Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Re Rag Rug

Via Re Rag Rug
The other day I received a delightful email from two women
 who live and work in Sweden both named Katarina.

They asked me to share their story here is part of their email to me.

Re Rag Rug is an experimental design and crafts project which started in August 2012 by designers Katarina Brieditis and Katarina Evans in Stockholm, Sweden. 

From Aug. 2012 to Aug 2013, they intend to develop one unique rag rug per month using different types of rags in combination with a variety of sewing, platting, crocheting, knitting, macramé, rolling, cutting, applique, embroidery, structure- and relief effects, three dimensionality, colour- and dye techniques but also experimenting with scales. 

They use discarded clothes from the Salvation Army's chain of second hand stores The material donated to is the waste that can not be sold or donated to charity i.e. the sweaters are already too worn, ripped or in the case of wool sweaters, already shrunk. (Clever)

T-shirts and sweaters are products that are mass produced for global consumption. All over the world we all buy them, use them and waste them. If we can find new ways of using and refining materials, this waste becomes a resource.


By working in a free and experimental manner the goal is to create rag rugs so innovative in design and technique, that the fact they are made out of re-cycled materials is a bonus. 

Shibori
Stitching the Shibori piece togethe




According to their website,  the goal of the Re Rag Rug project is to find interesting techniques suitable for unique hand made pieces as well as for sustainable industrial production.

Please take time to browse their website and find them on facebook.  


I am pleased that they reached across the pond and found me to share their story with YOU!


This project is supported by the Swedish Art Grants Commitee, Konstnärsnämnden

5 comments:

  1. India Flint posted about these masterful designers sending me shooting down the internet rabbit hole of discovery. Their work is really stupendous.

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    Replies
    1. I am not surprised. India is on the pulse of all good things.

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  2. Beautiful work and a fabulous use of the glut of clothing that is being produced today. Just this week I either hear or read a story (can't recall which) talking about the over production of clothing for quick profits and short usage. These artists have a great idea and a good eye. So happy they contacted you for this interesting endeavor.

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    Replies
    1. I was happy to hear from them and to be able to share their project. Their work is beautifully created with such humble materials.

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  3. cool project in every way. textile waste is astonishing and seriously distressing.

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