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GoodWeave Expands Work to End Child Weaving into Afghanistan

admin — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 23:40:39 +0000

After 15 years of combating child servitude in South Asia’s handmade carpet industry, the nonprofit organization GoodWeave® is expanding its operations internationally, beginning with Afghanistan. As in Nepal and India, GoodWeave will implement locally managed inspection and monitoring programs as well as social initiatives focused on children’s education in Afghanistan. Programs will help to improve the country’s access to international rug markets, reduce child labor and put more adults back to work. GoodWeave estimates the first child-labor-free certified rugs produced in Afghanistan to be available by early 2012.

The Afghan carpet industry represents a major opportunity for private sector growth in Afghanistan. While the carpet industry is Afghanistan’s largest legal employer, the country suffers from a 40 percent unemployment rate.

“The rug industry has the untapped potential to improve living conditions and stimulate economic development,” said Fazel M. Wasit, GoodWeave Afghanistan’s Country Director. “However, we must ensure that it does not negatively impact our country’s future by exploiting children in weaving communities, where the loss will be far greater than the expected benefits.”

Wasit previously served as Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Export Promotion Agency of Afghanistan, where he was responsible for developing markets for Afghanistan’s exports, including carpets. Wasit also has worked as Investment Promotion Director at the Afghanistan Investment Support Agency and held positions at the World Bank and Save the Children.

GoodWeave will fill a critical gap in programs serving the nation’s growing number of economically exploited children. According to UNICEF, a third of all elementary school-aged children work in Afghanistan, many of which have been sold into bonded labor, sexual exploitation and early marriage. However the Afghan government, a signatory of the UN Convention on Children’s Rights, is ill-equipped to curb the increasing trend of children being sold into child labor, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).

“In particular, children in the most common types of exploitative work, such as agriculture and carpet weaving, lack programs that meet their needs” in Afghanistan, according to the DOL’s 2009 Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor.

Carpet making is largely concentrated in the northern and western provinces of Afghanistan; GoodWeave anticipates that its programs will be focused in the areas in and around Herat, Bamyan and Mazar-i-sharif. GoodWeave will work with a wide range of local partners in Afghanistan to ensure a sustainable, comprehensive approach to supporting weaving communities. In particular, GoodWeave will partner with grassroots non-governmental organizations to provide locally appropriate services for children found working on the looms and other at-risk kids in weaving regions. Kabir Bais, GoodWeave’s Program Coordinator for Afghanistan, will be responsible for the oversight of GoodWeave’s rehabilitation, social and educational programs. Bais previously worked for Hand in Hand Afghanistan, where he led a program to eradicate household poverty through capacity building and entrepreneurship.

“Despite the many difficulties the Afghan carpet industry has faced, during my recent trip to Kabul, I found a sense of optimism and unanimous support for the types of programs GoodWeave will bring to the region. GoodWeave will add significant value to the Afghan carpet industry, and provide essential support to a large but neglected segment of the population,” said Scott Welker, GoodWeave USA’s Director of Business Development.

About GoodWeave

GoodWeave works to end child labor in the handmade carpet industry by inspecting weaving looms and providing rehabilitation and education for former child weavers and other at-risk children. Through the sale and certification of nearly 8 million child-labor-free rugs worldwide, GoodWeave has helped reduced the number of child laborers in the rug industry from one million to 250,000. GoodWeave has provided more than 10,600 children in weaving communities with an education and other life-changing services. The GoodWeave label is the best assurance that no child labor was used in the making of a carpet or rug.

Top Floor by Esti Introduces New FLUX Collection

admin — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 19:35:30 +0000

Esti Barnes extends her portfolio of desirable designs with a luxuriously soft collection made from Alpaca

Answering the demand for neutral yet luxurious floor coverings, Top Floor presents FLUX – a versatile alternative to silk, viscose, and other more traditional options. Hand-woven in lustrous Alpaca, the new range combines practicality with elegance and a super soft ‘foot-feel’. With a pallet of natural tones and the merest hint of color, FLUX sets (rather than steals) the scene , making the perfect backdrop for a dramatic interior scheme or an iconic artwork or piece of furniture.

