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BLOG, Fabric
WOOL fabric brings to mind cozy warmth. Some wools are scratchy giving some people the idea that they are “allergic” to wool. Although wool fibre comes from a variety of animal coats, not all wools are scratchy but some can be extremely soft. The wool fibre have crimps or curls which create pockets and gives the wool a spongy feel and creates insulation for the wearer. The outside surface of the fibre consists of a series of serrated scales which overlap each other much like the scales of a fish. Wool is the only fibre with such serration’s which make it possible for the fibers to cling together and produce felt. The same serration’s will also cling together tightly when wool is improperly washed and shrinks! Wool will not only return to its original position after being stretched or creased, it will absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp. Its unique properties allow shaping and tailoring, making the wool the most popular fabric for tailoring fine garments. Wool is also dirt resistant, flame resistant, and, in many weaves, resists wear and tearing. Basically, there are two different processes used in wool production. Woolen fabric have a soft feel and fuzzy surface, very little shine or sheen, will not hold a crease, and are heavier and bulkier than worsteds. Blankets, scarves, coating, and some fabrics are considered woolens. Worsted wool is smoother than woolen, takes shine more easily, does not sag, holds a crease well, is lighter and less bulky, and wears longer than woolen. Worsted wool’s require a greater number of processes, during which fibers are arranged parallel to each other. The smoother, harder-surface worsted yarns produce smoother fabrics with a minimum of fuzziness and nap. Fine worsted wool is even seen in clothing for athletics such as tennis. No, they are not hotter than polyester but actually cooler, as the weave of the fabric allows wool to absorb perspiration and the fabric “breathes,” unlike polyester. WOOL SPECIALTY FIBERS, although still classified as wool, are further classified by the animal the fiber comes from.COTTON, cool, soft, comfortable, the principal clothing fiber of the world. Its production is one of the major factors in world prosperity and economic stability. Cotton “breathes”. What would we do without cotton? Since cotton wrinkles, polyester was added to give it wash and wear properties for a busy world. In recent times, the consumer determined that polyester, although easier to care for, took away the cool from cotton and also added a “pilling” effect to cotton/polyester blends. Consumers now often request “100% Cotton”. Permanent finishes also added to the all cotton fabric gave a wash and wear property to cotton. cotton. The cotton fiber is from the cotton plant’s seed pod The fiber is hollow in the center and, under a microscope looks like a twisted ribbon. “Absorbent” cotton will retain 24-27 times its own weight in water and is stronger when wet than dry. This fibre absorbs and releases perspiration quickly, thus allowing the fabric to “breathe”. Cotton can stand high temperatures and takes dyes easily. Chlorine bleach can be used to restore white garments to a clear white but this bleach may yellow chemically finished cottons or remove colour in dyed cottons. Boiling and sterilizing temperatures can also be used on cotton without disintegration. Cotton can also be ironed at relatively high temperatures, stands up to abrasion and wears well.
Mercerized cotton is treated to permanently straighten the cotton fibre which then becomes a smooth, rod-like fiber that is uniform in appearance with a high lustre. Cotton is often blended with other fibre such as polyester, linen, wool, to “blend” the best properties of each fibre.
SILK, the fabric that makes its own statement. Say “silk” to someone and what do they visualize? No other fabric generates quite the same reaction. For centuries silk has had a reputation as a luxurious and sensuous fabric, one associated with wealth and success. Silk is one of the oldest textile fibere known to man. It has been used by the Chinese since the 27th century BC. Silk is mentioned by Aristotle and became a valuable commodity both in Greece and Rome. During the Roman Empire, silk was sold for its weight in gold.
LINEN, elegant, beautiful, durable, the refined luxury fabric. Linen is the strongest of the vegetable fibre and has 2 to 3 times the strength of cotton. Linen table cloths and napkins have been handed down generation to generation. Not only is the linen fibre strong, it is smooth, making the finished fabric lint free. Fine china, silver and candles are enhanced by the lustre of linen which only gets softer and finer the more it is washed.
Linen is from flax, a fibre taken from the stalk of the plant. The lustre is from the natural wax content. Creamy white to light tan, this fibre can be easily dyed and the colour does not fade when washed. Linen does wrinkle easily but also presses easily. Linen, like cotton, can also be boiled without damaging the fibre.
