This book is the first book to be written about bed rugs, embroidered bed covers stitched with hand spun, natural dyed yarns on handwoven wool or linen backings. Bed rugs are believed to be the forerunners of hooked rugs. The 124-page book shows who made them, how they were made, where they were made and where they are now. A chapter explains how to make a bed rug using both 18th century and more modern techniques. Black and white, color photos, and line drawings enhance the text. Also included in the book are chapters on women's education in America, probate records showing the importance of bed rugs. Primary source material is included in an appendix and a glossary, bibliography and index are at the conclusion of the text. "Marshall's...information about bed rugs is a labor of love...may be the most experienced expert on this subject." -- A.C.V. Maine Antiques Digest, October, 2001 The author, a weaver, spinner, embroiderer and rug hooker, became interested in bed rugs more than 25 years ago. She has restored three 18th century bed rugs and made her own bed rug using early American techniques. She studied textile conservation on the graduate level at the University of Connecticut and participated in a textile conservation seminar at Historic Deerfield. She has lectured on historic textiles and bed rugs in Canada, England and the United States.