Edgewood Woman Co-Authors Craft Book on Braiding

Christine Manges is sharing her love of all things crafty with the literary world in the form of a book she co-authored—“Combining Rug Hooking and Braiding: Basics, Borders and Beyond.”

Published in August, Manges of Edgewood teamed up with two friends and fellow teachers who met at “braid-ins” on the East Coast.

“The three of us are all teachers at the two largest braid-ins up and down the East Coast,” Manges said. “A braid-in is a conference where people get together and learn new techniques with rug braiding.”

One of the women, Kris McDermet, was approached by Schiffer Publishing to create a book. Manges said Kris didn’t feel it was something she could do on her own and asked the company if she could invited her friends—including Manges—to help her.

Manges, who also teaches rug braiding classes at Wilkins School Community Center, started working on the book two and a half years ago. She completed all of the instructional illustrations for basic braiding and shapes, and also wrote the chapters on creating borders and patterns.

“The illustrations help to show you each step,” she said.

The three friends wrote the book together by sharing files remotely via e-mail. Manges first started rug braiding in 2006. She now creates anything from seat pads to floor mats and wall hangings.

“My father’s mother and my dad’s older sister used to braid rugs together in the 1930’s and ‘40s, and they were simple rugs, but very colorful and I grew up with them—but my grandmother died before she could teach me how to braid,” Manges said. “My mom’s dog ate the edge braid of one of my favorite rugs, so I had to figure out how to do it, and in the process, I really fell in love with the craft.”

Having the opportunity to write the book has been a great experience that also has connected her with others who enjoy rug braiding across the country.

“I have gotten so many letters from people just saying how much they are enjoying looking through the book and getting all sorts of ideas from the different rugs in there,” Manges said. “Hearing from people about how they are using the book and hearing from people that the directions are easy to follow—that is really rewarding.”

Manges said she enjoys the fact that the craft is inexpensive and creates something useful and beautiful.

“They will last 75 years because its made of wool and it’s beautiful,” she said. “It’s creative, it’s something that you use and it will be an heirloom.”

For more information or to buy the book on Amazon.com, click here.