Fabric and Textile

Toile

2007-08-12T10:06:00.000-07:00

Toile is a word that entered the English language around the 15th century from a French word meaning "cloth" or "web" — particularly cloth or canvas for painting on. The word toile in modern English has multiple meanings.Toile primarily refers to a one color design that resembles pen and ink drawings. Most toile fabrics depict allegorical or pastoral scenes, although some designs may simply be of flowers, etc.

A toile is a version of a garment made by fashion designers to test a pattern. They are usually made in cheap material, as multiple toiles may be made in the process of perfecting a design. Toiles may be called "muslins" in the United States.

By : wikipedia.com

Fleece fabric

2007-07-24T10:37:00.001-07:00

Fleece fabric

fleece is a marketing name for a man-made fiber that is extremely good at keeping things warm. Fleece is predominantly made up of polyester. It can be blended with other fibers such as wool and cotton to give it a more organic appeal but ultimately it is the man-made fibers that make it highly versatile and consequently very popular.

These fibers are made from polyethylene teraphthalate (PET), a thermoplastic polymer resin. The fabric that is produced gives a high level of insulation without being heavy or bulky. Fleece has proved to be a popular fabric for garments used outdoors, especially skiing and winter based activities.

Fleece blankets are a popular alternative to natural fabrics like wool and cotton ,Firstly the fabric is relatively cheap and consequently the blankets are cheap. The blankets are perfect for taking on camping expeditions or any travelling because they are lightweight and can be folded away compactly. The fabric has a hydrophobic quality that means it doesn't absorb water; consequently the blankets are ideal for outdoors. Fleece blankets are finished to be extra soft and this is a quality that attracts many people to the blanket. The first thing a person will do is run the blanket through their hands. They will be taken by the softness and luxurious quality of the fabric.

Fleece baby blankets answer all the requirements as stipulated above. , fleece baby blankets are also very durable. They might look thin and be soft to touch but they have plenty of durability because fleece is a long lasting polyester fabric. These blankets can be washed repeatedly without any sign of wear and tear. Moreover, since they dry quickly, they are an essential part of a baby’s trousseau. They provide the right amount of warmth and coziness to the baby and are soft to touch. Fleece is very light and is available in many colors. The babies remain comfortable in fleece baby blankets for a long period of time.

Luxury linens

2007-07-24T10:34:00.000-07:00

Luxury linens

Luxury linens used to enjoy popularity as more and more people, women in particular, find the need for a more elegant and sophisticated look for their homes. Women change their bed sheets, bath linens, and table cloths often in order to transform the look and create a new atmosphere inside the home. And, many women are willing to spend a lot on luxury linens just to achieve the comfortable and elegant look that they desire for their homes.

However, since luxury linens are more expensive compared to traditional fine linens, they should be given proper care in order to withstand wear and tear for a longer period. If you happen to have luxury linens, then these tips on luxury linen care can be of help to you.

Before laundering your luxury linens, you have to make sure that you use the right washing detergents. Detergents that contain bleaching agents are good for white linens but should never be used for colored linens. But you should never use chlorine bleaches for white linens; instead you can use oxygen-type bleaches to prevent damage to the fiber. For colored luxury linens, on the other hand, you can use a bleach-free detergent or a pure soap or gentle detergent in order to preserve the vibrant colors.

After washing, in order to make ironing easier, you should not wring the linens before drying them. Whatever drying methods you use?whether tumbler-drying or line-drying?just make sure that they are slightly damp before you iron them. As for ironing, you have to see to it that the soleplate of the flat iron is clean and smooth before using. You also have to use well-padded boards with smooth hear-reflective covers to reduce the ironing time and help you conserve energy.

The color wheel

2007-07-24T10:32:00.000-07:00

The color wheel

The color wheel is a circle-shaped piece of equipment that depicts several different colors that the quilter or painter can choose from. These wheels are printed on many different types of surfaces; in fabric shops there may be wheels made from solid wood or even metal; they are very durable and can withstand numerous touches and spins from all the people that handle it. Paper color wheels are less durable and are meant for personal use.

