Proggy mat - my proggy picture!

Why did I have a yen to make a proggy mat? Possibly visiting Llanberis Slate Museum very often and seeing proggy mats in the Chief Engineers house. It reminded me instantly of my grandparents house and my Grandma's proggy mats in the kitchen. I always remember her telling me which colours were her warm winter coat of 1920 something!

I started by buying a latch hook and some open weave rug backing. It didn't work! Of course I should have spoken to my Mum first who told me to get some hessian and stretch it on a frame. She also very kindly sent me my Grandma's progger. It's such a joy to use, not just for nostalgic reasons, but because it's made to fit. My Granda made it for my Grandma so of course it's perfect. :)

My Grandma's progger

The next job was to get clipping. I found some old baby and toddler clothes from both my children and clipped them into pieces about 5cm long by 1cm wide. I had a mind to create a picture rather than a mat, so I chose to use the "wrong" side as the good side. I worked from a photo of Snowdon taken from Rhyd Ddu, and drew a rough sketch on the hessian.

I really enjoyed the process of progging. It felt good to touch, and I loved the different textures I could create. And of course having recycled the children's clothes was a bonus, and reminder of their pre-school years!

The colours are a bit subtle and I would definitely like to do something warmer looking next time.

Proggy picture of Snowdon - waiting to be stretched and framed