The goal for BRAIDS is to provide an affordable source for hand braided rugs that revive memories of the wonderful wool rugs our grandmothers used to make. These rugs will complement the furnishings of any room, satisfy a sense of beauty, and provide a durable product for many years to come.

BRAIDS was started when Maryann decided that denim twill was as durable as wool and started cutting old jeans into strips for hand braided rugs. She soon used all the old jeans in the neighborhood and was left with a partially completed rug! Scouting trips for affordable cotton twill led to buying hundreds of yards of fabric from the closeout lists of textile mills.

Maryann's Amish background provides the skill to make these works of art. She combines that heritage with a God-given creativity, ingenuity, and perseverance. Maryann enjoys putting this talent to use by making rugs, however, BRAIDS would not  be possible without the practical support and encouragement of various family members and friends.