When you schedule an appointment with me, we look at your textile/s together or they may be sent to me and I will discuss the information over the phone with you. I can give you the approximate age of the textile and approximately where it was woven. Many of my clients have appreciated the interesting details that I have drawn their attention to which they had not noticed. I am a technical expert in the structure of the rugs/weavings and much of that information is given also, if the client is interested. We will discuss whether the textile needs to be cleaned and which method is the best. I have them cleaned off-premises by a very reputable Navajo rug washer before I start on the restoration. We can also discuss, in detail, other topics which may include moth infestation, how you are going to use the textile, hanging systems, floor application and how to best store the textiles when not in use.

Generally, you are not able to detect the restoration after I am finished because I actually make each yarn that is woven into the rug/blanket by carding different tones/colors of wool fibers together to match the target color in the area of the rug I am restoring. After the wool is carded then I spin it, using a drop spindle, to match the appropriate diameter and twist before I reweave it into the rug. I stabilize the restored areas so that they are secured when you use them. The cords and tassels are made in the same manner, all by hand. It's very rare that I use ready-made commercial yarn, except for the warp (which are the interior threads that you don't see) as I can get a much closer match in color and size if I make my own yarn.

Some restoration referrals include Raymond Dewey (formerly of Dewey Galleries in Santa Fe), Jed Foutz of Shiprock Santa Fe Gallery, Shelby Tisdale who is the director of Museum of Indian Arts and Culture in Santa Fe, Irvin and Lisa Trujillo of Centinela Weavers in Chimayo, New Mexico, and Packard's on the Plaza in Santa Fe. Because I have been restoring rugs in Santa Fe for the last 31 years, I can normally can be referred to by the older established galleries in town.

I also provide "reports" which describe the textile, in detail, concerning it's condition, age, area where it was made, thread count, dyes and yarns used, and what if any, restoration and cleaning has been done to the piece. I also include a photograph and an estimated value of the rug. Although I'm not an appraiser, and do not buy and sell rugs, I do know the "general ball park" value of the rugs, which lets the client know whether the rug is valued enough to warrant repair or lets them know that the cost of the restoration would be considered "sentimental" in value. These reports (or some have called them expanded appraisals) are valuable for some clients as they are a record of what they have should they want to pass the piece on to relatives or just have them on hand.

Lastly, it has been my honor to be recognized for my expertise, by being asked to be a weaving judge by the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts, commonly known as Santa Fe's Indian Market, for the Spanish Market and for the Fiber Arts Festival at the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, all in Santa Fe.

Thank you for your interest,
Laura Center

"....I am restored in beauty,
I am restored in beauty,
I am restored in beauty,
I am restored in beauty."

-Navajo (Diné ) chant