BLOG, Fabric
Dry Cleaning , cleaning with solvents and no water. The cleaning solvent used by most dry cleaners, is the most effective cleaner so far for most of the curtain fabrics. However, dry cleaning customers should take their curtains out of the plastic bags and air them after dry cleaning.You can inform yourself when selecting a dry cleaner. Is the location convenient and are they open when you need to drop of or pick up your dry cleaning? You don’t want to carry your curtains walking along the streets.
Pressing after cleaning should also be considered. It takes a skilled professional presser to do a quality job on linen and silk curtains. If the dry cleaner cannot explain the difference in pressing linen and silk versus wool directly, it is doubtful that your curtains will be handled with the care they require. Linen can stand heat when ironed, and should be pressed when damp. Silk don’t need high temperature iron and should be steam ironed. Wool should be pressed with steam and a moderate temperature.
Packaging of the cleaned curtain is also important. A curtain can be cleaned and pressed well but if it is packed into a small bag, it can become a wrinkled mess. Packing too many finished and bagged curtains into the dry cleaners rack can also wrinkle finished curtains.
Be an informed and fair consumer. Not all spots can be removed especially if you, the consumer, have pressed the stain into the fabric. Many stains can be heat set. Curtain care is the responsibility of both you and your dry cleaner.
Wet Cleaning, they advertise that their process will replace dry cleaning and the solvents they use. However, until this process is perfected and proven to effectively replace dry cleaning, caution should be used by the consumer. Wet cleaning is using water based chemicals. Some cleaners actually claim to have this service but just hand wash the curtains and then professionally press the curtains. This process works well with some fabrics. curtains may shrink, fade, or wrinkle so badly that pressing does not restore their original look of the fabric.
Professional laundering is offered by most dry cleaners. Washable curtains are washed and pressed. Some of the laundering is done with very hot water which may shrink the curtains.
Home Laundering is easier to control but choosing a detergent for home laundering is a daunting task!
General laundry detergents work well on most washable fabrics. Read the label to determine various additives. Added bleach may gradually remove the dyes or colour unless the curtain is colourfast to bleach. Most all detergents have “surfactants” this is nothing new. Whiteners can be either bleach or bluing agents. More expensive is not always better.
Soap is not the same as detergents. Although soap has been improved over the years, it still leaves a deposit we call “soap scum” in the shower and bath. This scum is difficult to remove from fabrics if soap is used in the laundry.
Fabric softeners, both liquid and dryer sheets, add products to your fabrics. Some of the softeners are wax based which leaves a coating on the fibre creating a feel of softer but reducing the absorbency of the fibre. Some softeners have a perfume that is allergy related for many people. If you have ever used a fabric softener dryer sheet with your polyester curtain, you will see spots appear on your curtains. This is actually a wax and can be removed by re-washing.
BLOG, Drapes
Harlequin refers to a stylish pattern of curtains named for their pattern reminiscent of the 16th and 17th Century harlequin. The unique ‘harlequin’ pattern first graced the stages of the Italian commedia cellaret, an improvisational stage comedy that was popular in Italy during this time. The harlequin character was a buffoonish caricature (sort of like England’s court jester) who traditionally wore flamboyantly coloured diamond-patterned tights and an ornate mask. The harlequin pattern of bright diamond checks was made popular on curtains and valances during this time and is still popular today. Harlequin curtains and window coverings are still featured in ornately decorated rooms in loud diamond patterns of 3 or more contrasting colours – purple, gold and green were popular harlequin hues. Harlequin curtains are often fixed with bejewelled or silk cord tiebacks for added garnish. Authentic harlequin curtains are made of 100% Venetian silk.Sharkskin material is most identifiable by its smooth finished texture and two-toned twill weave fabric that is most commonly found in curtains, worsted suits, lightweight women’s sportswear and gentlemen’s coats. Sharkskin curtains are said to resemble a basket weave pattern. Sharkskin yarn strands are alternately white and coloured which results in the coloured lines running diagonally opposite to the white lines. Sharkskin curtains are most commonly found made of acetate or rayon, or in a blend of the two. This material is very popular for making curtains because it launders well. However, sharkskin material has a tendency to yellow with age, especially in white or pale sharkskin curtains.
