Retied Rope Rugs was started in 1996 by Thomas Cleary in Fort Collins, Colorado. Thomas began climbing in 1981 as a teenager and over the years he accumulated nearly a dozen old "retired" climbing ropes. These ropes had no "use" (beyond the backyard swing and tying things on the roof of the car!) but they contained too many memories to discard. After much thought, Thomas seized upon the idea to weave them into throw rugs and he began experimenting with different patterns. This process was a difficult one, but he eventually settled on three of these complex flat knots: the oval and the rectangular doormats, and the oblong runner. Thomas weaves and meticulously adjusts every Retied Rope Rug himself. Ropes are usually left as one continuous strand and the ends are "welded" together making a virtually indestructible mat. Climbing ropes are made of nylon and may eventually fade in the sun but will not rot or mildew.
Thomas acquires ropes from outdoor education schools, guiding services, and from climbers, usually in exchange for a rug or two. These ropes are steeped in the stories and the memories of the many lives they have encountered. Believe it or not, many of these beautiful ropes would have ended up in a landfill had they not been rescued for reuse by Thomas and Retied Rope Rugs.
In 1998, Thomas began making dog leashes and horse leads with the leftover tails of the woven rugs. These leashes are very popular and this area of Retied Rope Rugs is growing rapidly. In 2000 he began making pet chew toys, key chains, and wreathes that are a trendy and pragmatic use for the remainders of these climbing lifelines.
We thank you for visiting the Retied Rope Rugs web site and hope you will consider supporting this environmentally sound and utilitarian minded business.
Thomas Cleary, Retied Rope Rugs
Thomas handing out cards at the Retied Rope Rugs booth during a crafts fair.