Some color wheels have more colors on them than others, but all color wheels will include the primary colors; red, yellow, and blue. These colors will be separated by an equal amount of spaces. The spaces in between the primary colors are the colors formed by mixing varying amounts of each color together; secondary colors )orange, blue, and violet) are located halfway between each primary color combination, as they are the result of mixing equal parts of each color.

Waverly

2007-07-24T10:31:00.000-07:00

Waverly

Waverly is the best known line of drapery and upholstery fabric in the United States.

History of Waverly

F. Schumacher & Co. debuted the Waverly brand in 1923 as an alternative to its exclusive European fabrics. The first collection consisted of eight inexpensive domestic chintzes purchased from American designer Cy Clark, and was targeted at America’s growing middle class. Based on the success of this collection among budget-conscious consumers, the company expanded its line of domestic prints and three years later, established the Waverly Piece Goods division and registered the name Waverly Bonded Fabrics. In 1935, the company formed the Waverly Decorative Fabric Division to distribute these prints to decorators, upholsterers and shops that did not carry piece stock.

To promote its new Waverly fabric label, F. Schumacher & Co. engaged the leading advertising firm J. Walter Thompson to develop an extensive promotional campaign. Leading publications such as House & Garden, Town & Country, House Beautiful and Vogue brought the Waverly name into America’s homes during the Roaring ‘20s, a tradition which continues today, as the brand receives extensive publicity from leading magazines, newspapers and cable television programs.

The popularity of Waverly fabrics led to the addition of companion wallpapers in 1939, and the creation of a Waverly Home Fashions division in 1951, utilizing the company’s fabrics in a range of high quality custom - and ready-made bedroom ensembles, window treatments and decorative accessories. The Waverly name soon became well-known for totally coordinated home furnishings collections — the beginning of the “Waverly Look,” which encompasses companion florals, stripes, plaids and the company’s famous Glosheen chintzes. Over the past decade, the popularity of the Waverly lifestyle among consumers - and the high level of demand for products to round out that lifestyle-led F. Schumacher & Co. to license the Waverly brand to other leading manufacturers for products such as bed linens, lamps, area rugs and paint

Fabric curtain

2007-07-24T10:30:00.000-07:00

Fabric curtain

Fabric curtains are perhaps most popular among window treatments. You may opt for a light fabric or the heavier drape. With the different types of fabrics on the market, your choice is endless.

Fabric shower curtains are the most elegant of all Designer shower curtain.Your selection will depend on the color of the room, privacy required, how hot or cold you want it to be and the amount of light you prefer entering your room. For instance, if you want to optimize the amount of light entering your room, choose a light fabric with light color and soft patterns on it rather than a heavy drape. If your window gets a lot of sunlight, avoid using dark colored materials, as they will fade quickly. Other parameters you should keep in mind while choosing fabric for curtains is size of the room, the shape of the window and the color and upholstery of the furniture.

If your are buying curtains for a room that is used formally, use fabrics such as brocade, damask, faille, silk, velvet or velveteen. If it is for an informal room choose from bouclé, chintz, cotton sateen, linen and sheeting. If it is for a casual room choose from broadcloth, burlap, canvas, corduroy, denim, muslin, poplin, suede cloth or tweed.

Don't forget to check the label for washing instructions.

Before you look for fabric make sure you measure your window accurately. To determine the length of the pole to hang the curtain from, you first have to decide on the length of the curtain: sill length, below sill length or floor length. The thickness of the pole will also depend on the weight of the fabric. The width of the curtain should be a little more than the width of the window. It can be up to three times the width of the window if you want a lot of gathers.

Flannel

2007-07-24T10:29:00.000-07:00

Flannel

Flannel a warm fabric of various degrees of weight and fineness, usually made from loosely spun yarn.

Flannel is a light-to-medium weight woven cloth commonly used to make clothing and bedsheets. It was originally made from carded wool, but is now often made from either wool and cotton, or wool and synthetic fibre.

The term "flannel" is also often used to refer directly to the clothing created from flannelette. Today, many so-called flannels are made with a large mixture of cotton or synthetic fibres. These are, in some countries called flannelettes. In fact, in some countries (e.g. the United Kingdom), it is illegal to sell flannelettes under the name 'flannel'.

