I was looking for a name for my handspun yarn/knits, and the first word that came to my mind was "rustic".
When I think "rustic" I think natural, simple, less than perfect-but it has an appeal.
Was I surprised when I looked up "rustic" in the dictionary, what I found was this definition.
Full Definition of RUSTIC
1
: of, relating to, or suitable for the country : rural <rustic rolling farmland>
2
a : made of the rough limbs of trees <rustic furniture
b : finished by rusticating <a rustic joint in masonry>
3
a : characteristic of or resembling country people
b : lacking in social graces or polish
4
: appropriate to the country (as in plainness or sturdiness) <heavy rusticboots>
(http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rustic)
(http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rustic)
I stopped when I read number 3, I told my husband-did you know that you supposedly lack social graces and polish because you live in the country?
We looked up another source:
noun
We looked up another source:
1.
of, relating to, or living in the country, as distinguished from towns orcities;
rural.
2.
simple, artless, or unsophisticated.
3.
uncouth, rude, or boorish.
4.
made of roughly dressed limbs or roots of trees, as garden seats.
5.
(of stonework) having the surfaces rough or irregular and the joints sunken or
beveled.
6.
a country person.
7.
an unsophisticated country person.
(http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/rustic)
(http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/rustic)
I had no idea..
I had never heard this term used to refer to people in this way. Have you?
I had never heard this term used to refer to people in this way. Have you?
I did find one definition "constructed or made in a plain and simple fashion, in particular."
Finally, I found a definition that fits what I had in mind, when I think of the term rustic.
Finally, I found a definition that fits what I had in mind, when I think of the term rustic.

Compared to big city living, I think lots of folks would consider us country folk to be unsophisticated. Oh, well. It's who you really are that counts. I think rustic is a great word to describe your gorgeous, homespun wool. It is a true treasure, rare, unique and in short supply. Interesting post, Sandra, thank you.
ReplyDeleteFern
Thanks :) I like being country folk-wouldn't change a thing.
DeleteThat's so interesting. Who knew that rustic, country people are thought of as uncouth, rude or boorish by some? I don't think that way. I envy people living in the country as I think they are more in touch with the cycle of life. That's a great choice for a yarn name-one of the reasons I love handspun yarn is its unique characteristics from bumpy art yarn to smooth lace yarn. Spin on!!
ReplyDeleteI agree, I know that we have learned a LOT since moving out in the country.
DeleteVery interesting. I do think of "simple" when I hear the word.
ReplyDeleteThat is the definition I am sticking with :)
DeleteLike you, I did not think of rustic in terms of people.. I guess we learn something new everyday.. smile..
ReplyDeleteTake care, my friend.. ox
Yes, we do learn something new every day. I think the definition is a little outdated :)
DeleteI didn't realize all of those, but I think they stem from the early to mid 1800's when in polite society it was referred to as country charm & amongst other aristocrats 'rustic.' Like so many words, the meaning seems to have evolved since then (we can hope, but since I'm not part of "that class" I probably wouldn't know:) Rustic hand-spun yarns sounds great to me.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I think it is outdated!
DeleteI like the photo you chose to put with this post very much. (I collect photos of log cabins, etc. online.) To me, the word "rustic", especially when used to describe anything about country life, is a perfectly wonderful word! And, I love what Judy wrote in her comment above: " I envy people living in the country as I think they are more in touch with the cycle of life." That is such an astute observation!
ReplyDeleteThank you :) That was a picture we took on a road trip.
DeleteThe nerve! :) Oh, well, rustic it is... I think sophistication isn't all it is cracked up to be anyways :) I still think the word rustic is great (but this is coming from someone who lives in the country :)
ReplyDeletehaha :) My thoughts exactly!!
DeleteI had no idea! Wow. I guess you're only half-rustic then, eh? Yeah, me too. We can be our own brand of sophisticated, us country folk :-) .
ReplyDeleteYes, I like our brand of sophisticated ;)
ReplyDeleteI consider that a compliment! We moved to the country about 20 years ago to get away from all the "social graces and polish". I love it, it feels like I've come home! Thanks for the time you take to do your blog. I really enjoy reading it.
ReplyDelete