Part 1 of a 2-part view into making a custom Tibetan rug, from Silk Road Weaves. Part 1 is about origins, materials, and more.

1. From the land of ancient traditions . . . artistry + vision in rugs from Silk Road Weaves bjacobs@silkroadweaves.com

2. at the top of the world. . . artistry + vision in rugs from Silk Road Weaves bjacobs@silkroadweaves.com

3. where time-honored techniques Photo above and left © Romano 2007 bjacobs@silkroadweaves.com

4. combine with up to date communications and project management bjacobs@silkroadweaves.com

5. Presenting… Fine Hand Knotted Tibetan Rugs : Collections and Custom fine hand knotted Tibetan rugs : collections and custom Part 1 – A View Within… Process and materials of making a hand knotted Tibetan rug

6. Silk Road Weaves, made in Nepal…entirely by hand…only by adult artisans

9. rescues and educates working childrenEach rug from Silk Road Weaves carries an individually numbered RugMark/GoodWeave certification label.

11. rescues and educates working children

12. builds a marketplace for humanitarian products Each rug from Silk Road Weaves carries an individually numbered RugMark/GoodWeave certification label.

13. The Journey – from inspiration to you Beyond our sumptuous textures and lustrous colors, the underlying quality that permeates each piece is the thread that links you to each design…The Human Connection bjacobs@silkroadweaves.com

15. The Human Connection Carding wool

16. The Human Connection Spinning Photo: © Romano 2007 bjacobs@silkroadweaves.com

17. The Human Connection Spinning wool Photo: © Romano 2007

18. The Human Connection Drying the newly dyed yarn bjacobs@silkroadweaves.com

19. The Human Connection Rolling yarn

20. The Human Connection Photo: ©Romano 2007

21. The Human Connection Photo: ©Romano 2007

22. The Human Connection Photo: ©Romano 2007

23. Photo: ©Romano 2007

24. The Human Connection Weighing wool

25. The Human Connection In the graphing area

26. The Human Connection Translating the design to the graph for weaving, done by hand. This is the process for all designs. Note the yarn card, with actual yarns of the colors indicated on the plan. Shown: FLORA : Herbal Toss / Springing I and II

27. The Human Connection Photo: ©Romano 2007

28. Sign at a RugMark approved weaving company Photo: ©Romano 2007

29. Children in school, not at work…thanks to RugMark—and you, when you purchase a RugMark/Goodweave – certified rug from Silk Road Weaves. Photo: ©Romano 2007

30. Translation and Process: from design to delivery The following slides present an example of creating just one of the rugs in the LOOPY Collection. artistry + vision in rugs from Silk Road Weaves bjacobs@silkroadweaves.com

31. Translation and Process: from design to delivery The following slides present an example of creating just one of the rugs in the LOOPY Collection. There are quite a few different versions of this particular design, from 50 knot all wool, to 100 knot wool with silk. artistry + vision in rugs from Silk Road Weaves bjacobs@silkroadweaves.com

32. Translation and Process: from design to delivery The following slides present an example of creating just one of the rugs in the LOOPY Collection. There are quite a few different versions of this particular design, from 50 knot all wool, to 100 knot wool with silk. Some of the designs in LOOPY also include fiber of the Allo plant, creating unique textures and colorations. artistry + vision in rugs from Silk Road Weaves bjacobs@silkroadweaves.com

33. Translation and Process: from design to delivery The following slides present an example of creating just one of the rugs in the LOOPY Collection. There are quite a few different versions of this particular design, from 50 knot all wool, to 100 knot wool with silk. Some of the designs in LOOPY also include fiber of the Allo plant, creating unique textures and colorations. The newest additions to this group are LOOPY/GEMS, with tonal and textural varieties from neutral to vivid, in a mix of lustrous fibers and colors. artistry + vision in rugs from Silk Road Weaves bjacobs@silkroadweaves.com

34. The Human Connection Translation and Process: from design to delivery Personal involvement with each design.Checking the graph for LOOPY designs

35. The Human Connection Translation and Process: from design to delivery Weaving progress Note the full-size “map” of the design, that indicates the color and textures to be used.