In the United States, the terminology is slightly different. The term 'flannelette' is not used, and 'flannel' frequently refers to 100% cotton fabrics. It is also unusual to use the term to refer directly to a garment.

Flannel and flannelette can be woven in either a tight twill weave or a plain weave, although this is often obscured by napping one or both sides. After weaving, it is napped once, then bleached, dyed, or otherwise treated, and then napped a second time.

Curtain

2007-07-24T10:28:00.000-07:00

Curtain

A curtain (in the US, also known as a drape or drapery) is a piece of cloth intended to block or obscure light.

Windows are one of the most basic features of an establishment. Decorating it by using blinds and curtain put some life and attractiveness to the windows

An adaptation of the curtain may be a blind or, in warmer countries, such as Spain, wooden shutters that are fixed to the outside of the building to provide privacy and still keep the building cool inside.

Curtains are more than useful items used to block light and provide privacy. People are using curtains in their home or business to make a fashion statement or to add a bit of flair to their environment.

Curtains are still the most popular choice for dressing up a window, above blinds, shutters, stained glass and other forms of window dressing. Here consumers can choose color, fabric design, length and style to add to the desired effect of a room. So take the time to plan and think through what kind of curtain choice would make you happy before you go out and purchase your curtains.

Curtains come in a variety of shapes, materials, sizes, colours and patterns, and they often have their own sections within department stores, while some shops are completely dedicated to selling curtains.

People are becoming more aware of interior design than they ever bothered to be before; many people are enjoying decorating their home or special space using modern colors and designs to create that designer look in their special space.

A good tip when choosing curtains is to enhance the window and room effect with curtains rather than taking on something extravagant that may result in a whole makeover.

To enhance your room’s style and feel, compliment the room with curtains that have a similar look and feel or bring life to an area with your chosen curtains. This means that if your room is a dark space due to lack of sunlight, it is advisable to use bright color curtain fabric to add life to the room. If you have a room with plenty of sunlight, choose a curtain fabric that can offer strong resistance to fading over time. For rooms with plenty of light, blocking out the light and protecting your indoor furniture and carpets from the long Term damage sunlight can do.

Lining your curtain protects it from damage due to dust, sunlight (especially if its dark colored curtain) and in insulating the room. You need not line your fabric curtain if they're light, you don't want to cut off too much sunlight and the room temperature is controlled

Color is a vital factor to decorate with a window curtain, color can relay a mood for that particular room, for example, if you have a room where you like to read, relax and have some quiet time, choose a curtain color which will aid your relaxation – don’t go with bright colors.

For children’s rooms and rooms where the objective is to have fun, choose a bright color that will add to the fun environment. The color and the design of the curtain fabric are important factors to take into account. There are many different designs available, some fun, some serious, some serene. Before you make your choice think about the end product and how you want to make the room feel.

vinyl

2007-07-24T10:27:00.000-07:00

vinyl

A vinyl compound is any organic compound that contains a vinyl group, −C H =CH₂. These are derivatives of Ethylene, CH₂=CH₂, with one hydrogen atom substituted with some other group.

A related phrase is vinylidene which stands for the vinyl residue in an organic compound for instance in 1,1-Dichloroethene.

The vinyl group forms part of the allyl group and is also contained in all acrylates. Many alkenes contain a vinyl group.

Because of the Covalent bond, vinyls can be made to polymerize, forming vinyl polymers. In these polymers, the double bonds of the vinyl monomers turn into single bonds and the different monomers are joined by single bonds. This is an instance of addition polymerization. There are no vinyl groups in the resulting polymer. It is also important to ascertain the absence of unreacted vinyl monomer in the final product when the monomer is toxic or reduces the performance of the plastic

Silk

2007-07-24T10:22:00.000-07:00

Silk

Silk is a natural protein fiber, some forms of which can be woven into textiles. The best-known type of silk is obtained from cocoons made by the larvae of the silkworm Bombyx mori reared in captivity (sericulture). The shimmering appearance for which silk is prized comes from the fibers' triangular prism-like structure which allows silk cloth to refract incoming light at different angles.

