New Pinterest Board

Premier Prints Pinterest Board  - Do you love Premier Prints fabrics as much as we do?  Most of our fabric projects for the newsletter and even for projects at home usually involve a Premier Print or two.  The designs and colors are just perfect.  Check out this valance that I made for my daughters room.

We would love to see the things you have made with Premier Prints or any other fabrics.

Gorgeous Fabric

Today we were organizing some of the 100's of new books piling up around here.  Some are going to the showroom, while some are just so fabulous that we can't wait to put them online.  This peacock fabric is so gorgeous and shiny and vibrant, I stopped everything just to get it out there for the InteriorMall.com world to see.  This exclusive Carole Fabrics pattern is available here.  Plume is available in two colors: Spring (shown here) and Silver

If you are a designer or decorator, you should know this!

I overheard a phone call yesterday that got me to thinking about how many people call themselves a decorator/designer because they have a knack for putting things together.  And I love those people - they buy things from us.  And you have to start somewhere. However, there are some things you just have to know which brings me to the phone conversation.  Someone bought railroaded fabric to make drapes.  Those of you who are trained designers know immediately why that is a big problem.  If you don't, check out this how-to on InteriorMall.com 

Common Fabric Misconceptions

As an interior design retailer who sells to and works with customers everyday, we hear a lot of misconceptions. People hear something from someone else and like the game of telephone, the information goes from good to "how does that even make sense" in a matter of no time. Hopefully, this will dispel any wonderings one might have.

Fabric: There are so many misconceptions about fabric. We tried to hit the main ones but I'm sure we missed a few.
Polyester is stretchy - SOME polyester is stretchy but not all. It depends on how the fabric is made and with what other material. For instance, a polyester faux silk is in no way, shape or form stretchy but polyester lycra is because it is knitted with a spandex.

If it's a heavy weight, thick fabric it is rated for upholstery - WRONG! Just because it is heavy and thick doesn't mean it should be used for upholstery. What the fabric is made of, how it is made and the backing take a huge part in the quality of a fabric.

All vinyls are good for heavy upholstery and automotive use - This is not true. Like all other fabrics, the quality and durability of a vinyl is what determines what it can and cannot be used for. Light weight vinyls like our Galaxy, Wet Look and Softee to name a few can be used for some light weight applications but are not suggested for use in marine, automotive and furniture that will get a lot use.
Heavier, more durable vinyl like Windstar, Atlantis and Canyon have all been tested and treated for lightfastness, flammability, double rubs and cold crack, just to name a few ratings they pass and therefore are perfect for commercial, automotive and marine use.

Polyester is cheap/ugly. I won't say this statement is completely false because I have seen some polyester fabrics that look terrible. They were cheaply made, therefore they looked cheap and did not have the quality necessary. However, polyester is often used to make fabric and the fabric comes out looking beautiful and with amazing quality. Just because the fabric content may be polyester, does not mean it is a bad fabric and you should dismiss it. I have seen some polyester faux silk and I thought it was real silk at first sight.


Faux leather is cheap/ugly. I know that when you get it in your head you want a certain fabric or type of fabric for your project it is hard to listen to other options but sometimes those other options
have the same quality as what you want but at a cheaper costs. Faux leather often has the same look and feel of real leather but at a fraction of the costs.

Just because it is not rated doesn't mean you can't use it for upholstery. Not every fabric manufacturer tests their fabrics durability but just because the fabric was never tested doesn't mean you can't use it for upholstery. You can typically look at a fabric and know whether or not it should be used for upholstering a piece of furniture. If you have a fabric you are interested in and don't know the abrasion rating, look at the weave of the fabric. Is it a tight weave or is it loose? Could something easily snag the fabric which would hinder the quality? Does it have a backing? Many light weight fabrics such as cotton prints or linens can be used for upholstery if they are backed.

Fabrics are available forever. Believe it or not a fabric really only lasts about 4-5 years before being discontinued. If you bought a fabric 10 years ago unfortunately that fabric was discontinued long ago.

Hopefully these answered any questions you might have had and if you have anything else you need answered feel free to ask us on here or visit www.InteriorMall.com

Jonathan Adler for Kravet

Jonathan Adler in all his fabulousness has designed a line of fabrics for Kravet. Starting in the design industry with a pottery line almost 20 years ago, Jonathan Adler has really made a name for himself
 as a leading designer.

His Utopia collection designed for Kravet is a fantastic blend of bright, eye catching color as well as muted neutrals for a modern twist with a global feel that really brings style, craft and joy to your home.

Be sure check out the entire Utopia collection by Jonathan Adler at InteriorMall.com

Fast and Easy Fabric Facelifts

There are so many projects that can be done with fabric remnants and the outcome is awesome. Here are a several DIY ideas you can do at home.

