Wednesday, June 30, 2010

What do all the different rubs mean?

What do the rubs mean?

Many designers have asked over the years “what is the difference between the different rub tests?” We may have told you that the wire mesh rubs are done with wire mesh and that the Wyzenbeek are done with upholstery to test how the fabric would wear if you were sitting on the fabric – What does it really all mean?

There are two main tests – Wyzenbeek and Martindale.

Wyzenbeek rubs are the most common in the US; this is what most schools teach as well. To test in this method, the company will take a piece of cotton duck or wire mesh and rub it back and forth on your fabric. The amount of times this cycle can be completed (full back and forth cycle) before noticeable wear becomes your double rubs. Generally, using the Wyzenbeek method, 30,000 cotton duck rubs and 15,000 wire mesh rubs are considered heavy duty use where in Martindale 40,000 cycles becomes heavy duty. The machines that conduct both tests look very similar but the Martindale may closer predict durability. The Martindale test uses a piece of worsted wool instead of cotton duck or wire mesh and runs the test in a figure eight shape instead of back and forth. This test wears more of the fabric and could be concluded that it shows more regular wear and tear. Martindale tests are widely used in Europe and around the world; many fabrics coming from their mills are more commonly quoting Martindale rubs instead of Wyzenbeek (a US standard test). Unfortunately, there is no correlation between the two tests so even if you knew one set of test results – you could not determine the other without actually performing the test. When you see on fabric that has 15,000 wire mesh rubs, you can assume that it was tested with the Wyzenbeek method using wire mesh.

Video of Martindale method: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyZGpqM2xBU

What’s wrong with these tests? A test is only that – a test. I think we have all had to take a test at one point or another where we didn’t really need to know the material. We studied, took the test and then promptly forgot it. These fabric durability tests play similar games. For instance, with the Wyzenbeek method – the wire mesh or cotton duck is required to be replaced every one million double rubs. Where in that million double rubs was your fabric tested? If it were tested at the beginning, the fabric could show less performance. What is noticeable wear? It is in the eye of the beholder. One tester could have a different opinion than another. How hard was the abradant pressing against your fabric during the test?

These tests only take care of a small part of life for the fabric. Keep in mind (and your client’s mind) that fabric care is very important. The tests only mean so much - if you, as a designer, have doubts about the fabric – find a new selection.


Sources:

http://blog.kothea.com/2009/06/26/martindale-vs-wyzenbeek-3/

http://oecotextiles.wordpress.com/2009/11/18/abrasion-testing/

S M Winterburn: Special Products Technical Information Letter, Martindale Abrasion Testing with Reference to the USA Upholstery Market

Duralee Fabrics: Abrasion Testing

Friday, June 25, 2010

06-25-2010

Camille and I are back from our wonderful Hunter Douglas trip. We are definitely not rested, certainly fatter by a few pounds and still a bit jet lagged. The trip was great, we had beautiful weather and it is always fun to network with other industry friends from around the country. If you have not been to Barcelona, it is our new favorite place. The Gaudi architecture was unbelievable. I anticipated "weird". What we found was totally out-of-the-box and strangely gorgeous. Totally loved it. After 30 years in the business, we are hard to impress, but this blew us away.
Again, our deepest thanks to all of you who helped make this possible by ordering through CDT, and to our staff for holding the fort for us.

We are sad to announce that Eve Senti, our dear friend and merchandising goddess has decided to retire. We will miss her and her many talents. In her place, you will find Wendy Khalil, our former receptionist. Wendy's husband has been transferred back to the Chicago area, so we are happy to have Wendy and her huge product knowledge and sales skills back at CDT.

FYI: IMPORTANT
CDT will no longer ship to Ridol. They will not handle freight claims like all the other receivers do. In addition, they are not helpful when we have to handle the claim for them. Neither you nor CDT can afford to deal with a company that does not work with us as a team. Their prices may be low, but this is not the place to save money. You do get what you pay for.

LEXINGTON PRICE INCREASE
There will be a small price increase from Lexington effective August 8.

Have a great weekend!


"TWIGGY" from Houles

Although Houles is known for gorgeous high end trimmings, many items their line are comparable to their competitor's pricing. While they are a venerable traditional trim line, Houles has introduced some innovative new collections that are really priced well. A perfect example is the new "Twiggy" group.
This contemporary, group is really hip looking with a great color selection. The big tieback shown is expensive, but a smaller one from this group is under $100 retail. The coordinating welt cord is only $22 retail. And of course, nothing beats getting a package with a Paris postmark!
LEED Green Associate Class

In response the feeler we put out several weeks ago, we have tentatively scheduled the LEED Green Associate training class for Monday June 28 and Tuesday June 29.

The class will be held in the Arlington Design Center Building 3 (Campus Drive) from 9:00am until 1:00pm.

Cost of the class will be $259 per person which includes a course manual. The two study guides for the LEED GA exam are an additional $100. The cost of the actual exam through LEED is an additional $200. The exam will not be included in the class. You will be able to schedule the exam at a later date.

