Ragged Life reviews

Bryony reviewed: Rag Rug Workshop - Full Day - York

"I had a wonderful day spent with like-minded crafty people and learned so much in such a short time! Elspeth's enthusiasm really set the tone and there was a nice balance of practical skills taught and creativity encouraged. Such a nice venue too, very well set up and everyone so welcoming. Thank you for a relaxing and inspiring day."

Ragged Life responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review Bryony, I'm so pleased you had a good time. You were a pleasure to teach :-)"

Lisa reviewed: Rag Rug Full Day Workshop - Bristol

"Loved it. Really good workshop."

Ragged Life responded:

"Thank you Lisa, I'm so pleased you loved it, you were a pleasure to teach."

Sue reviewed: Rag Rug Workshop - Full Day - York

"Hi, lovely day, felt I achieved a lot in the day. Tutors were great and kept u supplied with drinks and biscuits. Thanks "

Ragged Life responded:

"Thank you Sue, we're so pleased you had a good time. You were a pleasure to teach :-)"

Lisa Robinson reviewed: Rag Rug Full Day Workshop - Bristol

"This was such an enjoyable course. We were able to complete the decoration of a tote bag, and start a larger project to complete at home. All the materials needed were provided, and there were printed instructions to take home. Elspeth shared her knowledge in a clear and concise way, and gave us the skills to turn unwanted textiles into something useful and beautiful. Thank you Elspeth."

Ragged Life responded:

"Thank you Lisa for the lovely review, we're so glad you enjoyed the day, you were a pleasure to teach. We'd love to see a picture of your project when finished :-)"

Lesley reviewed: Rag Rug Workshop - Full Day - York

"Very good course and we left with a project well underway."

Ragged Life responded:

"Thank you Lesley, we're so pleased you enjoyed the day, you were a pleasure to teach :-)"

Tena reviewed: Rag Rug Full Day Workshop - Bristol

"100% recommendation.Elspeth is a very friendly and professional teacher. I am a novice to rag rugging, and she explained three different techniques so clearly that I had no difficulties at all. She was giving us tonnes of hints and tricks from her experiences and answering all my questions before I could even ask them. The equipment she offers is of the highest quality, and we were invited to take as much fabric as we wanted, so I was able to finish a whole rug within 10 days after the workshop. The atmosphere during the workshop was great. I would like her to do another workshop about weaving and braiding. I bought her second book, and I like it. "

Ragged Life responded:

"Oh thank you Tena for the lovely review, we really appreciate it :-) You were a pleasure to teach."

Sandy Foster reviewed: Rag Rug Full Day Workshop - London

"I loved this course so much. Elspeth really set up a relaxed and fun environment and her instructions were delivered clearly and with patience. I came away with a project I was excited about completing and lots of ideas for the next. Would definitely come again and recommend to others. "

Ragged Life responded:

"We're so pleased you enjoyed the day, we would love to see you at another class learning a different technique. Thanks for the lovely review Sandy :-) Make sure you send us pics of your creations."

Isabel Ayres reviewed: Rag Rug Full Day Workshop - London

"A fun and relaxing day. Elspeth is knowledgeable and encouraging. I left with some beautiful materials and lots of inspiration for future projects!"

Ragged Life responded:

"Thank you Isabel, you were a pleasure to teach :-)"

Ffion reviewed: Rag Rug Full Day Workshop - Bristol

"I bought this class for a bday present and we loved it! Amazing day out and such good value for money ☺️"

Ragged Life responded:

"Thank you Ffion for the lovely review. We are so pleased you enjoyed the day. You were a pleasure to teach. Elspeth"

Paula curran reviewed: Rag Rug Full Day Workshop - Hertfordshire

"Really good course, really enjoyed the day"

Ragged Life responded:

"Thanks Paula, I had fun teaching you. Make sure you send in any pictures of your creations."