A sophisticated new solution in “neutral” floor coverings

Made from robust yet sensuously soft Alpaca, the Flux collection benefits from the considerable advantages of this high-quality natural material. The fleece of the Peruvian Alpaca is a sleek, hollow fibre that is hypoallergenic, naturally insulating, water-repellent and resistant to pilling, while also being fine, strong and even softer than cashmere. Much prized in fashion, Alpaca is less well known for interior design, but once again, Top Floor is breaking new ground!

FLUX honors the natural textures and un-dyed colors of Alpaca by using traditional techniques to create dense, hardy floor coverings in either a flat weave or a bouclé pile, but always with an invitingly silky finish.

FLUX represents a two-year collaboration between Esti Barnes, Design Director of Top Floor, and carpet and yarn designer, Bart Goderis, both of whom are multiple award-winners in their own right. The resulting new collection, FLUX, retains all the hallmarks of Esti’s distinctive sense of style while opening up important new markets and applications at price points which are in keeping with the times.

Bart describes his passion for fabrics and the inspiration for this collaboration with Esti as follows: “I am constantly looking for new yarn combinations which I first try out on a hand loom until I achieve the look I’m after. For me, weaving is all about translating my feelings into textures. I am always trying to create a link between so-called ‘classic’ and contemporary design. Like Esti, my immediate environment is a regular source of inspiration when creating textiles.”

The Designs within the Flux Collection are:

BLEND: Incorporates Esti’s signature color gradation technique and is available in three un-dyed shades of Alpaca – Steel, Clay, Oak.

SOLID: Presents the subtlest of single color hues in un-dyed Alpaca for a truly ‘neutral’ backdrop. Colors: Slate, Earth, Straw.

PAVÉ: In a heavier, block-style weave, this offers strong textures together with accents of color where dyed wool has been woven through a grey or beige Alpaca base. Colors: Dawn, Dusk, Twilight, Sunrise, Sunset.

GRANITE: Offering a more flecked color effect and a Bouclé loop pile finish, Granite is a blend of Alpaca and wool and is available in the Sand, Coral or Ocean color ways.

For more information visit topfloorrugs.com

*All images copyright Top Floor by Esti

Orian Rugs Opens New Distribution Facility in Ontario, Canada

admin — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 19:06:56 +0000

The facility is scheduled to begin operation on October 10th, 2011 with plans to double the square footage by the end of 2012. By locating its distribution center in Ontario, Orian will be able to provide exceptional product service and superior delivery capabilities to its customers located throughout Canada.

“This new distribution facility supports more growth for our business in Canada, and builds on our already strong logistics foundation”, said Pat O’Farrell, Orian Rug’s Canadian Sales Manager.

“Superior customer service is a top priority at Orian,” said Wim De Pape, Chief Operating Officer for Orian Rugs®. “The location of our distribution facility will allow us to provide our customers with the fastest delivery times possible; since the product will be made, shipped and sold all within North America. Our new warehouse enhances our cost-efficient logistics structure, positioning us to handle the increase in volume we are seeing from our strong Canadian customer base.”

Orian’s Canadian office will also be relocating to the new distribution facility over the next several months.

About Orian Rugs

Orian Rugs® is a vertically integrated manufacturer of decorative area and scatter rugs, established in the USA in 1979.

For more information, visit www.orianrugs.com.

Carini Lang and GoodWeave Partner for 2011 Rug Raffle

admin — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:32:52 +0000

Through October 20, GoodWeave supporters have a chance to win a luxurious certified carpet. Donated by long-time partner and esteemed designer Carini Lang.

The pure wool, 6’ x 9’ English Floral, retails for more than $6,500; raffle tickets are available for a $25 donation.

All raffle proceeds support GoodWeave’s programs—programs that transform the life of kids like Anu with freedom, education and a new lease on their dreams.

