Redesigned steam suits for the U.S. Navy

July 1, 2017  |  Projects

One of the dangers of life on a submarine is the potential for one of the pressurized steam lines aboard to rupture. In such a situation, steam would leak at extremely high temperatures, potentially resulting in severe injury or death. While it is highly unlikely for this to occur, safeguards must b…
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Planning for the circular economy

July 1, 2017  |  Editorial

Economics is an older science than ecology, created (if not perfected) during times when there were no scarcities of natural resources (and no wild-eyed college freshmen running around flashing their “Earth Day 1970” buttons at each other). In ecological science, there really is no concept of un…
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Mike Peterson reshapes company culture at SugarHouse Awning

July 1, 2017  |  Features, Perspective

Mike Peterson restructures an awning company’s culture by asking hard questions, collaborating on the answers, and fearlessly changing the rules. Our old philosophy was to focus on profitability and the end result—and in order to get there we did our best to take care of our customers, and our e…
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Digital knitting machine

July 1, 2017  |  Projects

Nothing to wear? What if you could just push a button and print out a sweater? While it sounds like the stuff of science fiction, technology is revolutionizing the fashion industry in exciting ways—including the development of a 3-D printer for knitting. Called Kniterate, the printer automatically…
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A hammock/tent for sleeping in the air

July 1, 2017  |  Projects

Designed for one person—up to 250 pounds—REI’s Quarter Dome Air Hammock is a minimalist alternative to a tent. Lightweight and easy to set up and take down, it’s made of 15-denier ripstop nylon to provide tear-resistant protection. Settling into a fabric sling is great for relaxing or nappin…
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Japanese-inspired fabrics

July 1, 2017  |  Products, Resources

The Azuma textile collection, from KnollTextiles, is inspired by the balance and harmony found in Japanese design philosophy and culture. The four upholstery fabrics in the collection, Kabuki, Sashiko, Zen Wave and Kaya, celebrate bold graphic forms and simple, subtle beauty. The fabric designs incl…
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Designing with natural decor brings tented events to life

July 1, 2017  |  Industry News

According to the color gurus at Pantone®, Greenery—the Pantone Color of the Year 2017—emblematizes our intrinsic desire to restore, revitalize and reconnect. Pantone calls the naturally neutral shade “symbolic of new beginnings”—a description appropriate to the thousands of weddings and o…
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Understand your customers’ personalities for better sales

July 1, 2017  |  Business, Management

Elemental keys to staying in sync and making the sale. The first thing you need to know is that your customers are different—from each other, and from you. You may feel that you already know that, but I can tell you that many business owners and professionals have lamented to me that the client th…
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Coats Epic Metallic thread

July 1, 2017  |  Products, Resources

Coats Epic Metallic thread is a specially developed metallised sewing thread consisting of a metallised yarn twisted together with a durable polyester core spun thread. The thread is especially suitable for decorative stitching on denim wear, apparel and leather goods that have not been treated with…
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Soggy-free foam

July 1, 2017  |  Products, Resources

The Bellbloc fabric liner system improves the performance of fabrics in upholstery applications by protecting foam inserts from the elements, extending the useful life of foam cushions. Developed specifically for the outdoor, hospitality, contract, long-term care and residential markets, the innovat…
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