Lettsome turns cloth scraps into soft and colorful shaggy rugs

TORTOLA — Dariel Lettsome spent most of her early years observing her elders turn straw and pieces of scrap cloth into works of art.

The scrap cloth, for example, can be turned into cozy quilts or in Lettsome’s case, soft, shaggy rugs that are durable depending on how it’s made. “Believe it or not, 20 years ago, I started making rugs all on my own,” said Lettsome, who had no formal training in the art. “I remembered from childhood — how to do it — and I added a little touch to it. “

She said she began employing a “zig-zag pattern, making it neater, putting different colors together” improving what she learned “just watching years ago, watching my older folks.”

Lettsome said she starts the process by cutting the various cloth she would need into squares to make strips. She uses her zig zag scissors for a professional look. Once she completes the strips, she uses a different size screwdriver to place each strip on a burlap cloth that forms the base. The burlap can be cut into squares, rectangles, hearts or any shape one desires.

Lettsome places the strip, using the screwdriver to push it through. She then brings it back and ties the fabric into two knots. Her tools of the trade also include needles, nails, pencils and pens among others. “Some people do not put knots in them but when you wash it, the straps would come out, so I make two knots to hold it good (on the burlap)” she said. “Then I continue the process. Any style can be done whether you want them across the burlap, in circles, however you want to use it, but the pattern I’m using is straight across and I’ll continue until I finish. Different colors can also be added as I go along.”