Monday, January 8, 2024

2024 PANTONE Color of the Year - PEACH FUZZY

 

   

PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz captures our desire to nurture ourselves and others. It's a velvety gentle peach tone whose all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body, and soul.

In seeking a hue that echoes our innate yearning for closeness and connection, we chose a color radiant with warmth and modern elegance. A shade that resonates with compassion, offers a tactile embrace, and effortlessly bridges the youthful with the timeless.

Headshot of Pantone Lee Eiseman

Leatrice Eiseman

Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute™


Here are our TOP PICKS of high performance upholstery grade fabrics available for use either by the yard purchase OR for use in your upcoming design projects in and around your home!


Sunbrella 40431
CAST PETAL

Sunbrella 56000
DOLCE MANGO

Sunbrella Solve Clay

Sunbrella Remix Mesa

Sunbrella Create Guava

Sunbrella Bliss Guava

Sunbrella Bliss Clay

Sunbrella Posh Coral

Sunbrella Cast Coral

Sunbrella Lore Canyon

Sunbrella Detail Persimmon

Sunbrella Chartres Rose

Sunbrella Trail Blush

Cassava Coral

Sunbrella Kindle Blush

Sunbrella Connection Guava
[[discontinued - 200 yards remaining]]

Sunbrella Blush

Bella Dura Morada Coral

Bella Dura Grasscloth Persimmon

Bella Dura Chimera Mai Tai

Bella Dura Lansinger Flamingo

Bella Dura Nye Persimmon

Bella Dura Brighton Mandarin

Bella Dura Camber Coral

Bella Dura Trivoli Persimmon

Bella Dura Arizona Mandarin

Bella Dura Atoll Persimmon

Sunbrella Canvas Persimmon

Sunbrella Mezzo Coral

Sunbrella Natte Flamingo

Sunbrella Savane Dawn

Luxury Sunshine (off brand)

Allure Sunshine (off brand)


Samples available directly on our website at www.outdoorfabrics.com.  Samples are $1.00 each plus preferred shipping method cost.  Sample size is 3" x 7".

All custom production clients receive complimentary samples!



Creating happy homes...Inside & Out!



























































Thursday, March 30, 2023

Acrylic Yarn - A Review in History

 




Acrylic yarn and fabric mill production has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. During this time, synthetic fibers were first developed as an alternative to natural materials such as wool and cotton. Acrylic yarn was one of the first synthetic fibers to be developed and quickly gained popularity due to its soft texture, durability, and ability to retain color.

In the mid-20th century, advancements in technology allowed for the mass production of acrylic yarn and fabric. This led to the establishment of many fabric mills around the world, with each manufacturer striving to create the best quality products and gain a competitive edge in the market.
One of the most well-known leaders in the acrylic yarn and fabric mill industry is Sunbrella. The company was founded in the 1960s and quickly became known for their high-quality outdoor fabrics that were resistant to fading, mold, and mildew. Sunbrella also pioneered the use of solution-dyed acrylic yarn, which meant that the color was embedded into the fibers during production, rather than simply applied to the surface of the fabric.




Over the years, Sunbrella has continued to innovate and stay ahead of the competition by investing heavily in research and development. They have expanded their product line to include a wide range of fabrics that are used in various industries, including outdoor furniture, marine upholstery, and awnings.





In addition to their focus on quality and innovation, Sunbrella has also prioritized sustainability in their operations. They have implemented recycling programs to reduce waste, and their products are produced using eco-friendly methods and materials.  Specifically, the Sunbrella Heritage Collection utilizes 50% virgin Sunbrella acrylic yarns in combination with 50% Sunbrella recycled yarns creating a new high end jacquard that interior designers covet for their interior home projects AS WELL AS their exterior jobs.



Overall, acrylic yarn and fabric mill production has come a long way since its inception, and Sunbrella has played a significant role in shaping the industry. Their commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability has made them a leader in the market and a trusted name among consumers.




Creating happy homes...inside & out!

Friday, January 20, 2023

Art We There Yet?


Doing our small part to give a little back to our community one cushion at a time ...


As always we are in awe of individuals who dedicate their time for an amazing cause and give back to their community.  Recently we had the opportunity to assist two local artist who began an initiative to take their creativity, art and music on the road visiting cities, villages and other destinations around the world!

Here is a brief summary by the artists themselves -Art We There Yet? 

Why?  Because art is our passion, and the world is our inspiration.

We will build a body of artwork and music inspired by the Americas, illustrating the landscapes and lives of peoples across the Americas.  And there’s another reason why…
Because art is powerful.

We will use art to boldly illustrate that our diversity is our greatest strength.  We believe this is particularly important today, at a time when many are losing sight of our shared humanity and the value of diversity in society.

The arts enrich lives and everyone deserves access to public art and arts education.  We both have a lot to give and a lot to teach.  We will use our skills to contribute to public art and arts education in some of the places that need it the most.

With their powerful message and savvy determination, Cora and Jose set up their IndiGogo profile with the hopes of raising enough money to completely renovate an old school bus transforming it into a fully functioning artist studio on wheels!  



After learning about this incredible duo we knew immediately that we wanted to be a part of their amazing journey and who wouldn't?   As the word spread and with the help of other generous patrons  they have successfully transformed their bus into a fully functioning recording studio & artist loft and have taken to the road on August 19th. 
Their travels will last for the next 3  years and they will visit these targeted locations around the globe ...

Impressed?  So were we!!  Check out these photos of their converted bus...







A project of this scope requires hard work, determination and the generosity of patrons of the arts.  If you feel as inspired as we did - see how you can become a patron and check out their blog and Indigogo page where you can purchase art work and find other ways to participate in making their travel goals spreading the creative word through art and music!

About the artists:

José Luis Vílchez is a fine art painter, photographer, and musician from Nicaragua and the USA.  He is a graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, one of most prestigious art schools in the world, and he has traveled to over 70 countries.  He co-founded the Lido Art Center in Guangzhou, China where he also conducted portfolio reviews to help students gain acceptance to the world's top art schools.  His work has been shown in galleries in the USA, China, India, Nicaragua, and Romania.  Here is his website
Cora Rose is a singer-songwriter and record producer from the USA.  She began songwriting at 7, performing at 12, and released her first album at 15.  She has written with Dave Brainard, Michael Peterson, Roy Rivers, and Jill King, and she has had placements in TV and film, including NBC's Parks and Recreation and the acclaimed documentary, Taming Wild.  She developed a songwriting and recording workshop program, which she has conducted in public K-12 schools throughout the USA.  Here is her website.

To learn more about the project  or to see how you can help too - visit :



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