Difference between drapes and curtains
[
2010/10/20 14:15 | by admin ]
2010/10/20 14:15 | by admin ]
Although many of us call our curtains drapes and our drapes curtains, thinking they are one and the same, there actually are differences between the two. These differences are often subtle, slightly vague and can even overlap at times, depending on whose definition you are reading functional fabric.
Most discussions on curtains versus drapes tend to agree that curtains are considered casual, informal, often whimsical and provide little more than decoration, while drapes are considered a more formal type of window treatment and with a purpose. Like curtains, drapes can be decorative but traditionally they were also intended as protection from the hot summer sun and the cold winter drafts.
functional fabric Additional differences between curtains and drapes:
1) Curtains, sometimes called curtain panels, can be used to cover part or all of a window and can be any length or width you desire. Drapes, sometimes called drapery panels, typically start at the top, cover all or most of the window and traditionally reach down to the floor, even “puddling“ out at the bottom for an added elegant touch.
2) Curtains are usually gathered at the top while drapes are typically pleated at the top. Curtains are usually hung on rods that run through tabs or loops at their top edge. Some curtains may have open-ended slits at the top hem for sliding the rod through, covering the rod for the most part. Drapes are traditionally attached by hooks in the pleats to a traverse rod. Typically, when drapes are used in a formal setting, the drapery rods and hardware are discretely hidden at the top with decorative valances or other types of cover-up, completing the formal look.
3) Curtains are usually made with a lightweight fabric, are often flimsy, filmy, decorative and are not lined. They are considered an easy do-it-yourself project for those who like to sew. Depending on the fabric used for the curtains, they can offer a bit of protection from sunlight and also a bit of privacy.
Drapes are typically made from a richer, more ornate, heavier fabric and are usually lined, as they are meant for endurance and also as protection from the heat and cold. Drapes usually have a decorative fabric for the front side and a plain functional fabric for the back lining. Drapes require a bit more effort and skill if you plan on making them yourself.
4) Curtains come in many styles, from partial to full window covering
using one or more panels, or a simple valance or swag. Curtain panels can easily be pushed to the side or brought together. Drapes typically have two large long panels, can be heavy and somewhat cumbersome, and often come with a pull cord to draw the drapes into an open or closed position. In formal settings, window treatments with drapes may also include curtain panels behind them for a bit of privacy and added decoration, especially when the drapes have been drawn into an open position.
functional fabric An important tidbit you should be aware of when discussing curtains and drapes - those in the know don’t like the word “drapes”, preferring the more formal term “drapery” or “draperies”. Curtains are still curtains but drapes should be referred to as drapery.
Regardless of what we call them, curtains and drapes are a significant and powerful decorating tool when used to enhance the charm and personality of our home. Curtains can be light and airy like those lovely old dotted swiss curtains that billowed from many a 1940s window, or they can provide the more formal look of the drape, elegant and decorative while offering the added luxuries of warmth, protection and privacy.
Sources:
http://dressedwindows.com/drap es_curtains.htme
http://www.dummies.com/how-to/ content/using-curtains-and-dra peries-in-your-home-decor.html
Most discussions on curtains versus drapes tend to agree that curtains are considered casual, informal, often whimsical and provide little more than decoration, while drapes are considered a more formal type of window treatment and with a purpose. Like curtains, drapes can be decorative but traditionally they were also intended as protection from the hot summer sun and the cold winter drafts.
functional fabric Additional differences between curtains and drapes:
1) Curtains, sometimes called curtain panels, can be used to cover part or all of a window and can be any length or width you desire. Drapes, sometimes called drapery panels, typically start at the top, cover all or most of the window and traditionally reach down to the floor, even “puddling“ out at the bottom for an added elegant touch.
2) Curtains are usually gathered at the top while drapes are typically pleated at the top. Curtains are usually hung on rods that run through tabs or loops at their top edge. Some curtains may have open-ended slits at the top hem for sliding the rod through, covering the rod for the most part. Drapes are traditionally attached by hooks in the pleats to a traverse rod. Typically, when drapes are used in a formal setting, the drapery rods and hardware are discretely hidden at the top with decorative valances or other types of cover-up, completing the formal look.
3) Curtains are usually made with a lightweight fabric, are often flimsy, filmy, decorative and are not lined. They are considered an easy do-it-yourself project for those who like to sew. Depending on the fabric used for the curtains, they can offer a bit of protection from sunlight and also a bit of privacy.
Drapes are typically made from a richer, more ornate, heavier fabric and are usually lined, as they are meant for endurance and also as protection from the heat and cold. Drapes usually have a decorative fabric for the front side and a plain functional fabric for the back lining. Drapes require a bit more effort and skill if you plan on making them yourself.
