FLOCKED RUG

2006
felt textile

This is a multi-use, customizable textile inspired by charm jewelry, flocking, and the tendency to pile things together. One starts with a kit of interlocking pieces, adding to the rug as different charms become available. This prototype begins as a laundry pile, but can be expanded to include many other objects (hearts, bees, transistor radios, etc).

Like charm bracelets, the rugs are meant to be personalized. Every rug is uniquely composed (for example, 45% socks, 28% t-shirts, and 27% boxer shorts). Over time, the charms might become collectible and be traded among friends.

The rug is assembled by pushing the end of one piece through a hole in another. This results in a textile that can be flattened out or thrown around as either a rug, a bean bag, or a trivet, depending on the assembled size. The material of the pieces is variable and change the function of the rug. For example, an all rubber rug could function as a bathmat. Leather might be suitable for a table runner.

This project was a finalist in Industreal's First Cut Competition in 2006 and was shown at the corresponding exhibition at the Salone del Mobile in 2007.