Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book a workshop?
You can find all of our upcoming workshops on the “Book a Class” page of our website. Here you can see which classes have availability and can book a place online with a credit card, debit card or PayPal account (although you don’t have to have a PayPal account to book). Equally, you can call us on 07815796285 or drop us an email at elspeth@raggedlife.com to book a class.
Do I need any rag rug experience to do a workshop?
Absolutely none whatsoever! All our classes are suitable for complete beginners as we start with the basics and work our way up. You don’t even need to be crafty to give rag rugging a go.
How many people are in a class?
All our classes are capped at a maximum of 8 people. This means that you’ll get plenty of individual attention from the teacher.
What do I need to bring with me?
You don’t need to bring any materials with you for any of our rag rug classes. Everything is included in the workshop except we do ask that you bring along a packed lunch if you are taking a full day class.
Will there be any refreshments?
There sure will. We have teas, coffees and cold drinks at all our classes as well as a good selection of biscuits / cake to keep everyone well-watered and fed. If you have any dietary requirements (gluten-free, dairy-free etc…), please do let me know in advance and I’ll make sure there are yummy treats for everyone.
What can I make in the workshop?
Some of our workshops are for specific projects (for example, our “Rag Rug Wreath Making Workshops” in the lead up to Christmas) but for all our other classes or courses you will have a few projects to choose from on the day. In Half Day Classes these tend to be small pieces, such as trivets, hearts, wreaths and cushions (see our gallery for photos of each of these) and in Full Day Classes & Weekend Courses you can generally choose between starting a rug, cushion, letter or heart. If you have a specific project you’d like to start in one of our workshops then please email us in advance and we’ll do our very best to accommodate your request.
How much will I have completed by the end of the session?
Rag rugging is a simple craft but fairly time-consuming so, as a beginner, you are unlikely to have finished your piece by the end of the session. However, at the end of the workshop, you will be given a latch hook (which is included in the cost of the workshop) so that you are able to complete your piece at home.
What type of fabric do you use for rag rugging? Can I bring my own fabric with me?
Of course, bring it along! You can use any fabric / old clothing for rag rugging so bring anything you fancy using along with you. Some people like to bring old children’s clothing or clothing with sentimental value as it adds memories to the rag rugged piece and makes it more personal. Fabric offcuts from patchwork, quilting and any general crafting work too.
I’d like to attend a workshop but can’t make any of the dates on the website. What should I do?
Please email us an email at elspeth@raggedlife.com with the type of workshop you would like to do and your preferred location. We’ll let you know as soon as a suitable workshop is listed.
Is there parking?
At our Rag Rug HQ in Great Wymondley, there is ample parking so no need to worry whatsoever. If your workshop is taking place at another venue then please get in touch directly to find out how best to get there. You can find a bit more information on each of our workshop venues on our “Venues” page.
How do I get to your Ragged Life HQ in Hertfordshire?
From the A1:
If you are coming from the North or South the best way to get to Great Wymondley is to exit at Junction 8 of the A1. At the A1 roundabout take the exit marked “Little Wymondley”. Follow this road until you reach a small roundabout (you will pass a couple of pubs and pinch points on the way). At the roundabout take the third exit to “Great Wymondley”. Drive up the hill, over the railway bridge and down the hill to the second pinch point. Immediately after the pinch point, on the right-hand side of the road you will see a farm, then an entrance with a closed green gate. The next entrance on the right is Delamere House where we are. It’s a rather grand house with a gravel turning circle where you can park up. If you pass the village green on your right or the Green Man Pub on your left then you’ve gone too far.
From the north of the village (Hitchin / Letchworth direction):
Entering Great Wymondley from the north of the village you will pass the Green Man Pub on your right. Keep going, passing the village green and church on your left. The road will bend left and you will see a row of white thatched cottages on the right. The gravel entrance on the left just after these cottages is Delamere House where you should park up. It’s a rather grand house with a gravel turn circle. If you reach a pinch point or railway bridge then you’ve gone too far.
Where would you recommend staying in the area if I book a weekend course?
Our favourite place to stay locally is Redcoats Farmhouse Hotel which is only a 2 minute drive away. There are a limited number of rooms so do book ahead to avoid disappointed.
Lodge Farm is cute and comfy but not quite as close.
Good, local places to eat include:
La Concha in Letchworth if you feel like something different
Where exactly is the Ragged Life London HQ in Wapping?
As the Ragged Life Wapping workshop is run at my flat, I don’t send out the full address until after a booking has been made. Do rest assured that the venue is very well connected (5 minute walk from Wapping station, 7 minutes from Shadwell station and 20 minutes from Tower Hill Station) but if you are concerned about getting there, please contact Elspeth directly on elspeth@raggedlife.com.
What do I do if there’s a specific rag rug project I’d like to start in the class?
If you would like to start a custom project in the workshop, please email elspeth@raggedlife.com at least two weeks before the class with details of what the item is (rug, cushion, wall hanging etc…), the precise dimensions and any other relevant details. I will then do my very best to accommodate your request.