J. Ennis Fabrics has introduced two new lines of upholstery fabrics. The Treasures II collection, featuring more than 100 patterns and stripes, is ideal for use in furniture and accent pieces. The Palette collection, made for upholstery and bedding applications, is comprised of three solid color books. The books, titled energy, equality and renewal, contain [...]

By John Baker Dwight Eisenhower, when contemplating the plan for the invasion of Normandy and northwest Europe during World War II, said, “Plans are nothing. Planning is everything.” His view was that while both are necessary, plans are nothing but static documents, yet planning is a responsive and dynamic action that brings focus to uncertainty. [...]

When to upgrade and when to buy a new printer: A guide to increasing your efficiency on a tight budget. By Andrea Swensson A downshift in the economy doesn’t necessarily have to mean a downshift in profits, and one of the most important aspects to consider when examining the financial side of your printing business [...]

Improvements to outdoor fabrics have led to greater opportunities for digital printing. By Holly O’Dell Digital printing has opened the door to new possibilities in outdoor fabric applications. End product manufacturers, not to mention their customers, are becoming more aware of fabric capabilities in outdoor settings, as well as their uses, which include retail applications, [...]

How and why digital graphics companies are succeeding because they found their niche. By Gail Nickel-Kailing I was sent on a quest to find digital graphics companies that are printing on textiles in niche markets. So what is a niche? Why a niche market? And who are these people? “Merriam-Webster” says that a niche market [...]

The Museum of International Folk Art, Santa Fe, N.M., will host an exhibit titled Material World: Treasures from the Textile Collection, which will feature a collection of textiles and costumes from all over the world. “Making and embellishing textiles can be a powerful tool of socialization and a reflection of cultural values,” says Dr. Bobbie [...]

By Mark E. Battersby A recently announced $15 billion, multi-pronged plan is designed to help ease the credit crunch affecting so many marine fabrication businesses. One part of the plan earmarks extra funding for loans and technical assistance by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) “microloan” lenders. In addition to extra funding for microloans, new [...]

Polyfab USA, Manhattan Beach, Calif., has added three new colors to its Polytex® line of knitted shade fabric and two new colors to its Comtex® line of knitted shade fabric. The new colors, which were added to increase options for customers, include red, café and cappuccino. Polytex will be available in all three colors while [...]

Specialized Technology Resources Inc. (STR), Enfield, Conn., received a China Metrology Accreditation (CMA) for its lab in Shenzhen, China. CMAs are presented by the Administration of Quality and Technical Supervision at the Municipal Levels after an assessment of the metrology capabilities of a laboratory that tests the quality and safety of products sold to the [...]

Knowing how to spot superior shelters can save the day. By Barb Ernster John Crowley can spot a quality tent just by looking at it. “You get a feel for a good tent when you see it. It looks structurally superb,” says the general manager of ProEm Distinctive Tents in Denver, Colo. He sums up [...]