Hi everyone, I just love this site. Everyone is so friendly, helpful and full of so many great Ideas. I AM in the process of doing this rug and there are some questions I have about this rug and I hope someone will answer before I go on to the second one. I had to use a synthetic braided rope because I cannot find it in a cotton. I am finding after sewing --this rug is very stiff--is it supposed to be this way? Will it ever soften up? also, there are numerous threads that I have been trimming just before sewing. Should I let them be? I will post a photo of this one when I'm done. Anne