Jean reviewed: Rag Rug Full Day Workshop - Brighton

"For her birthday I treated my daughter to a day's Rag Rugging together in Brighton on 7.10.23. We were made to feel very welcome, were very well looked after with refreshments all day and enjoyed the relaxed "homely" feel Elspeth's flat offered us. Tutor Emily was excellent - we all quickly learnt the three techniques, with ample time to practice while each creating our own sunflower. Emily gave us lots of ideas and advice for follow up pieces, which I can't wait to start at home when time permits! A lovely friendly, productive, creative day spent with like minded people."

Ragged Life responded:

"That is great to hear, thank you Jean for such a lovely review. You were both a pleasure to teach :-)"

Nichola reviewed: Rag Rug Full Day Workshop - Bristol

"A fantastic workshop! Elspeth was a brilliant and inspirational tutor and I learned so much about this great craft. I can't wait to get rag rugging at home and it feels so good to be able to recycle old fabrics into such beautiful cushions, rugs and much more. Thank you so much for a lovely day!"

Ragged Life responded:

"Thank you Nichola for the lovely review. I'm glad you had a good time, you were a pleasure to teach :-) Elspeth"

Susie reviewed: Rag Rug Full Day Workshop - Hertfordshire

"A lovely day, well led and very friendly class. I feel excited to make my rug x"

Ragged Life responded:

"Thank you Susie, I'm so pleased you enjoyed the class. Make sure you send us a picture of your creation :-)"

Sue Osbon reviewed: Rag Rug Workshop - Full Day - York

"A really enjoyable course; well-timed, friendly, full of information and advice. Plenty of material to work with on the day. Some items to take away were included in the course fee and there was plenty more to buy at reasonable prices (but no pressure to buy). The course tutors (Lorraine and Casey) were knowledgeable and kept us all supplied with tea, coffee and biscuits. Whether attending on your own or with some friends, I would recommend it. "

Ragged Life responded:

"We're so glad you enjoyed the class Sue, you were a pleasure to teach :-) Thank you for the lovely review, we do appreciate you taking the time."

Sarah Kehaya reviewed: Rag Rug Full Day Workshop - Bristol

"What a great day!! Informative, friendly, productive! Loved every minute aided by really clear instruction, snippets of history and differences across the world - as well as heaps of encouragement! "

Ragged Life responded:

"Thank you Sarah, that is really good to hear :-) You were a pleasure to teach. Thank you for taking the time to write a review."

Angela Dillon reviewed: Rag Rug Workshop - Full Day - York

"This was a good day. I have learnt new skills and had lots of time to reinforce the learning. "

Ragged Life responded:

"Thanks for the review Angela, I'm glad you had a good day, you were a pleasure to teach :-)"

Vanny reviewed: Rag Rug Workshop - Full Day - York

"This was such a lovely course to do. The teachers were great, helpful enthusiastic, encouraging, friendly. It’s a great craft ! Easy to pick up and such fun! "

Ragged Life responded:

"Thank you Vanny, I'm so glad you enjoyed the class and hope that you feel inspired to get creating some beautiful items for your home :-)"

Helen Thomson reviewed: Rag Rug Workshop - Full Day - York

"The venue is excellent, airy, well-lit. The shop is full to the brim of all sorts of sewing material. I would recommend a visit to the Viking Loom if you are into crafts. We did learn the three techniques of rag rugging - whilst making a flower on a hessian bag. That took the morning. We were then shown a book by Elspeth which was then taken away again. We were then given the opportunity to start our” project” - rug, cushion, wreath or flowers. You are given the hessian for your project and you can buy more. I had come to the work shop to make a rug based on the pride colours. As instructed I didn’t bring any material with me - as it would all be provided. This is when the negatives start. The choice of scrap material to do your piece was very limited, (ok whilst you learn how to make the flower - but even then mainly neutral colours) certainly no bright colours or material in sufficient quantity to get a start on the work unless you are happy to constantly change colours. . So I decided to leave early and take my work with me - but then the crunch- to complete your work as a minimum you will need the relevant hook (there are three types), very sharp scissors (which you may have) and the little wood block to get your lengths even (you could manage without that - but your life will be much harder). You therefore need to be aware you will need to put your hand back in your pocket - it all adds up. The book that was passed round will set you back some more cash if you want a copy. So either offer a half day of techniques with the choice to buy the relevant equipment or include the equipment in a full day as there is no way you will finish your rug/cushion etc on the day. And you must bring your own material with you to get started. This is very obviously a franchise- possibly with a mind to make money and direct you to the ragged life website. I have done a lot of courses advertised on the craft courses website and have always felt the tutors were knowledgeable and enthusiastic. I didn’t quite get that impression this time. You might be better off watching a YouTube video and buying the hooks and hessian on line rather than doing the course. Certainly not worth the £80"