4) Curtains come in many styles, from partial to full window covering
using one or more panels, or a simple valance or swag. Curtain panels can easily be pushed to the side or brought together. Drapes typically have two large long panels, can be heavy and somewhat cumbersome, and often come with a pull cord to draw the drapes into an open or closed position. In formal settings, window treatments with drapes may also include curtain panels behind them for a bit of privacy and added decoration, especially when the drapes have been drawn into an open position.
functional fabric An important tidbit you should be aware of when discussing curtains and drapes - those in the know don’t like the word “drapes”, preferring the more formal term “drapery” or “draperies”. Curtains are still curtains but drapes should be referred to as drapery.
Regardless of what we call them, curtains and drapes are a significant and powerful decorating tool when used to enhance the charm and personality of our home. Curtains can be light and airy like those lovely old dotted swiss curtains that billowed from many a 1940s window, or they can provide the more formal look of the drape, elegant and decorative while offering the added luxuries of warmth, protection and privacy.
Sources:
http://dressedwindows.com/drap es_curtains.htme
http://www.dummies.com/how-to/ content/using-curtains-and-dra peries-in-your-home-decor.html
Make your maternity style pop
[ 2010/10/20 14:12 | by admin ]
2010/10/20 14:12 | by admin ]
Pregnant does not have to equal frumpy! Amy Tara Koch, author of the new book "Bump It Up: Transform Your Pregnancy into the Ultimate Style Statement," offers the following maternity fashion tips:
1. THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK! Start your love affair with the empire waist. This genius silhouette gathers under the breast and falls loosely to the hip, knee or floor covering bulging bellies and butts with cascading fabric. The empire waist also put the focus on the arms and shoulders, places where pregnancy weight does not manifest itself functional fabric.
2. GET WAISTED! Pregnancy is the optimal time to discover the joys of belting. If you have a yen for fashion, you will notice that, on the runway, designers use belts to express "directionality", or, mood of their collection. Skinny belts feel demure. Chain belts feel sporty. Thicker belts reflect a harder edge. A macrame or leather tie belt screams Boho. Aside from being decorative, belts are a functional style element that deliver the illusion of a waistline. A flashy belt below the belly is a way to draw attention to your sumptuous bump and away from other areas that you may not be so fond of at the moment. A stretchy belt can be used below the bra line to create an empire waist. And, a thin leather belt can be added over a cardigan to add polish.
3. BLING IT ON Baubles are the easiest way to make a basic outfit pop. Eclectic accents-think a bunch of Indian bangles, a chain belt, cool Tibetan pendants, adds a provocative element to your look. A vintage magnifying glass dangling from a belly button length gold chain electrify that simple black dress and cardigan A chocolate brown wrap dress becomes an IT GIRL ensemble with onyx beads, a knuckle duster of a cocktail ring, fish nets over opaque tights and black boots. Black and white M&M shaped beads and a fringed lime green shawl give the black sweater and pencil runway appeal. Go 70s with The 70s with va va voom chain belts, and drippy gold earrings. Forget dainty pendants and prissy stud earrings. Jewelry should mirror the bravado of your bump. Bold baubles - cuff bracelets, gold chains, chandelier earrings-amplify your style quotient.
4. PROPORTION,functional fabric PROPORTION, PROPORTION! Nothing frumpifies more than oversized clothing and lack of proportion.. Some guidelines? If it's big on top, it should be narrow on bottom. If it is narrow on top, you can add some volume with a skirt or wide legged pant. Skirts and dresses should be above the knee or sweeping the ground to elongate the body. Legs are slimmed and lengthened with black tights and a boot or heels. Big blouses are countered with fitted skirts or tapered trousers. Tailoring is critical.
5. GET HIGH! A heel visually lengthens your silhouette and, in turn balances out your tummy enhanced proportion. You don't need five inch Carrie Bradshaw stilettos. But, with the watermelon in your belly, height will balance out the bulge, elongate your body and add that soupcon of glamour that transforms dumpy to diva. You will have the most stability with mid range stacked heels, wedges and kitten heels. Even cowboy boots offer a great look and excellent support.
6. TEST DRIVE INNERWEAR AS RTW: Underpinnings give major look for minor dough. A bias cut slip layered with a belted cardigan and funky jewelry offers Desperately Seeking Susan meets Mrs. Robinson cache. How to get the look? Make a pit stop at some of your chic septuagenarian relatives' homes and mine their lingerie drawers. Nab gauzy nightgowns, caftans, "bed jackets" and slips. Flea markets and vintage shops are nightgown nirvana. Roomy black satin slips make comfy chic dresses. Bias cut long nighties, especially those with interesting swirls of color or prints, make glam cocktail frocks. Little Pucci-esque robes can be belted and worn with a heel.
