This rug was inspired by one of the final scenes in the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. It was nearly at the end of the third movie, when Frodo was writing in the red book, finishing Bilbo's story, and the camera tilted to reveal this fantastic hooked star rug. Now I loved everything about the Lord of the Rings movies and books, but of all the magical movie making crafts, the costumes, the buildings, the mountains, the weaponry, the monsters... I nearly leaped out of my movie chair when I saw this hooked rug. I felt I had to try to make a Bilbo rug, in homage to this inspiring movie and story!
When I finally got around to designing the rug, I couldn't see much detail in any of the shots (I guess the rug was not the most important thing in the scene!). It was clear to me that I would have to take the rough shapes and colors, but fill in the details myself.
A hobbit's rug would be warm and homey, but Bilbo was a rather adventurous hobbit. He'd been outside of the shire, and might have collected some more exotic textiles along the way. So I decided to start with the eight-pointed star motif, and embellish it with some Persian details (I always thought the people of the South, "Swertings" as Samwise called them, looked Persian in the movie, with their ornate battle garments, and their huge "oliphants").
I used turkey red, slate blue, and natural creme, and brought in green and gold here and there when I needed more contrast. The red and blue were both variegated, so I echoed the details when I filled in the background, so the whole thing seems to shimmer.
To the person who really created this rug for the movie, I hope you will accept my apologies if I have taken liberties with your design. I hope you know that your creativity was appreciated!
If you would like to try making your own Bilbo rug, click here!
Do you have a rug you would like to see featured on this website? E-mail me! Every rug has a story, and we love to hear about them all! If your rug gets featured, you will get your choice of our "I'm a HOOKER and PROUD of it" totebag, or a free half-yard of linen, so what are you waiting for!
