That Is Not My Baby
That Is Not My Baby is a traditional hooked rug inspired by the myth of the changeling— human-like creatures believed to enter the homes of new mothers to feed on their love, while secretly taking the place of their babies. The rug’s format was chosen in reference to cultural traditions where woven objects were hung over doorways to ward off evil.
As someone who struggles with chronic illness, the changeling myth has always resonated with me. The idea of a body transforming from something familiar and trustworthy to something strange, alien, and inhospitable feels like a perfect metaphor for the changes I have experienced in my own body.
I created an informative booklet using imagery of the wool strips used in the production of the hooked rug. The booklet provides context on the changeling myth and its cultural significance, offering an additional layer of engagement with the work. Together, the rug and the booklet explore themes of folklore, transformation, and the reuse of materials, inviting reflection on how stories, bodies, and objects change over time.
The rug is made from recycled wool, sourced from old wool skirts found in charity shops. I hand-dyed the wool using food coloring and citric acid, a process that gives the piece a unique color palette while also aligning with my commitment to sustainability. The use of repurposed materials allows the work to carry a sense of history and transformation, much like the changeling myth itself.