Green at heartrugs braiding machine
Donation protected
Hello, My name is Laurine, I was let go from my job in 2008 and For the 1st time in my life I was unemployed. I had virtually no money, but of course had my skill and love for sewing. I wanted to make things for my home, but I wanted them to be made from recycled materials. Over the years, I had become more and more environmentally conscience.
I searched for ideas at my local book stores, and found a couple things I thought I could put together. One idea, was a rug made from t shirts. The pictures in the book where, well, I'm sorry...but they where Horrible. I had a feeling that I might be able to do better.
I found some old t-shirts, and started cutting and braiding. My first attempts where hand sewn, and well not very good. But by my third rug they had improved to the point that I wouldn't be embarrassed to show someone. I started making some for friends, and family for gifts. At that point I started buying used shirts from local charity thrift shops.
A short time later a couple of artistic friends told me about Etsy. At first I did nothing with the info. despite how great they said it was. After a while I looked into it and decided I would make some products to post on Etsy. I made all kinds of stuff, bags, mittens and of course braided rugs made from t shirts.
I was so thrilled to see, I sold something in the first week. I was hooked. I started making more and more things. Things kept selling. I sold $40 worth of stuff my 1st month. (Sounds pretty funny to me now!)
After 6 months I looked at all that was selling and decided to focus on just making rugs. They were selling the best. As time progressed, so did my technique. Braiding rugs from t shirts is not something found in books or your local craft store. I had to work through problems and solve them. I gradually upgrade my sewing machines and make my table larger. I also had to teach myself to dye fabric. My business is a "process" and is ever growing. I learn something new everyday. I am very happy that I can make a modest living doing what I love...and love what I do. So with that,,,
I have made over 600 rugs since then and would like to continue to grow my little cottage industry. I a have a found a braiding machine that would help me create many more rugs. The machine would braid for me, saving my fingers from hours of work. Im hoping the world will see the value in what I do and help me turn as many recycled t shirts into rugs as possible. Thanks for reading all that, Have a great day! The highest contributor will recieve a 48" rug, the 2nd highest will get a 42" rug and the 3rd will recieve a 36" rugn.. I would be so thrilled to have this machine!
I searched for ideas at my local book stores, and found a couple things I thought I could put together. One idea, was a rug made from t shirts. The pictures in the book where, well, I'm sorry...but they where Horrible. I had a feeling that I might be able to do better.
I found some old t-shirts, and started cutting and braiding. My first attempts where hand sewn, and well not very good. But by my third rug they had improved to the point that I wouldn't be embarrassed to show someone. I started making some for friends, and family for gifts. At that point I started buying used shirts from local charity thrift shops.
A short time later a couple of artistic friends told me about Etsy. At first I did nothing with the info. despite how great they said it was. After a while I looked into it and decided I would make some products to post on Etsy. I made all kinds of stuff, bags, mittens and of course braided rugs made from t shirts.
I was so thrilled to see, I sold something in the first week. I was hooked. I started making more and more things. Things kept selling. I sold $40 worth of stuff my 1st month. (Sounds pretty funny to me now!)
After 6 months I looked at all that was selling and decided to focus on just making rugs. They were selling the best. As time progressed, so did my technique. Braiding rugs from t shirts is not something found in books or your local craft store. I had to work through problems and solve them. I gradually upgrade my sewing machines and make my table larger. I also had to teach myself to dye fabric. My business is a "process" and is ever growing. I learn something new everyday. I am very happy that I can make a modest living doing what I love...and love what I do. So with that,,,
I have made over 600 rugs since then and would like to continue to grow my little cottage industry. I a have a found a braiding machine that would help me create many more rugs. The machine would braid for me, saving my fingers from hours of work. Im hoping the world will see the value in what I do and help me turn as many recycled t shirts into rugs as possible. Thanks for reading all that, Have a great day! The highest contributor will recieve a 48" rug, the 2nd highest will get a 42" rug and the 3rd will recieve a 36" rugn.. I would be so thrilled to have this machine!
Organizer
Laurine Rohl
Organizer
Mount Hope, NY