More details to follow - inluding the exact location of the class. It will NOT be in the CDT Showroom.

If you have already expressed an interest in attending, please call and confirm that this date will work for you. As I said, the date is tentative. If there is a change due to attendee's schedule demands, we will try to find a date that will work for more people.

To register or get more information, contact Kathleen Haerr:
LEED@localgreenconnect.com

Hunter Douglas Tax Credits and Rebates

If you are selling or have sold Architella shades this year, your client may be eligible for a Federal Tax Credit up to $1,500! We have the forms at CDT. There are some restrictions, so make sure to check on the form. This is retroactive to January 1, 2009 and runs through December 31, 2010. What a fantastic selling tool!

From May 4 - August 15 you can get a free ultraglide lifting system upgrade on Tierred Vignette shades. You should also be aware that Tierred Vignettes will now also be available with Easyrise lifting system.

Hunter Douglas has announced that effective June 1, Hunter Douglas Brand Products will no longer be available for purchase via the internet. This reaffirms the company's belief that the best service, the best knowledge and the best match of product to application comes from a design professional done face to face with personal knowledge of the customer's home. We are thrilled with this announcement and applaud Hunter Douglas for this step, which will certainly cost them sales but will surely be made up for in reputation, exclusivity and customer satisfaction.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

06-04-2010

Lots of small tidbits for you today!

Most exciting, at least for Camille and I, is that we are departing Saturday for our annual Vacation courtesy of Hunter Douglas. This year we get to relax on the Voyager of the Seas and see the sights of Barcelona, Rome, Florence, NIce, Aix, Eze and other lovely distinations in Italy and the South of France. We get only a few hours in each spot, but we will somehow manage to have a wonderful time. Jody will be in charge with the rest of our wonderful ladies holding the fort. We are so grateful to them. If they were not such hard workers and so loyal and concientious we would not be able to leave. We also want to extend our thanks to all of you who purchased Hunter Douglas products in 2009. It was a tough business climate, and we know how hard you worked for each and every sale. Thank you all so much for your business.

SCOOP:

Bradington Young has a price increase effective June 7. If you have an outstanding quote we will honor it through June 11.

The Temple price increase is now in effect. If you have an outstanding quote, please verify your price. No more old prices will be honored.

Seven Seas Seating will have a price increase effective June 7. No old prices will be honored after that date

Char has asked me to tell you that we have TONS of discontinued fabrics.
They are yours for the taking, first come, first served.

Don't forget Henredon's bedroom promotion:
Take an additional 10% off retail now through June 21.
Any of the following skus will be included:
-02 dressers, -03 dressers, -04 mirrors, -05 armoires, -06 night stands,
-10 queen beds, -12 king beds, -14 cal.king beds, -48 chests.

In other words queen bed 3035-10 is part of the promotion. -10 signifies a queen
bed. If you need clarification, please call.
Robert Allen Introduces
Larry Laslo Destinations



Miami Beat Rustic Chic

Design impresario Larry Laslo has created
a New collection for Robert Allen, called "Destinations". Comprised of two books, the group reflects the casual textures, intense colors and soothing neutrals. Prints, wovens, mattelasse, raffia, and an awesome burnout make this collection fun hip and interesting with that unique flair that sets Larry Laslo apart.

To learn more about Larry Laslo and his and his
work, you can watch a video on the Robert Allen website, www.robertallendesign.com You don't even need to sign in, just go down to "What's New" and and click. Scroll down and you will find "Videos". As always, Larry is entertaining and inspiring. Lots of other good stuff there as well!

Last Call...do you want one of these?

Many of you have admired this super comfy chair on our floor. It is discontinued, sadly, but we were informed that there were 26 frames in stock. I do not know how many are left, but we would be happy to call, and we can offer them to you at 25% off. Act fast, they will not be around for long!


In addition, take an extra 10% off all Oscar de la Renta upholstery now thru July 2!

Century Upholstery has informed us that their prices will increase about 2% as of June 15.

LEED Green Associate Class

In response the feeler we put out several weeks ago, we have tentatively scheduled the LEED Green Associate training class for Monday June 28 and Tuesday June 29.

The class will be held in the Arlington Design Center Building 3 (Campus Drive) from 9:00am until 1:00pm.

Cost of the class will be $259 per person which includes a course manual. The two study guides for the LEED GA exam are an additional $100. The cost of the actual exam through LEED is an additional $200. The exam will not be included in the class. You will be able to schedule the exam at a later date.

More details to follow - inluding the exact location of the class. It will NOT be in the CDT Showroom.

If you have already expressed an interest in attending, please call and confirm that this date will work for you. As I said, the date is tentative. If there is a change due to attendee's schedule demands, we will try to find a date that will work for more people.

To register or get more information, contact Kathleen Haerr:
LEED@localgreenconnect.com

Hunter Douglas Tax Credits and Rebates

If you are selling or have sold Architella shades this year, your client may be eligible for a Federal Tax Credit up to $1,500! We have the forms at CDT. There are some restrictions, so make sure to check on the form. This is retroactive to January 1, 2009 and runs through December 31, 2010. What a fantastic selling tool!

