Top Designs of 2010: Part 1: Robert Allen

2010 has seen a revival in designer collections and Robert Allen's collaboration with DwellStudio has brought about some of the year's most interesting patterns.


1. Etched Aviary Jet

http://www.draperyrow.com/etavjetbyroa.html

Etched Aviary is a workhorse of a design. The artwork is top notch and you half expect a design like this to wind up in Robert Allen's Beacon Hill line where it would likely cost four times as much, especially when you consider the fact that Etched Aviary is printed on a high end linen and rayon blend. The reason why our customers like Etched Aviary so much is the mix of black and white and the bold modern scale which make this one of the most unique prints on the market. The scale is so big that you can see every feather, flower, and detail. Etched Aviary is available through Drapery Row for $42.50 per yard.

2. Vintage Plumes Camel



http://www.draperyrow.com/viplcabyroal1.html

Vintage Plumes futher solidifies the DwellStudio Collection's gravitas by putting a fantastic antique bird print on a chunky linen and cotton ground. This pattern again seems like it belongs in a much more expensive collection, making it a steal at $49.95. When you consider what you're likely to find at your local fabric store for $50.00 per yard- there's no competition.

3. Quintessance Tourmaline

http://www.draperyrow.com/qutobyroal.html

Robert Allen partnered with Larry Laslo to create a distinctive modern collection that blends natural elements with cool, fun modern design. Quintessance is the coolest Ikat design we've ever seen- perfectly marrying east and west with inky cool colors that add a bold painterly feel.

Looking Ahead: New Collections from Duralee

Duralee is not slouching these days, having just released an impressive fourteen new fabric collections. Of course, so far, our favorite is the wonderful Thomas Paul II Collection, which will vye for new collection of the year in our year end awards- but these new collections are certainly going to provide some new looks going forward.

The Highlights:

* Alfred Shaheen Surf & Sand Outdoor/Indoor Prints - book # 2766

Suburban Home's third outdoor series features a Hawaiian flair thanks to a collaboration with Alfred Shaheen. Shaheen was a giant in the garment industry, being one of the main forces behind the tropical design movement of the 1940s and 1950s. His innovative textile prints were ahead of their time and are still fashionable to this day.

Suburban Home's Alfred Shaheen Surf & Sand Outdoor Collection blends nostalgic tropical motifs with state of the art 100% spun polyster fabrics for outdoor use. It looks like the third time is the charm for Suburban Home, their outdoor collections get better and better.

Price Point: $30 per yard.

* Bridgeport - All Purpose - book # 2760


Duralee's Bridgeport Collection features warm and neutral contemporary colors with a variety of textures, including our favorites: 36106, a small scale diamond matelasse, and 36103, an octagonal geometric. The 100% polyester construction provides a soft hand, while providing durability (50,000 double rubs) and ease of cleaning.

Price Point: $60 per yard

* Denmark Solids - All Purpose - book # 2759


Now, this is how you make a solid collection. These faux linen texture solids (60% cotton / 40% polyester) are sophisticated and very chic. Most solids come off as monochromatic- but these provide depth of color and lots of detail in the construction. There are so many can't miss colors to choose from, we like Laguna, Raspberry, and Charcoal for the fall.

Price Point: $42 per yard

* Sunderland Collections - book # 2762


Duralee updates the lodge look with the Sunderland Collection. This print and woven coordinate collection features stags, birds, paisleys, and a great flax floral print. Inky colors make the various prints come to life, especially 42107 & 42108.

Price Point: $40+ per yard

Well, there you have it. A taste of things to come from Duralee. They've really outdone themselves in 2010 and each new collection makes me look forward to what's coming next!

DwellStudio by Robert Allen

Robert Allen's DwellStudio dispenses with the brand's traditional formal conservatism and creates a fashionable mix and match collection drawing inspiration from past and present. This modestly priced collection will surely be a big hit because it is unique and versatile. From trellis designs made of snakes (you have to look close to catch that detail!) to plush velvet circles in enlarged scale, and two of the most compelling bird prints to come along in sometime in Vintage Plumes and Sketched Aviary- there truly is something for every modern home.

Drapery Row is processing the collection now and will have all of the patterns available this week, until then, whet your appetite for this amazing collection by viewing the following video clip on YouTube!


Christiane Lemieux, Creator and Founder of DwellStudio describes the Collection.

Is Indoor/ Outdoor Fabric Safe for Indoors?

There seems to be a little confusion over this issue, so I will do my best to explain the types of outdoor fabrics that are suitable for indoor use.

The term Indoor/ Outdoor fabric- or the more designer oriented term Al Fresco- is used to describe fabrics, typically polyester and acrylic fabrics, that are suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

Why the distinction?

In the past outdoor fabrics had a distinctive texture (hand) which felt synthetic and uncomfortable. Some brands used to use chemicals such as formaldehyde to treat their fabrics. At first blush the very thought of putting formaldehyde in your home seems like a no-no... and in large concentrations you are probably right, but the US EPA website says that formaldehyde is in everybody's home due to its use in building products such as pressed wood and adhesives as well as in household appliences. Choosing to put more of this material in your home is your call. Household plants and good ventilation should help clean the air. A member of the Sunbrella team commented that they no longer use this chemical and that their products are safe for indoor use.

Today's outdoor fabrics are different. For the most part, the old ways of creating stiff plasticky outdoor fabrics has died out. Newer products are softer and more practical for use inside and out.  Using outdoor fabrics for indoor use makes perfect sense in high sunlight areas, high traffic areas that need constant cleaning such as rental homes and places where children play, as well as spaces such as basements that tend to be a little moist.

The outdoor fabrics we choose to sell at www.draperyrow.com all meet exacting standards and are considered among the best fabrics on the retail and designer markets.

http://www.draperyrow.com/indooroutdoor.html

Oh, No they Didn't!

So I went to a major dept. store yesterday- they claim to be America's #1 source of home decorating fabrics and treatments. They were advertising 65% off of their fabrics so I asked for a quote on a generic looking cotton print... the kind you'd find all day and night at a fabric store for about $20. I gave the associate a story about how my wife was going to redo our living room windows and that she found a fabric she liked, but it was outrageously priced ($80 per yard). He was duly confident that the fabric in the store was cheaper and went through about fifteen steps on his computer to fetch me a price (none of the custom fabrics have price tags- a cynically dishonest approach that I loathe). Turns out that the generic pattern cost $68 per yard.

