Sunbrella Sheers Launch

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 6/19/2006 12:00:00 AM

High Point, N.C. —

The first sheers using Glen Raven's Sunbrella yarn have been introduced by Glen Raven and Sunbury Textiles.

Glen Raven created the sheers using three basic constructions. Sunbury represents Glen Raven in the distributor/jobber channel, explained Sunbury senior vp Rocco Simone.

While fabrics using the solution-dyed acrylic trademarked Sunbrella fiber for upholstery and other decorative uses have been on the market for some years, the development of sheers has been a longer-term project because of specific needs for the fabric at the window, Simone explained.

Key attributes of Sunbrella fabrics include: no fade, mildew resistant, and cleanable with bleach — all important factors for fabrics used outdoors or at the window.

While Glen Raven is producing the basic mock leno weaves, Ludwig Svensson of Sweden is weaving the novelty effects. Initially, there will be five plains in stock in widths up to 118 inches, while the clipped jacquards will be offered in a 59-inch width.

The five basic cloths are offered on an open line basis, while the jacquards will be confined. Current colors are off-white and linen “with the goal of a full color range soon,” Simone noted.

Randy Trull, design consultant, was instrumental in the development of the sheer program. While Glen Raven and Sunbury had been working on the program, Trull brought in the Svensson organization to develop the novelty effects, Simone said.

Glen Raven already has a range of window-weight Sunbrella fabrics on the market, according to Hal Hunnicutt, sales manager. The sheers will add a major piece to the overall collection that now spans indoor and outdoor uses.