Bullthistle Rags Presents 19th Century Weavings
Published: December 18th, 2009
By: Brian Golden

Bullthistle Rags presents 19th century weavings

NORWICH – Kathryn McMahon, economic developer and fiber artist for Bullthistle Rags Enterprises, believes her community workshop, which is sponsored by Opportunities For Chenango in collaboration with Catholic Charities, is having a positive effect preparing citizens for future employment.

“Our objective was to use cast-off clothing not suitable for wear to create throw rugs,” said McMahon. “We’re utilizing manpower from social service organizations to provide training for job skills so that participants have a work history.”

People who have encountered employment problems and poverty benefit greatly from the small work environment and are “better prepared to be an employee,” according to McMahon.

Utilizing a loom which was originally built in the early 1800s, McMahon and her staff weave the small carpets, although larger pieces may be commissioned. “If you’re going to do period pieces, you might as well use period tools,” said McMahon, who has the loom on loan from the Chenango County Historical Society.

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The Evening Sun

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