$68 a yard for a generic cotton fabric. No name designer. No name pattern. At a dept. store who's nitch is slightly above Sears and decidedly below Macy's.

$68 a yard is obviously overpriced- which I thought- is the reason that they can offer it for sale at a stupidly transparent 65% off.  At 65% off this generic print would be $23.80. Not a deal- but not gouging. Unfortunately, $68 WAS the 65% off price. Which is to say, there really was no sale at all. Nobody would pay $193 per yard for this, or any other fabric at this store. While this price is perfectly reasonable for exotic hand printed designs from the world's top mills- it's beyond the pale for a cruddy generic print.

Who would buy this? At $193 per yard you are looking at about $1200 per window in fabric. Or $36,000 if you were doing all thirty windows at your house.

Obviously, this type of operation is intentionally deceptive- so do your homework before you make a purchase. There are great deals out there- but perhaps- not at your local mall.

Pattern of the Day: Etched Aviary by Robert Allen

Now this is what I'm talking about. A beautiful linen and cotton print that features birds all over! Not since Clarence House's spectacular Les Oiseaux Enchantes have I seen a bird print that really raised my feathers.

Etched Aviary was designed by Dwell Studio and is available exclusively through Robert Allen. The composition is fantastic- a soft linen/ cotton blend that allows for plenty of detail. The piece I have withstands the temptation to wrinkle pretty well, and I can only imagine what this beauty would look like in a window or made into fashionable slipcovers and pillows.

Robert Allen is selling through their stock pretty quickly, as of my last check into these things- so I'm sure that this has become the favorite bird pattern of many designers. What a stunning print.

Etched Aviary is available now: Drapery Row - Etched Aviary

Toray to Discontinue Several Ambiance Ultrasuede Colors

FYI, Toray is changing their manufacturing process for their world famous Ultrasuede. Going forward, Ambiance will be made of 100% recycled post-industrial polyester. Same quality, same texture and feel- better for the environment. During the transition period, I'm told, the following colors will be discontinued.

1402 Claret
3917 Khaki
4487 Evergreen
4558 Emerald Sea
4559 Jade
5239 Goldenrod
6630 Pink
8202 Tile
8265 Orange Sherbet
9390 Wisteria
9451 Lavender

Cool Threads at $16.99

It's time for Drapery Row to say goodbye to some fan favorite designer fabrics. For a limited time, all of our Beacon Hill, Robert Allen, and Travers & Company brand Clearance Section fabrics are marked down to a discount store price point of $16.99 per yard.

Available are silks, French hand prints, crewel embroideries, and more.

On Second Thought: Octopada Imperial by Duralee

Okay. I was wrong.

You saw how well one of these things can do in predicting World Cup winners.

 In 2006, my Duralee sales rep made a trip to visit me and had a collection of mid-range acrylic outdoor prints. It was not uncommon for me to find outdoor fabrics cheaper from other sources, but continuity and fresh patterns had become an issue that summer. This was the first time we carried Flora Imperialis, a timeless Duralee print that originated as a cotton chintz many years ago and had since become, perhaps, their most compelling outdoor print. 

 Also in his bag were several colors of this large scale Octopus print, called Octopada (Duralee also calls it #20851). The problem with Octopada, I thought, was that the pattern was too big- and who would want giant octopus tentacles on their cushions? Four years later, I've come to admit that I was wrong.

 You see, I was thinking about Octopada the wrong way. I thought more of how the pattern would look rolled up on a rack of fabrics (the pattern is too big to know what's going on if it's rolled up) and not how great it would look on big cushions and outdoor furniture. Big, slightly askew patterns like Octopada look great when given the space to breathe on their own. Nowadays, I love the way big scale plays in brightly lit environments- such as patios and poolsides. I'd be scared to meet this tentacled creature in the deep blue sea- but I think he'd be pretty good company on a cushion under an umbrella in the sunshine.

Octopada Imperial by Duralee available @ Drapery Row

 

Introducing Laura & Kiran

I've been in the business for nearly ten years, and almost never miss Showtime in High Point, NC. One of the brands that I've always admired from afar is the all cotton line from Laura & Kiran. And while you may never have heard of Laura & Kiran, you no doubt, have seen their fabrics. Most of the major name brand fabric companies carry these high quality drapery and upholstery fabrics in their lines.

Their collection for Summer 2010 consists of a variety of trend forward, earthy colors, in an assortment of styles. In focus are a handful of cotton crewel embroideries, cotton sheer cutwork designs with classical motifs, luxurious organic handprints with Asian and classical European and Middle Eastern designs, the eponymous 4" Check, and timeless multi-colored stripes.

It's good to see an all natural fiber fabric line that is able to stay in the $30-$50 per yard price point. Better still when the designs are as elegant and sophisticated as those from Laura & Kiran.

Laura & Kiran 2010 @ Drapery Row

My favorite patterns: Plume by Thomas Paul

Plume Green by Thomas Paul printed exclusively by Duralee

$29.85 per yard

How Screen Prints are Made

I was looking for some information as to how Photoshop or Illustrator is used in the industry to design screen prints. I didn't find what I was looking for, but I did come across this very interesting video from India that shows how fabrics are printed by hand. Check out the long, long tables- the entire roll of fabric is laid flat and two printers swipe back and forth on a pattern board to print the color. You can imagine how intricate a 20 color hand print is by looking at the video.

Hand Printing in India (Youtube)

Chelsea Linen Camelia by Travers & Company

Chelsea Linen Camelia by Travers & Company

Chatwell Lilies by Travers & Company

Chartwell Lilies Sun by Travers & Company

Bellcrest Silk Crewel JUST ARRIVED

Bellcrest Crewel Antique by Travers & Company

Just got back from ITMA Showtime with some thoughts

Hi everybody! I just got back from ITMA Showtime, once the most important fabric show in the US (now I'm not so sure).

This logo has seen better days.

Ever since I began my career in the textile industry, ITMA's Showtime, which takes place twice a year in High Point, North Carolina, has been at the forefront of the American furniture and fabric industry. In the 1990s there was a waiting list a mile long that you had to wait through to even get a booth- nowadays, show management has cordoned off segments of the temporary booth wing of the exhibition hall to make things look less empty. 

