Decorating with Eco-Friendly Fabrics

The term "eco-friendly" can be defined as ecologically acceptable, or less threatening to the environment. So it follows that in order for a product to be eco-friendly, it should be made using materials or techniques that reduce our impact on the planet.

Some of the companies offering eco-friendly fabrics are Duralee, Robert Allen and Fabricut. It should be kept in mind that eco friendly products are not necessarily cheaper as manufacturing standards can add to production costs. But most manufacturers agree that consumers are willing to pay extra if the product is beautiful as well as eco-friendly. Many eco-friendly fabrics are made in the USA.

Fabric Farms Interiors carries over 100 eco-friendly special-order decorator fabrics in a variety of colors and textures.

Robert Allen Contract has a collection of eco-friendly fabrics that use recycled polyester. They are designed for hospitality and commercial applications - all fabrics in this collection are constructed with recycled fibers.

Duralee has a line of upholstery fabrics called Crypton Green. Crypton Green fabrics have a fiber content that is between 50-100% of either post consumer recycled polyester which is polyester made from recycled plastic bottles or post industrial polyester. Each yard of fabric represents approximately 16 water bottles not going into a landfill.

Fabricut has a nice line of suede fabrics in their Environment Plus collection. This collection is produced using strict environmental guidelines under the Oeko-Tek Standard 100. This fabric is free of carcinogenic and allergenic dye stuffs creating a skin friendly pH.

Fabricut also has a line of upholstery fabrics called The Green Project. This line features fabrics that are woven in the United States, made of 100% post-consumer recycled polyester. Domestic weavers strive everyday to manufacture textiles using sustainable processes, which reduces the carbon footprint and minimizes the impact on the earth’s natural resources. Using yarns made of recycled substances diminishes energy consumption and decreases the amount of waste in landfills.

Is it leather or not?

At one-fifth the cost of real leather, Bravo faux leathers offer a unique leather-like feel! Bravo's wearability rating is greater than leather and unlike leather, it resists watermarks. Bravo is a leather-like product - vinyl on the front and leather-product on the back.

When we place a sample of real leather and Bravo faux leather in front of a customer, the customer cannot tell the difference. 54" wide and available in three colors - black, brown, and merlot - Bravo is the affordable alternative!

http://www.fabricfarms.com/1979R-p-Vinyl.html

http://www.fabricfarms.com/2213R-p-Vinyl.html

What is interlining?

Interlining is a light-weight cotton fabric that is napped - it looks like flannel. It comes in white and ivory colors and is readily available in any home dec fabric store. Interlining is added between your face fabric and your drapery lining.

Adding interlining to your draperies is the best way to insulate your windows and it adds a luxurious and expensive look to your window treatments. Many interiors designers and decorators use interlining in professional custom-made window treatments.

Interlining is a must for draperies made of silk. It helps preserve the fabric and adds, as mentioned above, adds luxuriousness to your treatments.

There is a new drapery lining on the market now that combines interlining with regular drapery lining - we call it "combo lining". Combo lining has flannel on one side and regular drapery lining on the other. Since is it one piece of fabric, you save time in construction of your custom window treatments.

Harvest Home Sale

Seasonal decorating updates will add cozy warmth to your home - and perk up your spirits - just before the winter months!

Save $75 off any purchase of $250 or more of in-stock fabrics and trims.
Save $150 off any purchase of $500 or more of in-stock fabrics and trims.
Save $225 off any purchase of $750 or more of in-stock fabrics and trims.

Sale ends October 31, 2008. Sorry but this offer cannot be combined with any other offers and is based on regularly priced merchandise only. Not applicable on prior sales.

What is the Wyzenbeek test?

The Wyzenbeek test is an abrasion test that tests the fabric's ability to withstand surface wear from rubbing. In this test, the fabric is pulled taut and rubbed in both the warp and filling directions, using a piece of cotton duck fabric as the abradant. The number of cycles, or "double rubs", endured before the fabric shows "noticeable wear" is counted and determines the fabric's abrasion rating.

15,000 = general contract upholstery
30,000 = heavy duty upholstery

Calculating yardage for dining room chair seats

Many people have dining room chairs that have seats that "pop-out" (unscrew from the chair frame). These chair seats can be easily recovered with new fabric. As a general rule, using 54" wide fabric, 3/4 yard will work for 2 chairs. Three-quarters yards will give you two pieces that are 27" x 27". If you have four chairs, you will need 1.5 yards, six chairs takes 2.25 yards, eight chair seats take 3 yards, and so on.

If your chair seats have cording, allow 7/8 yard for two chairs.

If you chair seats are boxed and corded, allow 1.25 yards for two chairs.