Carini Lang English FloralValued over $6,500

For more information, visit GoodWeave 2011 Rug Raffle

GoodWeave USA has partnered with Network for Good to securely process your online credit card donation via the Network for Good Donor Advised Fund. This transaction will appear on your credit card statement as “Network for Good.”

GoodWeave USA Releases 2010 Annual Report

admin — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:19:06 +0000

GoodWeave USA 2010 Annual Report

Many faces of rescued children grace the cover of the 2010 Annual Report, but the focus is on one: 13-year-old Man Maya.

GoodWeave’s One in a Million campaign, launched in 2010 and brought to life in this report, focuses on the power of an individual – whether a child, company, carpet or consumer – to change something larger than itself. The movement to end exploitation in the rug industry requires a multitude of resources.

The report details GoodWeave’s progress in 2010, including the following highlights:

• Reaching an estimated 60 million consumers through the One in a Million campaign to end child labor.

• Educating more than 700 children in weaving communities, giving each freedom and a future.

• Growing rug industry membership by 20 percent, in turn generating nearly $100,000 in funds for programs serving exploited children and weaving families.

• Completing a new expansion global strategy – beginning with Afghanistan, where just last month GoodWeave hired its first staff.

About GoodWeave

GoodWeave works to end child labor in the rug industry and provide life-changing opportunities for children in South Asian weaving communities. The nonprofit partners with rug producers that pledge to employ only adult workers, and conduct frequent, unannounced inspections of licensed looms and factories to verify working conditions. Programs funded by GoodWeave certified rug sales have helped more than 9,600 children attend school instead of working on looms. The GoodWeave label is the best assurance that no child labor was used in the manufacture of a carpet or rug. Learn more at goodweave.org.

Restoration Hardware Rugs Offer Exceptional Quality

admin — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 21:25:10 +0000

When you are in the process of designing your living room or bedroom, no area is complete without the right rug. Restoration Hardware rugs will pull together any interior design with classic, modern, or chic qualities. If you are looking for unique and affordable flooring solutions, look no further than Restoration Hardware. With 30 years of experience in the industry, they have become one of the largest home furnishing businesses in the nation. The secret to the company’s success is in their unyielding passion for high-quality goods that do not come with a high-quality price tag.

A Wide Selection of High-Quality Designer Rugs

828 Mirage Collection Contemporary Area Rug, 5' x 8', Beige Brown

If you have ever been to a home furnishings store, you understand how overwhelming it can be to browse through area rugs. Not only are most rugs rolled up, the endless patterns and colors can quickly turn your exciting mission into a headache. To prevent the jumble, browse the wide selection of classic and modern rugs available through Restoration Hardware’s online store. Their online catalog separates each rug into its perspective collection to make searching for the perfect color combination and pattern easy. You can narrow your searches down to hand-knotted, hand-tufted, Tibetan, and natural rugs. When you have online tools to narrow your search, finding the perfect rug for your home is quicker and easier.

A Variety of Fabrics and Sizes

Style should not be your only concern when you are searching for floor coverings. You must also consider what fabric and size is most practical for your living area. Fabric should be a huge concern for areas that are prone to spills and high traffic areas. If you anticipate a mess, choose a fabric that is easy to clean and does not stain. Restoration Hardware rugs come in versatile fabrics that are kid and pet-friendly. There are also more delicate rugs for couples and bachelors who want their rug for looks and not touch.

You will need to envision how much floor space you want your rug to cover. Shabby chic rugs are designed to add dimension to smooth and hard floors. Other braided vintage rugs are designed to create a visual texture without real physical texture. You will need to consider texture and sizing when you shop for your next area rug.

When you invest in home furnishings, you must invest in quality. Restoration Hardware offers everything you need to make your remodel or redesign easy and affordable. If something is missing from your living room, family room, or bedroom, it may very well be a unique area rug. Pull your wall coloring, wall coverings, furnishings, and accessories together with a complimentary area rug. If you are not sure what style you want, request rug swatches and see what looks good firsthand. With the right floor coverings, you will turn your incomplete room into a complete designer’s dream. Start searching for your dream rugs today.