"Wild silks" or tussah silks (also spelled "tasar") are produced by caterpillars other than the mulberry silkworm (Bombyx mori). They are called "wild" as the silkworms cannot be artificially cultivated like Bombyx mori. A variety of wild silks have been known and used in China, India, and Europe from early times, although the scale of production has always been far smaller than that of cultivated silks. Aside from differences in colors and textures, they all differ in one major aspect from the domesticated varieties: the cocoons that are gathered in the wild have usually already been damaged by the emerging moth before the cocoons are gathered, and thus the single thread that makes up the cocoon has been torn into shorter lengths. Commercially reared silkworm pupae are killed before the adult moths emerge by dipping them in boiling water or piercing them with a needle, thus allowing the whole cocoon to be unraveled as one continuous thread. This allows a much stronger cloth to be woven from the silk. Wild silks also tend to be more difficult to dye than silk from the cultivated silkworm.

There is some evidence that small quantities of wild silk were already being produced in the Mediterranean area and the Middle East by the time the superior, and stronger, cultivated silk from China began to be imported (Hill 2003, Appendix C).

Silks are produced by several other insects, but only the silk of moth caterpillars has been used for textile manufacture. There has been some research into other silks, which have differences at the molecular level. Silks are mainly produced by the larvae of insects with complete metamorphosis, but also by some adult insects such as webspinners. Silk production is especially common in the Hymenoptera (bees, wasps, and ants), and is sometimes used in nest construction. Other types of arthropod produce silk, most notably various arachnids such as spiders (see spider silk).

Velvet

2007-07-24T00:46:00.000-07:00

Velvet

Velvet is a type of tufted fabric in which the cut threads are very evenly distributed, with a short dense pile, giving it its distinct feel. Velvet can be made from many different kinds of fibres. It is woven on a special loom that weaves two pieces of velvet at the same time. The two pieces are then cut apart and the two lengths of fabric are wound on separate take-up rolls.

Velvet's knitted counterpart is velour. Velvet was very expensive and was considered to be among the luxury goods together with silk. Corduroy and velveteen were considered the "poor man's velvet" when they were first produced.

Velvet is difficult to clean, but in modern times, dry cleaning is used.

Panne is a type of finish for velvet which gives it a special shiny look, similar to many velours.

Velvet is made, ideally, from silk. Cotton can also be used, though this often results in a slightly less luxurious fabric. More recently, synthetic velvets have been developed, mostly polyester, viscose, acetate and mixtures of different synthetics, or synthetics and natural fibres (eg. viscose and silk).

A small percentage of lycra is used sometimes to give stretch.

Upholstery fabric

2007-07-23T09:25:00.001-07:00

Upholstery fabric

Upholstery fabric will put some new life into your old and ragged furniture. If you notice that your furniture has been starting to look a little worn and shaggy recently, upholstery fabric may be just what you are looking for. There are seven different types of natural upholstery fabric: Linen, leather, cotton, wool, cotton blend, vinyl, and silk.

There are also six synthetic forms of upholstery fabrics: Acetate, acrylic, nylon, olefin, polyester, and rayon. As a general rule, cotton is best if small children will frequently use the furniture, as it provides good resistance to wear, fading, and pilling. If adults will usually use the furniture, then silk may be a better bet. However, for the best all-round upholstery fabric, many people chose Olefin, for its good looks and durability. Also consider the cost savings form using wholesale fabric upholstery.

Tips on finding the right Upholstery Fabric for your home.