 Use scraps of coordinating fabrics to create a modern patchwork-effect headboard. To make the headboard, cut 8-inch squares from stiff florist's foam and 1/4-inch plywood. Cut 8-inch squares from quilt batting and place over foam squares. Glue all layers with Styroglue. Cut fabric into squares large enough to wrap the foam squares with at least a 1/2 -inch overlap on the back. Staple fabric to the back with a staple gun. Cut a piece of 1/4-inch plywood a few inches wider than your mattress on both sides. Line up the squares facedown in your desired pattern and attach them to each other with heavy-duty tape. Top them with the plywood, and drill wood screws at 8-inch intervals to secure all the layers. Attach ring hooks to the back of the plywood to hang the headboard on the wall.

Add style to a plain wooden chair with fabric. Remove the seat and back from the chair. Trace the seat on 1/2-inch foam, cut the foam, then attach it to the seat with spray adhesive. Cut fabric 3 inches wider than the seat perimeter. Wrap fabric over the seat, smoothing as you go and securing with heavy-duty carpet tape on the bottom. Trace the chair back on paper and add 1 inch all around. Using the pattern, cut two pieces of fabric. Lightly spray the front of the chair back with spray adhesive and press fabric onto the front, wrapping the allowance to the back. Fold under 1-inch allowance on the second piece of fabric, wrong sides together, and press. Use fusible webbing to adhere the fabric to the back of the chair, overlapping the wrapped allowance. Reattach the seat and back. 

Add pretty curtains to your windows or hide table storage. Whether you want to use rings with clips or sew in a rod pocket, a yard of fabric or less can turn your space into something fabulous! Use a cafe rod or a tension rod to hold the curtain.

Editor's Tip: For a no-sew option, secure hems or make your rod pocket with fusible webbing and an iron.

 

Create a designer lamp in minutes with a splashy fabric. Cut fabric pieces 2 inches longer and 1 inch wider than the lamp base and lampshade. Iron a 1-inch hem on both long edges and one short edge of each piece. Lightly spray the lamp base and shade with spray adhesive and wrap fabric around each piece, smoothing as you wrap. If necessary, secure the hemmed edges with a thin bead of fabric glue.

A yard of fabric is all it takes to make pillows as large as 30 X 30 inches. Cut a front and back piece of fabric to the desired pillow size, adding 1 inch to the length and width for the seam allowance. Place the fabric right sides together and pin, leaving an opening for stuffing or pillow form. Sew around the pinned fabric. Reach into the open seam and turn the fabric right side out: press. Insert stuffing or pillow. Hand-stitch opening closed or if you want to be able to remove the outside cover for easy cleaning sew in a zipper or make a button closure.

Reface a pair of doors while also hiding the cabinet's contents by lining the glass panels with patterned fabric. On the back of each door, stretch the fabric over the glass and use a staple gun to fasten the edges to the wooden frame. For a tidy appearance inside, conceal the staples with glued-down coordinating ribbon.

Stitch up the perfect table runner -- custom-fit to your own table -- by making a fabric "sandwich" with a piece of same-size batting in between. With right sides out and the layers pinned together, sew straight quilting lines through all pieces along the length of the runner. Cover the raw edges with binding tape adhered with fusible web. 

To finish your dining room makeover make chair covers. You don't need to slipcover an entire chair to give it a fresh new look. Make this chair-back cover with just two squares of fabric and use fusible web to adhere a fabric shape to one piece. Finish with coordinating binding tape adhered to the edges with fusible web. For a no sew option on both the table runner and the chair cover use stitch witch to hold your raw edges down when you make your hems.

To spruce up your office space or kids bedroom cover an artist canvas, cork board or piece of sheet metal with fabric. Works great as a memo board, memory board or as a piece of artwork.

Abstract fabric cutouts dress up plain card stock to make custom all-occasion greeting cards that also look great framed. Gel pen outlines and a decorative scalloped edge finish off the cards.

Group together fabric-covered balls to make a great filler for a bowl, a glass vase, or a basket. Cut fabric strips from coordinating fabrics and use glue to adhere the strips to plastic-foam balls. Select a variety of fabric patterns and use both small and large balls for extra interest.

Hopefully this gives you some great new ideas for all those extra fabric pieces. It's spring so get out there and try something new.

Fabric Abrasion 101

We are asked a lot how durable certain fabrics are. Many upholstery grade fabrics will have 1 of 2 abrasion ratings listed in the description; It will either be Wyzenbeek or Martindale. These two methods of testing the durability of fabric for upholstery use are actually very different but both of them are commonly used. Let’s begin with the actual definition of abrasion. Abrasion resistance is “the ability of a fabric to resist surface wear caused by flat rubbing contact with another fabric.”