A Black And White Rug Adds A Timeless Quality

Orian Rugs Partners With The Bargain Shop

admin — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 14:12:10 +0000

Orian Rugs® has partnered with The Bargain Shop® to launch an exclusive assortment of stylish decorative area rugs. In September of 2011, Orian Rugs® will introduce an 8 ft. in-line assortment that will be available in all 239 stores providing a variety of fashion-forward colors, designs and sizes to The Bargain Shop’s customer. Retail price points will range from $9.99 to $49.99, fully complementing The Bargain Shop’s focus to carry brands their customers love, at the quality and value their customers expect.

“We are excited about this partnership”, said Laurie Yakymchuk, TBS home buyer. “We are making home a focus and our partnership with Orian Rugs® will build a strong foundation for us in the area rug segment of home décor.” Patty Dyjach, Orian Rugs® National Account Manager added, “we’ve worked very closely with Laurie and her team to develop an exclusive collection that enhances their current home assortment and it will be merchandised in a way that is fun and easy to shop.”

Orian will produce the area rugs in their state-of-the-art Anderson, SC manufacturing facility providing superior customer service, short lead-times, and best in class fulfillment to ensure products are consistently available on the shelves to fulfill customer’s needs.

“We see great synergy between The Bargain Shop® and Orian Rugs®”, said Pat O’Farrell, Orian Rug’s Canadian Sales Manager. “The Bargain Shop’s deep commitment to the neighborhoods and communities they serve mirrors our own values. We are looking forward to growing this partnership and growing our market share in the Canadian market.”

About Orian Rugs

Orian Rugs® is a premier manufacturer of decorative area and scatter rugs. Established in 1979, Orian Rugs® is a privately owned, vertically integrated manufacturer with a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located in Anderson, SC for over 30 years. The Orian Rugs’® team is committed to providing world-class design, service and innovation offering a breadth of innovative rug qualities from Traditional to Contemporary styles in a variety of price points to meet consumer needs.

For more information, visit www.orianrugs.com.

Karastan Donates Carpet To Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West Studio

admin — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 21:22:41 +0000

The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation has chosen Karastan Rugs and Carpets for the newly restored Taliesin West, which is Wright’s home and studio in Scottsdale, Arizona. Frank Lloyd Wright was an architect that believed every element of a space should work together, from floor plan to fabric to furniture to floor covering. In earlier years, he once considered designing rugs for Karastan which encouraged the foundation to use their products for the new renovation.

Taliesin West

“The reason we selected Karastan for the living room of Taliesin West was because of the color selection available, the quality of Karastan’s carpets and Wright’s relationship with Karastan. Wright talked to Karastan in 1955 about collaborating on a line of carpets with the Wright design,” said Doug Volker, the foundation’s director of licensing and product development.

Karastan donated 1,495 square feet of new carpet for the Taliesin West living and dining area which is matched as close as possible to the carpet seen in historic photos. Karastan’s Cambridge Shores carpet in Glazed Wood color was custom made and bound into five rectangular rugs to fit the space.

Wright began building Taliesin West in 1937 as his personal home, studio and architectural campus, and no doubt was still making changes in 1959 when he died. Each year more than 150,000 visitors tour this historic property in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains to admire the genius of the man who continues to impact interior design, architecture and ideas about sustainability and green living.

Taliesin West

The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, which is headquartered at Taliesin West, is planning several special events and enhanced tours during 2012, which is the 75th anniversary of Taliesin West and the 100th anniversary of the State of Arizona. The foundation expects many visitors will be interested in the living room where the Wrights entertained famous guests. The dramatic room features one of Wright’s beloved pianos; the unusual Taliesin West chairs, which were Wright’s attempt to design a chair where the user actually looked “graceful” while seated; and now custom rugs by Karastan.