A drape is an old-fashioned, fancy term used to describe heavyweight fabric curtains. Drapes are often featured in a home with a large front window. Drapes, like curtains, are hung from simple rod-pockets or metal drapery hooks which insert into pinch-pleats. But unlike curtains, floor-length drapes can be attached to a traverse rod and opened and closed via a cord mechanism that hangs to the left or right of the window frame. Draperies used with traverse rods work best with large windows with plenty of space surrounding. In the past it was considered unacceptable to hang drapes without a pair of polyester sheers underneath, but today interior decorators achieve a romantic look by hanging heavy velvet drapes in a bare window. Tailored, pleated drapes made of woven jacquard fabric, velvet, damask or silk generally lend a more traditional appearance to a formal entertaining area such as a living room; while lighter drapes of cotton, linen or cotton blends lend a more les a fair feel to a room.
Have you ever find yourself standing in an empty room and one of the first things your eyes will be drawn to are the windows including their shape, size, and the light that shining through them. Windows offer us panoramic views to the outside world. Window treatments can completely change the mood, look and feel of a home. For something that takes up so little space, window coverings can control atmosphere. Your choice of window covering will be largely dominated by your chosen colour and style, however a window covering will determine how much sunlight enters the room, and the size of a window covering can add or lessen the height of a room or create an aura of formality or comfort. Then that’s where we end up with Window Treatments.
Blinds, BLOG
Austrian Blinds are in reality a curtain, and are made up as such with a fullness of twice the track or batten width. The only differences being that the blind is pulled up from the bottom to the top by means of cords attached at the back, and is made longer than the required finished drop. The extra fabric in the length forms scallops, even when the blind is in the lowered position. Austrian Blinds are generally made up in lightweight curtain fabrics, they will hang better and exclude more light if they are lined. They can be hung inside or outside the window recess. If they are hung outside the recess they can be frilled at the side and bottom edges. However, if they are hung inside the recess, they look better if frills is added to the bottom edge only.Cascade blind, or Cascade shade as it is sometimes known, is a simple solution for a small window where curtains would be impracticable, such as a bathroom, kitchen or landing window. If they are hung on wide windows the style of them can make the sides drape away from the edges of the window. Cascade blinds can be lined or unlined, are very economical on fabric and can be attached inside or outside the window recess. It is best to use a lightweight fabric as heavyweights do not give the desired effect.
London blinds, or London shades as they are sometimes known, are a cross between a Roman and an Austrian blind. They are softer than Roman blinds but more tailored than Austrian blinds with the fullness coming from inverted pleats and can be lined or unlined. The blind is pulled up and down with cords threaded through Austrian blind tapes that are attached to the blind at the back of the pleats. London blinds can be used as a single window treatment or teamed with curtains, valances or pelmets to give a layered look. They are best made in light to medium weight fabrics.
Roller blinds, or Roller shades as they are sometimes known, use a minimal amount of fabric, lay flat against the window and roll up to let a maximum amount of light into the room. Best mounted inside the window recess roller blinds can be teamed up with curtains, valances, pelmets and swags and tails to give a coordinating look. Usually, roller blinds pull down from behind the roller, keeping them very close to the window. However, if a fabric is used where the pattern or colour is printed on one side and does not show through to the other side, it can pull down in front of the roller. In this case there could be light showing at each side of the blind as it is not so close to the window.
Bed, BLOG, Fabric
Massive Dynamic has over 10 years of experience in Design, Technology and Marketing. It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout. The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using ‘Content here, content here’, making it look like readable English. Many desktop publishing packages and web page editors now use Lorem Ipsum as their default model text, and a search for ‘lorem ipsum’ will uncover many web sites still in their infancy.
BLOG, Curtain
Massive Dynamic has over 10 years of experience in Design, Technology and Marketing. It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout. The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using ‘Content here, content here’, making it look like readable English. Many desktop publishing packages and web page editors now use Lorem Ipsum as their default model text, and a search for ‘lorem ipsum’ will uncover many web sites still in their infancy.
BLOG, Wallpapers
Massive Dynamic has over 10 years of experience in Design, Technology and Marketing. It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout. The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using ‘Content here, content here’, making it look like readable English. Many desktop publishing packages and web page editors now use Lorem Ipsum as their default model text, and a search for ‘lorem ipsum’ will uncover many web sites still in their infancy.