The Wyzenbeek method is a standard test used in the United States. It is often referred to as the “rub test” as people often ask how many “double rubs” a particular pattern passes. The Wyzenbeek machine tests the fabric in both the warp direction (up and down) and the fill or weft direction (right to left). A sample of the fabric is cut into two pieces and each are pulled tight in a frame where it is held stationary. A piece of cotton duck fabric is used as the abradant and is rubbed back and forth over the fabric, known as the “double rub.” The samples are checked after every 5,000 double rubs and if the fabric is still holding up, it goes through another cycle of 5,000 and so on. When wearing has become evident or two yarn breaks have occurred, the end point has been reached, and the fabric is rated by the last check point it passed. So in simple terms, this means if there isn’t any noticeable wear at the first check of 5,000 rubs but it shows noticeable wear at the next cycle it must be rated as only 5,000 double rubs. Most of the time, 15,000 double rubs is considered suitable for heavy use in a residential application.

The Martindale test method is usually performed on imported product, and uses a different method when rubbing the fabric. The sample is mounted flat and a piece of worsted wool cloth is used as the abradant. It is rubbed in an elliptical shape. Again the method is checked in 5,000 cycles and when two breaks occur or there is a sufficient change in shade or appearance, the fabric is rated by the last checkpoint it passed. A rating of 20,000 rubs is considered suitable for heavy duty residential use.

There is, however, one misconception about the two methods. There is no correlation between the two methods; you can not estimate the number of cycles on one test if you only know the test results from the other method.

The next time you are searching for upholstery fabric be sure to look for either one of these abrasion ratings. Knowing this bit of information should make your search that much easier.

What is Mohair?

Mohair usually refers to yarn made from the long white lustrous hair of the Angora goat.  The goat originated from the mountains of Tibet making their way to Turkey.  Until 1849, the province of Ankara was the sole producer of Angora goats until they were brought over to Europe by Charles V.  Today, Angora goats are also raised in New Zealand, The United States with South Africa being the largest mohair producer in the world. (The United States, mainly Texas, is second)
Mohair is one of the oldest textile fibers in use dating as far back as the 8th Century.  It is known for its high luster and durability.  Angora is the most resilient natural fiber and is considered Eco Friendly because of its sustainability.  Another important characteristic of mohair is how exceptional it takes dyes.  The color is absorbed brilliantly into the fibers creating rich saturated colors.
Mohair is a pile fabric which stands upright.  It is woven together on a velvet loom and then cut apart into two pieces.  Mohair is usually blended with cotton for the backing and then a coating is applied to help keep the pile in place.
Mohair velvets are priced according to the thickness and/or the height of the pile.  The longer the hairs or the denser the pile, the higher the cost will be.  Mohair made from the hair of a young goat, also known as “Kid Mohair”, if the finest quality available.

With the temperatures and leaves beginning to fall and with
Thanksgiving right around the corner, consider warming up your home with
autumn-toned pillows or table runners. Create a warm feeling by using fabrics rich
in color with orange, red, gold or olive hues. Here are some favorites
available directly from www.InteriorMall.com.

The use of burnt orange and green adds a great color pop to any room or space.

Waldemere Geranium by Robert Allen

Eggplant and Olive make a non-traditional pairing that works well for fall and winter.

Candy Stripe Eggplant by Kasmir

Velvet flocking adds an interesting textural element and the dark velvet really pops against the lighter silk background.

Isadora Velvet Olive by Robert Allen

Houndstooth checks and woven fabrics are also a great way to make a home seem cozy.

Square Pegs Beige by Robert Allen

Nothing says Fall like a good old fashioned wool and cashmere Tartan Plaid.

McDonnell Tartan Cranberry by Ralph Lauren.

Don't forget to check out all of Interior Mall's fabrics for more cozy inspiration. And for holiday ideas don't forget Interior Mall's large selection of gift items.

FUN FACT FRIDAY!

Did you know... Interior Mall actually has around 17 sister sites to help you find the exact product you are looking for? Here's a list of some of our favorites to get you to the specific item you're looking for.

* www.Decorating-Kids-Room.com
Boys, Girls, babies, teens and toddlers. Everything you need for decorating
children's rooms.
* www.FabricsUSA.com
The hottest fabrics available for under $15 per yard.
* www.FakeFauxFurFabric.com
Nothing but faux fur fabrics for throws, costumes, rugs and wallcoverings.
* www.FauxWoodBlindStore.com
Faux Wood Blinds for your home and office.
* www.HunterCeilingFanStore.com The brand you know and trust. Ceiling Fans, Bathroom Fans, Vanity Lighting, Air Purifiers, Humidifiers, Remotes and more. Free Shipping everyday!
* www.RollerSolarShades.com
The hottest trend in window coverings today, the Roller Solar Shade store has
hundreds of fabrics, styles and options to choose from.
* www.TheTiffanyLampStore.com
A vast array of Tiffany Lamps including chandeliers, floor lamps, table lamps and more and as always FREE SHIPPING!
* www.VinylBlindStore.com
Save big on over 400 available sizes. Find the size you need quickly with our easy to read size charts. Custom sizes also available.
* www.WoodBlindStore.com
Real Wood Blinds in dozens of custom colors and sizes.

We've made it easy to find a specific product whether it be on www.InteriorMall.com or one of our sister sites. And no matter which site you choose to shop you will always get the friendly and helpful customer service you've come to know and love from Interior Mall.