Volume 2, Fall 1999

IN THIS ISSUE
Topics on
Topics in Clothing & Textile Industry
Children’s Sleepwear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Clothing and Textile Industry
Debate on Federal Industries
Production of Apparel . . . . . . . . . . . 2 ˜˜˜˜ ˜

Clothing Camp 1999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Children’s Sleepwear

Fibers and Fabrics he Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has reaffirmed its 1996 vote on the
How Do You Remove Red Dirt Stains
from Clothes? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
T exemption of snug-fitting and infant size pajamas from children’s sleepwear
flammability requirements. The ‘snug fit’ ruling will take effect June 28, 2000. The law
Generic Term for Cotton? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
will require permanent labels and hangtags/garment stickers to advise parents of the
Fashion Forecast
importance of insuring a snug fit for safety purposes. The ruling results from several years
Fall/Winter 1999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 of burn evidence that reveals no cases of a child being burned because he/she was wearing
snug-fitting sleepwear.
Tips and Trends
Laundry Facts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Children’s and infants sleepwear tends to burn easily when it is loose fitting or
Sorting Secrets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 particularly when worn so that loose parts of a garment can be exposed to flames easily.
Laundry/asthma Relationship . . . . . . . . . . 5 Children’s sleepwear, according to CPSC, includes any product of wearing apparel in
Hispanic Teen Purchasers . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 sizes (0-14), such as night gowns, pajamas, robes, or similar related items that are
Using Clothing to Identify Behavior . . . . . . 6
intended to be worn primarily for sleeping or sleep related activities. The CPSC exempts
Sharing Program Ideas diapers and underwear, infant garments nine months or younger (because these children
Creating Interest in Textiles are not as mobile and exposed less to flames), and ‘tight fitting garments’ that meet
and Clothing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 specific maximum dimensions. Loungewear must meet children’s sleepwear standards as
well.
Educational Resources
Web Sites and Upcoming Events . . . . . 8 Because the sale of tight fitting, non-flame resistant sleepwear is allowed, it is critical that
retail staff and consumers understand the need to buy garments that are properly sized for
Textile Clothes Line a snug fit in children’s sizes larger than 9 months of age. What is a ‘snug fit?’ According
to the CPSC the garment must have contact with the skin at all points. These garments
is published by the
will look smaller than traditional flame retardant sleepwear. Both sales staff and
Texas Agricultural Extension Service
Family Development and Resource Management
consumers need to be aware that flame retardant sleepwear will continue to be available.
Route 3, Box 213AA, Lubbock, Texas 79401-9746
Consumers should remember that following the recommended laundry procedures on
phone: 806.746.6101 fax: 806.746.6528 flame retardant clothing labels will help preserve the flame retardant
Editor: Dr. Pamela J. Brown finish.

Questions do arise concerning infant bedding. Bedding is not included

Dr. Pamela J. Brown
in the CPSC flame retardant guideline. Rather, bedding for infants
Extension Specialist-Consumer Sciences
should be firm, not soft and fluffy, and sheets and blankets should fit
< [email protected] > the mattress snuggly.

Educational programs serve people of all ages regardless Other types of apparel can pose a flammability threat to consumer
of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability
or national origin. The Texas A&M University System,
safety. These include sheer rayon skirts and scarves, 100% silk
U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County scarves, 100% chenille sweaters, rayon/nylon chenille and
Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating.