7 COVER-UP CACHE A distant cousin of ready-to-wear, swimwear is home to explosively colored, blouson friendly apparel. Less flashy and far less expensive than ready to wear, these no- name bathing suit "cover ups" can do double duty as pregnancy apparel. Filene's Basement is filled with tunics that feel like Matthew Williamson and bejeweled linen caftans that smack of Tory Burch. Marshall's swirly, candy colored Muu-Muu was a dead ringer for Versace.
8 VIVA LA VINTAGE - Nothing says "wow!" like an unidentifiable (as in, "OMG! That brooch is amazing! Is it early Saint Laurent?") retro accent. Accessories are an easy, inexpensive entry point to vintage. They supply that glam little touch that elevates mere clothing to "a look". A quirky woven leather and gold belt gives shape to drapey silhouettes. A huge tribal medallion adds panache to a dark caftan. Chain belts deliver polish to a shirt dress and can be adjusted by changing the link closure. Sleek old school logo belts,-think Dior and Gucci from the 70s-are a whimsical under the bump flourish. Ethnic touches like, say, Masai micro beaded bracelets, Indian bangles, wooden cuffs and massive beaded necklaces are unadulterated global glitz.
9 BE NEUTRAL: Neutrals are fashion chameleons which take on the mood of whatever garments they are layered with. Thus, your neutral (mostly black) basics can be mixed and matched to "work" for anything from a cocktail party to a trip to Wal Mart. Must haves?
functional fabric A super long black lycra tank top is a must have layering piece for jeans and skirts. The longer bump enhancing tanks are chic on their own and allow you to wear cropped sweaters and jackets.
Black leggings are the perfect slimming foil for a voluminous top or dress.
Dark denim pregnancy jeans are key. Just like your civilian life, dress them up with heels and boots or slip on ballet flats.
Soft, jewel neck, to the thigh tees in white and black can be worn alone or layered under shorter pieces. A basic black bias cut dress flatters every type of figure can be worn fifty different ways.
The empire dress - strapless or with sleeves - is still your pal. The shape accentuates the rib cage and disguises bottom heaviness.
A basic black jersey bias cut dress flatters every type of figure can be worn fifty different ways. Jersey is a dream fabric. It is wrinkle free, breathable and has the unique ability to stretch with you.
A maternity black stretchy pencil skirt can take you to the office and out to dinner. The waistband can be folded down to make a mini skirt.
Above the knee shifts (vintage slips equal shifts) are cute, comfy and au courant
10 SCARVES & SHAWLS: Scarves, lightweight cottons or heavy cashmere, are the ultimate layering piece. During the first trimester, these genius accessories camouflage a bulging belly as they flow elegantly over the midsection. For trimesters 2 and 3, drapey scarves deliver verticality to the somewhat stumpy pregnant silhouette. A silky Steven Tyler/Kate Moss type delivers insta cool and adds verticality. For the office, work a sportif '60s graphic into the look so that it peeks out from inside a slouchy jacket or cardigan. A colorful fringed scarf adds a daring Gypsy Queen element to a black dress.
Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2010/08/02/2122379/make-your-maternity-style-pop.html#ixzz0vWnlLaHK
Tags: functional , fabric
by henry | 2010/08/03 16:05 | 分类: functional fabric | Comments(0) | Trackbacks(0) | Reads(19) | Admin
Get eco-chic with Earth's hottest plastic fashions
functional fabric Those plastic bottles you faithfully haul to the alley every week might eventually stage a comeback in your closet.
Eco-chic fashion items such as shoes, bags, shirts and accessories have taken center stage this summer with clothing made from recycled plastic bottles that ordinarily would be languishing in landfills. Call it the newest trend in eco-fashion.
Just look at the World Cup. Players on Nike-sponsored teams wore uniforms spun from polyester fabric made out of recycled plastic bottles, with the shoe giant estimating that each jersey reused about eight bottles. In Chicago, dozens of eco-boutiques are stocking their shelves with repurposed clothing and lifestyle items ranging from home decor to camping accessories, all created with post-consumer plastic bottles. Meanwhile, at Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and other retailers that lean on green marketing, many shoppers carry reusable bags that proudly declare "I used to be a plastic bottle" or some variation thereof.
functional fabric "Recycling plastic bottles into clothing is not a fad; these fabrics are here to stay," said Jonathan Shaun, co-founder of Connect Chicago, an eco-boutique with a focus on sustainable fashion that has shops in Wicker Park and Lincoln Park. "You start adding the numbers up of how long it takes for one plastic bottle to decompose--700 years by some estimates--and you feel pretty good about the fact that you're taking useless junk and making it into something wearable."
functional fabric How does it work? Bottles are picked up as large bales of plastic from recycling plants, then rinsed, purified and chopped down into small pieces. These shredded bits of plastic are melted and spun into long strands that are woven to create a soft, durable fabric. According to statistics cited by the Environmental Protection Agency, the textile recycling industry keeps about 2.5 billion pounds of post-consumer textile waste out of the environment.
