Although this year I continue to sell a lot of richly saturated tribal rugs in dark reds, blues and greens I have noticed a new trend: people have been loving the all natural un-dyed wool carpets in grays and browns and tans. In addition, the cool and calm blues and blue/grays seem very popular at present; colors that I describe as having a very “Zen” quality.

Here are a few samples from our current inventory to give you some ideas. Click on the pictures to take you to more images and information of each rug. And thanks for looking! Chris

With each shipment there is typically one or two “favorite” rugs; rugs that for some reason catch my eye and imagination. Then, every six months to a year there is a rug that just takes my breath away; a rug that is visually interesting and balanced; a rug with radiant color; and a rug that is well woven with outstanding wool. A rug that meets all of these criteria only comes around so often…. and we just got one in!

This new Suzani rug from Afghanistan just blew us away. We left this one on the top of our 8×10 pile and every time Tora (the store manager here) walked by and could hear him saying to himself, “Beautiful”.

Yes, it is beautiful! Come by to take a look! Thanks, Chris

While there, I came across a flower I have never heard of before, the Persian Carpet. Well, needless to say, I was intrigued! I purchased a packet of seeds that I will be planting this spring. Stay tuned and I post some pictures of these flowers once they start blooming.

Thanks for reading, Chris

Although most of the wool in our Afghan rugs is spun using a drop spindle, the wool in our Tibetan rugs is hand spun using a spinning wheel. Here are some great photos that our Tibetan producer shared with us showing spinners at work making the superior handspun wool.

The text is fascinating as it describes in some detail what was happening in the countries that produced rugs at the beginning of the 20th century. It is well worth reading a few pages to get an idea of what things were like back then. The world has changed and continues to change at a starling pace. When this book was written, the author declares that “momentous changes have taken place in the Orient. The past decade has witnessed in Persia the downfall of a dynasty, and indeed the throne itself…. While these lines are being written the Turkish forts at the gateways of Constantinople are trembling under assault of Russian, French, and English guns, and the Ottoman power, after five centuries of guile and audacity, is turning its face again towards Asia….”.

The text is fascinating but there is more! There are some amazing pictures that illustrated this book including the pictures I have posted below. These fascinating pictures give a glimpse of the people and places that were involved in producing rugs in 1900. There are shots from Iran, Turkey, India and Kurdistan.

I hope you enjoy these shots and think about history. 100 years ago the world was a different place. Where will we be in another 100 years? All my best, Chris

Here is her thoughtful Blog article relating her visit to Nomad Rugs.

And be sure to check out the rest of her blog and website for cool textile news!

Thanks Carol!

I respond in saying, “She who laughs with a camel laughs even better!”

The Dude Abides.

For the month of March, all of our patchwork rugs will be 20% off! Come in a check out these cool rugs. I’m sure you will love them! Click on the pictures below to check out these fabulous rugs. Also, to see all latest arrivals of Turkish Patchwork Carpets click on this link to our Flickr page or you can see them also posted here on our Facebook page.

PS: Our Patchwork Kilims are on SALE too!