Let me introduce you to a little hidden talent of mine, along with a bit of backstory.
Did you know that in my free time, I make braided rugs? Yes, I actually braid strips of recycled wool into beautiful, one-of-a-kind rugs! I've always enjoyed creating things, and over the years, I've tried my hand at quite an assortment of crafts. But braided rugs have become one of my favorites.
Now, you might be wondering what rug-making has to do with fashion. As it turns out, more than you might think!
Creating a braided rug isn't simply about weaving together strips of fabric. It's about choosing colors, combining textures, and knowing how to bring everything together into something beautiful. Sound familiar? It's really not so different from putting together an outfit. The right combination of colors, fabrics, and details can transform something simple into something special.
But let me back up a bit, because there's a story behind my love of rug-making.
I grew up on a farm just north of the Deep Creek Lake area, outside of Grantsville, Maryland. For as long as I can remember, my aunt made beautiful braided rugs. I grew up watching her work, never giving much thought to the skill and patience involved.
Several years ago, I decided I'd like to try my hand at the craft I'd watched her practice all my life. I figured that after all those years of watching, I probably knew a thing or two about how it was done!
My plan was simple. I'd finish my first rug, take it to my aunt, ask her all my questions, and have her help me correct whatever mistakes I'd made along the way.
Sadly, she passed away before I finished that first rug.
But there's a lovely little ending to that part of the story.
As we were sorting through her belongings, I came across several old books about braided rug-making. There they were, filled with the very information I'd planned to ask her about.
In a way, she answered my questions and helped me finish that first rug after all.
So, what does all of this have to do with the name Cashmere Clothing Co.?
When I was planning the opening of the shop, one of the many decisions I had to make was what to call it.
I wanted a name that sounded stylish and sophisticated, something that reflected the kind of shopping experience I hoped to create.
And then it occurred to me.
Cashmere is a type of wool, and wool had always been my favorite material to work with when making my rugs. The connection felt just right. It was a little nod to my creative side and something that had been part of my life long before I ever dreamed of opening a clothing boutique.
Besides, there's just something about the word cashmere. It sounds classic, elegant, and a little luxurious.
Add Clothing Co., and I thought it had a rather nice ring to it.
And just like that, Cashmere Clothing Co. had its name!
Funny how something as simple as a childhood memory and a love of working with wool could eventually become part of a completely different dream.
These days, in addition to putting together colors and textures for rugs, I spend as much of my time doing the very same thing with clothing, creating combinations that help women look and feel their best.
I suppose that creative side of me was always there, just waiting for another way to express itself.
And now you know the story behind the name!