Still, I find it quite ironic that an American industry that is quickly receding into obsolescence that would allow so much of the showroom floor to be taken up by massage parlors, fast food joints, and an enormous display of post-modern industrial decay. If this was not the sad state of affairs outside of the showroom walls, it would not strike me so hard.

The decline of the textile industry has gone on for years. Many of the companies that set up around me at my first show are either long gone, or no longer show. Those that were there have four days to contemplate the state of the industry by studying the mostly empty exhibition hall. I also noticed lots of new faces at even the most established companies. It seems that in economies such as this- companies are willing to try anything- and the inexperienced have yet to fully realize the enormity of the task that lies ahead.

One vendor, who I have dealt with for many years, wanted me to buy a bundle of samples that he had put together featuring 100 of his best patterns. He was desperate, and I declined. The old way of doing business is dead. I didn't have the heart to take samples that I didn't think would sell. Even from an old friend.

But its not all doom and gloom. I met with my great friend Howard and we wheeled through his warehouse where I picked up quite a few beautiful Travers and Schumacher patterns for a great price. We then talked about hits and misses on patterns he had created through the years and it felt great. You see, if the creative process remains intact, the industry will bounce back. Imagination, inventiveness, and innovation cannot be faked. They are not marketing hype or inspirational buzz words. 

The creator controls the world he creates. It's time for America to wake up and realize its true potential. It's time to dream again of doing great things, making great works... the next great textile movement lies within us.

New Design Finds!

Just a quick heads up, I'm taking photos today of a batch of new designer fabrics from Travers & Company (and one beautiful print from Schumacher).

The Travers pieces are spectacular- a mythical toile remnant, stried cotton taffeta is red and blue, pastel silk stripe taffeta, raw silk with silk embroidery, and a printed damask to die for.

The Schumacher piece is the famous Terracina Arabesque in the Celestial color way.

Look for these pieces later today.

Travers Wallpapers Now 30% Off!

Drapery Row has dropped the price of all Travers & Company wallpapers (while supplies last). Travers papers are superior in style and print quality than any papers you will find at major big box retailers.Many of these designs are hand printed by Dek Tillet, exactingly reproducing original 18th century prints from fine English manor homes.


http://www.draperyrow.com/

Duralee's Istanbul Exclusive Prints Collection Review

Launched in July 2009, Duralee's almost entirely exclusive Istanbul Exclusive Prints Collection brings together elements from practically all of the Hellenistic cultures into one cohesive and colorful story. The tableau that Duralee paints is one of rich, fully contrasted natural colors, one immediately thinks of hand dyed Persian and Afghan rugs.

While this collection is mostly comprised of slubbed cotton, or mostly cotton blends, thereare two standouts: the decidedly decadent cotton sateen Anana (one can imagine throw pillows, table runners, and elegant draperies) and the 100% linen, Ada. 

By far the most interesting designs are the collection's signature pattern, Bardo (comes in two colors: Multi and Autumn) and the vivacious paisley print, Corbet (Porcelain is my favorite, but all are versatile and useable).

I would have liked to see some black and white or black and silver versions of these designs as they really would carry over, especially Anana, Corbet, and Bardo... but you can understand this omision in light of Duralee's very intellegent color story. 

While these types of pattern can veer into decidedly ethnic territories, the scale and restrain Duralee used in terms of color and fabric composition make this an excited modern 21st century print collection that is both fashionable and suitable for everyday living.

www.draperyrow.com

 

Spotlight on Conversationals

Believe me, I've seen my share of garrish novelty tapestries, mostly from the far east- and made without any respect for thematic accuracy or quality. These shoddily manufactured abominations are powerfully countered by Robert Allen's delightful Conversationals Collection.

Conversationals features a wide breadth of novelty designs. In this collection you will find lighthouses woven on sumptuously soft chenille, a fantastic early 20th century Golf trophy tapestry, exotic Asian landscapes, Italian vintyards and wine bottles, and so much more.

Drapery Row offers Robert Allen's Conversationals Collection and thousands of other designer fabrics from mills around the world.

www.draperyrow.com

Conversationals Collection by Robert Allen

Discounted Cotton Slipcover Fabrics from Robert Allen!

I just picked up a roll of Success Avocado, a 100% cotton upholstery/ slipcover fabric from Robert Allen. This fabric sells at national stores for $33 per yard. Drapery Row's clearance price? Just $9.99 per yard!

Success Avocado by Robert Allen

Just In Beacon Hill's Malihar Blue Smoke

I just picked up the last remaining roll of Beacon Hill's paisley silk jacquard, Malihar in the Blue Smoke colorway. Malihar is milled in India and is made of 100% ultra-fine silk. Drapery Row has 30 yards of this $150/ yd fabric in stock for the bargain price of $32.50 per yard.

Malihar Blue Smoke by Beacon Hill

Just In: Beacon Hill's Farmers Domain

Spotted Leopards walk gently in the decaying neoclassical garden of Farmers Domain, a beautiful Swiss made fabric from Beacon Hill. We've picked up the last 23 yards of this pattern and are offering the once $198 per yard designer conversational fabric for a budget price of $38.86 per yard. Get it while it lasts!

Farmers Domain Charcoal by Beacon Hill

Beautiful Tapestry Collection at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

I took the family out to the Virginia Fine Arts Museum yesterday and was happy to see several textile exhibits.  Perhaps the most striking of which was a collection of enormous European tapestries from the 18th century.

The Cowardice of Sancho at the Hunt (Charles-Antoine Coypel 18th Century, made of Wool and Silk)

In looking at these beautiful creations, three things immediately come to mind. First, the sheer scale of these pieces is so immense that modern homes simply could not house one of these. Second, the fact that these were not made with the benefit of modern computing technology- meant that weaving one of these enormous tapestries was as complex an accomplishment as painting any masterpiece. Third, the beautiful boldness of color found in these fabrics was made without the aid of modern synthetic dying processes. This speaks to how skin tones and certain color choices seem out of step with modern color schemes- but they are no less beautiful and vibrant.

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has just reopened after undergoing a 150 million dollar renovation and is well worth seeing if you are in the area.

http://www.vmfa.state.va.us/default.aspx

Velluto!

