Tradition makes linens a Taylor family business

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 5/5/2003 12:00:00 AM

NEW YORK —

Lynne Taylor's great uncle imported Irish linens for distribution in the United States from 1922 to 1970. But when he died the family dissolved the company.

Five years ago, Taylor picked up the trail and launched her own line of related goods: 25 collections of coordinated quilts, dust ruffles, shams, toss pillows and embroidered sheeting made of 100 percent linen for regular and infant bedding.

For her premiere at the New York Home Textiles Show, she launched her juvenile line of bedroom linens.

She designs her wares and makes them in India. To become more important to her suppliers, which include department and specialty stores, she said she is sure to offer varied assortments of goods — oversized quilts, embroidered sheets, reprints of old textiles for fabric used in her top-of-bed collections and other detailing.

"I try to make my goods unique so I can stay competitive," Taylor said. "I always add something that [retailers] can't get by going direct."