Shear or Sheer the Textile Spelling Test

What is the difference between Shear and Sheer in regard to textiles?

Shear has two definitions.  First, as shearing machine which does mechanical cutting or trimming of projecting fibers from the surface of cloth.  Fabrics can be sheared to the one thirty second part of an inch as to height of the nap on the goods.  Second, is an operation in the finishing plant of a mill to shear or cut-off long floats of warp or filling from a fabric as in the case of clipspots, warp floats, lappets and comparable materials.

Sheer is any group of very thin cloths such as chiffon, batiste, net, organdy, voile, etc. “Heavy Sheer” and “semi-sheer” are used to describe the more compact goods in this family of fabrics made from the same fine yarns employed but with higher textures than in ordinary sheers.  Sheer fabric is used for dress goods, evening wear, bridal wear, etc.

By the way, just to toss in another similar word, let’s not forget about shearing.  Shearing is the cutting of the fleece from a sheep with hand shears or by machine power shears.  All wool throughout the world, except California and Texas wools which are shorn twice a year, is clipped annually.  Have any of you heard differently?

If you have additional information about shearing, shear, or sheer, please share your thoughts in the discussion area below.

Shed of the Loom Not Fruit

The Shed of the Loom is completely different then the Fruit of the Loom.  The opening or space between the top and bottom sets of warp yarns which form the shed of the loom.  Shed formation is made possible by the raising and lowering of the respective harness frames in the loom.  Each harness has its needles through which are drawn the respective warp ends which raise or lower with the particular harnesses to produce the shed, in accordance with the pattern chain which controls the loom and pattern actions.

If you have additional information textile industry looms, please share your thoughts in the discussion area below.

Kersey Cloth is Not Jersey

Is Kersey a typo for Jersey Fabric?

No, it is an entirely different cloth.  Kersey originated in Kersey, near Hadleigh, Suffolk County, England.  The present kersey cloth is heavily fulled or milled and made of woolen yarn, has a high lustrous nap and a “grain” face.  In Southern districts of this country there is a cheap type of clot this is a “Union” but is sold as kersey.  Kersey when compared with beaver is fulled more, has a shorter nap and a higher luster.  The weight of the cloth typically runs from fourteen to twenty-four ounces per yard.  Face finish weaves have to be used so that the ultimate finish will be acceptable.  Cloth gives good wear and is of the dressy, conventional type.  Found in blues, browns, blacks, and other popular shades.

Learn more about fabric and fabric mills on the Apparel Search clothing and textile industry directory.

If you know additional information regarding kersey fabric, please share your thoughts in the discussion area below.

Interlock Fabric and Jersey Fabrics

What is the difference between interlock fabric and jersey fabric?

Interlock is a special type of eight-lock knit cloth, but is generally described as a double 1x1 rib with crossed sinker wales.  The fabric has a smooth surface on both sides, possess good wearing qualities.  Has less elasticity than ribs and does not develop prominent ribs when stretched in the horizontal direction.  Fancy fabrics in this category are made with color arrangements, needle set-out, tucking, and combinations of the foregoing.  Used in sweaters, underwear and more.

Jersey fabric is a plain stitch knitted cloth in contrast to rib-knitted fabric.  Material may be made circular, flat or warp knitted; the latter type jersey is sometimes known as tricot.  Used in dressgoods, sportswear, underwear, and often for t-shirts.  This fabric gives good service and launders very well.  Jersey is a very popular staple fabric.  Some fabric of this name is woven, but it is more often a knit.

Learn more about fabric and fabric mills on the Apparel Search clothing and textile industry directory.

If you have conducted research and know additional information about interlock and jersey fabric, please share your knowledge in the discussion area below.

Dip Dye Techniques Summer Trend 2013

MAJOR SUMMER TREND: Dip dye techniques create gentle color gradations, and these color washed, ombre effects on sheer, flowing.

DETAILS: An ombre silk crepe de chine dress features a lustrous color dipped hemline to interpret the must-have trend in authentic Eileen Fisher comfort and style. Or, opt for an ombre linen gauze look with a splash of aqua for a water colored effect.