Velvet was the driving economic force for the growth of Empires through antiquity. It is an enduring textile that has utility and allure.

My favorite chair of all time was covered by angora mohair, had chrome arms curve into highly lacquered plywood. The composition was the perfect juxtaposition of old and new.

Today we celebrate soft, plush velvet.

http://www.draperyrow.com/

I need it... yesterday.

With a trade show just days away, one Drapery Row client needed to correct a major workroom snafu and needed several yards of Barrow's interlocking vine woven, Darlington Topaz. An anxious voice hurriedly proclaimed, "I need it... yesterday."

I have to admit, I wasn't so sure that I could get it done- even though I have performed miracles in the past. It was early Friday afternoon- the fabric had to arrive in a rural town in the midst of the Missouri Ozarks by Saturday. As of 2:30 pm we didn't even have the yardage figure sorted- and I was swapping analyzing heavily rasterized .jpegs to make sure that we had the right pattern and colorway.

Luckily, my hunch was correct, and I was able to confirm that we had the right piece and the client locked in her yardage. The UPS truck pulled in just as the final strip of tape made its way around the top of the package.

Just another day at the office.

Darlington Topaz by Barrow

Quick Look at Clodagh's Collection for Duralee

I'll write more extensively about this collection in a few days, but I wanted to take a moment to give me initial reaction to Clodagh's woven collection for Duralee.

I like the fact that Duralee seems to be defining itself as a brand that not only takes risks- but is also willing to focus on design over what had been their bread and butter in the past. This is a path that is fraught with peril and I'm sure they don't want to repeat Fabricut's adventure with Isaac Mizrahi.

What I first notice about the Clodagh fabrics is that they have seemingly built in imperfections and are purposefully askew. This hand-drawn organic goodness fills my head with ideas about decorative pillows and wingback chairs reborn- not redone.

And that in a nutshell is where I come down on this collection. Smartly, these are fabrics that don't reinvent the wheel- they handcraft the something that resembles the wheel- sturdy, steady, and wooden.

The design world is chock full of copy cats and imitations, poseurs and wannabes. It is refreshing to see organic or eco-friendly fabrics that actually look like something you'd see on earth. The well traveled Clodagh seems like the perfect ambassador for Duralee in this respect.

Best Selling Threads @ Draperyrow.com / March 2010

We are on a fabric journey together. I research every brand's collection in order to find the most compelling fabrics on the market.

Let's take a look at March's most popular selections:

1. Chain Link (800197H-594)

Chain Link is a luxurious silk from Highland Court. The pattern is made up of large ringlets on a faile textured silk cloth. The aqua and gold colorway is classic understated elegance- perfect for drapery or accents. New colorways will be posted in April!

Chain Link Aqua/ Gold by Highland Court

2. Ultrasuede (many colors)

Suede is as popular as ever, and there is no suede on the market that matches the quality and desirability of the original micro-suede, Toray's Ultrasuede. Made in Japan, this high quality fabric is the choice of designers and architects. Lasting more than five times longer than most generic suede fabrics on the market, Toray's Ultrasuede is a great investment that pays off year after year.

Ultrasuede by Toray

3. Nairobi Zebra Chenille Ruby by drapery ROW

Our own Nairobi Zebra Chenille received quite a bit of interest. This luxury fabric is an elegant chenille with a delightfully organic composition. Quite unique, Nairobi Zebra Chenille is featured in drapery ROW's Africaine Collection.

Nairobi Zebra Chenille Ruby by drapery ROW

On Exotic Remnant Shopping

I first made a name for myself online by finding a treasure trove of designer remnants. It must have been 2002 or 2003 when I got lucky and bought a tractor trailer load of Clarence House fabrics. I had just about every major design from the company from 1997-2001. Kanji, Les Oiseaux Enchantes in White and Black, Fleuries, Les Primeurs, a boucle that looked like a Russian circus... beautiful one-of-a-kind fabrics in abundance.

I moved on to another major brand in 2005, by buying 35,000 yards of Brunschwig & Fils designs. I found their selection to be a step below Clarence House- maybe two or three- but they did have some eye popping designs. I was in love with this pair of silk lampas designs in the Victorian style.

Today, as in years past, I am constantly scouring the fabric world for deals and one of a kind purchases. Every company is a little cash strapped- which makes it easier to get a foot in the door. On my Drapery Row site I'm offering the first tastes of 2010's crop. There are many more wonderful patterns to come.

You never know what will pop up next.

Exotic Remnants at www.draperyrow.com.

Blogs I love: Anh-Minh.com

anh-minh.com

I've been a fan and a follower of the wonderful "left coast" design blog from Anh Minh, who is a veteran web designer and interior design junkie who turns her very astute eye on a whole host of interesting things. My favorite posts deal with cool kitsch things she finds and her very creative methods of organization.

I wholeheartedly recommend that you check her out. You'll laugh and learn something!

***

Some Recent goodies:

A cool assortment of postcards from an unlikely source:

http://www.anh-minh.com/weblog/archives/2010/01/postcards_from_penguin.html

Obsessive magazine organization:

http://www.anh-minh.com/weblog/archives/2010/01/blame_it_on_the_rain.html

How to entertain:

http://www.anh-minh.com/weblog/archives/2009/11/holiday_entertaining.html

Faux Silk is so 2006

I love TJ Maxx, but the fabric purist in me cringes when I see their home section. The should call the place Polyester Maxx- because that's all you will find. Poly pillows filled with poly fill. For me, if you are decorating your home- you don't want to fill it with phony faux silk. You wouldn't fill your house with faux plants, would you?

To make designing your life easier, I've picked up a roll of Elm Manor, a beautiful vintage damask in chocolate and seafoam. Elm Manor is a pure 100% silk fabric from Robert Allen.

Elm Manor Chocolate by Robert Allen

Take a Ride in Montgolfier's Balloon

When Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier and François Laurent d'Arlandes lifted off of the ground inside of the globe aérostatique, the first hot air balloon on the 4th of June, 1783, they not only propelled man hundreds of feet into the sky but paved the way for many subsequent advances in manned flight. What a lofty achievement.

Robert Allen's tribute to early balloon flights is perfectly encapsulated in Balloon View, a wonderful tapestry that Drapery Row recently acquired. Balloon View is a cotton and polyester fabric fit for upholstery that features a cream base and a sky filled with hot air crafts in festive colors and vintage styles.

