Braided Rugs, 100% wool made by Judy

Hand Braided braided wool rugs have been popular in American homes for about 200 years. At one time, there were many mills in New England manufacturing beautiful woolens. Unfortunately, there are no woolen mills in the United States still open, so all woolen fabrics are now "outsourced" from South America and Eastern Europe. This is very sad for me to accept as wool is a wonderful warm and natural fiber and it can’t be replaced by synthetic blends -- which many braided rugs are being made out of nowadays. I am thankful for the large inventory of wool that I have in stock. Braided rugs made by me are of 100% wool, completely reversible, and are durable enough to last for generations. Click on one of the topics below to find out more about my rugs.

Size

Shapes

Style

Materials

Pricing

Cleaning

As of September 1, 2007, I will not be taking braided rug orders for any size larger than 4' x 6' oval or a 5' - 6' round.

SHAPES:

I can make both oval and round braided rugs. I also create chair seats. These usually are done in two sizes - for antique chairs, such as small ladderbacks and thumb backs 12”-13” for a good fit, I will sew ties on them if wanted by the client. The other size chair seat is the 15”-16” which is what is needed for modern chairs, such as pressed backs, reproductions of ladderbacks and captains chairs. I also make stair treads to your specifications.

STYLE:

My pattern style is bands of color, you specify which color you might wish more of in your rug, say predominantly “dark sage green”…….then I go with the complimentary colors you wish, say “light sage green, rose, cream,” each added at least two rows at a time in scatter rugs and usually four rows at a time in a larger rug, over four feet. I always incorporate tweeds, herringbones or plaids – they are what really make my rugs pretty, just solid colors would be totally boring! I transition the colors gradually for a beautiful shading and blending of colors.

Fine China	Paintings	Framed Wall Prints
Drapes	Drapery Fabrics	Bedspreads
Handmade Bargello Pillows	Upholstery Fabrics	Wallpaper

Only new flannel weight wool is used by me. I strip all the wool into about 1 ¾” – 2” strips, which makes a nice ¾” to 1” braid when finished. I use no braid-aids or machines, it is all done by hand! I lace with linen, waxed thread in and out of the braid itself, not the fabric. I offer free consultation and welcome swatches of drapery or upholstery fabric, wallpapers, photos of paintings or whatever you would like matched and I will send you, free of charge, what I feel would be matching samples of wool for our wonderful creation together!

My pricing is by the square foot (length x width). As of September 1, 2007, I will not be taking braided rug orders for any size larger than 4' x 6' oval or 5' - 6' round. The price will be $40 per square foot. Unfortunately, there are no woolen mills in the United States still open, so all woolen fabrics are now "outsourced" from South America and Eastern Europe. Due to these circumstances, the price of 100% wool has increased dramatically.

I would require 50% deposit to place your order with the balance (plus shipping and handling) due prior to the delivery of your order. I ship via U.S. Postal Service, UPS, or Federal Express Ground. Payment by Certified Cashier's Check is preferred.

I recommend using a non-brush vacuum on your braided rug as a powerhead/beater bar may cause premature wearing of the wool.

I recommend Carbona Rug cleaner for soiled spills or pet accidents, it is tried and true by me and may be purchased at most large grocery stores in the cleanser aisle.

You may also have it professionally cleaned by local rug cleaning companies in your area if you do not have a steam cleaner yourself.

For a bit of nostalgia, in the 1870’s many women freshened and brightened their rugs by spreading a dusting of the first snow on top of them!