04/14/2016
I have been working with unique handcrafted rugs since 2009. I first saw them when an Amish couple walked into Lilac Garden looking for a place to sell them. Using recycled materials in a variety of colors, unique rugs are made that can be classed as usable artwork.
I was hooked and wanted to learn more. So I did.
A standard, traditional loom is used but the material incorporated is not “traditional rag rug” material, such as old blankets, jeans or shirts. Instead, it is selvedge fringe, which is cut off material from manufacturing. It can be from furniture upholstery, drapery to clothing construction.
The selvedge edge or shaggy-stringy material is often from upholstery. The material can be cotton, rayon, chenille or a mixed of fibers. The end result is a soft and colorful rug for the floor, to hang on the wall as art work, across a table, end table, coffee table, drape over the foot of a bed or lay along the back of a couch for a splash of color.
Rather than dispose of the material in a landfill, it can be used with the loom to make one of a kind rugs, placemats and table runners. It is the various textures of the material that make for a very different look and feel in the finished product.
The selvedge fringe comes in a huge bale, looking a lot like it was mashed together in a huge compactor. The long strips are slowly pulled from the bale, sorted and stored for use. Then I mix and match the various colors and textures to design and make the rugs. I never know what colors or how much of any type material will be in a shipment, so it is rare to have two alike. Each one is different and unique. The rugs are very durable, and when cared for properly, they will last through many years of regular use.
Washing Instructions : Machine wash in cold water
Do not use bleach or detergent containing bleach - Line dry - NO DRYER
Stop in and check out my loom and see how these rugs are made. I even have a spring sale pile of completed rugs.
