The year was 1928. The first loom was produced by Marshall Field, the American textile manufacturer and retailer that was capable of producing a woven rug. Karastan first introduced its machine-made carpets known as "Mystery Rugs", the counterpart to the hand-made rugs. The machine technology was so advanced that Karastan put one rug up to a considerable challenge.

During the 1933-34 World's Fair in Chicago, Karastan created a large version of its Kirman pattern. Instead of just displaying the rug, they asked visitors to walk on the rug to test its ability to be cleaned. Over 5 million people walked over the rug and even spilled food on it and rubbed it in. No one thought that it could be cleaned; it was filthy. Karastan cleaned one side of the rug, leaving the other side soiled in order to show the difference. The results were amazing. The side cleaned was pristine.

There are several choices for Karastan carpets and rugs. With different types of texture too, including cut pile, Berbers, shags and other choices. The use of either wool or synthetic fibers, sizes of these Karastan rugs, beginning at 2 X 10 on the width and 5'9" long. Brand names of these can come in many names a few of them are, English Manor, Cabo del Sol, and Samovar.

In 1992 there were three different varieties of Karastan carpets produced. Sisal wool was the first newest addition to the carpet texture but it wasn't too soft to the touch of many consumers. It also didn't clean well when something was stained or someone stepped on it causing a mark to appear. Sisal wool has many styles including, Agave, Belize, Corvera, and Zanzibar. They then figured out by adding sisal's texture and aesthetics they'd have a stain resistant rug with a softer feel for the customers. It was more like a wool texture which then would be able to become clean with no problem. New Zealand pure wool usually was used on the back of the rugs since it would last longer.

In 1997 the second make of Karastan rugs was introduced which was called TeaWash. It was mixed with bright colors and various shades of reds, greens, gold, and indigo to create an "abrash" effect of old vegetable dyes. This rug was more aged looking and many consumers loved the design. Persian Vase, Kirman Panel, and Tabriz Medallion were a few of the patterns which were introduced during the new TeaWash innovation.

Finally, in 2006 Karastan introduced Shapura. The collection design is classified as traditional, but also reflects color palettes geared toward today's interiors. he vegetable-dyed yarns are offered in muted colors such as ivory, peach, and light olive green. The Shapura collection is highly detailed with a somewhat worn effect that is generated by Karastan's original luster wash. They are described as a "Peshawar" rug, which is a particular hand knotted production from India and Pakistan. The Shapura collection includes Athena, Tiana and Tiana Ivory.

These awesome Karastan rugs can be washed in a washer. Each year Karastan continues the production of rugs that are high quality. With such things as the Sisal Wool, Shapura, and Tea Wash they will continue to bring more to the quality of their rugs.

Article by Abigail Foster from HouseofAreaRugs.com - the online rug store for flokati area rugs.