A small town in the Alentejo of Portugal
known for fine needlepoint rugs and tapestries.
The traditional cross stitch method, embroidered onto a canvas frame is what makes these pieces of art so unusual. Surprisingly enough they are very sturdy and long lasting.
Arraiolos is located 13 miles north of Evora and 80 miles east of Lisbon.
Images from the very small but very excellent Museum in Arraiolos.
Designs and color combinations are endless.
These beautiful rugs have been woven since the 16th century.
A very large rug brought in for repairs.
Speaking of repairs.
While visiting Portugal almost forty years ago, we purchased this Arraiolos rug.
It was custom made for a very long hallway in our previous home.
If you look closely you will see that it is now cut into two halves.
I cut the middle out of the rug.
It was a certain color of wool that didn't hold up to the heavy hall traffic.
The rest of the rug is still in great condition
(remarkable after so many years).
I will have the two pieces bound and will enjoy them for a few more years.
These fellas are willing participant.
Making the famous Arraiolo rugs and tapestries is a cottage industry.
Almost all of the 30,000 inhabitants of Arraiolos are involved in the making of these beautiful rugs.
While visiting this Spring we purchased the above rug.
Unlike other rugs these are easily folded into a suitcase.
And that is why we traveled to Portugal.
We needed a new rug.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend and a great week ahead.
Thank you for stopping by.
Your visits and comments are always so appreciated.
Gina
While visiting Portugal almost forty years ago, we purchased this Arraiolos rug.
It was custom made for a very long hallway in our previous home.
If you look closely you will see that it is now cut into two halves.
It was a certain color of wool that didn't hold up to the heavy hall traffic.
The rest of the rug is still in great condition
(remarkable after so many years).
I will have the two pieces bound and will enjoy them for a few more years.
Making the famous Arraiolo rugs and tapestries is a cottage industry.
Almost all of the 30,000 inhabitants of Arraiolos are involved in the making of these beautiful rugs.
Unlike other rugs these are easily folded into a suitcase.
And that is why we traveled to Portugal.
We needed a new rug.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend and a great week ahead.
Thank you for stopping by.
Your visits and comments are always so appreciated.
Gina
http://betweennapsontheporch.net/
