Ute Ketelhake

Weaver

©Andreas Lederhaus

Environmental, ethical rug making

Ute upcycles textile remnants into rugs
She has developed a unique technique
Her work is ethically and ecologically conscientious

The environmentally responsible use of resources and the longevity of products have always been key aspects of Ute Ketelhake’s design approach. “Already during my studies in 1983, I dealt with recycling, at that time a rather unpopular topic,” she says. However, it took two decades of working and gaining experience as a freelance designer, consultant, and lecturer until she felt it was the right time to fully focus on the question: why continue to launch more products with a limited lifespan when so much is already available? With that in mind Ute developed a unique technique to upcycle brand new pre-consumer waste material from the textile industry, combining it with traditional weaving techniques to create ecological, resource-efficient products.

Interview

©Andreas Lederhaus

How would you describe your approach?: I create an authentic product with a clear ecological and ethical standpoint. I thoroughly communicate with my customers about their needs and expectations. In doing so, I stand up for my values, which are conveyed through elaborate craftsmanship.
How do you create your base material?: I use brand new virgin wool fabric remnants from the clothing industry, which accumulate during the production process but do not reach the consumer. I cut them into strips and compact them by washing, giving these wool fabrics a second life as opulent, robust carpet fringes.
Is this where your label name comes from?: Yes, Second Life Rugs references the upcycling aspect as making them doesn't require any additional creation of wool. The upcycled fringes are knotted by hand to form unique long-lasting rugs. Only the warp and weft material is not upcycled.
Does upcycling limit your freedom to design?: Not really, even though the wool is already dyed, it is up to me how to combine the colours. I follow the idea of 'planned coincidence' in order to create harmonious compositions, without repetition, regularity or mechanical perfection.

Ute Ketelhake is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2012 and she started teaching in 2020