Though many fashion fads come and go, the material made from recycled plastic bottles--Polyethylene Terephthalate, known as PET--can be revived again and again to create a completely new product.
When it comes to sustainable fashion, images of scratchy, burlap motifs no longer apply. Here are several eco-chic options that help you look out for the planet and look good while you do it.
Tags: functional , fabric
by henry | 2010/08/03 16:02 | 分类: functional fabric | Comments(0) | Trackbacks(0) | Reads(16) | Admin
Ask a lot of questions when furniture shopping
Q: My husband and I have been saving up for about a year to be able to spruce up our living room. I have the colour picked out and will be using some of the existing accessories in the room.
I have to purchase a new sofa and two matching chairs. The last time I purchased furniture was when we bought the house 10 years ago. We had bought an overstuffed sectional sofa that I now regret ever bringing into my house. How do I go about looking for a good, durable designer sofa? -- Sherry
A: Today, homeowners seem to think that the overstuffed look is the way to go for furniture. Many people will shop for the comfort of a furniture piece and forgo any desire to have esthetically pleasing furniture in their space.
I've had the opportunity to sit on many designer sofas and I have to say some are even more comfortable than the overstuffed ones.
Now, let's take the concept of an overstuffed sofa. You sit on the piece and your body will sink into the furniture due to the surplus of foam. This is where we see situations like the following: "Honey, can you come and pull me out of the sofa? I sat down and now I can't get up."
Overstuffed was a good concept 10 years ago when the size of one's home wasn't as important. Today, homeowners are trying to maximize the square footage they have in their homes and use every bit of space. It's no longer about who has the largest sofa, but rather who has the most comfortable compact sofa.
Designers are also finding the need for multi-functional furniture where homeowners have the opportunity to store extra throw pillows, books and toys in their ottomans and even at times in part of the sofa.
Homeowners have less space to work with so every square inch of a room has to be both beautiful and functional. The key to finding the perfect sofa is to determine the functional needs of the room prior to purchasing the piece.
functional fabric To determine the functional needs of a room, look at the primary usage of the space. Will this room be used in a formal or informal setting? If the space will be used for both the formal entertaining of guests and for informal family nights, I suggest looking for furniture that will give you storage for toys.
As a working parent, you know the first thing that runs through your mind when you anticipate guests coming over for the evening. "Toys! Where am I going to put all of Jimmy's toys?" This is where multifunctional furniture really comes in handy.
Furniture should be seen as an investment as opposed to a big-ticket purchase. When shopping for furniture, look at the quality and craftsmanship of the piece.
Ask the salesperson some of the following questions: What is the quality of the fabric and leather? Fabric comes in a variety of different grades with the grade reflecting the lifespan of the fabric. If the fabric is of a higher grade, it will usually endure more wear and tear than its lower-grade counterparts.
Also, when shopping for leather, be sure you are actually buying a genuine leather sofa and not a bonded leather sofa. There is a big difference between the two types of leathers.
functional fabric It all comes down to the old saying "You get what you pay for." If you are looking for a temporary furniture piece, then bonded leather might be OK, but if you are looking for a long-lasting durable piece, then genuine leather is the way to go.
Furniture shopping should be an enjoyable experience. It should be an exploration of different styles and finishes and how these components will be integrated into your design functional fabric.
Marc Atiyolil, celebrity designer and home trend expert, is the editor-in-chief of Canadian Home Trends -- Canada's Home Decor & Lifestyle Magazine. To submit a question for Marc Atiyolil, visit canadianhometrends. ca.
Read more: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/life/questions+when+furniture+shopping/3344469/story.html#ixzz0vWmWMNt8
1. THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK! Start your love affair with the empire waist. This genius silhouette gathers under the breast and falls loosely to the hip, knee or floor covering bulging bellies and butts with cascading fabric. The empire waist also put the focus on the arms and shoulders, places where pregnancy weight does not manifest itself functional fabric.
2. GET WAISTED! Pregnancy is the optimal time to discover the joys of belting. If you have a yen for fashion, you will notice that, on the runway, designers use belts to express "directionality", or, mood of their collection. Skinny belts feel demure. Chain belts feel sporty. Thicker belts reflect a harder edge. A macrame or leather tie belt screams Boho. Aside from being decorative, belts are a functional style element that deliver the illusion of a waistline. A flashy belt below the belly is a way to draw attention to your sumptuous bump and away from other areas that you may not be so fond of at the moment. A stretchy belt can be used below the bra line to create an empire waist. And, a thin leather belt can be added over a cardigan to add polish.
