The Creation of a Persian Rug

By Ingrid E. Gonzalez

The most well-known Oriental handwoven rugs are Persian rugs. Handmade rugs are created in many other areas of the world, but often Oriental Rugs as a whole, are referred to as "Persian", even though this is not strictly correct. Handmade rugs of any kind, are set apart from machine made rugs by superior quality, materials, and design.

Authentic Persian rugs are carefully hand-made, not machine-made, giving them a unique style. They are made of wool in many different colors and styles. Wool carpets have the reputation of being the best in the world, and are characteristically lustrous, elegant and superior. A handmade wool rug can be created in a wide variety of styles, and nearly any color, so it is possible to find one that fits virtually any taste or decorating requirement. To identify hand-made rug, turn it over and look at the back. Handmade rugs should have the same pattern, back and front.

Handmade rugs are constructed on looms. The looms range from small portable looms, traditionally used by nomadic tribes, to larger stationary looms which are used for larger carpets, more often woven in the cities. Tribal crafted rugs tend to be not only smaller, but they typically have patterns that are more asymmetrical, with simpler shapes and repetitions. City carpets may be more complex, contain more contemporary designs, and have patterns with less asymmetry.

The weaving process can be long, difficult and tedious, depending on the quality, size and design. The length of time in making a rug depends on the finished size, a small 3' x 5' might take several months to make, perhaps a year for a medium size, 5' x 8' rug, and larger size will need several people to make and can take years. Depending on the quality and size of the rug, the knot count can be anywhere from 16 to 550 knots per square inch, with higher knot counts typically being worth more. Knot density is one measurement of quality.

Weaving something as intricate as a handwoven rug is a highly skilled art. Not only must one learn to create the specialized knots, but the weaver also must learn to combine the colors into a pattern, and then execute the pattern in a way that results in a pleasing and balanced appearance. Nomadic rugs may be created completely from custom grown wool, with the crafters dying the wool for their own designs, and constructing their own looms. It requires an abundance of patience, and the ability to take pleasure in small signs of progress.

Rug weavers are true artists - their style and to a certain extent, their philosophy is translated into the design of the carpet. Some designs contain traditional symbols such as a Camel which translate into wealth and prosperity, Cypress Tree (strength and endurance), Star (spirituality and good luck), Carnation (happiness) and many other symbols with various meanings. Whether the symbolism is understood or not, the resulting pattern conveys a sense of rich tradition.

Those who are new to the handmade rug market may be surprised at first when they see the price of a handmade carpet. But as one gains understanding, it becomes apparent that the work and skill that are required to create these textile masterpieces, are, if anything, undervalued.
Ingrid Gonzalez, marketing assistant for Image Carpets, Inc., http://www.imagecarpetsinc.com
Image Carpets, located in New York City, offers the trade, designers and retail clients a discerning choice of hand-made antique Persian, Indian hand made oriental rugs, Turkish hand made rugs and European rugs and other hand knotted rugs and carpets.
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Rag Quilt Patterns

By Steve Knowles

Quilting has long been an art with the earliest American women creating beautiful quilts to adorn their homes. For hundreds of years, women all over this planet have been sewing quilts to keep their family members warm. In fact a lot of women would hand down their quilts from one generation to another or make some memory blocks to stitch lovingly all the wonderful milestones in their lives.

Many families use quilts also to celebrate different events of our life like weddings, birth of a baby, Christmas and other festivals and events. When it comes to warmth, there is little that can outmatch a quilt, and when you want something that is aesthetically pleasing, quilts deliver in spades. There is no particular technique for making quilts nor are there rigid rules barring safety and hygiene. People are attracted to quilts by the variety of designs and the many different colors. Quilts can be seen as a reflection of people, places, life and times. One of the joys of quilting is being able to spend your craft time doing various styles or types of quilts. Quilts, what a wonderful way to add that country touch to your décor.

Easy Quilt Patterns

If you are into quilting, then you must have realized that one of the most critical and important parts is actually in choosing quilting patterns to work on. You also need to consider your ability and skill in choosing quilting patterns. One critical thing to remember in choosing quilting patterns is that you have to make sure that the design will complement your home décor.

Start Quilting Business

Sewing has a proven track record as a home-based business in dozens of niches, including upholstery, bridal wear, crafts and quilts. You can often make at least a fifty percent profit on your completed quilts. Whether you want to make a business of quilting, or you just want it as a serious hobby, investing in a quilting machine is a wise decision. Quilting machines allow you to not only create quilts faster but, you can even make a profitable business out of selling them. With a quality quilting machine you can easily make two or three quilts per day.

Quilting Sewing Machines

Good sewing machines for quilting can really help you to enjoy your hobby rather than hindering it. A poor machine will leave you frustrated so it is well worth taking the time to research and choose from one of several good sewing machines for quilting. The needles that fit in the good sewing machine for quilting will also be an extremely important point for consideration. Number 14 needles are the best option for quilting, but not all sewing machines will hold them.

So if you are searching for inexpensive quilting patterns with great designs, using easy to follow quilting techniges then here is your answer.

You can find the best easy quilt patterns review here and the best expert advice available for quilting techniges (techniques).
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How To Identify Handmade Area Rugs

By John Braun

There are a few basics you should know about rugs. Once you understand how to identify what makes a rug valuable, you'll have a greater chance at purchasing a better rug.

Rug fibers usually consist of wool in most mid to upper end rugs. High-end rugs may also have silk. Synthetic fibers such as acrylic, polyester, nylon, and olefin (polypropylene) can be found in more economical rugs. Cotton, sea grass, and sisal rugs are often moderate rugs. Your most stain resistant rugs will contain synthetic fibers, but won't feel as soft and luxurious. All other natural fiber rugs are susceptible to staining if spots aren't cleaned immediately.

What do you look for in a rug? Quality of wool, type of dye, and knots. Simply because a rug is expensive, doesn't mean it has good dyes or is constructed well. Make sure you know what it is and shop around first. Above all, be extra cautious about purchasing a rug outside the United States.

The quality of a wool fiber depends largely on the type of dye used. Fine wool is vegetable dyed with fruits, roots, and plants. Cheaper wools and nylons can be dyed with synthetic dyes. A rug should always be tested for colorfastness by taking a damp white cloth and gently rubbing it into the fiber. If any color transfers on the cloth, the dyes are unstable. Also look closely at the fiber to check the integrity. Make sure it isn't unraveling. Very fine wool fibers can often look as soft as silk even to an experienced rug professional.

The construction of a rug is also a key factor. To determine if the rug is handmade, turn it upside down and look at the back. If you cannot see the pattern as clearly as on the face, the rug is not handmade. If the rug passes this first test, look at the fringe. The fringe should be an extension of the yarn inside the rug and should not look like it was sewed on separately. Many rugs that claim to be hand stitched are stitched by hand with a machine. You can expect to pay at least $500 for a small 3x4 hand made rug.

BEWARE of rugs with cloth backings. These rugs have something to hide. The cloth is covering either flaws in a handmade rug or even worse, glue that is holding the backing together. Glued backings have a tendency to get torn when the rug is moved or cleaned.

If you are looking for an alternative to a handmade rug, you might look at a Karastan. These wool rugs closely resemble hand made rugs, are cheaper in price, and rarely have the problems associated with cheaper wool rugs. If you aren't ready to invest several thousand dollars in a rug, these will be your best bet.

Ask the right questions. Educate yourself. Good luck in finding your perfect rug.
John Braun is a writer for the carpet and rug cleaning industry. Visit his cleaning company's home page at http://www.carpetcaretips.com/
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