rya rugs – Paivatar Yarns and Design

Walls Walk Artists

Walls Walk Artists
Disparate Art
21 July – 2 August
Oxmarket Centre of the Arts

We are three friends and neighbours who live overlooking the historic wall in Chichester:

Peter Stoakley – colour blind amateur photographer who “takes a good photo”

Robert Lane – creates fine impressions around Chichester

Päivi Suomi – expert weaver and felter who uses ancestral Finnish and Saami techniques in a modern context

History of the Rya Rug

In Scandinavian countries, Rya rugs (ryijy matto) have been found dating back to the early 1400’s. They were used as blankets or sled coverings, the knotted side being closest to the body providing warmth. The Ryas at this time were mainly of natural wool colours, natural white, grey, black.

The Rya developed further with the use of colour and pattern. Decorative ryas date back to the 1700’s. In Finland, as a wedding approached, a weaver would be commissioned to weave a Rya for the young couple. The Rya was used as a prayer rug during the wedding ceremony. The bridal couple would kneel on the Rya as they exchanged their wedding vows. The colourful tapestry was then displayed in their home as a reminder of their wedding day. If one of the spouses passed away, the Rya would then be spread on the bed during the day and the Rya became known as a widow’s blanket. The Rya rug became a family heirloom to be passed on to future generations. In Finland, the commissioned weaving of a wedding Rya is still a tradition today.

In the 70’s the Rya rug again became fashionable, with designers such as Eames using bright and bold colours and pop art designs. The pile was long and shaggy. The shag rugs were used as decorative floor coverings.

An exhibition of some of my latest loom woven Rya Rugs

Solar Sky Rya Rug
Approx size: 45 cm x 70 cm

Diamonds and Tears Rya Rug
Approx size: 50 cm x 50 xm

Vortex in Blue Rya Rug
Approx size: 45 cm x 50 cm

Prime 17 Rya Rug
Approx size: 40 cm x 70 cm

Undulations Rya Rug
Approx size: 40 cm x 70 cm

Aurora in Hemp Rya Rug
100% Hemp Yarns
Approx. size: 70 cm x 220 cm

Bespoke Rya Rugs

These Scandinavian style rya rugs are handwoven using fine quality, pure wool yarns. All of the rya yarns that I use are hand dyed at the time of the order. Hand dyed yarns have slight variations in colour giving the rug an additional depth of shading.
The rya knot yarns are fairly short, and closely sett, resulting in a soft pile that stands about 1.5 – 2.0 cm in height. The finished rugs are plush and very soft to the touch.

I am not currently weaving rya rugs as I am working on other commissions. I will resume making rya rugs again in October/November. Pleae enquire for more information and pricing.

PLEASE NOTE:
These “Rya Rugs” are designed to be hung on a wall as a piece of art. Using a Rya as floor or area rug is not recommended.

Sadly, over the years I have received many emails from rya rug owners, asking how to repair the hole in their rug that was created by a table or chair leg. A repair is possible sometimes, but this should not have happened. Ryas are traditionally used as a bed covering or a wall hanging. A Rya should be treated as a treasured piece of art, hung on the wall, not on the floor and can last for a lifetime when cared for properly.

Rya Rug Weaving Workshops
I will be offering rya rug weaving workshops where you will learn how to weave a rya rug using a table loom or a floor loom. In this method of rya making, the rya knots are made at the same time as the background cloth is woven.
For more information please visit
Scandinavian Weaves Workshop.
I will also add updates about current workshops offered via Twitter.

More about Rya Rugs:

Rya Rug Backing

Rothko Rya Rug Kits

History of the Rya Rug
#ryarug #rya #rya #rothko

Rya Instructions

Stitching a Rya Rug
A rya rug can be either woven and knotted on a floor loom or the backing can be woven first and then the knotted pile design can be hand stitched onto woven backing.
I have provided written instructions on these rya making methods on my All Fiber Arts website.
The Finnish Rya is made of knotted wool(with about a 1 – 1.5 inch pile), tied to a handwoven fabric backing. The special rya backing is woven using linen warp and wool weft. The backing is woven with spacing to allow the rya knots to be tied or sewn in.

How to Stitch a Rya Rug – All Fiber Arts

How to Weave Rya Rug Backing Canvas – All Fiber Arts

How to Stitch a Rya Rug

I am updating this website on a regular basis with new hand dyed yarns, handwoven items and other products. If you would like to keep informed of the latest developments, please Subscribe to my new Newsletter.

PLEASE NOTE:
These “Rya Rugs” are designed to be hung on a wall as a piece of art. Using a Rya as floor or area rug is not recommended.

Sadly, over the years I have received many emails from rya rug owners, asking how to repair the hole in their rug that was created by a table or chair leg. A repair is possible sometimes, but this should not have happened. Ryas are traditionally used as a bed covering or a wall hanging. A Rya should be treated as a treasured piece of art, hung on the wall, not on the floor and can last for a lifetime when cared for properly.

More About Rya Rugs
History of the Rya Rug
Bespoke Rya Rugs
Rya Rug Backing Fabric
How to Weave Rya Rug Backing Canvas