3. BLING IT ON Baubles are the easiest way to make a basic outfit pop. Eclectic accents-think a bunch of Indian bangles, a chain belt, cool Tibetan pendants, adds a provocative element to your look. A vintage magnifying glass dangling from a belly button length gold chain electrify that simple black dress and cardigan A chocolate brown wrap dress becomes an IT GIRL ensemble with onyx beads, a knuckle duster of a cocktail ring, fish nets over opaque tights and black boots. Black and white M&M shaped beads and a fringed lime green shawl give the black sweater and pencil runway appeal. Go 70s with The 70s with va va voom chain belts, and drippy gold earrings. Forget dainty pendants and prissy stud earrings. Jewelry should mirror the bravado of your bump. Bold baubles - cuff bracelets, gold chains, chandelier earrings-amplify your style quotient.
4. PROPORTION,functional fabric PROPORTION, PROPORTION! Nothing frumpifies more than oversized clothing and lack of proportion.. Some guidelines? If it's big on top, it should be narrow on bottom. If it is narrow on top, you can add some volume with a skirt or wide legged pant. Skirts and dresses should be above the knee or sweeping the ground to elongate the body. Legs are slimmed and lengthened with black tights and a boot or heels. Big blouses are countered with fitted skirts or tapered trousers. Tailoring is critical.
5. GET HIGH! A heel visually lengthens your silhouette and, in turn balances out your tummy enhanced proportion. You don't need five inch Carrie Bradshaw stilettos. But, with the watermelon in your belly, height will balance out the bulge, elongate your body and add that soupcon of glamour that transforms dumpy to diva. You will have the most stability with mid range stacked heels, wedges and kitten heels. Even cowboy boots offer a great look and excellent support.
6. TEST DRIVE INNERWEAR AS RTW: Underpinnings give major look for minor dough. A bias cut slip layered with a belted cardigan and funky jewelry offers Desperately Seeking Susan meets Mrs. Robinson cache. How to get the look? Make a pit stop at some of your chic septuagenarian relatives' homes and mine their lingerie drawers. Nab gauzy nightgowns, caftans, "bed jackets" and slips. Flea markets and vintage shops are nightgown nirvana. Roomy black satin slips make comfy chic dresses. Bias cut long nighties, especially those with interesting swirls of color or prints, make glam cocktail frocks. Little Pucci-esque robes can be belted and worn with a heel.
7 COVER-UP CACHE A distant cousin of ready-to-wear, swimwear is home to explosively colored, blouson friendly apparel. Less flashy and far less expensive than ready to wear, these no- name bathing suit "cover ups" can do double duty as pregnancy apparel. Filene's Basement is filled with tunics that feel like Matthew Williamson and bejeweled linen caftans that smack of Tory Burch. Marshall's swirly, candy colored Muu-Muu was a dead ringer for Versace.
8 VIVA LA VINTAGE - Nothing says "wow!" like an unidentifiable (as in, "OMG! That brooch is amazing! Is it early Saint Laurent?") retro accent. Accessories are an easy, inexpensive entry point to vintage. They supply that glam little touch that elevates mere clothing to "a look". A quirky woven leather and gold belt gives shape to drapey silhouettes. A huge tribal medallion adds panache to a dark caftan. Chain belts deliver polish to a shirt dress and can be adjusted by changing the link closure. Sleek old school logo belts,-think Dior and Gucci from the 70s-are a whimsical under the bump flourish. Ethnic touches like, say, Masai micro beaded bracelets, Indian bangles, wooden cuffs and massive beaded necklaces are unadulterated global glitz.
9 BE NEUTRAL: Neutrals are fashion chameleons which take on the mood of whatever garments they are layered with. Thus, your neutral (mostly black) basics can be mixed and matched to "work" for anything from a cocktail party to a trip to Wal Mart. Must haves?
functional fabric A super long black lycra tank top is a must have layering piece for jeans and skirts. The longer bump enhancing tanks are chic on their own and allow you to wear cropped sweaters and jackets.
Black leggings are the perfect slimming foil for a voluminous top or dress.
Dark denim pregnancy jeans are key. Just like your civilian life, dress them up with heels and boots or slip on ballet flats.
Soft, jewel neck, to the thigh tees in white and black can be worn alone or layered under shorter pieces. A basic black bias cut dress flatters every type of figure can be worn fifty different ways.
The empire dress - strapless or with sleeves - is still your pal. The shape accentuates the rib cage and disguises bottom heaviness.
A basic black jersey bias cut dress flatters every type of figure can be worn fifty different ways. Jersey is a dream fabric. It is wrinkle free, breathable and has the unique ability to stretch with you.
A maternity black stretchy pencil skirt can take you to the office and out to dinner. The waistband can be folded down to make a mini skirt.