12 yards are all that remain of this classic Robert Allen pattern. Price per yard $26.85.

Balloon View Celestial by Robert Allen

Coral Vignette Crewel Just Arrived

It was love at first sight when I found the last remaining yardage of Robert Allen's fantastic Coral Vignette Crewel in Coral. This crewel features a winding stripe of coral woven from high quality wool.

I have 16 yards in two pieces (11+5) available on a first com, first served basis.

Coral Vignette Crewel Coral by Robert Allen

Introducing: Schumacher

Since I launched Drapery Row in December of 2009, I've been working to establish relationships with a number of wonderful fabric houses. My goal is to provide a customer focused space where you can be your own "designer" and have access to some of home fashion's most fabulous fabrics. Every brand I choose to work with fits a niche and offers something unique; has something important to say about life and your home environment.

Schumacher is a great company and I look forward to working with them. Their product range is diverse and for all budgets. They have wonderful fabrics that won't break the bank and some inspriational fabrics and wallpapers that are the very definition of luxury.

We'll keep our eye on the many new and unique offerings in the Schumacher stable- and hope you keep coming back to Drapery Row. You never know what we'll find next.

Charles Morgan

Sailor's Compasses

I'm actually a great fan of fabrics that have curious motifs. I was instantly taken in by Gales Point, which is a nautical themed outdoor fabric with a slightly more sophisticated than usual motif. Inside diamonds made of sailing rope is a large circular sailor's compass. Each line leading out from the center of a sailor's compass represents a constellation in the sky. It is, perhaps, the only way ancient mariners had to navigate their ships on the open sea.

Gales Point is made of 100% acrylic and withstands 30,000 double rubs in durability tests.

                      Gales Point Outdoor Sand Dune by Robert Allen

Gales Point Outdoor is available for sale at www.draperyrow.com

Fortuny iPhone App

The iPhone is one of those devices, it would seem, that's sole purpose is to drive me to distraction. During a midday App-Store browsing session a week ago, I came upon the interesting discovery of a fabric App from the esoteric luxury brand, Fortuny.

This scribble probably says Fortuny.

Having spent most of my career working for a closeout wholesaler, I never had access to Fortuny fabrics- but I am familiar with the company's product- amazing turn of the century (that's 20th century) designs made the exact same way as they were made then- utilizing a top secret printing process that was invented by artist Mariano Fortuny.

It's interesting that such a niche brand would be the only fabric label to have an app on the iPhone. After waiting fifteen minutes for this app to upload to my phone I can see why.

Odds are good that this design isn't available at your local La-Z-Boy showroom.

The app features more than one hundred designs on the app- which means you do not have to wait for images and their enlargements to load. Scrolling through is easy as the patterns are sorted alphabetically by color way.

***

I have to admit, I wasn't sure who this app was intended for. Normally, the way the fabric industry works- is that the companies that make fabrics sell not to the end user but instead to designers, architects, manufacturers and stores.

The Fortuny app seemed to disregard this paradigm. I was able to enter in my information into a quick form and after having selected six or seven samples- I sent send.

A week or so later I receive this:

 

Yep. Snail Mail. Sent just as it was at the turn of the 20th century.

I am gobsmacked. Never did I expect such customer service. The envelope featured a hand written address done up in full Art Nouveau glory. The samples were small, but carded professionally on a 7.75" by 4.75" card stock.

For what it's worth, the Fortuny prints are marvelous. The gold print shimmers and the patterns look better the farther you get from them. You can imagine them done up in amazing draperies or throw pillows.

As it stands right now, Fortuny is the only fabric brand to branch out into the realm of the iPhone app. You hope that this great customer care leads to more business for them- and that perhaps other fabric companies may take their lead.

Charles Morgan
Drapery Row

How 'Bout This?

Drapery Row is offering 15% off on any purchase at www.draperyrow.com by using the coupon code "InStyle". Offer valid until March 5, 2010.

What have we got here?

A box came in today and it was an assortment of Motif Designs fabrics. Motif is a New York based company that was founded by Lyn Peterson. Lyn is an exceptionally talented designer who has clients all over the country.

One of my good friends in the industry worked as a landscaper for her and spoke glowingly of her drive for design perfection and her meticulous eye. Motif's fabrics bring together elements from all over the world- from Belgian mohairs to Scottish wools and wonderful vintage stripes and plaids from the United States.

I've uploaded the first dozen fabrics from Motif with much more on the way!

Drapery Row Reviews the Thomas Paul II Print Collection from Duralee

Having been able to spend lots of time with new Duralee Thomas Paul II prints collection, I can safely say that this is currently my favorite collection of indoor prints. Thomas Paul has chosen an eclectic mix of motifs but stays true to his vintage aesthetic. The collection boasts Asian, aviary, botanical and spyrographical designs.

The design that most people will remember from this collection is Perch. Perch features the beautiful colorful birds and insects against the sketch outline of tree branches and birds nests. Perch is printed on a mostly cotton cloth (there is a negligible hint of linen- probably for texture). Like all of the designs in the collection- the coloration hits just right and makes the pattern look like it came straight out of the arts and crafts movement.

Other Highlights:

Skimmer is another excellent design, featuring a top down view of an endless formation of dragonflies. There is some very subtle detail in this design- especially in the aqua and lavender colorways. The cotton and linen cloth makes a return appearance here giving Skimmer that great organic and vintage look.

Neptune, the first of two coastal designs, features the iconic Tonna Cepa shell printed on a nicely weighted cotton duck. The monotone print just keeps pace with the fidelity of the design making it appear like vintage newscopy. Neptune comes in five colors, pictured below is Neptune in Persimmon.

The large scale of Oceania makes me long for an outdoor version of this design. It would be a showstopping pattern- not at all dissimilar to Scalamandre's great outdoor turtle pattern from a few years ago. Where this pattern has that beat, however, is in the fantastic level of detail in each of the sea creatures. I'm not sure if the folks at Duralee realize this, but this isn't just a good design- this is a timeless design that should do well for them for years and years.

The Asian inspired pagoda design, Folly, looks like a Post World War II era cloth brought back to America from overseas. It features a colorful fretwork design with medallion overlays with pagodas in cameo. Also of note, is the interesting large scale print, Plume, which is a monochromatic peacock feather print.

