Today I visited an oriental rug dealer on my way home from a meeting in Milwaukee.
What a find - for anyone in the area - Shabahang on Silver Spring Drive in Whitefish Bay.
They had a book on the counter "Weaving a Persian Heartbeat" and I started speaking with them about it - the owner has started producing carpets in Persian villages from his own deigns that are non-traditional. The variety and quality was astounding - contemporary lines, entire carpets in natural colored wool, splashy and colorful designs, exquisite pieces in silk. the designer was also most informative about techniques - we discussed how I am knotting my first pieces, how my knot count is progressing, and I purchased another lightweight beater and hook knife from their repair department.
Their web site has tons of excellent photos that are a wonderful inspiration for anyone designing their own pieces.
http://www.ashford.co.nz/weaving/weaving-frameset.
Happy surfing!