.com said...

I love the top stair runner..its' my favorite, too!

Jean @ www.thebackyardbungalow.com said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Boggy Creek Stitches & Loops said...

Those are BEAUTIFUL stair rugs Gayle!!!!!!!

Debra said...

Oh my! They are wonderful!

Missie of Traditional Primitives said...

Gayle, these are so beautiful! I would love to do this some day, but I have carpeted stairs...wonder how that would look? I have recently seen where some are putting these stair rugs on TOP of the step. I would question how that would hold in place and also if it would be safe. Love both looks though!