Texas Agricultural Extension Service • Chester P. Fehlis, Deputy Director • The Texas A&M University System • College Station, Texas
long hair sweaters, polyester/cotton and 100% cotton Clothing Camp 1999
fleece/sherpa garments and, 100% cotton terry robes. Since
1994, there have been 21 recalls of dangerously flammable
4-H clothing camp was held in Dallas, July 22-24, with 94
clothing in these categories. For more information on
participants. As a citizenship project, participants provided
flammability, refer to the Consumer Product Safety
Beanie Babies for the children at the Dallas Children’s
Commission web site: <http://www.cpsc.gov/>.
Hospital. The children were thrilled to receive them. Quality
Source: American Apparel Manufacturers of America Newsletter, of merchandise and comparison shopping was held at Neiman
July/August 1999, p. 3. Marcus and the Dallas Westend. The Dallas Design Initiative,
an organization committed to promoting, fostering and
Consumer Product Safety Commission
<http://www.cpsc.gov/businfo/sleepstay.html>, November 25, 1997.
supporting innovative talent though participation in the
Dallas design industries, gave a two hour presentation. Dallas
designers, models and business owners told their personal
stories of how they started their careers. Displays and a
Debate on Federal Prison fashion show of original designs was a camp highlight. Each
Industries Production of Apparel of the designers spent an hour after their presentation visiting
with the 4-Hers one on one. One of the designers who
ccording to a press release from the American Apparel provided clothing for the fashion show has sold her 1999
A Manufacturers Association (AAMA), the Federal Prison
Industries (FPI) is threatening the existence of small apparel
holiday designs to Neiman Marcus.

industry producers in the United States. Many of the small Tours included:
producers, and the average apparel production business in the Cotton Incorporated <www.cottoninc.com> – participants
U.S. is very small, produce many of the uniforms and learned about textiles, marketing, trends, new technology for
personal issue items for the U.S. armed forces. world markets and research of cotton fibers.

At issue is the competition for diminishing Department of Gerber Garment Technology taught camp members about
Defense (DOD) dollars and the diversification of FPI product computer uses in developing, designing and producing cost
lines. The latter issue impacts most greatly on DOD supplies effective samples for presentations and selling to the
of products such as trousers and kevlar helmets. Adding to customer.
the negative impact on small apparel producers is what is
called “mandatory source privilege” which means that Russell-Newman, Inc. presented an International side of
“federal agencies are required to purchase apparel and other designing, marketing skills to gain new customers, marketing
products produced by FPI regardless of price, quality, or products and staying competitive in order to remain in
speed of delivery.” Legislation has been introduced that business.
would limit FPI’s by allowing it to sell in commercial markets
and phase out the mandatory source privilege. In Texas, the International Apparel Mart Miss Wade’s Fashion
Texas Correctional Industries produces, among many items, Merchandising College owner provided information on
cloth products, mattresses, mattress covers, clothing, towels, earning an associate of arts degree with job placement while
state and safety flags, draperies and hardware. attending school in the fields fashion design, merchandising,
interior design, and computer graphic arts.
Why would the AAMA be concerned with the Federal Prison
Industries system? The AAMA represents over 300 U.S. World Trade Center running tour was conducted to
companies as their national trade association. These familiarize the participants with the market and the John F.
companies produce 85% of clothing sold at wholesale Kennedy memorial.
(meaning that retail business owners purchase from these
companies, not the end user). The U.S. retail apparel market The costume designer with the Dallas Children’s Theater
is estimated at $180 billion dollars. According to the AAMA, provided an hour presentation before for the production of
member companies are located in every state in the U.S. and “The Hobbit” which was attended by the participants. The
manufacture all types of garments. designer taught about designing original costumes as well as
recycling garments from a variety of inexpensive sources to
Source: American Apparel Manufacturers Association, create costumes that are acceptable to the play director as well
< http://www.americanapparel.org/NewsR_July27.html > as the actors on a very low budget.
< http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/tci/tci-home.htm >

Bon Ton’s Upscale Fashion Boutique owner provided a

motivating talk to participants on being proud of yourself and
dressing to enhance your figure type. A tour and shopping of
the boutique concluded the camp for 1999.

2 Textile Clothes Line, Fall 1999

 Fibers and Fabrics
“I had a question like that...” Generic Term for Cotton?
he generic name for cotton is “cotton”....not cellulose.
Question: T What is the definition of a generic name? It is the name
of a family of fibers all having similar chemical composition.
How do you remove
We normally think of polyester as a generic name for the
red dirt stains in clothes? group or family of polyesters that are manufactured.

