Barb Yarusso was always fascinated by her Grandma Alma Norha’s rag rugs. When she joined the Weavers Guild of Minnesota and began to weave, rag rugs were one of her first projects. Barb observed some of Alma’s rugs while on a visit to her grandparents’ old farm, and was inspired to try to revive one of them.

Barb will talk about how rag rugs are woven and used by Finnish American families and traditional patterns favored by both Finnish and Finnish American weavers. She’ll describe how she studied and rewove Alma’s rug, and talk about the communities of rag rug weavers in Minnesota (and neighboring states) today. She’ll show Alma’s rug as well as some of her own.

PRESENTER
Barb Yarusso is the granddaughter of Eino and Alma Norha, Finnish immigrants who settled in Embarrass, Minnesota. She was born in Duluth and grew up in Columbia Heights (a Minneapolis suburb). She lives with her husband in Shoreview (a St. Paul suburb). Before retirement, Barb worked as a Chemical Engineer, high school science teacher, and legislator.

Barb’s craft interests include weaving, basketry, and learning new ways to make useful things. In 2013, she quit just admiring weaving and bought her first loom. Barb is now an active member of the Weavers Guild of Minnesota, and serves on its Board of Directors. Barb enjoys participating in many of the Guild’s special interest groups, and volunteers each year to demonstrate and greet visitors at the Guild’s booth at the MN State Fair.