36. Translation and Process: from design to delivery Size: 8 x10

37. The Human Connection Translation and Process: from design to delivery Washing Washing

38. The Human Connection Translation and Process: from design to delivery After washing, the rug is attached to special frames, and will dry in the sun.

39. The Human Connection Translation and Process: from design to delivery Detailing

40. The Human Connection Translation and Process: from design to delivery The finished rug

41. The Human Connection Translation and Process: from design to delivery LOOPY : Meandering 8 x 10 Wool, with wool loop texture lines 100 knots per square inch

42. New variations: LOOPY – GEMS Versions in wool + silk Textural variations 100 knot Shown: illustrations

46. Green – more than a beautiful color Two from the Simply Natural Collection Above: Striations: 100 knots Allo and Silk Right: Natural Sun: 150 knot Sunpat No Dye! Just Simply Natural Sophisticated Beauty artistry + vision in rugs from Silk Road Weaves bjacobs@silkroadweaves.com

48. Prized for it’s texture, durability, and luster that increases over the yearsartistry + vision in rugs from Silk Road Weaves bjacobs@silkroadweaves.com

49. Essential Materials Silk : the fibers that respond so beautifully to all types of dyes Just a few of our 200 standard colors, to begin with… artistry + vision in rugs from Silk Road Weaves bjacobs@silkroadweaves.com

50. Essential Materials Allo, Girardiniadiversifolia: a wild-growing, renewable resourceAllo fiber is the longest known plant fiber, and has a high tensile strength and water resistance.

51. Essential Materials Allo, Girardiniadiversifolia: a wild-growing, renewable resourceAllo fiber is the longest known plant fiber, and has a high tensile strength and water resistance. Allo : Giant Nepalese stinging nettle * occurs naturally in damp woodland above altitudes of 1500 meters * grows to a height of 3 meters, much taller than our native nettles * processed and used in many cultures for both fine clothing and for coarser fabrics.

52. Essential Materials Allo, Girardiniadiversifolia: a wild-growing, renewable resourceAllo fiber is the longest known plant fiber, and has a high tensile strength and water resistance. Allo : Giant Nepalese stinging nettle * occurs naturally in damp woodland above altitudes of 1500 meters * grows to a height of 3 meters, much taller than our native nettles * processed and used in many cultures for both fine clothing and for coarser fabrics. Processing : 6 steps before weaving Remove the fiber from the inner part of the plant

53. Essential Materials Allo, Girardiniadiversifolia: a wild-growing, renewable resourceAllo fiber is the longest known plant fiber, and has a high tensile strength and water resistance. Allo : Giant Nepalese stinging nettle * occurs naturally in damp woodland above altitudes of 1500 meters * grows to a height of 3 meters, much taller than our native nettles * processed and used in many cultures for both fine clothing and for coarser fabrics. Processing : 6 steps before weaving Remove the fiber from the inner part of the plant Strip off the bark (bark can be used for basketry)

54. Essential Materials Allo, Girardiniadiversifolia: a wild-growing, renewable resourceAllo fiber is the longest known plant fiber, and has a high tensile strength and water resistance. Allo : Giant Nepalese stinging nettle * occurs naturally in damp woodland above altitudes of 1500 meters * grows to a height of 3 meters, much taller than our native nettles * processed and used in many cultures for both fine clothing and for coarser fabrics. Processing : 6 steps before weaving Remove the fiber from the inner part of the plant Strip off the bark (bark can be used for basketry) Soften the fiber: simmer the inner bark overnight in a solution of water and wood ash