Above the knee shifts (vintage slips equal shifts) are cute, comfy and au courant
10 SCARVES & SHAWLS: Scarves, lightweight cottons or heavy cashmere, are the ultimate layering piece. During the first trimester, these genius accessories camouflage a bulging belly as they flow elegantly over the midsection. For trimesters 2 and 3, drapey scarves deliver verticality to the somewhat stumpy pregnant silhouette. A silky Steven Tyler/Kate Moss type delivers insta cool and adds verticality. For the office, work a sportif '60s graphic into the look so that it peeks out from inside a slouchy jacket or cardigan. A colorful fringed scarf adds a daring Gypsy Queen element to a black dress.
Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2010/08/02/2122379/make-your-maternity-style-pop.html#ixzz0vWnlLaHK
Tags: functional , fabric
by henry | 2010/08/03 16:05 | 分类: functional fabric | Comments(0) | Trackbacks(0) | Reads(19) | Admin
Get eco-chic with Earth's hottest plastic fashions
functional fabric Those plastic bottles you faithfully haul to the alley every week might eventually stage a comeback in your closet.
Eco-chic fashion items such as shoes, bags, shirts and accessories have taken center stage this summer with clothing made from recycled plastic bottles that ordinarily would be languishing in landfills. Call it the newest trend in eco-fashion.
Just look at the World Cup. Players on Nike-sponsored teams wore uniforms spun from polyester fabric made out of recycled plastic bottles, with the shoe giant estimating that each jersey reused about eight bottles. In Chicago, dozens of eco-boutiques are stocking their shelves with repurposed clothing and lifestyle items ranging from home decor to camping accessories, all created with post-consumer plastic bottles. Meanwhile, at Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and other retailers that lean on green marketing, many shoppers carry reusable bags that proudly declare "I used to be a plastic bottle" or some variation thereof.
functional fabric "Recycling plastic bottles into clothing is not a fad; these fabrics are here to stay," said Jonathan Shaun, co-founder of Connect Chicago, an eco-boutique with a focus on sustainable fashion that has shops in Wicker Park and Lincoln Park. "You start adding the numbers up of how long it takes for one plastic bottle to decompose--700 years by some estimates--and you feel pretty good about the fact that you're taking useless junk and making it into something wearable."
functional fabric How does it work? Bottles are picked up as large bales of plastic from recycling plants, then rinsed, purified and chopped down into small pieces. These shredded bits of plastic are melted and spun into long strands that are woven to create a soft, durable fabric. According to statistics cited by the Environmental Protection Agency, the textile recycling industry keeps about 2.5 billion pounds of post-consumer textile waste out of the environment.
Though many fashion fads come and go, the material made from recycled plastic bottles--Polyethylene Terephthalate, known as PET--can be revived again and again to create a completely new product.
When it comes to sustainable fashion, images of scratchy, burlap motifs no longer apply. Here are several eco-chic options that help you look out for the planet and look good while you do it.
Tags: functional , fabric
by henry | 2010/08/03 16:02 | 分类: functional fabric | Comments(0) | Trackbacks(0) | Reads(16) | Admin
Ask a lot of questions when furniture shopping
Q: My husband and I have been saving up for about a year to be able to spruce up our living room. I have the colour picked out and will be using some of the existing accessories in the room.
I have to purchase a new sofa and two matching chairs. The last time I purchased furniture was when we bought the house 10 years ago. We had bought an overstuffed sectional sofa that I now regret ever bringing into my house. How do I go about looking for a good, durable designer sofa? -- Sherry
A: Today, homeowners seem to think that the overstuffed look is the way to go for furniture. Many people will shop for the comfort of a furniture piece and forgo any desire to have esthetically pleasing furniture in their space.
I've had the opportunity to sit on many designer sofas and I have to say some are even more comfortable than the overstuffed ones.
Now, let's take the concept of an overstuffed sofa. You sit on the piece and your body will sink into the furniture due to the surplus of foam. This is where we see situations like the following: "Honey, can you come and pull me out of the sofa? I sat down and now I can't get up."
Overstuffed was a good concept 10 years ago when the size of one's home wasn't as important. Today, homeowners are trying to maximize the square footage they have in their homes and use every bit of space. It's no longer about who has the largest sofa, but rather who has the most comfortable compact sofa.
Designers are also finding the need for multi-functional furniture where homeowners have the opportunity to store extra throw pillows, books and toys in their ottomans and even at times in part of the sofa.
Homeowners have less space to work with so every square inch of a room has to be both beautiful and functional. The key to finding the perfect sofa is to determine the functional needs of the room prior to purchasing the piece.
functional fabric To determine the functional needs of a room, look at the primary usage of the space. Will this room be used in a formal or informal setting? If the space will be used for both the formal entertaining of guests and for informal family nights, I suggest looking for furniture that will give you storage for toys.
As a working parent, you know the first thing that runs through your mind when you anticipate guests coming over for the evening. "Toys! Where am I going to put all of Jimmy's toys?" This is where multifunctional furniture really comes in handy.