Summary:

The great price point and uniqueness of these patterns make it a Collection that I'd definitely recommend. It seems that Duralee is really hitting their stride when it comes to bringing in talented designers to create exclusive lines for them. Everything from the packaging to the marketing roll out on Thomas Paul II shows Duralee's confidence in the product. They should be confident- these are the nicest prints you will find anywhere for under $50 a yard.

This is a new collection and all new collections tend to evolve into something else over time. I hope Duralee and Thomas Paul continue down this path and I wish them nothing but success with it. Some of these patterns would make stellar outdoor designs.



Thomas Paul II highlights:



Neptune Persimmon by Duralee



Oceania Indigo by Duralee




Perch Multi by Duralee

The Thomas Paul II Print Collection is made exclusively for Duralee. Drapery Row offers these patterns for sale at www.draperyrow.com.

Drapery Row picks a new Motif

I had a great conversation with my friends at Motif Designs today and I'm happy to announce that I will soon be carrying a range of current Motif patterns as well as a great selection of discounted Motif Wallpapers.

I've worked with Motif over the years and have always been struck by their distinctive look- which is at once traditional and understated. They will soon launch a 50+ color collection of drapery weight linens. They also carry a range of beautiful mohair velvets at a great price!

Motif Designs is a New York based firm that carries fabric, wallcoverings, mirrors, lighting, and furniture. They also offer superior interior design services.

Travers Wallpapers: A Complete List

It's going to take a little while to cycle through all of the Travers Wallpapers that draperyrow.com is going to offer. There are so many of them. I've created a list of patterns those who want to know ahead of time which patterns we have.

 Travers Wallpapers: Available exclusively through Drapery Row (while supplies last)

Animal Kingdom Border
Quo Vadis Border



DEUTZIA   
LEAF FRIEZE   
LEAF FRIEZE   
DAMASK   
DAMASK   
OPEN FLOWER   
MILLBROOK BOR   
MILLBROOK BOR   
MILLBROOK BOR    yel
MILLBROOK BOR    beige
MILLBROOK BOR    yellow
MILLBROOK BOR    pongee
MILLBROOK BOR    beige
MILLBROOK BOR   
MILLBROOK BOR   
MILLBROOK BOR    brn/wh
MILLBROOK BOR    bl/gre
MILLBROOK BOR    GREEN WIDE
MILLBROOK BOR   
MILLBROOK BOR   
    gre
 RADAGE BOR    bei/or
RADAGE BOR    red
RADAGE BOR    orange
RADAGE BOR    ora/tan
RADAGE BOR   
RADAGE BOR   
RADAGE BOR   
RADAGE BOR   
FOX RUN BOR    pink
FOX RUN BOR   
FOX RUN BOR    blue
CASCAIS BOR   
CASCAIS BOR   
PALM COURT BOR    yellow
PALM COURT BOR    red
PALM COURT BOR    GREEN WIDE
CATESBY BOR   
CATESBY BOR   
BELMONT STRIE   
   
BELMONT STRIE   
BELMONT STRIE   
BELMONT STRIE    yellow
KIMBALL STRIPE   
KIMBALL STRIPE   
KIMBALL STRIPE    salmon
KIMBALL STRIPE   
KIMBALL STRIPE    ivory
KIMBALL STRIPE    blue
KIMBALL STRIPE    yellow
DOUBLE STAR   
DOUBLE STAR   
DOUBLE STAR    gold/wh
DOUBLE STAR    blu/whi
DOUBLE STAR    beige
DOUBLE STAR    lt blu
DOUBLE STAR    carolina
MILTON STRIPE    yellow
ANIMAL KINGDOM       blu whit
ANIMAL KINGDOM    pink wh
STOCKTON STRIPE   
STOCKTON STRIPE   
STOCKTON STRIPE    peach
STOCKTON STRIPE    grey
STOCKTON STRIPE    carolina
STOCKTON STRIPE   
EMPIRE STAR    gld beig
EMPIRE STAR   
EMPIRE STAR   
EMPIRE STAR   
SPENCER STRIPE    lt yel
SPENCER STRIPE    beige
SPENCER STRIPE    green
SPENCER STRIPE    pink
SPENCER STRIPE    blue
SPENCER STRIPE    beige
PORCELAIN STRIPE    blue
JUNGLE TOILE    blue
JUNGLE TOILE    azalea
JUNGLE TOILE    gre whi
SEASIDE/STARFISH    peach
SEASIDE/STARFISH    blue
SEASIDE/STARFISH    blue
STARFISH    yel
STARFISH    blu whit
PROVANCE STRIPE    off whi
ISLAND FISH   
ALCHEMY   
ALCHEMY   
ALCHEMY    beige
ALCHEMY    red
ALCHEMY   
MERLIN    yel
MERLIN    ivory
MERLIN    red
MERLIN   
MERLIN   
MERLIN    dk blu
MERLIN   
CAMELOT    Z
CAMELOT    S
MATISSE   
MATISSE   
MATISSE    gre whi
MATISSE   
MATISSE   
THOMPSON STRIPE   
PUZZLE FISH    blu red
PUZZLE FISH    gre tur
   
