Saturday, March 7, 2009

How The Rag Rug Grows

It was just about a month ago when my friend Amanda at SygnetCreations sent me a message that someone had put in an alchemy request for a 5 foot wide, round rag rug. I went ahead and put in a bid, but did not hold my breath since I had to charge more than the person was wanting to spend and would not be able to have the rug ready by the date requested.
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To my surprise and delight, my bid was accepted! Once the particulars were worked out, my customer got back in touch with me a few days later...she had remeasured the space, and now wanted the rug to be 7 feet wide! Running the numbers, I realized that the new size rug was about double the area of the 5 foot rug...it was going to cost twice as much and be twice as large.
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The new price was accepted, and work began. The biggest initial challenge was picking out enough of the right fabrics in the customer's color choices.
Once the fabrics were approved, I got to work!
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I work on this rug every single night. We have developed quite a relationship! I absolutely love her, and enjoy every second of watching her grow.
She is 4 feet wide now, and seems so big...I can't believe that she isn't even halfway finished!
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I have high hopes of completing this project by Easter.
What do you think, can I do it?
The moral of the story, alchemy requests on Etsy can work!
Have you put in a bid or a request? I'd love to hear your success story!

22 comments:

Jessica Cauthon said...

That rug gets more beautiful every time I see it! I told my husband I wanted one for the baby's room and my craft room, and he told me to ask. I'll wait til you finish that big baby though. :o) It's absolutely gorgeous!

Jennie said...

Jessica- thank you for your sweet words about my rug! I am going to have serious rug withdrawal when this one is finished, so the prospect of a potential new order fills me with joy :)

CelticKnot said...

Your "baby" is so beautiful, Jennie! I love the colors. You are so very talented.

I have an Alchemy success story to share. I placed a bid for a 1 year old's birthday party favors, and was accepted! I made 14 tins of origami lucky stars, and they were a huge hit.

Jennie said...

Kristine- she is my "baby", that's for sure! Thank you for your kind words! And wow! 14 tins of stars? What a great custom order- I have no doubt that they were a huge hit...nobody does lucky stars better than you :)

BeadNestDesigns said...

What a masterpiece Jennie!! I can't wait to see it when it's finished - but pictures won't do this creation justice!!

This rug is just beautiful! :)

OMB said...

Wow, that rug is just gorgeous. I know you're very proud of your work!!!

Unknown said...

it looks fabulous!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful, well done!

Anonymous said...

Lovely rug:)

Sarah Jane said...

I've had friends convo me to put my name into Alchemy requests, too! It pays to have friends. :D

The rug is AMAZING!!!! I just love it. :D

agoodwitchtoo said...

Absolutely gorgeous! After all the work and hours of bonding do you think you're going to be able to part with it? :)

Unknown said...

wow, what a beautiful rug!
love it.

you gonna miss her once she is gone.

Angela said...

It is beautiful! I started a rag rug years ago and never finished. I threw it out the last time we moved because I was tired of having to find a place for the big loom. I admire you for getting so much done on it! Good luck and I hope you finish soon.

Parallax said...

What a project. The rug is beautiful, I love the colors you settled on, they're so warm.

Anonymous said...

Wow! This rug is looking beautiful; will look forward to seeing it when it`s finished.

Katofmanycolors said...

Just beautiful!

Beck said...

Great blog, and awesome rug! Congrats on your sale. Beck ;O)

Anonymous said...

That is a beautiful piece of work.

Anonymous said...

So amazing, I've always dreamed of having a rug like that! Really beautiful work. :)

Jennie said...

I am so appreciative of all of the comments and support of my rug work! As much as I love making this rug, and as attached as I feel to her, most of the joy of making it is knowing how happy it will make its new owner. I am in awe of her willingness to support handmade in this way (This rug has to make its way to London, so besides the cost of the rug, the expense of getting it "home" is nothing to sneeze at) and I really, really want her to know in her heart she made the right choice in coming to me. I don't think I could be a surrogate mother or anything, but I can definitely appreciate making something just for someone else and sending it off with a hug and kiss (and lots of insurance!!!) when the time comes.

Andrea said...

beautiful rug! can't wait to see the finished piece!

Anonymous said...

That is one the most beautiful pieces of artwork that I have ever had the enjoyment to lay my eyes upon!

What a wonderful story to go with "her" too!

~Lily