Furniture should be seen as an investment as opposed to a big-ticket purchase. When shopping for furniture, look at the quality and craftsmanship of the piece.
Ask the salesperson some of the following questions: What is the quality of the fabric and leather? Fabric comes in a variety of different grades with the grade reflecting the lifespan of the fabric. If the fabric is of a higher grade, it will usually endure more wear and tear than its lower-grade counterparts.
Also, when shopping for leather, be sure you are actually buying a genuine leather sofa and not a bonded leather sofa. There is a big difference between the two types of leathers.
functional fabric It all comes down to the old saying "You get what you pay for." If you are looking for a temporary furniture piece, then bonded leather might be OK, but if you are looking for a long-lasting durable piece, then genuine leather is the way to go.
Furniture shopping should be an enjoyable experience. It should be an exploration of different styles and finishes and how these components will be integrated into your design functional fabric.
Marc Atiyolil, celebrity designer and home trend expert, is the editor-in-chief of Canadian Home Trends -- Canada's Home Decor & Lifestyle Magazine. To submit a question for Marc Atiyolil, visit canadianhometrends. ca.
Read more: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/life/questions+when+furniture+shopping/3344469/story.html#ixzz0vWmWMNt8
functional fabric airbags or inflatable restraints
[ 2010/10/20 14:11 | by admin ]
2010/10/20 14:11 | by admin ]
In the last decade, functional fabric airbags or inflatable restraints have received noteworthy significance as a safeguard for the driver and the passengers in case of an accident. Initially, the functional fabric bags were made for head-on collision, but now, there are many other safety devices like side impact functional fabric bags, knee bolsters, side curtain, etc, available for safety in any type of crash. Because frontal collisions are a main reason of accidental deaths, airbags are being presented as a standard product in vehicles by legislation, which has given the quick increment of airbags business in the last decade. NHTSA and HHS report that functional fabric airbag systems have played an important role in saving thousands of lives since 1985. In 2002 alone, due to the functional fabric airbag system a 20 per cent reduction in fatalities resulting from fatal collisions has been observed.
In 1999, there were 55 million vehicles with 81 million functional fabric airbags. In 2004, the number of frontal functional fabric airbag units was nearly 100 million and the number of side-impact functional fabric airbags nearly 65 million. In the same year, nearly 23 per cent of the new vehicles in North America had side functional fabric airbags for chest protection and 17 per cent had side functional fabric airbags for head protection. By 2005, this has increased to 180 million functional fabric airbags and 65 million vehicles.
In 1999, there were 55 million vehicles with 81 million functional fabric airbags. In 2004, the number of frontal functional fabric airbag units was nearly 100 million and the number of side-impact functional fabric airbags nearly 65 million. In the same year, nearly 23 per cent of the new vehicles in North America had side functional fabric airbags for chest protection and 17 per cent had side functional fabric airbags for head protection. By 2005, this has increased to 180 million functional fabric airbags and 65 million vehicles.
Amazingly Functional Fabric Sculptures: It's PINK INC.!!!
[ 2010/10/20 14:09 | by admin ]
2010/10/20 14:09 | by admin ]
Debra Roth is the founder of Pink Inc., which creates incredibly breathtaking tension fabric structures. Used for events, interior design, halftime shows, and basically anything you can think of, Pink Inc. creates sculptures from fabric that go beyond any conventional ideas of design. And they're all BEAUTIFUL!!!
functional fabric Love and Water- Your work is so stunning and unique. How did you get started doing this kind of work?
Debra Roth- I do so much work in events, and there has been a lot of this kind of work over the last ten years. But I came to it because I have a sculpture background, and ended up working with some fabrics for a project in school. I studied fine arts and sculpture, and I took a class that required us to do a collaborative project where we had to use mediums we had never worked with before. So we ended up beginning to work with fabrics, and used performance to stage a live manipulation of the fabrics. From there people started asking us to do various shows, so we started building stage sets to put our work in, and it just evolved and grew from there. The first ten years I was focused on the art world and theater, and wanted to stay in that genre. But then we started to get picked up with festivals, that lead to us doing events and put us in a whole new industry, and we just went with it. The next ten years were spent getting organized and really finding ways to explain clearly to people what we did, because people were just becoming familiar with it but it was still a new way to design events. After that, we started to see more of it in various areas of event design and architecture, so people are more familiar with it now.
L&W- What do you think helps your work stand out among other similar styles?
DR- We really still have the creative edge because I think a lot of companies began to do this kind of work from a monetary perspective, because they knew it was an upcoming industry. But we never looked at it that way; we always came from an art perspective. I think that's what makes us unique. We're always developing ideas and listening to our clients and trying out new things. We're really engaged with our clients and with our work, so we enjoy the process of creating a new piece from beginning to end.
functional fabric L&W- Who are your clients? Can you do the same work on a smaller scale as well?
