|
These are the first of a line of general purpose totes that I introduced in 1988. These products are unique because of my fabric choice; solution-dyed woven acrylic, not nylon or PVC laminate. The advantages of woven acrylic over other fabrics are its colorfast and breathability qualities. I also chose it because it is machine washable. The fact that for years this fabric has been the premier fabric in both the marine and awning industries speaks to its durability. My original tote, now 21 years old is still in use today.
Probably the biggest challenge in this product line is not the designs but the fabric itself. Woven acrylic, unlike other synthetics, has no urethane or PVC backing. It has a lot of the characteristics of cotton, especially the fraying edges. To deal with this problem I have to cut out the pattern pieces with what is called in the trade a “hot knife”. This is supported in construction by the use of a surge sewing machine. As you can imagine, this additional care in production is why mass producers of canvas products use fabrics that better lend themselves to easy production.
|
