Originally Posted by Prism99
I'm pretty sure it's what's called a "standing wool rug" or a shirred rug. Try Googling "standing wool rug". Here is a website I found:
http://www.netw.com/~rafter4/stwool.htm
and a book:
http://www.amazon.com/Traditional-Sh.../dp/1931426317
As far as I can tell from Googling, this is a standing wool rug made by shirring the wool strips.
From your photo, I would guess that you sew a gather in the wool, lock that stitch, and continue gathering and locking for awhile, then attach with the thread around a thread in the prior row.
I think you have found it! Thank you so much! I have looked for years for this information. I believe it is the Shirred method.
This rug has been under my bed "Waiting" for about 25 years! I used it for about 10-15 before it started falling apart. My mother used it before that..not sure if my Grandmother used it or not. It is at least 55 years old and the wool is still good. I AM HAPPY. You have made my Christmas Merry!