Janet Wagner is a needlework designer, author, and teacher. She lives and works in Rochester, New York, on the Lake Ontario shore. Specializing in historic reproduction penny rugs and Russian punch needle embroidery, her designs are reproductions and adaptations of 18th and 19th century textile pieces-samplers, quilts, penny rugs, hooked rugs, and coverlets. She hand-embroiders her penny rugs on wool, including hand-dyed, over-dyed, natural-dyed colors, and fulled wool felt. She makes her Russian punch needle embroidery pieces using wool, cotton floss, and linen floss in hand-dyed, over-dyed, and natural-dyed colors.

Wagner's interest in primitive and folk art design stems from a lifelong study of American decorative arts, antiques, and textiles. She learned needlework techniques as a child and has been designing for 30 years and is the author of two books, Penny Rugs...making your own heirlooms, a primer and guidebook, and Penny Rugs To Go, which contains twelve patterns for small, portable penny rug projects, also based upon historic textile pieces.

As a designer, teacher, and author, Wagner is dedicated to perpetuating our traditional crafts. Her work is sold through folk art needlework shows, selected needlework shops, and by contacting her directly.

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