WHERE TO BUY: www.eileenfisher.com

The Future of FR Fabrics Presented by Mount Vernon FR

In keeping with the brand’s commitment to innovation, Mount Vernon FR will unveil new FR fabrics and finishes at American Society of Safety Engineers’ (ASSE) SAFETY 2013, including FlexTex and amDry. As part of the launch, Mount Vernon FR will host a press event entitled ‘The Future of FR Fabrics’. SAFETY 2013 will be held in Las Vegas, June 24-27, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

FlexTex is the newest line of flame resistant (FR) fabrics under the Mount Vernon FR brand. Developed for increased comfort and movability, FlexTex fabrics include an elastomeric fiber that allows fabric to flex up to 14 percent with a 97 percent recovery. FlexTex adds mobility to fabric with no reduction in FR protection, so workers experience increased freedom and range of motion. Mount Vernon FR FlexTex fabrics have a bilateral flex that allows them to elongate sideways and diagonally, eliminating any sagging or bagging. FlexTex fabrics meet requirements of ASTM F1506, and National Safety Apparel is the first to adopt the new collection.

            

 Mount Vernon FR is also introducing amDry, a durable water repellent finish that can be applied to any Mount Vernon FR fabric to deliver protection to workers in water-intensive jobs and industries. Fabrics finished with amDry have a spray rating of 90/100. When combined with Mount Vernon FR fabrics' proven protection from the hazards of electric arc and flash fire, amDry finishing means a third level of protection can be reached.

            

 “As industries requiring FR garments continue to grow, driving innovation through unique fibers, fabrics and finishes will help meet the evolving needs and wants of workers who rely on FR protective garments for their safety on the job,” said Mike Woods, vice president of FR fabrics for Mount Vernon FR. “FlexTex and amDry represent the first of several new innovations that we will be introducing over the next few months as we focus on the future of FR fabrics.”

SAFETY 2013 is considered one of the most important safety and health events of the year, with more than 500 exhibitors and nearly 4,000 attendees. Presenting FlexTex and amDry at SAFETY 2013 provides a far-reaching platform to highlight how Mount Vernon FR is evolving the FR industry as they meet workforce demands.  

If you plan to attend SAFETY 2013 and want to learn more about Mount Vernon FR, please visit booth #1685.

About Mount Vernon FR:

Mount Vernon FR is the flame resistant fabric division of Mount Vernon Mills. When laundered to manufacturer’s specifications, the flame resistance of all Mount Vernon FR fabrics is guaranteed for the life of the garment.  With total manufacturing control over more than 25 production processes in the company’s vertically integrated manufacturing facility located in Trion, Ga., customers can have confidence in knowing that every Mount Vernon FR fabric will be of the highest level of quality, durability and reliability. Mount Vernon FR fabrics are all made in the USA. Learn more at www.mvmfr.com. 

Repreve Certified as Responsible Source Product: Polyester

SCS Global Services (SCS) announced that Unifi Manufacturing, Inc., a leading producer of multi-filament polyester, nylon textured yarns, and related raw materials, is the first manufacturer of its kind to earn Responsible Source™ certification.  Certification was issued for Unifi’s REPREVE® products manufactured in the REPREVE Recycling Center in Yadkinville, North Carolina. The Responsible Source™ certification further raises Unifi’s profile as a sustainability leader in the textile industry, providing an enhanced level of transparency about its REPREVE products.

REPREVE products are made from pre-consumer and post-consumer recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET), and have been certified for Recycled Content by SCS since 2007.

“Responsible Source™ certification gives apparel and textile companies confidence that REPREVE polyester inputs are both environmentally and socially responsible, providing a new level of transparency about raw material inputs for recycled products,” said Stowe Hartridge-Beam, Managing Director of Environmental Certification Services for SCS.

“This certification is important to Unifi, as it further shows our commitment in providing our customers with quality, transparent and responsibly manufactured REPREVE-based products,” said Jay Hertwig, Vice President of global branding for Unifi.

The Responsible Source™ standard for the textiles sector, developed by SCS Global Services, addresses supply chain and manufacturing issues related to the production of un-dyed recycled chips, pellets, and manufactured fibers. Certification is available to manufacturers who screen suppliers for compliance with local environmental regulations, enforce fair labor and workplace practices, and account for human health and environmental life cycle impacts. Certification enables manufacturers to sell inputs as “Responsible Source™ certified,” and to promote themselves to downstream customers as a “Responsible Source.” The standard incorporates elements from ILO conventions, U.S. federal regulations, ISO standards and guidelines, and existing SCS standards.