From May 4 - August 15 you can get a free ultraglide lifting system upgrade on Tierred Vignette shades. You should also be aware that Tierred Vignettes will now also be available with Easyrise lifting system.

Hunter Douglas has announced that effective June 1, Hunter Douglas Brand Products will no longer be available for purchase via the internet. This reaffirms the company's belief that the best service, the best knowledge and the best match of product to application comes from a design professional done face to face with personal knowledge of the customer's home. We are thrilled with this announcement and applaud Hunter Douglas for this step, which will certainly cost them sales but will surely be made up for in reputation, exclusivity and customer satisfaction.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

05-28-2010

As you may have heard, Robert Allen is now partnering with Sherwin Williams and coordinating their paint and color palette. We now have the Sherwin Williams sample deck at CDT should you need to refer to it. There are also some neat little swatch cards on the Robert Allen counter that are yours to take.

Keep an eye out for the pink "New" tags that are sprinkled among the fabric books. These are the brand new items. Lots of beautiful things.

Our samples from ADO have been completely done over. There are some fresh new looks as well as the long time favorites. Effective immediately, all ADO fabrics can now be ordered flame retardant, or "Bio-Protect" which helps fight odor and bacteria. Great for bathrooms, homes with smokers and lots of pets, and, of course, health care installations.

We have received a lot of new TREND books from Fabricut. We especially like the linens. It's always helpful to find a great product at an affordable price.

Don't forget Henredon's bedroom promotion:
Take an additional 10% off retail now through June 21.
Any of the following skus will be included:
-02 dressers, -03 dressers, -04 mirrors, -05 armoires, -06 night stands,
-10 queen beds, -12 king beds, -14 cal.king beds, -48 chests.

In other words queen bed 3035-10 is part of the promotion. -10 signifies a queen
bed. If you need clarification, please call.
Astoria Imports

Astoria imports began as a contract chair company and expanded into a wide range of furniture. From classic styles like the ones shown here, to contemporary occasional chairs, from dining chairs to French Country bedroom, you will be really excited by the selections you will find. They feature 24 standard finishes, and custom finishes are available. All fabrics are done COM, so there are no limits on what you can create!


Ask to see the Astoria Catalog the next time you stop in!

Century Promos

Many of you have admired this super comfy chair on our floor. It is discontinued, sadly, but we have just been informed that there are 26 frames in stock. This is contrary to what we were told a few weeks ago,when we checked stock for one of you. ANYWAY, we can offer them to you at 25% off. Act fast, they will not be around for long!


In addition, take an extra 10% off all Oscar de la Renta upholstery now thru July 2!

Century Upholstery has informed us that their prices will increase about 2% as of June 15.

Vervain Fabrics - Barry Dixon Collection

Take a peek in the showroom window and see the terrific new collection by designer Barry Dixon from Vervain. Up to date colors, fresh designs and beautiful ground cloths make this collection a real winner It's totally the look everyone wants now. You will see their ad in Veranda, Traditional Home and other shelter magazines.

In other news from Fabricut, the May 9th episode of Extreme Home Makeover was filmed in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Fabricut is located. They were honored to participate and to have provided many of the fabrics used in the home.
LEED Green Associate Class

In response the feeler we put out several weeks ago, we have tentatively scheduled the LEED Green Associate training class for Monday June 28 and Tuesday June 29.

The class will be held in the Arlington Design Center Building 3 (Campus Drive) from 9:00am until 1:00pm.

Cost of the class will be $259 per person which includes a course manual. The two study guides for the LEED GA exam are an additional $100. The cost of the actual exam through LEED is an additional $200. The exam will not be included in the class. You will be able to schedule the exam at a later date.

More details to follow - inluding the exact location of the class. It will NOT be in the CDT Showroom.

If you have already expressed an interest in attending, please call and confirm that this date will work for you. As I said, the date is tentative. If there is a change due to attendee's schedule demands, we will try to find a date that will work for more people.

To register or get more information, contact Kathleen Haerr:
LEED@localgreenconnect.com

Hunter Douglas Tax Credits and Rebates

If you are selling or have sold Architella shades this year, your client may be eligible for a Federal Tax Credit up to $1,500! We have the forms at CDT. There are some restrictions, so make sure to check on the form. This is retroactive to January 1, 2009 and runs through December 31, 2010. What a fantastic selling tool!

From May 4 - August 15 you can get a free ultraglide lifting system upgrade on Tierred Vignette shades. You should also be aware that Tierred Vignettes will now also be available with Easyrise lifting system.

Hunter Douglas has announced that effective June 1, Hunter Douglas Brand Products will no longer be available for purchase via the internet. This reaffirms the company's belief that the best service, the best knowledge and the best match of product to application comes from a design professional done face to face with personal knowledge of the customer's home. We are thrilled with this announcement and applaud Hunter Douglas for this step, which will certainly cost them sales but will surely be made up for in reputation, exclusivity and customer satisfaction.