Ragged Life responded:

"Hi Helen, we're so sorry that you weren't happy with the course. Far from being a large franchise, we are actually only a small business with a team of three (Elspeth, Lizzie and Lorraine). We're very passionate about the about the quality of our workshops (as hopefully you can see from all our previous happy students), which is why only Elspeth and Lorraine run the classes (they have decades of rag rug + teaching experience between them). Nevertheless, we take on board your feedback regarding the fabric selection. We will highlight more prominently in our pre-workshop email the need to bring fabrics along if you have a specific design in mind. As you can hopefully understand, it's very difficult to predict what colours students will choose and in what quantities, but we honestly try our best. Thanks for taking the time to feed back and all the best, Elspeth "

Wendy reviewed: Rag Rug Full Day Workshop - Brighton

"Elspeth is a great host, the techniques are explained well and she walks round giving you tips along the way. We made a tote bag using various techniques, for us then to apply to the rug. It was a great day, nice small group and plenty of refreshments. Thank you Elspeth. Best Wishes Wendy"

Sue reviewed: Rag Rug Full Day Workshop - Bristol

"Thoroughly enjoyed my Rag Rug Work Shop. Elspeth is such an expert, with lots of tips. Decorated a hessian shopping bag and then started an Autumn Wreath. Couldn’t believe how much I achieved in just one day."

Ragged Life responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review Sue - you were a pleasure to teach. Elspeth x"

Sarah reviewed: Making Twined Rugs - Full Day Class - Brighton

"Elspeth was lovely, friendly and welcoming. She explained everything really well and was very patient. A lovely day. Thankyou Elspeth"

Ragged Life responded:

"You are most welcome Sarah, you were a joy to teach :-)"

jill padwell reviewed: Rag Rug Workshop - Full Day - York

"A really relaxed and enjoyable day and I came away eager to complete the rug I had started in the class. All the materials are extremely good quality and the big balls of blanket wool I bought are a dream to handle. Advice was given individually throughout the setting and it was fun to see different ideas taking shape. we were warned it would be addictive and I absolutely agree"

Ragged Life responded:

"That is so great to hear Jill, thank you. You were a pleasure to teach :-)"

Christina Redman reviewed: Rag Rug Full Day Workshop - Hertfordshire

"The course was very good. We learned a lot and wonderful day."

Ragged Life responded:

"Thank you for the review Christina, I'm glad you were happy with the class :-)"

Alison reviewed: Rag Rug Full Day Workshop - Bristol

"Great course, very clear instructions given by Elspeth enabling everyone to produce a sunflower motif on a hessian bag. Personal support and encouragement given throughout. My daughter and I would have been happy to walk away with just the bag, but we were also allowed to start a cushion or rug and given material to get us going or 'hooked' on rag rugging as a hobby. Thank you"

Ragged Life responded:

"Thank you Alison, I'm so pleased you both enjoyed the class and have become hooked on rag rugging :-)"

Doreen Parkinson reviewed: Rag Rug Workshop - Full Day - York

"Thoroughly enjoyed my RagRug Workshop. I haven't done this craft before but at the end of the day had mastered the technique as had all the other ladies. Lorraine the trainer was lovely, really knowledgeable and helpful - it was a fun day and I would recommend it for anyone who enjoys crafts. It makes a marvellous gift. We all came home with a hessian bag which we had decorated and made a start on a rug to complete at home. Loved it."

Ragged Life responded:

"Thank you so much Doreen for such a lovely review. We're so pleased you enjoyed the class - you were a pleasure to teach :-)"