If you would like to upgrade your furniture using upholstery fabric but are turned away by the prices, consider looking for an upholstery fabric discount or a store that supplies wholesale fabric upholstery. As many different colors and patterns are available, be sure to choose the fabric that goes best with the rest of your furniture. Also take into consideration how much wear and tear you can expect on your new furniture. If you are able to find the upholstery fabric that best fits your needs, you will have beautiful and long-lasting furniture for many years to come.

fiber

2007-07-23T02:41:00.002-07:00

Fiber or fibreis a class of materials that are continuous filaments or are in discrete elongated pieces, similar to lengths of thread. Fibers are of great importance in the biology of both plants and animals, for holding tissues together. Human uses for fibers are diverse. They can be spun into filaments, thread, string or rope. They can be used as a component of composite materials. They can also be matted into sheets to make products such as paper or felt. Fibers are often used in the manufacture of other materials.

spinning wheel

2007-07-23T02:41:00.001-07:00

Spinning Wheel

A spinning wheel is a device for spinning thread or yarn from natural or man-made fibers, where spinning is the process of twisting fibers together to create yarn.

The first improvement in spinning technology was the spinning wheel, which was invented in India between 500 and 1000 A.D. It reached Europe via the Middle East in the European Middle Ages. It replaced the earlier method of hand spinning with a spindle. The first stage in mechanizing the process was to mount the spindle horizontally in bearings so that it could be rotated by a cord encircling a large, hand-driven wheel. The great wheel is an example of this type of wheel, where the fiber is held in the left hand and the wheel slowly turned with the right. Holding the fiber at an angle to the spindle produced the necessary twist.

A series of improvements occurred in the 1700s and culminated in the first rotor or open end spinning mill in the United States in 1970. Until the acceptance of rotor spinning wheel, all yarns were produced by aligning fibers through drawing techniques and then twisting the fiber together. With rotor spinning, the fibers in the roving are separated, thus open end, and then wrapped and twisted as the yarn is drawn out of the rotor cup. Newer technologies that may offer even faster yarn production include friction spinning, an open-end system, an air jet, spinning a drafting system.

The changes in modern spinning have had for their object; the providing of mechanical means to rotate the spindle, an automatic method of drawing out the fibers, and devices for working a large group of spindles together, at speeds before unattainable

linen

2007-07-23T02:40:00.000-07:00

Linen

Linen is a specific type of evenweave fabric used for Cross Stitch Embroidery. The fabric has the same number of threads per linear inch horizontally and vertically.

Unlike Aida fabric, stitch placement is not as clearly defined on Linen fabric. A wide variety of fabric counts are available.

When stitching on linen, the term "over two" is often used. This refers to stitching over two threads in the weave of the fabric. Stitching "over one" creates a tiny cross stitch also often called a petite cross stitch.

Linen is made for people who prefer comfort over cost. Linen fibre is derived from the stem of the flax plant and spun into a lustrous and strong yarn which, like cotton, is both extremely washable and comfortable to wear in hot weather, as it draws moisture quickly away from the body. While woven linen wrinkles easily, knitted linen has wonderful elasticity. It is best for high humidity areas, since it absorbs moisture better than cotton. Plus, it has anti-bacterial properties that protect the skin. In fact earlier linen thread was used for stitching up wounds. The silkier property of linen fibres is also supposed to make it more difficult for dirt and other stains to stick to linen, making white linen easier to keep clean. Linen can also be bleached. For these reasons white or unbleached linen was the favored and most common material for underwear for both medieval men and women.

Linen fibre, as a percentage of total fibre around the world, is less than one per cent. Producers of linen are very few. As a fabric, linen is very costly to produce so you get to see it only in the upper end. A cotton fabric manufacturing will cost only 1/3 of a plant with similar capacity in linen fabric. A synthetic plant will cost 1/4th of the linen plant cost. European manufacturers make linen for eight months of the year. For four months there is no sale, because they wear linen only in summer. But in India, linen is made round the year

Linen is ideal for apparel in hot and humid climates also has many industrial uses. Defense forces use linen fabric to make water bags and water-storage tanks that can be folded up and carried to remote locations. When linen fabric comes into contact with water, the fibres expand and there is no leakage. Linen also has some anti bacterial property. Just as an earthern pot, water can't go out but the water is kept cool. Thicker varieties of linen fabric go into seat covers and drapery, while some are used as, well, table linen.