MELROSE  DAMASK    ecru
FONTANA DAMASK    wht br
FONTANA DAMASK    BLU WHI
FONTANA DAMASK    gld whi
FONTANA DAMASK    yel
TOYLAND    multi
AUSTIN STRIPE    beige
AUSTIN STRIPE    yel
FRESCO   
FRESCO   
SINCLAIR STRIPE    tqn
SINCLAIR STRIPE    beige
SINCLAIR STRIPE   
LE MAGASIN    407
LE MAGASIN   
LE MAGASIN    beige
LE MAGASIN    tan gold
LE MAGASIN    midnite
MONTVALE STRIPE    dk gren
FLORENTINA    burg gol
MORNING GLORY STRIPE   
LA PETITE MAGASIN    tan gold 
BLAKEFORD DAMASK   
SMALL STAR    silv gold
SMALL SHELLS    blue
QUO VADIS    
QUO VADIS   
TRIESTE    yel
STARS AND BORDER    gold
BEAUFORT DAMASK    sea
BEAUFORT DAMASK   
MISSENDEN    yel
SPONGE    ochre
SPONGE    melon
SPONGE    green
SPONGE    pink
SPONGE    yel
SPONGE   
SPONGE    tangerin
SPONGE   
ROYSTON    tan
STRIE    pink
STRIE    green
MEDIUM ROPE    blue whi
MULTI SHELL WITH NET    blue whi
MULTI SHELL WITH NET   
MULTI SHELL WITH NET   
MULTI SHELL    
MULTI SHELL    blue
MULTI SHELL    coral
MULTI SHELL    sand
PROVENCE TOILE    pongee
NET & CATCH    blue
NET & CATCH   
NET & CATCH    craft
NET & CATCH    teal
PINEAPPLE    citrus
PINEAPPLE    naturals
THE AMERICAS 1631    brown
THE  AMERICAS 1631    multi
VAUXHALL GARDENS   
VAUXHALL GARDENS    sea
VAUXHALL GARDENS    melon
VAUXHALL GARDENS    blue
RIBBON & TASSEL    pink
RIBBON & TASSEL   
RIBBON & TASSEL    green
RIBBON & TASSEL   
EVE'S STAR    pink
EVE'S STAR    bue
EVE'S STAR    ecru
EVE'S STAR   
EVE'S STAR    butterscotch
PALLADIO    blk tan
THE PRINT ROOM    blk tan
BLUEPRINT    blu whit
BLUEPRINT    blu whit
TIMPERLEY    blue whi
   
   
BRISTOL STRIPE   
BRISTOL STRIPE    tan
TYLER STRIPE    cream
MEDFORD STRIPE    beige
BURSHED STRIE    melon
BRUSHED STRIE   
BRUSHED STRIE    lime
BRUSHED STRIE    apple
BRUSHED STRIE    bisque
BRUSHED STRIE   
BRUSHED STRIE    straw
BRUSHED STRIE    ochre
BRUSHED STRIE    tan
BRUSHED STRIE   
BRUSHED STRIE    white
BRUSHED STRIE   
CARNAGIE STRIPE    beige
MORANO   
MELBOURNE DAMASK    taupe
MELBOURNE DAMASK    ecru
MELBOURNE DAMASK    beige
MELBOURNE DAMASK    whi/bieg
MELBOURNE DAMASK    golds
SUTTON STRIPE    ECRU
SAVOY STRIE STRIPE   
SAVOY STRIE STRIPE    gren
SAVOY STRIE STRIPE   
SAVOY STRIE STRIPE    la orang
COCONUT PALM    beige
COCONUT PALM   
COCONUT PALM    yellow
COCONUT PALM    cream
PAPIER CHINOIS   
PAPIER CHINOIS    melon
PAPIER CHINOIS    yellow
PAPIER CHINOIS   
PAPIER CHINOIS    beige
PARKER HOUSE    blue
TUSCANY    beige
TUSCANY    nickle
HAMILTON STRIPE   
HAMILTON STRIPE    berry
HAMILTON STRIPE    yellow
FERN GARDEN    green
FERN GARDEN    mint
   
FERN GARDEN   
PALAMPORE    floral
PALAMPORE    yellow
PALAMPORE    red
BROADBENT BOUQUET    beige
BROADBENT BOUQUET    taupe
BROADBENT BOUQUET    straw
BROADBENT BOUQUET    yel
BROADBENT BOUQUET   
STRIE STRIPE    yel
STRIE STRIPE    beige
STRIE STRIPE   
STRIE STRIPE    green
STRIE STRIPE    beige
KATIE    berry
KATIE    teal
KATIE   
KATIE    agean
KATIE   
KATIE    pink
KATIE    yellow
KATIE    olive
KATIE    beige
EMPIRE URN    melon
EMPIRE URN    sand
EMPIRE URN    blue
EMPIRE URN    yel
BELCOURT    bllu whi
BELCOURT    taupe
HOLLINGSWORTH    yel
HOLLINGSWORTH    ecru
HOLLINGSWORTH    blue
HOLLINGSWORTH    pink
MORN GLORY TREL     cream
MORN GLORY TREL     yellow
MORN GLORY TREL     pink
PAPER BACKED FELT   
PAPER BACKED FELT   
PAPER BACKED FELT    burg
PAPER BACKED FELT    green
BASKETWEAVE   
HUNT SCENE    horses
BURNHAM    straw
BURNHAM    melon
BURNHAM    pink
BURNHAM    yel
BURNHAM    la orang
BURNHAM    lime
BURNHAM    beige
BURNHAM    blue
BURNHAM    pink
BURNHAM    camilia
LYNFORD    beige
LYNFORD    tan
LYNFORD    beige
LYNFORD    ecru
LYNFORD    yel
LYNFORD    straw
LYNFORD    ochre
LYNFORD    sun
LYNFORD    lemon
LYNFORD    green
LYNFORD    grass
LYNFORD    pink
LYNFORD    melon
LYNFORD    tan
MARSTON    sun
MARSTON    ochre
MARSTON    yel
MARSTON    mint
MARSTON    tan
MARSTON    melon
MARSTON    beige
MARSTON    sea
UNDERWOOD    gold wh i
UNDERWOOD    melon
UNDERWOOD   
UNDERWOOD   
UNDERWOOD    beige
UNDERWOOD    mint
UNDERWOOD    red
TAPLOW    melon
TAPLOW    ecru
TAPLOW    whi gold
TAPLOW    yel
TAPLOW    blue whi
TAPLOW    melon
TAPLOW    tangerin
WINSLOW    green
WINSLOW    yel
WINSLOW   
WINSLOW    ochre
WINSLOW    grass
WINSLOW 134    blue
WINSLOW   
WINSLOW   
BOURNE    ecru
BOURNE    cream
BOURNE    beige
BOURNE    tan
BOURNE    sun
BOURNE    yel
BOURNE    straw
BOURNE    ochre
BOURNE   
BOURNE    green
BOURNE    lt yel
BOURNE    yel
BOURNE    grass
BOURNE   
BOURNE    lt green
BOURNE   
BOURNE    blu gren
BOURNE    lime
BOURNE    green
BOURNE   
BOURNE    tan
BOURNE    blush
BOURNE    peach
BOURNE    melon
BOURNE    tangerin
BOURNE    peach
BOURNE    ecru
FOXCOTE    ECRU
FOXCOTE    oyster
FOXCOTE    sun
FOXCOTE 409    ochre
FOXCOTE    mint
FOXCOTE    melon
ARDSLEY HOUSE    chocolate
ARDSLEY HOUSE   
ARDSLEY HOUSE    burg
ARDSLEY HOUSE    gol
ARDSLEY HOUSE    whi blue
CALLIGRAPHY   
CALLIGRAPHY    olive
CALLIGRAPHY    tan
CALLIGRAPHY    blue
EGREMONT    multi
EGREMONT    blue
EGREMONT    yel red
EGREMONT    white
EGREMONT   
PAPER BACKED SILK   
PAPER BACKED SILK   
PAPER BACKED SILK   
PAPER BACKED SILK   
PAPER BACKED SILK   
ADAM    red
ADAM    lichen
ADAM    gold
ADAM    blue
ADAM    nichol
AUBUSSON ROSE    rust
AUBUSSON ROSE    duck egg
AUBUSSON ROSE   
DIONYSUS   
DIONYSUS    parch
DIONYSUS    olive
PICOT STRIPE    rust
PICOT STRIPE    tan
PICOT STRIPE    gol brn
PICOT STRIPE   
PICOT STRIPE    yel
PICOT STRIPE    brown



