Shades of Heather Heather Ritchie is one of Britain's most experienced rug
makers and teachers of rug-making. When Heather moved into a house
in North Yorkshire with cold flagstone floors, a neighbour showed
her how to make a rug using hessian sacking and old lisle stockings.
Heather was immediately inspired by the idea and, over the last
25 years has developed and refined rag rug making skills to the
highest standard. She now travels widely running workshops and is
internationally recognised for her skills: some of her most complex
work has been described as 'painting with fabric'.
In her workshop, 'Shades of Heather', Heather introduces an enthusiastic
new generation of crafters to the hobby. Her annual rug-making 'retreat',
which she runs in the North Yorkshire Dales, attracts rug makers
from all over the world. She has featured in a number of TV documentaries
and her rugs appear regularly in international craft publications
and books. Her work, including commissions by the celebrated artist
MacKenzie Thorpe, has been exhibited widely.