Unifi is the first yarn manufacturer to achieve Responsible Source™ certification, and has shown that its REPREVE yarns and resins are manufactured in a manner which supports environmental and ethical responsibility. Unifi tracks energy and water consumption, water discharges, air emissions and hazardous waste disposal. It has robust material tracking and traceability mechanisms in place, and maintains strong relationships with its vendors and suppliers. As a part of the certification process, Unifi’s environmental performance was measured in eight key impact categories, and the company established a supplier screening supply chain risk assessment framework.

SCS Global Services (SCS), formerly Scientific Certification Systems, has been a global leader in third-party environmental and sustainability certification, auditing, testing and standards development for nearly thirty years. SCS programs span a wide cross-section of sectors, recognizing exemplary performance in natural resource management, green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, retailing and more. SCS is a Certified B Corporation^TM, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practice.

REPREVE is a registered trademark of Unifi, Inc.

HM Announces Global Recycling Program for February 2013

Beginning February 2013, customers will be able to exchange used garments for shopping discounts in H&M stores (in all 48 markets worldwide). Sustainability is an important part of H&M’s culture, and with this, the Swedish retailer strives to reduce the environmental impact of clothes throughout their lifecycle.

“Our sustainability efforts are rooted in a dedication to social and environmental responsibility. We want to do good for the environment, which is why we are now offering our customers a convenient solution: to be able to leave their worn out or defective garments with H&M” says Karl-Johan Persson, CEO H&M.

H&M will be the first fashion company to roll out garment collecting in select stores worldwide. Through this global initiative, H&M’s customers can help save natural resources and contribute to reduced environmental impact by avoiding textile waste. Any pieces of clothing, from any brand, and in any condition will be accepted. In return, the customer will receive a voucher for each bag of clothing donated.

Every year, tons of textiles are thrown out with domestic waste, and end up in landfills. Over 95% of these clothes could be used again; re-worn, reused or recycled - depending on the state of the garment. Through its Conscious Foundation, H&M has made it its mission to reduce the environmental impact of garments throughout the lifecycle by closing the loop on textile fiber and supporting social projects along H&M’s value chain. The aim is to find long-term technical solutions to reuse and recycle textile fibers on a larger scale.

Mount Vernon FR Highlights Value-Added Fabric with Softening Finish

To enhance the comfort of flame resistant garments made with Mount Vernon FR fabric, Mount Vernon Mills is now offering its AMSOFT™ finish on all fabrics available within the brand’s six collections. The AMSOFT finish is applied to Mount Vernon FR fabrics using the Biancalani AIRO^® 24 machine, which uses a chemical-free softening process to provide a distinct, naturally soft hand and improved drape to the company’s flame resistant fabrics. The AMSOFT process softens fabric at a speed of 40 meters per minute, and can process up to 600 kilograms of fabric per hour.

“Utilizing the latest technology in the industry guarantees that Mount Vernon FR fabrics are the most comfortable fabrics available on the market,” said Mike Woods, vice president of flame resistant fabric sales for Mount Vernon Mills. “Our AMSOFT finish exemplifies Mount Vernon’s continual pursuit of innovation and added value for our customers, who demand comfort as well as safety in their flame resistant garments.”

The AMSOFT finish can be applied to the company’s extensive selection of flame resistant protective fabrics in the following six collections:

· AMTEX™ C100 – 100 percent cotton

· AMTEX™ PLUS – 88 percent cotton/12 percent nylon blend

· RESILIENCE^® – 80 percent cotton/20 percent Nomex^® blend

· RESILIENCE^® TRIO – Cotton/Nomex^®/nylon blend

· PHOENIX FR – Flame-resistant denim ranging from 7.5 to 14.75 ounces/square yard

· MY•FR – Custom fabric program that allows customers to tailor flame resistant fabrics to match their unique needs

Mount Vernon FR fabrics are produced in the company’s vertically integrated manufacturing facility located in Trion, Ga. To ensure that every Mount Vernon FR fabric is of the highest level of reliability, quality, durability, color consistency and shrinkage control, the company has total in-house control of more than 25 major processes, including spinning, weaving, dyeing and FR finishing, and uses more than 3,000 computer-monitored control points and extensive quality assurance testing.

