If you missed the earlier drama, I was in a rug design challenge hosted by Dash and Albert last month. You can read all about CLICK HERE.
To short version of the story is that they had a design challenge with 40 rug designs and one of ours won, so they are making it into a rug.
Here is the wining design.
It is based on the stripes of a grain sack.
I have some updates for you on the process. They need to make sure the rug can be manufactured easily and make sure it is going to sell. Because not everyone likes a monogram, my design will be made without the monogram. So it will look more like this.
*EDITED TO ADD*
I have gotten a lot of feedback about the removal of the monogram on the rug. Most people are saying they really prefer the rug with the monogram. Of course I prefer the design with the monogram also. I did go back to Annie Selke with your concerns. The design change is final for the rug. I had originally planned to submit one with the monogram and one without the monogram. So I still love the rug even without the monogram. If you are disappointed, I am so sorry. I do understand. And honestly I understand their position as well. They are paying to have the rug produced. They want to have confidence it will sell. I appreciate all of your comments and feedback. I hope I can make it up to you another way.
I want to help people create a beautiful home, and I still think the rug will still be lovely without the monogram.
Here is where they are in the process.
The design team at Annie Selke is currently interpreting the artwork before it is sent to India. This means having Annie and the product development team look at our design and tweak it to what they feel will appeal to customers. They will choose specific pantones and construction for the rug. Then all of that information is translated into a final design in photoshop or indesign and sent over.
The rug design will be sent to India no later than next week. It will take 30-45 days to get our first samples into the Annie Selke office, so they should arrive by the end of September or early October.
As far as the material to be used, they have selected two different options for construction for the rug:
- An all-over mélange linen with Swedish blue stripes
- An all-over marled yarn base with mélange linen stripes in the Swedish blue color.
I’ll be keeping you updated as the rug is made.
Although our rug isn’t available yet, I thought I would show you some of my favorite Dash and Albert rugs. Affiliate links
Click on any of the images for purchasing information.
Greetings! The monogram gave the simple design a crest-like look and that was the appeal. Their design privilege ruined your design.
Cindyann, I appreciate your feedback and will pass it along to the Annie Selke team.
The rug loses character without the monogram. That gives it the old world charm many love to incorporate into our homes. I will not buy it without the monogram.
What happened to “buy American made?” I will not purchase for that reason.
Maggie, you won’t purchase it because it isn’t made in America or because it doesn’t have the monogram? I appreciate any feedback you have and will pass it along to Dash and Albert. I do wish more things were made in America. Having owned a shop I know most people say they want ‘made in America’ but when presented with the two options, they typically buy the made somewhere else due to the price difference. And that is what the Annie Selke team faces every day. Thank you so much for your feedback.
So sorry, but it’s not the same without the monogram…nothing special about it with only the two stripes. Too bad the design was compromise. Not a good decision on D & A’s part.
Thank you Karen. I will pass along your comment to them.
I appreciate Maggie’s comments. The rug loses a great deal of its charm and individuality without the monogram and I, too, get very weary of things made everywhere else in the world but America!
Thank you Karen. I appreciate you taking the time to give us feedback.
Oh no, please bring back the monogram / crest. That was the “icing on the cake” for this rugs appeal. The plain version is just too ordinary and completely distorts your original vision. Frankly i do not think this version of your rug would’ve won thr competition. Id like to order one with the monogram, please.
Oh Anita….. I am so sad the monogram was removed!!!!!!! I too loved it so!!!!! I guess I’m having a hard time understanding their reasoning!!!!!! The Monogram is what set it apart from anything else out there!!!!! They should trust an incredible designer like yourself in knowing what clients want!!!!! It will still be such an amazing accomplishment for you to have your design made into a rug …..I just wish they would have known a good thing when they saw it!!!!! ? Roxann
I’m so excited to see your rug completed. I too thought the monogram was the finishing touch. Also, I am a little disappointed the rug with the fleur-de-Lis didn’t also make it. Maybe someday. The world is ready (as might other companies) for ANYTHING designed by Anita Joyce!
Ginger
Sweet Ginger, thank you. You are so lovely.
Anita, I am with everyone else your design is compromised by not putting the monogram on! So many voted your rug the way it was designed I am a little worried that removing the monogram will comprise the sell of your rug. I know I would prefer to by American made but also I voted for your design not an alteration of it! I think they are so wrong for doing this to a beautiful piece of art.
Anita, I love you ladies and the podcast! As I remarked to Yvonne I have just recently started following the podcast you ladies seem to really enjoy what you do and that reflects out so it makes us enjoy listening. Each of you have wonderful and beautiful design and great information! Thank you and God bless
Well, I realize how much time and effort you’ve put into the creation of your beautiful rug and I love it?Well done , Anita!
I too loved the monogram but I still think it is beautiful!
Thank you Brenda. Yes I loved the monogram, and was disappointed also when it was removed. But I still like the design even without the monogram.
I am so happy for you in winning the contest!
I voted for this design because of the monogram. I absolutely love it. That’s what made it special. I don’t know what they were thinking when they decided to remove it. Now it’s nothing special, similar to so many other rugs.
I can understand them being leery of the “D” but couldn’t they have left the rest of it alone? Or turn the “D” into an oval or diamond or something?
I hope they change their minds about having only the stripes.
Yay!!!!!!! Congrats!! So happy about this!! I voted for a different one but I love this one also!! way to go girl!!!
Greetings Anita! I have to agree with everyone about the monogram. So disappointed that it’s been removed. I believe they have made a critical error as the monogram is the backbone of your design and what set the rug apart from the others. So sad that I won’t be able to purchase it as you designed it.
I have two green & white diamond pattern Dash & Albert rugs in my kitchen, & I love how easy they are to maintain and clean! I can’t wait to see yours produced. It would be an awesome runner too. I have to agree, the monogram design made it unique in a good way. I agree they could lose the “D” (or maybe make one’s own personal monogram a customizable option), but keep the other part of the design. SO happy for you!
I too agree with the crowd on this one! The design could have been tweaked but it needs your design in the middle.
Okay, Anita, I have to chime in with my 2 cents after reading all of the other comments. First CONGRATULATIONS, I’m so happy for you! I voted for this rug also, but would not have bought it because of the monogram. I like it Plain! It will be perfect for my kitchen now. I think it will fit into more diverse styles than it would with the monogram. My decor is a little beachy/casual (I live in Florida) and the monogram would be a step too far. Love the color. And I think it’s good for any room or area now, but the monogram may have limited its use. I understand we all have our own tastes, and mine runs to a “plainer is better” side. None of our opinions is wrong. I just thought I’d tell you why I love it better now.
Thanks Patricia. I agree no one’s opinion is wrong. Everyone has a different take on design and life.
I’m disappointed about the monogram getting lost – but it is still a beautiful rug and I will be happy to own it!