Common Threads by Jan-Kath

In 2018, the Foundation's licensing program introduced the Common Threads carpet collection developed by Jan Kath. Five hand-knotted carpet designs were inspired by the extensive and important darning sampler collection at the Museum of International Folk Art.

The darning samplers that served as inspiration for the Common Threads collection date to the late 18th and early 19th century and come from various European countries including Germany, England, Belgium and Sweden. Created by young women learning how to mend cloth used for domestic garments and household items such as curtains and tablecloths, these delicate and rather small works of art feature a variety of woven patterns thoughtfully recreated in patches of colored thread on a linen ground cloth. The resulting samplers and their woven carpet inspirations feature breathtaking and modern woven tour-de-forces rendered in miniature.

At long last, we are proud to announce that the Common Threads carpets will be on view and available for order at Arrediamo Santa Fe, 202 Galisteo Street, from August 19 through the end of September. We encourage you to go see these stunning carpets inspired by our impressive museum collection.

This article and image are from the Museum of New Mexico Foundation’s E-News.