Victorian Sprig: Beige, La Orange, Tan Blue
Chadwick: Purple, Yellow, Foil
Wexley: Green, Pink, Yellow Blue








Catesby Stripe:  Pastel, Multi
Cluny: Beige, Tan, Metallic
Flower Tree: Green White
Palm Court: Red Green, Green, Yellow
Porcelain Flowers: White Blue, Yellow, Blue, Ecru
Roxbury Hall: Red, Green, Gray, Yellow
Small Damask: Oyster, Yellow, Cream, Red, Grey, Pink, Aqua
Stoneleigh: Sage, Tan, Brown, Green, Olive
Tea Rose: Beige, Green, Tan Green,  Green, Yellow, Pink
Travor: Brown, Red, Dark Green, Mint, Yellow, Blush
Twist: Mint, Exru, Pongee
Venetian Damask: Tan, Sea, Adobe, Bone, Sage, Corn, Flax

Shopping Around Town...

My wife and I went shopping. It's Saturday and we were wont for things to do. Of course, I'm the king sucker of impulse purchases. Well, I found two "opportunities" that I couldn't pass by.

A delightful polka dotted piggy bank

With Coinstar taking their cut and this piggy bank costing about $20 - you are already pretty deep in the hole before you start saving your pennies- but who could resist the cute little piggy and his classic design motif?

Fisher Price's 1966 Classic TV Set

Fisher Price made so many great toys throughout the 1960s and 1970s that it's hard to think of what my early childhood would have been like without them. Probably just sitting in a room bored by not having cable. This TV set has been reintroduced for a limited time and I thought my little guy would be mesmerized by it.

Tattoo Parlor Ideas? Yeah, I Got Some...

An unusual question came my way via Crafster. How can you turn tattoo parlor space into something fun. Fixing up a small white workspace is not easy- but it got me thinking about the very nature of tattoo parlors and what they bring to mind.

I couldn't help but thinking of far away Asian ports awash with sailors with mermaids tattooed across their arms and also 1950s post-war American Rock-a-Billy dives detailed in animal print with hot rods ablaze with enormous engine blocks. Maybe this isn't your idea of a tattoo parlor- but the fun part of design is evoking feeling and coming across in your own unique way.

As for animal designs, here are a few of my favorites:



Amur Olive by Duralee



Tonga Outdoor Black/ White by Suburban Home



Tonga Outdoor Black/ White by Suburban Home



Sea Things Goldenrod by maharam

Powers of Ten Day: 10/10/10

We all love Charles and Ray Eames, that loveable husband and wife design team that is reponsible for such a wide swath of post war innovation that their impact is still being felt.

Every year the Charles and Ray Eames foundation holds Powers of 10 day. On which day, you ask? Well 10/10 of course.

To get your juices flowing, check out this creative implementation of their short film, Powers of 10, in "We Are All Connected" by Symphony of Science:



http://powersof10.com

Of course you can check out Eames designs from maharam's Textiles of the Twentieth Century Collection at www.draperyrow.com.

Love is in the Air

There's no stopping it now. Valentine's Day is soon upon us. Treat yourself to something totally decadent with Robert Allen's joyous hommage à l'amour, Love Notes. This beautiful decorative fabric is best served with a pillow and a paintbrush. 

Any ten yard or more order of Love Notes will come with an assortment of Godiva chocolates (offer expires February 14th).





Love Notes Alabaster by Robert Allen



Love Notes Scarlet by Robert Allen


Love Notes is a Robert Allen exclusive design which is available through www.draperyrow.com

Get Your Style On!

Now through February 15, 2010, Drapery Row is offering 15% off your entire order. Type the coupon code "Presidents" in the coupon box field during checkout.

www.draperyrow.com

Travers & Company Wallpaper Sale

Beautiful Travers & Company Wallpapers are a thing of the past, I'm afraid. When Travers was bought by Zimmer + Rohde, the wallpaper line was discontinued. Luckily, I found a source for the last remaining papers and am making them available exclusively through Drapery Row.

Unlike most wallpapers you will find at your local store, these are hand printed papers- with patterns derived from English manor homes and top American stylists.

This morning I listed nine great patterns with more to follow soon...

Roxbury Hall Red Wallpaper

Pineapple Gold Wallpaper

Star Fish Aqua Wallpaper

Palampore Green Multi Wallpaper by Travers & Company


The above listed Travers & Company wallpapers are available exclusively through www.draperyrow.com

In the Summer Sky, All Eyes Turn toward Celestial Bodies

An endless sky of glittering lights; bright shining globes against the velvet of the night sky. drapery ROW's Celestial Bodies is a loving tribute to the timeless wonder of space.

Celestial Bodies is a premium quality 100% solution dyed acrylic outdoor fabric that features a reversible random polka dot design. Celestial Bodies is part of 2010's North Shore Outdoor Collection and is available in four stylish colors.

Celestial Bodies Taffy

Celestial Bodies Kiwi

Celestial Bodies Midnight

Celestial Bodies Chocolate Mint


Celestial Bodies is an exclusive outdoor pattern that can be purchased at www.draperyrow.com