The next stage is translating my inspiration into a design that can actually be produced. While a photo contains millions of colors, a design like Branches is produced using only 9 shades. With a Masters degree in weaving and years of experience as a textile designer, I draw on my technical knowledge of weave and my ability to use specific textile software to interpret my ideas.
Having finalized the design I work on the colours, which are then matched to cut wool poms for the manufacturer, and decide on the fibre quality and knot count. The rugs can be made in different knot counts (number of knots per square inch) depending on the level of intricacy required. Branches is only available in a 200 knot quality due to the complexity of the design. A different design, such as Threads, could as easily be woven in a 100 knot quality. The resulting appearance of the design is less fine, and the rug feels slightly thicker.
The final stage of the design process is to produce a full scale rug graph for the weavers to follow. The graph specifies the individual placement of every knot and colour in the rug. Using this graph, the weavers hand knot a small sample to check for colour and quality prior to full production.
Each rug is made to order. Designs can be produced in different knot counts, fibres, pile heights, and sizes. Lead time from order to delivery can take 3-9 months depending on the size, construction and design. I can also re-colour a current rug, or create a completely new design. Due to the handmade nature of the rugs, colour and size may vary slightly.
Having finalized the design I work on the colours, which are then matched to cut wool poms for the manufacturer, and decide on the fibre quality and knot count. The rugs can be made in different knot counts (number of knots per square inch) depending on the level of intricacy required. Branches is only available in a 200 knot quality due to the complexity of the design. A different design, such as Threads, could as easily be woven in a 100 knot quality. The resulting appearance of the design is less fine, and the rug feels slightly thicker.
The final stage of the design process is to produce a full scale rug graph for the weavers to follow. The graph specifies the individual placement of every knot and colour in the rug. Using this graph, the weavers hand knot a small sample to check for colour and quality prior to full production.
Each rug is made to order. Designs can be produced in different knot counts, fibres, pile heights, and sizes. Lead time from order to delivery can take 3-9 months depending on the size, construction and design. I can also re-colour a current rug, or create a completely new design. Due to the handmade nature of the rugs, colour and size may vary slightly.