Friday, February 24, 2012

What is a Matelassé?

Here at A Touch of Lace we are always asked what the difference is between a matelassé and a coverlet. So we're here today to let you know what exactly a matelassé is.
Matelassé (pronounced matt-le-say) is a French word meaning padded, lined or quilted. It is used to describe fabric that appears to be quilted, but actually has no padding within the fabric. Specialty jacquard looms are used to give a matelassé fabric a unique appearance or intricate designs, raised patterns, indentations, and the padded look often associated with quilts.

Below is one of SFERRA's newest matelassé styles, Asti.

Friday, February 17, 2012

What is a Satin Stitch?

A satin stitch or damask stitch is a series of flat stitches that are used to completely cover a section of the background fabric. The stitches are laid side by side, evenly and closely together, creating a large, smooth, satiny area- hence its name. A satin stitch can be used as a decorative stitch or to affix one piece of fabric to another.

To get a better understanding, watch a video of SFERRA's satin stitch on a set of Grande Hotel sheeting, here: Satin Stitch



The Lowdown on Linen

Linen is a textile made from fibers of the flax plant and is one of the oldest textile fibers known to man. Because of its durability and absorbency qualities, linen has long been a favorite for summer clothing, sheeting, table linens, and toweling. Highly absorbent and a good conductor of heat, linen fabric feels cool to the touch. Linen is two to three times stronger than cotton. It is smooth, making the finished fabric lint free, and gets softer the more it is washed. Linen is relatively easy to take care of since it resists dirt and stains and has no lint or pilling tendency.

A Touch of Lace offers several styles of linen bedding. SFERRA has also introduced a new Italian-spun linen line called Classico Vintage. It's available in a soft color palette and is offered in duvet covers, shams, flat sheets and pillowcases.

Monday, February 6, 2012

New Product Alert!!

A Touch of Lace is proud to announce the newest member to join our collection of high end products: The Laundress! It is an eco-chic line of specialty detergents and fabric care committed to being green for you, your clothing and the environment.

Why should you pick the Laundress?
Highly concentrated
Suitable for all machines, washing temperatures, and water systems
Each product is designed specifically for each fabric with the most effective ingredients
Avoid toxic chemicals and eliminate 99% of dry cleaning needs!

What makes the Laundress green?
100% biodegradable
Concentrated product requires less packaging, less water, and less energy
Recyclable plastic is used for all products
Scents contain essential oil blends, not artificial fragrances
They do not use artificial colors, dyes, or unnecessary additives
Allergen, phthalate, phosphate, and paraben free

A Touch of Lace is excited to introduce you to these amazing products. Stop in to check out the detergents (signature, whites and delicate), wool and cashmere shampoo, stain solution, fabric fresh spray, static solution, and the sweater stone!