Tips For Buying Laundry Room Rugs

admin — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 15:38:08 +0000

If you have a laundry room in your house, you are probably aware of how grungy and uncomfortable it can sometimes feel. Adding laundry room rugs, however, can make the room much more comfortable. Combined with the heat from the dryer, it can give the space a cozy warmth, and can create a soft underfoot feel, best enjoyed while folding laundry on a cold day. It is important to remember, however, that you cannot use just any rug in this particular room. In fact, there are a few things to think about before you carpet this part of your home.

Braided Red & Blue Laundry Room Runner Rug

The first thing you should consider before putting a rug in your laundry room is the hot, damp nature of the space itself. Between splashes and potential leaks from the washing machine, and steam from the dryer, this room can be the perfect breeding ground for mold. Because of this, a rug made from organic materials may not be appropriate. Instead, you should consider using polypropylene rugs, or those made from other synthetic fibers that will not absorb water or breed mold.

Laying a rug on a damp floor can pose other hazards, aside from the risk of mold. Water on the floor can cause rugs to slide around when you walk on them. This can be particularly dangerous when you are carrying a huge basket that is heavy with dirty laundry. One easy way to avoid slips, however, is to buy rubber backed rugs. The rubber backing will help hold everything in place and will prevent water from seeping through to the floor in the first place. A rubber backing can also serve as a good mold barrier.

Laundry Clothes Line RUG Room Runner Cushion Mat

With the necessity for rubber backing and polypropylene fibers, it can be a challenge to find machine washable area rugs that are suitable for the laundry room. They do exist, however, and with a bit of determination, you should be able to find them. Keep in mind that while they may be safe for the washing machine, rubber and synthetic fibers can melt in the dryer. Make sure to read the washing instructions and follow them carefully before taking any action to clean your new rug.

With these criteria in mind, it is now time to start shopping for your new rug. Just because you are looking for a specialized design does not mean that you should settle for something that does not look good. If you are having trouble finding the right colors or patterns, it sometimes helps to look at kitchen rugs and mats. Kitchen mats must also be resistant to water, mold and slippage, and may come in a wider variety of designs.

In the end, you should not have too much trouble finding the right rug, as long as you know what you are looking for. Take a tour of your local department stores and home furnishing boutiques. If you cannot find anything locally, the Internet offers a nearly endless selection of laundry room rugs, ready to be delivered to your door. If you keep searching, you will be sure to find the right piece for your room.

GoodWeave Announces 10th Annual Rug Raffle Featuring Carini Lang

admin — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 22:21:52 +0000

GoodWeave USA has just announced their 10th annual rug raffle which features a $6,534 Carini Lang pure wool area rug as the main prize. The 6′ x 9′ English Floral rug is currently available for viewing at Carini Lang’s TriBeCa showroom on 335 Greenwich Street. This beautiful design is certified child-labor-free and is hand-crafted at 100 knots per inch. The pattern on the rug is reminiscent of the motifs used in antique needlepoint upholstery.

Carini Lang English Floral

Carini Lang has been one of GoodWeave’s long-standing partners in the fight to end child labor in South Asian weaving communities. They specialize in fine, contemporary carpets, designed in New York and woven in Nepal. Creative Director Joseph Carini is devoted to handcraft with integrity. “We’re pleased to support GoodWeave’s commitment to children. Their programs sustain communities in ways that extend far beyond commerce or industry,” said Carini. (For more information on this and the company’s other designs, visit carinilang.com).

For as little as $25, entrants have a chance to win a luxurious rug, designed and donated by New York-based Carini Lang. Every ticket sold brings GoodWeave and its nearly 90 rug company members one step closer to ending child servitude in this industry. Raffle tickets are $25 each, five for $100 or 12 for $200. The drawing will take place on October 24, 2011, and the winner will be notified the following day. Individuals may purchase tickets at goodweave.org/raffle.

About GoodWeave