eco-modern felt rugs based on ancient traditions

Due to the snowstorm in the North East last week I had an unexpected layover in San Francisco. Trying to make the best of it I came across the sustainable felt rugs by Peace Industry on Hayes Street. I was impressed that an artist at the store was making bowls and ottomans from leftover felt pieces while consulting potential clients. It was really cool to witness her creative process while she explained the company’s story.

Peace Industry’s founders Melina and Dodd Raissnia established their own felt rug workshop in Iran to honor the ancient art of felt rug making. It took them several trips to Tehran and lots of research to identify a small number of villages where a few old men practice this unique art. Their ancient felting process uses only very mild soap to wash the wool instead of chemicals or toxins. The only other ingredients for the eco-friendly rugs are wool and biodegradable vegetable dyes. Just last year Peace Industry had to relocate their shop to Turkey due to US sanctions against Iran. But they kept the same sustainable and fair trade principles. All eco-modern rugs are hand-made in small batches from 100% wool felt and natural dyes. I love the modern patterns that are achieved by adding felt shapes, dyed loose wool or yarn for finer details. The result is a very strong and dense textile that is naturally stain-resistant and non-absorbent. Something that certainly comes in handy for the occasional spills at eco-modern homes and families.