What is the definition of a trade name? It is the name given to

ouble check to be sure that what appears to be red dirt is a fiber that distinguishes it from other fibers of the same
D not a “rust” stain caused from excessive iron in the
water. If that is the case then DO NOT USE BLEACH.
generic family that are made and sold by other producers.

There are three possible solutions to removing red dirt stains. The following is taken from the text “Textiles” by Kadolph,
Be sure to read them all before suggesting any one method. Langford, Hollen, and Sandler, a reliable textile science text
used throughout the U.S. in textile science college level
1. To remove mud (red clay) from bleachable fabrics: Make courses.
a past of vinegar and table salt. Rub into stain and leave
for at least 30 minutes. Launder using hot water and Cellulosic fibers refer to the fiber bundles of plants that give
bleach. (BE CERTAIN THAT THE STAIN IS NOT strength and pliability to their leaves, stems, and roots.
RUST!) Repeat if stain remains. Cellulose is the source from which the fibers discussed in the
next paragraph come. Natural cellulosic textile fibers are
For non-bleachable fabrics: take to dry cleaners. This classified according to the portion of the plant from which
may not be a solution if we’re talking about a load of kids they are removed. These fibers are obtained from plants that
white socks. can be economically and easily separated from the rest of the
plant (i.e., cotton, jute, sisal).
2. If the stain appears to be a rust deposit, then bleach
should not be used at all in the wash. The use of a rust Natural cellulosic fibers fall into three groups:
remover is recommended in this situation. If the water
contains rust, the consumer may want to consider a water • Seed fibers – include cotton, kapok and coir
treatment to remove rust from the household water • Bast Fibers – include flax, ramie, hemp, jute, kenaf
system. • Leaf fibers – include pina, abaca, sisal and heneguen

3. The problem could be soil redisposition. This occurs Not all of these fibers are produced and available in the U.S.
when soil removed from one or more articles in the wash
redeposits itself on other articles in the same load. This Cotton, as well as flax, silk, and wool, are referred to as
causes unknown stains on possibly one or several pieces “natural fibers” because they come from naturally occurring
of clothing. plants, animals or insects (silk from silk worm larvae).
To say that cellulose is the generic term for
Prevention: cotton is incorrect because it would also
have to be the generic term for all of
Sort clothes carefully. Pretreat heavily soiled clothes and the cellulosic fibers listed above.
wash them separately from lightly soiled clothes. Wash knits Thus, the fiber name and generic
and blends (cotton and polyester, for example) separately. name are one and the same for
Washers should not be overloaded. Allow room (usually to cotton. Sometimes cotton is further
the top holes in the washer tub) to provide free circulation described with terms like Pima,
and washing action. Packing the clothes too tightly in the Supima, Sea Island, Egyptian, etc., but
washer does not allow soil and residue to be rinsed away. Use those describe the variety of cotton (long staple)
extra detergent, particularly in hard water. If the water is and are not considered tradenames.
hard, add water softener. Use hot water.