DR- A lot of our clients are events producers, which includes corporate events and smaller events. We work with a lot of production companies because the fabric works so well with lighting. There are a lot of hotels we work with as well. Exhibits have also played a part in what we do, which is always fun and interesting. But now interior designers and architects are starting to discover how they can use these kinds of structures because they're so light weight and easy for them to design with. You can pretty much make any shape with the fabrics, so there are a ton of options available. There are a few things you can't do, but what you can do you can do really well with the fabric. If you have to make a curved wall out of sheet rock, it can be really difficult, but to make a curved wall out of fabric is really easy. These days people are remodeling every three to four years, which is also an advantage because you can remove fabric structures very easily. We're doing something for Google right now that I believe is going into the corporate office. The fabric will have printing all over, which is an interesting twist. It will be something that they can use for as long as they want, and can change it just as easily.
L&W- What is the most moving moment you've had in designing a piece?
DR- We did the halftime show for the Dallas Cowboys over Thanksgiving. It was really cool because we took something that we already do and just enlarged it for them, and sent it to them to assemble. They rigged them and did a great job. I was watching the game and when halftime started they weren't out there, and I thought oh no, it didn't work. But then they got them up in a flash, and it looked great. It was really moving to see it on television, looking so good. The sponsorship for the event was the Salvation Army and they wanted parts of it to look like flames, and they actually raised the flames during the show. The whole thing was really cool to watch.
functional fabric L&W- What do you enjoy most about your work?
DR- It has a lot of potential to keep going. Some people in the event industry get tired of certain looks, but this look changes all the time. Working with fabric is really cool and always evolving, which I really enjoy about this work.
Visit Pink Inc.'s site
functional fabric Love and Water- Your work is so stunning and unique. How did you get started doing this kind of work?
Debra Roth- I do so much work in events, and there has been a lot of this kind of work over the last ten years. But I came to it because I have a sculpture background, and ended up working with some fabrics for a project in school. I studied fine arts and sculpture, and I took a class that required us to do a collaborative project where we had to use mediums we had never worked with before. So we ended up beginning to work with fabrics, and used performance to stage a live manipulation of the fabrics. From there people started asking us to do various shows, so we started building stage sets to put our work in, and it just evolved and grew from there. The first ten years I was focused on the art world and theater, and wanted to stay in that genre. But then we started to get picked up with festivals, that lead to us doing events and put us in a whole new industry, and we just went with it. The next ten years were spent getting organized and really finding ways to explain clearly to people what we did, because people were just becoming familiar with it but it was still a new way to design events. After that, we started to see more of it in various areas of event design and architecture, so people are more familiar with it now.
L&W- What do you think helps your work stand out among other similar styles?
DR- We really still have the creative edge because I think a lot of companies began to do this kind of work from a monetary perspective, because they knew it was an upcoming industry. But we never looked at it that way; we always came from an art perspective. I think that's what makes us unique. We're always developing ideas and listening to our clients and trying out new things. We're really engaged with our clients and with our work, so we enjoy the process of creating a new piece from beginning to end.
functional fabric L&W- Who are your clients? Can you do the same work on a smaller scale as well?
DR- A lot of our clients are events producers, which includes corporate events and smaller events. We work with a lot of production companies because the fabric works so well with lighting. There are a lot of hotels we work with as well. Exhibits have also played a part in what we do, which is always fun and interesting. But now interior designers and architects are starting to discover how they can use these kinds of structures because they're so light weight and easy for them to design with. You can pretty much make any shape with the fabrics, so there are a ton of options available. There are a few things you can't do, but what you can do you can do really well with the fabric. If you have to make a curved wall out of sheet rock, it can be really difficult, but to make a curved wall out of fabric is really easy. These days people are remodeling every three to four years, which is also an advantage because you can remove fabric structures very easily. We're doing something for Google right now that I believe is going into the corporate office. The fabric will have printing all over, which is an interesting twist. It will be something that they can use for as long as they want, and can change it just as easily.
L&W- What is the most moving moment you've had in designing a piece?
DR- We did the halftime show for the Dallas Cowboys over Thanksgiving. It was really cool because we took something that we already do and just enlarged it for them, and sent it to them to assemble. They rigged them and did a great job. I was watching the game and when halftime started they weren't out there, and I thought oh no, it didn't work. But then they got them up in a flash, and it looked great. It was really moving to see it on television, looking so good. The sponsorship for the event was the Salvation Army and they wanted parts of it to look like flames, and they actually raised the flames during the show. The whole thing was really cool to watch.
functional fabric L&W- What do you enjoy most about your work?
DR- It has a lot of potential to keep going. Some people in the event industry get tired of certain looks, but this look changes all the time. Working with fabric is really cool and always evolving, which I really enjoy about this work.
Visit Pink Inc.'s site
