Chris Gustin weaves soft, one-of-a-kind rag rugs, shawls and wall hangings from recycled and upcycled material at the family studio near Nashville, Indiana — with Bob Gustin building and mending the looms.
Most of the material in these rugs is a byproduct of another industry: hosiery mills, bedding factories, curtain makers, clothing and upholstery mills. To them it is waste. To the studio it is the heart of the rug. Every year about a ton of it becomes something you can stand on.
Each rug is one of a kind, so the selection changes often. They are all available at the studio, subject to prior sale. To order, use the PayPal button or email Chris the stock number.
“We got our rug, safe and sound. It is the most beautiful rug I think I have ever seen! I’m not kidding… it’s so soft and the colors do wonderful things under our lights. It reminds me of the forest floor!”Noe W., Pennsylvania
Möbius shawls, cocoons, ruanas, ponchos and scarves, all woven by hand in the studio, along with custom wall hangings made with clients and interior designers.
Heather P. of Michigan, on her wall hanging: “Chris, thank you so much for bringing to life, in such a beautiful way, what was in my head.”
Classes and day instruction are given on the rug looms, and several looms stay warped and ready for make-and-take visits. It is built for people passing through Brown County who want to take home something they made themselves.
“I absolutely enjoyed my half day under her guidance.” — Sharon P.
The studio supplies other weavers and spinners too, and will ship internationally.
Spears Gallery, 15 S. Van Buren Street, Nashville · (812) 988-1286
By Hand Gallery, 101 W. Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington · (812) 334-3255
Indiana Artisan stores at French Lick Resort and 22 N. Rangeline, Carmel · (317) 964-9455