Rug braider creates instructional videos

Verna Cox of Verona Island has been braiding rugs and teaching the craft for more than 30 years. She now shares her how-to insights in four instructional videos designed for the beginner.

Cox’s rug works have been featured in Women’s Day and McCall’s needlework magazines and in various publications around the country. One of her braided creations was displayed at the Smithsonian Institute and another was hung in the Maine room at the National 4-H building in Washington, D.C.

In an effort to entice newcomers and increase popularity in the art form, the 61-year-old has produced with her son-in-law, Rick Davis, four videos — “Hooking and Braiding,” “Oval Rugs,” “Round Rugs,” and “Rectangular Rugs.”

The videos take viewers through the rug making process step-by-step from beginning to end. They also teach what tools to use, how to select fabrics, and about various braiding techniques.

According a review in the Library Journal, “Verna speaks clearly and repeats key phrases to illustrate important points. The visuals are designed to give the beginner an understanding of how the rug is constructed and where to execute key color changes, where to increase, and exactly where to stitch when lacing.”

The videos stand alone or can be used in conjunction with her manual, the “Illustrated Braiding Instructions,” which is used in adult education classes around the country.

Copies of the tapes are available at the Bangor Public Library or may be purchased by writing to Cox Enterprises, R.R. 2, Box 245, Verona Island, Maine 04416 or by calling 1-800-233-0234.