Tenting for the pandemic
December 1st, 2020
Restaurants have turned to companies like Everything Entertainment to help with outside seating. But without the need for walls or flooring, profit can be hard to come by. Photo: Everything Entertainment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the tent industry finds new ways to survive. by Jeff Moravec There are all manner of seasonal ebbs and flows […]
An unprecedented Expo in an unprecedented year
December 1st, 2020
It’s the day after IFAI Virtual Expo 2020 as I write this editorial—and my feet are blister-free. That’s not to say that an in-person Expo wouldn’t have been preferable, but under the circumstances, the industry came together in the only way possible for the conversations, networking and education that are more essential than ever. The […]
Textiles and 3D technology
December 1st, 2020
Produced through the 3D printing process known as solid deposit modeling (SDM), Nike’s Flyprint shoes were designed to help distance runners achieve peak performance. The company has been 3D printing textile uppers for its Flyprint shoes since 2018. Photo: Nike. 3D printed textiles can be viable in the industry. by Kony Chatterjee and Tushar K. […]
Minidocumentary follows students as they explore T-shirt sustainability
December 1st, 2020
Katy Powers takes a photo of Sydney Parker in the middle of a cotton field at Grant Farms in Garysburg, N.C. The North Carolina State University students are featured in the Crop to Campus documentary about T-shirt sustainability. Photo: Business Wire. Apparel company HanesBrands Inc. has released a seven-part minidocumentary that follows three North Carolina […]
Wearable technology helps stroke patients rehabilitate
December 1st, 2020
Dutch designer and researcher Jessica Smarsch has introduced Connextyle, a shirt designed for measuring muscle activity. Applicable for many kinds of rehabilitation, it was originally meant to help stroke patients who have lost full use of their upper body. Using a new textile technology called TexPCBs, the shirt collects data and provides feedback on the […]
Additive-free textiles
December 1st, 2020
In response to new fabric regulations, the Enduratex™ ANDANTE textile collection is free of phthalates, fire retardants and antimicrobial additives. The collection has a unique faded denim look with rich colors and is recommended for use in hospitality, corporate, health-care, restaurant and residential applications. It comes on a 30-yard roll, 54 inches in width and […]
High-control overlock machines
December 1st, 2020
BERNINA of America’s new L 8 Series Overlocker machines include a one-step Air Threader, which allows threads to move through the machine via one simple step on the foot control. The new L 890 and L 850 machines also come equipped with color-coded one-path threading, a free-hand system and a sewing space of 5 5/8 […]