Linen was sometimes used for lining outer garments for outdoor and winter garments in cooler climates. It was a cheaper lining material than silk and much lighter than fur. Linen is cool in summer and warmer in winter than cotton. You can tell real linen in the shops - crinkle it up in your hand, then release it. Cottons will have a few creases, but linen will have lots. Linen will also feel a lot cooler on warm days to your hands, and will quickly warm up to your hands on cool days.

textile

2007-07-23T02:39:00.000-07:00

Textile

is a flexible material comprised of a network of natural or artificial fibers often referred to as thread or yarn. Yarn is produced by spinning raw wool fibers, linen, cotton, or other material on a spinning wheel to produce long strands known as yarn.Textiles are formed by weaving, knitting, crocheting, knotting, or pressing fibers together.

quilting

2007-07-23T02:38:00.000-07:00

Quilting is the process of stitching together layers of fabric that are filled with a soft textile, usually cotton. In a sense, quilting is like making a “textile sandwich.” Quilts are traditionally used as bed coverings because of their warmth and comfort, but they are also used in clothing, upholstery and home decorations.

quilting fabric

2007-07-23T02:36:00.000-07:00

Quilting Fabric

No quilt would be complete without quilting fabric. It is the material that makes a quilt a quilt and, as a result, you will need plenty of quilting fabric in order to complete the task.

One of the best things about quilting is that every one you make is uniquely yours. You can take a design and adapt it to your own needs, changing the fabrics, size, shape, texture, and colour you desire and it can also be of any material type that you choose.The resulting possibilities are as limitless as your own creativity and imagination.

However, there is a knack to choosing the best quilting fabric for your designs that experts in this field have down to a fine art. Any beginner would do well to learn them to the same standards. When making a handmade quilt, a person is not only producing a thing of beauty, but they are also demonstrating their expertise in the skills required to make such an object. A well produced handmade quilt will show the love as well as the personality of the person who has produced it.

The choosing of quilting fabric is by far the most important element of quilting. The quilting fabric is largely chosen based on the ultimate use for the quilt.

The texture of the quilting fabric is also important – soft and supple, boldly textured, warm and cozy, or smooth and sophisticated. The texture of the quilting fabric speaks of the quilt’s personality and the way it will be used in its lifetime. Most quilters prefer to use 100% cotton quilting fabric because of its ease of care.

Fabrics

2007-07-23T02:33:00.000-07:00

Fabrics

A fabric is a textile material.

The words fabric and cloth are commonly used in textile assembly trades (such as tailoring and dressmaking) as synonyms for textile. However, there are subtle differences in these terms. Textile refers to any material made of interlacing fibres. Fabric refers to any material made through weaving, knitting, crocheting, or bonding. Cloth refers to a finished piece of fabric that can be used for a purpose such as covering a bed.

Fabrics have many types: quilting fabrics, linen fabrics, silk fabrics, sewing fabrics, curtain fabrics, fleece fabrics, Japanese fabrics, textile fabrics, upholstery fabrics, drapery fabrics, vinyl fabrics, and waverly fabrics.

Fabrics make impressions on all of our senses. For instance, tactile pleasure is strongly reinforced by the softness of fabrics. The touch of a fabric suggests wealth (silk), formality (damask), or informality (burlap). Our hearing is enhanced in rooms with an abundance of noise-absorbing fabrics. The colors and textures of fabric affect our sight, and some fabrics also influence our sense of smell, offering scents that may be pleasurable, cooling, or annoying. Fabric colors even modify our perceived sense of taste.

Fabrics also reinforce the degree of formality in a room. Rough-textured fabrics say "picnics," while soft textures whisper "formal dinners." Cotton damask, toile (sheer linen and silk cloth), chintz (which is never out of style, just out of popularity from time to time), and soft chenille speak of formal, traditional spaces.

Regardless of the look and feel you're seeking for your home, the careful use of fabric textures, colors, and patterns should be a large part of your overall design plan.

Knowing how to care fabric is also important. For instance, fabric must be protected from the sun, use a dry cleaner specializing in home furnishings, etc.

In addition the strength of some fabrics increases when wet (e.g., cotton) and others decreases when wet (e.g., rayon.). Synthetic fiber based on cotton or tree pulp cellulose.