For lovers of colour, textiles and quality British Craft.
IMAGE: Article Studio
Handwoven in my Bristol studio, this exclusive piece of contemporary craft brings a dash of colour and warmth to modern and traditional interiors.
This bespoke Krokbragd rug is heading to Decorex International 6-9 October 2019.
The exclusive design is also custom made to order, so clients can adapt the colours to fit in with their interior, or pick a combination to inspire a room make-over. The one in the photo measures 1mx1.6m
Does ‘Living Coral’ the Pantone Colour of the Year inspire you?
To help with decision making I post yarn samples and sketch up designs until everyone is happy that we’ve created the perfect rug.
About the weaving….
I trained in rug weaving almost 25 years ago and specialised in Krokbragd; a traditional Scandinavian technique.
Photography:Kasia Fiszer Homes & Antiques Magazine
To create the distinctive patterns of Krokbragd (pronounced Kruuk-bra-g-ed), I pass the shuttle three times to create each solid row of colour. It’s a slow technique, but the finish is exquisite, durable and long lasting. With proper care, these rugs will last a lifetime.
The rug is woven using a specific linen for the warp, and Axminster rug wool (80% wool/20% nylon) for the weft. The nylon blend offers resistance to stains and moths, and you care for the rug in a similar way to a quality carpet. Of course, you might choose to hang it on the wall using an easy to fix baton.
Knowing the maker of your rug gives you 100% reassurance that your investment was created ethically.
You can judge the quality of a handwoven rug by the neatness of the selvedge. (I’ll just leave this here)
I’ve created a straightforward process for commissioning my bespoke rugs, to keep the production time realistic, and only charge what you would expect to pay any skilled worker.
I have a limited amount of time scheduled to weave these rugs in 2019, and the order book is now open. Drop me a line for prices, current lead times, any additional questions and to reserve your slot on my loom.
Every commission, by its very nature, is going to be different. And lets face it, that’s part of the reason you’re looking at commissioning and not buying ‘off the peg’ isn’t it? Luckily, it’s just an arrangement between myself and my clients, so we can keep it pretty simple.
Angie Parker Photo: Alice Hendy Photography
Let me run though things to show you just how simple it can be.
The first step comes from you.
Whether you discover my passion for eye-popping handwoven colour in a contemporary Craft gallery or through the power of the internet, a short enquiry email from you starts the ball rolling. I’ll get back to you to arrange a phone conversation (or more email if you prefer) to establish your thoughts on design, size, colour and budget. I’m easy to chat to and enjoy having these conversations and at this stage, I’m very happy to send you yarn samples, a quote, a time frame and a simple sketch, with absolutely no obligation.
I’ve a huge selection of wool and yarns for furnishings in stock, but if I haven’t got the exact shade you require then I can ask my supplier to custom dye the wool to match an existing colour scheme.
Typical initial conversations have included these questions:
“Can you weave ‘that one’ but use orange instead of yellow?” Yes I can.
“Can you do one ‘like that’ but longer” Yes, I weave up to 1m width but length can be what ever you wish. I can also join 2 or more rugs to create wider one, but this does impact the price.
“Can you do me a round one?” Afraid not (at the moment), sorry )-: (but I can recommend someone who can!)
“Can I weave part of it?” Yeah sure. We can arrange this.
Sometimes, I’m able to visit clients in their homes with example rugs & samples to help work through the design options, though I can’t promise that this will always be possible. Photographs are the next best thing so I’ll probably ask you to send over a few shots of your home if you’d like guidance about colours and designs, and together we’ll go through my portfolio to find the styles that you’re drawn to.
Photo: Yeshen Venema
When you’re ready to proceed, I’ll then draw you up a more detailed sketch and give you a clear time frame in return for 50% of the total price.
I can even weave a sample (30x30cm) for a small additional fee.
I then set about weaving your bespoke piece of floor art in my Bristol studio.
I can email photo’s to you if you’d like to see your rugs progress, or you might just choose to have a surprise when it’s complete.
Once off the loom I then finish the piece by hand and stitch on a discreet label before carefully packing.
Delivery is then arranged, usually with my favourite specialist art handlers, upon final payment.
FRYKTLOS (FEARLESS). PHOTOGRAPHER: YESHEN VENEMA
If, for any reason you’re not entirely over the moon with your rug let me know right away. I always build up a good relationships with my clients, so they know they can contact me with any concerns, safe in the knowledge that I will do my utmost to rectify. (Disclaimer-I’ve not actually had an unhappy client yet, so I’m thinking on my feet with this one).
Finally, each commission is a special to me as I’ve been assured my rugs are to my customers. This really is a mutually beneficial way of doing things.
You get a bespoke, quality handcrafted piece of floor art which brings a burst of uplifting colour (or monochrome design) to your home. An expertly woven heirloom that lifts your spirits and brightens your day in the way that only handmade items do.
And me? Well, your investment means that I can continue to grow my business, fulfilling the dream I had at college over 20 years ago, and much more.
And you thought you were ‘just’ commissioning a rug!
If you like what you’ve read but aren’t ready to commission a piece, why not follow me on Instagram or Twitter so that you’d don’t have to worry about remembering my name in five years when you’re leaving work and your collegues want to get something special for you? Better still, sign up to my mailing list here.
*I’m working on a more comprehensive FAQ’s page which will be coming to my website soon.
