NORWICH – Bullthistle Rag Enterprises, a one of a kind textile creation store at 12 South Broad Street in downtown Norwich, will be holding an open house on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the public and from 4 to 7 p.m. by special invite.

Bullthistle Rag Enterprises started as an enterprise to encourage textile entrepreneurs to rent a spot and showcase their wares. It evolved into a worksite that allows people looking for work and needing support in learning basic employment skills to hone those skills. “This project touches many elements of responsible business practices and human services. Through the use of leftover clothing from Catholic Charities’ Roots and Wings program and the OFC, Inc. Back on the Rack II thrift shop, we respect the environment by recycling old clothing and turning them into a work of art. We capture the vintage weaving skills and even use looms that have been around for many decades. We use weaving as a tool to teach individuals work readiness skills and, in the process, many of these students find confidence, self-esteem and talents they never realized they had when they complete these unique products,” commented Terri Bickford, Employment and Training Director.