About Karastan Area Rugs

History

• In early 1928, Marshall Field built a large power loom (the Axminster) that was capable of duplicating the craftsmanship usually found in a hand-woven rug. Since that time, the Karastan company has been known for the elegance of it's rugs. Through the years, they have invented new processes, techniques and even colors that have been incorporated into their rugs to make them stronger, more durable and more color safe.

  To prove the quality of their rugs, Karastan created an extra-large version of one of their most popular designs, the "Kirman," and placed it on display during the 1933 World's Fair in Chicago. However, their idea of displaying this beautiful rug was not setting it up behind glass to be viewed, but to actually let the fair goers walk all over it. Once the fair was over in 1934, they cleaned just half of the rug so that people could see how well their rugs and carpets stood up to the wear and tear associated with hundreds of thousands feet passing over it. Even more exciting for the company was the opportunity to do it all again in 1939 during the New York World's Trade Fair when more than 9 million people again walked all over one of their rugs.

Features

• All Karastan rugs and carpets are made the same way. Woven on looms, they are able to be created with different patterns, textures and overall looks. A hand-woven rug is created by a person weaving thread or material through some kind of interlocking grid-like backing. In the "Axminister" process, this is done on a large, power loom that allows wool to be woven onto a cotton foundation through the back. Karastan is the only company to produce rugs with this type of construction that closely mimics the way a hand-woven rug is crafted.

Effects

• Karastan is the largest maker of wool rugs in America, and the only one that consistently uses worsted wool. This means that the wool used in creating their rugs goes through an extra combing process that removes any short fibers making the yarn stronger and more luxurious. Once the rug has been created, Karastan treats each rug to several patented processes. Each of these creates a different effect on the rug itself.
  The Tea or Antique Wash applies a permanent color to the rug before it goes into the Luster Wash. By layering the color, it gives the yarn a more harmonious look and creates the feeling of an antique rug.
  The Luster Wash is specially formulated to remove some of the scales that naturally occur in the wool fibers. This will give the rug a more silky look while slightly muting the colors used.
  The "Sultan's slippers" process occurs after the rug has gone through the 2 wash processes, but before it goes into a drying chamber. The "slippers" gently touch the face of the rug and reverse the pile giving it a "walked on" look.

Designs/Patterns

• Karastan believes that old patterns are the best patterns. While new designs are being created every year, there is a large emphasis on researching patterns found in rugs and carpets throughout history and creating rugs that will fit into contemporary homes. Using everything from patterns found in cave drawings to samples of carpets currently preserved in museums around the world they strive to bring only the best of these antique patterns back into everyday use.
  The Karastan company also considers the work currently done in countries such as China, India and even some of the more tribal areas of the globe. Many weavers in these countries practice traditional weaving skills and patterns, using more natural dyes and materials to create their works of art.

Renewable Resource

• The Karastan company is a firm believer in it's commitment to the environment. With wool being the primary material used in the creation of their carpets and rugs, they rank as one of the largest users of New Zealand wool in the world. Raised in open and clean pastures that utilize techniques designed to protect and preserve the health of the land, the sheep in New Zealand produce the cleanest and whitest wool available in the market today.
  A Karastan Axminster rug is designed to last longer and because of the technique has proven so strong that the need for an additional backing is eliminated, thereby reducing the raw material and energy needed to produce latex for backing. Wool is also an environmentally friendly material which is naturally resistant to dirt, fire retardant and has the ability to absorb indoor air contaminants.
  Karastan is constantly researching and developing new and improved ways of producing products that improve not only the comfort of your home, but the earth's environment as well. Increasing the longevity of a rug or carpet reduces energy consumption and keeps them from landfills 14 to 21 years longer than conventional flooring.

Care Considerations

• No matter what style of carpet or rug you decide on, there are a few simple guidelines to follow in order to make your rug last years longer than other flooring. Though consulting with a Karastan dealer on the care of your new rug is the best advice, here are a few tips.
  * Prevent wear patterns from occurring by rotating your rug from time to time. This will also prevent any color fading due to excessive sunlight.
  * Vacuum your rug 2 to 3 times per week to remove unwanted dust and dirt. Be careful not to get any outside edge fringe caught in the vacuum as this may cause your rug to stretch and damage.
  * Have your rug professionally cleaned once every year or so to protect your investment.
  * Immediately clean any spills. Gently blot out any moisture with a clean towel or paper towel. Do not rub as this may make the stain worse. Use a tiny bit of lukewarm water to blot out any residue. A mixture of shampoo and vinegar may also help remove any stain. Wait until the area is completely dry, then vacuum the space to re-fluff the rug's pile before walking on it.