About Mount Vernon Mills & Mount Vernon FR:Mount Vernon Mills is a 165-year-old manufacturer of textile, chemical and related products for the apparel, industrial, institutional and commercial markets. Mount Vernon FR is part of Mount Vernon Mills’ Apparel Fabrics Group, which produces denim, flame resistant and piece-dyed fabric. It is the largest of all the Mount Vernon Mills groups, accounting for more than half of all company sales. More information can be found at www.mvmills.com or www.MVMFR.com.

Scottish Success Celebrating Employee Owned Companies

Dynamic employee owned organisations were recognised at an awards ceremony with Scottish companies pulling off a unique double.

The UK Phillip Baxendale Awards showcased the very best in British employee ownership and the Scottish winners show the growing popularity of the business model.

The night saw wins for two vibrant Scottish businesses where employees have a real stake in their place of work.

Dick Philbrick, managing director of engineering firm Clansman Dynamics, was awarded the “Outstanding Leadership Award” for the inspirational role he has played at the head of that company, and the clear productivity gains since becoming employee owned.

Michelle Quadrelli of technical textile manufacturer Scott and Fyfe received the “Employee Innovation” award for the exciting marketing tools she has developed to engage with staff as the business undertakes its journey to employee ownership.

Dick Philbrick also chairs the Advisory Board of Co-operative Development Scotland – the agency responsible for growing employee owned businesses in Scotland.

He said: “I’m accepting this on behalf of all of my colleagues at Clansman Dynamics. The employees have worked hard, and risen to the challenge of owning their company. They have all played their part in the exciting journey we are on, and have all contributed to our success.”

Sarah Deas, chief executive of Co-operative Development Scotland, who is recognised as being the catalyst for the surge in interest in employee ownership and collaborative models in Scotland, was Highly Commended in the category of ‘Voice of Employee Ownership.’

Deas added: “What these awards show is that we are gaining real traction in the business community when it comes to making the case for employee ownership. Not only do firms benefit from an increase in staff morale but the evidence clearly points to a rise in productivity.”

Margaret Paterson, manager of Dumfries and Galloway home care company, Stewartry Care, was Highly Commended in the Leadership Award. Dyce based Woollard & Henry was also recognised with a Highly Commended award for Productivity and Profitability.

The Awards are co-organised by the Employee Ownership Association and Baxi Partnership. Peter Stocks, chief executive of the Baxi Partnership, said: “This year’s awards offer us a catwalk of high-performing businesses that are using their employee owned model as to drive their success. These exemplar organisations delivering to both public and private sectors show us the best of British innovation and workforce passion.

“It has been an incredibly exciting twelve months for the employee ownership sector, and given the potential in our growing sector the best is yet to come.”

 

About CDS

Co-operative Development Scotland (CDS) is a Scottish Enterprise subsidiary, established to help companies grow by setting up consortium or employee-owned businesses. It works in partnership with Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

An employee-owned business is one in which the employees hold the majority of the shares either directly or through an employee benefit trust. EO gives employees a meaningful stake in their organisation together with a genuine say in how it is run.

Employee owned businesses account for a combined annual turnover in excess of £30 billion in the UK, more than two per cent of GDP and growing.

2012 has been declared by the United Nations as the International Year of Co-operatives (IYC). For further information on CDS see www.cdscotland.co.uk or call on 0141 951 3055. Follow CDS on Twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/cdscotland

About The Baxi Partnership

Baxi Partnership is a dynamic, successful employee owned company. We operate across a range of sectors, including an advisory service that helps other organisations to become owned by their employees. The mission of the Baxi Partnership is to support the growth of strong, sustainable mutual and employee ownership.

Our first-hand experience in supporting public and private sector organisations for over 12 years shows time and again that giving employees a significant stake in the enterprise they work for, and real participation in how that enterprise is run, produces a significant lift in employee motivation from which follow a series of benefits that drive superior performance.

To find out more about Baxi Partnership, please visit our website at www.baxipartnership.co.uk