There is a small cottage industry of carpet makers in the city, primarily employing women.
Thirteen North American mills have been sold in the last 16 months, with nine independent carpet makers absorbed into other companies.
More and more carpet makers, frustrated with the industry's weak growth, are ready to give up.
The company closed in 1922, selling the works to a carpet maker.
In India a consortium of carpet makers has started an industry campaign that tags those products made without child labor.
Although commercial carpet makers were mostly free to practice their art, religious themes were discouraged.
The goal of Indian carpet makers 15 years ago was to look like the Persians.
It is the second largest carpet maker in Europe.
For their part, carpet makers say the problem is one of perception.
The carpet maker is amenable, but only if the boy brings him some thread.