CHAPTER XI.
"NEW COLONIAL" RAG RUGS.
Several days had elapsed since that on which Mary's Aunt had planned to use the contents of her trunk to such good advantage, when Mary, coming into the room where her Aunt was busily engaged sewing, exclaimed: "Don't forget, Auntie, you promised to teach me to crochet rag rugs!" [Illustration: A "HIT-AND-MISS" RUG] "Indeed, I've not forgotten, and will make my promise good at once," said Aunt Sarah.

"We shall need quantities of carpet rags cut about one-half inch in width, the same as those used for making rag carpet.
Of course, you are aware, Mary, that heavier materials should be cut in narrower strips than those of thinner materials.

You will also require a long, wooden crochet needle, about as thick as an ordinary wooden lead pencil, having a hook at one end, similar to a common bone crochet needle, only larger.

For a circular rug, crochet about twelve stitches (single crochet) over one end of a piece of candle wick or cable cord; or, lacking either of these, use a carpet rag of firm material; then draw the crocheted strip into as small a circle as possible, fasten and crochet round and round continuously until finished.

The centre of a circular or oblong rug may be a plain color, with border of colored light and dark rags, sewed together promiscuously, called 'Hit and Miss.' [Illustration: A BROWN AND TAN RUG] "Or you might have a design similar to a 'Pin-wheel' in centre of the circular rug, with alternate stripes, composed of dark and light-colored rags." "I'd like one made in that manner from different shades that harmonize, browns and tans, for instance," said Mary.
"You may easily have a rug of that description," continued her Aunt.
"With a package of brown dye, we can quickly transform some light, woolen carpet rags I possess into pretty shades of browns and tans." [Illustration: RUG] "For a circular rug, with design in centre resembling a pin-wheel, commence crocheting the rug same as preceding one.