55. Essential Materials Allo, Girardiniadiversifolia: a wild-growing, renewable resourceAllo fiber is the longest known plant fiber, and has a high tensile strength and water resistance. Allo : Giant Nepalese stinging nettle * occurs naturally in damp woodland above altitudes of 1500 meters * grows to a height of 3 meters, much taller than our native nettles * processed and used in many cultures for both fine clothing and for coarser fabrics. Processing : 6 steps before weaving Remove the fiber from the inner part of the plant Strip off the bark (bark can be used for basketry) Soften the fiber: simmer the inner bark overnight in a solution of water and wood ash 4. Beat the fiber then rub with oil to make it easier to separate and tease for spinning

56. Essential Materials Allo, Girardiniadiversifolia: a wild-growing, renewable resourceAllo fiber is the longest known plant fiber, and has a high tensile strength and water resistance. Allo : Giant Nepalese stinging nettle * occurs naturally in damp woodland above altitudes of 1500 meters * grows to a height of 3 meters, much taller than our native nettles * processed and used in many cultures for both fine clothing and for coarser fabrics. Processing : 6 steps before weaving Remove the fiber from the inner part of the plant Strip off the bark (bark can be used for basketry) Soften the fiber: simmer the inner bark overnight in a solution of water and wood ash 4. Beat the fiber then rub with oil to make it easier to separate and tease for spinning Dry fiber in the sun

57. Essential Materials Allo, Girardiniadiversifolia: a wild-growing, renewable resourceAllo fiber is the longest known plant fiber, and has a high tensile strength and water resistance. Allo : Giant Nepalese stinging nettle * occurs naturally in damp woodland above altitudes of 1500 meters * grows to a height of 3 meters, much taller than our native nettles * processed and used in many cultures for both fine clothing and for coarser fabrics. Processing : 6 steps before weaving Remove the fiber from the inner part of the plant Strip off the bark (bark can be used for basketry) Soften the fiber: simmer the inner bark overnight in a solution of water and wood ash 4. Beat the fiber then rub with oil to make it easier to separate and tease for spinning 5. Dry fiber in the sun Use a hand spindle to spin the fiber for weaving

58. Essential Materials Allo, Girardiniadiversifolia: a wild-growing, renewable resourceAllo fiber is the longest known plant fiber, and has a high tensile strength and water resistance. Allo : Giant Nepalese stinging nettle * occurs naturally in damp woodland above altitudes of 1500 meters * grows to a height of 3 meters, much taller than our native nettles * processed and used in many cultures for both fine clothing and for coarser fabrics. Processing : 6 steps before weaving Remove the fiber from the inner part of the plant Strip off the bark (bark can be used for basketry) Soften the fiber: simmer the inner bark overnight in a solution of water and wood ash 4. Beat the fiber then rub with oil to make it easier to separate and tease for spinning 5. Dry fiber in the sun Use a hand spindle to spin the fiber for weaving 7. Combine with wool and silk for an amazing texture!

60. changing the existing design for scale and emphasis

61. color, texture, fiber combinationsPlease see the Part 2 Slide Show for inspiration and design views bjacobs@silkroadweaves.com

62. The Human Connection Weaving a few LOOPY samples Cross-Weaving A more complex, labor-intensive technique.

63. The Human Connection Weaving a few LOOPY samples Cross-Weaving A more complex, labor-intensive technique. Only the most skilled adult artisans use this traditional weaving method.

64. The Human Connection Weaving a few LOOPY samples Cross-Weaving A more complex, labor-intensive technique. Only the most skilled adult artisans use this traditional weaving method. The result more durable, heirloom-quality carpets.

65. The Human Connection Weaving LOOPY : Soft Tide 5x7

66. The Human Connection Photo: ©Romano 2007

67. The Human Connection Photo: ©Romano 2007

69. steps in making your custom rug

70. more about the designs from Silk Road WeavesCheck out the rest of the web site for more information, or call us at 508-472-8105 bjacobs@silkroadweaves.com www.SilkRoadWeaves.com