When you schedule an appointment with me, we look at your textiles together in my studio 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 and point out some of the interesting details in the textiles that many of my clients appreciate as they have not seen them before. I am a technical expert in the structure of rugs and much of that information is given also, if the client is interested in learning details concerning that. We will discuss whether the textile(s) need to be cleaned and which method of cleaning 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 put into the rug/blanket by carding different tones of wool fibers together to match the target color in the area that I am restoring, then spin the carded wool to the appropriate diameter and twist using a drop spindle, reweave it into the rug and then stabilize it so that it is secure while being used. The cords and tassels are made in the same manner, all by hand. I don't use a 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, Robert Sutton who is the director of finance and administration at the Institute for American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe. And because I have been restoring rugs in Santa Fe for the last 29 years, I can normally be recognized, by name, in most of the galleries in town.

After I have finished restoration on the textile, I write up a report that describes the textile and the cleaning and restoration that has been done, along with a photograph and the estimated value of the piece. Although I am not a certified appraiser, and do not buy and sell rugs, I do know the general value of the rugs because of my many years in the business, and will let the client know whether the rug is valued enough to warrant repair or let them know that the cost would be considered "sentimental" value.

Lastly, it has been my honor to be recognized for my expertise by the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts, commonly known as Santa Fe's Indian Market. As a result, I have twice served as a weaving judge. I have also served as a judge at Spanish Market 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 (Dine) chant