Textile Clothes Line, Fall 1999 3

Think about textile labels: An item made of cotton would not subject to seam abrasions, fabric abrasion or actually
list cellulose as the generic name because it would not shredded and torn.
indicate which of the cellulosic fibers it describes.
One the suit scene, it’s a navy and gray world, as it has been
The confusion seems to occur because manufactured fibers for several seasons. To counteract this sameness of color, the
are assigned both a generic name and a trade name. For silhouette is subtly changing: slimmer lines, narrower
example, Acetate, Triacetate, and Rayon are manufactured shoulder width, slightly longer coats, higher side vents, raised
fibers produced from cellulosic derivatives. Yet as the list of button-stance, narrower lapels and trimmer trousers with
manufactured fibers has increased so has the list of trade single pleats or not pleats.
names.
Casual ties are made from softer fabrics, including knits, and
are more narrow. Interesting fabric blends of silk/wool,
improve the hand of ties as well as provide subtle texture.
Fashion Forecast Neckwear designed to benefit worthy causes, i.e. Save the
Children, is a growing trend.
Fall/Winter 1999
Women’s Fashions Children’s Fashions
he two most exciting new developments in women’s ack-to-school fashions take a uniform approach. An
T fashion involve fabrics and color. And while the color
changes are obvious, the fabric innovations are far more
B increasing number of public, as well as private schools,
are instituting a uniform dress policy. Public school versions
subtle. Teflon-coated knits and wovens have an invisible sometimes have subtle stylist upgrades, such as changes in
shield to protect them from spills and stains. It may cut down collar styles, sweaters instead of blazers or color variations.
on trips to the dry cleaners but it doesn’t change the But the goal is the same: everyone similarly dressed in
appearance, weight, touch or breathability of the fabric. Other nondescript clothes, such as khaki pants, polo shirts, simple
fabrics are disguised to the point that the fiber content label is jumpers and skirts. School uniforms may not be big fashion,
the only clue to their true origins. Fabrics are felted, padded, but in the kids’ apparel market, they are becoming big
waxed, laminated, fused, coated and bonded to look nothing business, observes The Soap and Detergent Association.
like their usual selves. Hand-felted silks look like blankets,
washed wools look like flannels and polar fleece looks like Other trends to watch in children’s wear include ultra-dark
shearling. At least one designer introduced “living rubber” indigo denim jeans with cuffed bottoms, A-line skirts topped
garments that change colors with body heat. with easy twin sets, cargo pants with contrast topstitching,
jersey tops, flannel shirts in softer plaids and slim corduroy
Shots of color play against the seasonless neutrals: black, jackets. Watch for glimmer and sparkle in small accents or as
gray, beige and camel. Silver, red, pale green, purple, fuschia, a full-force glamour attack.
orange and chrome yellow are showing up in shawls, ponchos
and serapes, in shaped turtleneck sweaters, in short coats and Source: Cleanliness Facts, The Soap and Detergent Association, July/August
1999.
in edgings.

Men’s Fashions Teens and Fashion

eens are fashion conscious. They are responsible for $40
A s men’s fashion moves into the 21st century, it blends
form with function and technology with earthy elements,
T billion in apparel sales this past year. Labeled as
Generation Y, ages 4-21, they are the children of Baby
says The Soap and Detergent Association. Bonded, double-
Boomers. Cotton Incorporated’s Lifestyle Monitor TM shows
faced fabrics, laser-cut leathers, hardware on apparel, dress
that 63 percent of young women ages 16 to 19 agree that it
slacks in 100-plus worsteds, stretch blends with Lycra
was very important to have an up-to-date wardrobe. This
spandex and topcoat-style raincoats with Velcro closures are
figure is 20 percent higher than all women surveyed who
some of the season’s most exciting looks.
agreed with the statement. Sixty-two percent of the teenage
girls stated that they are more likely to buy separate pieces
The hottest trend in jeans is dirty denim – worn and dusty,
from different stores than to buy an entire outfit at one store,
right off of the construction site. Those that aren’t completely
whereas half of the older women surveyed would prefer to buy
down and dirty are treated to a vintage-looking wash or are
the ensemble.

4 Textile Clothes Line, Fall 1999

Internet technology is expanding teens’ sources of fashion Developing Careers in CAD -
influence. Retailers are quickly tapping into the teen market
providing easy to reach information on fashion trends. Fewer Computer Aided Design
fashion rules characterize the teen market. Teens are making
their own clothing choices at an earlier age (13-15). By omputer Aided Design (CAD) is a career option for those
16-18, three-fourths are not using any parental guidance on
clothing choices.
C aspiring designers, but not only in fashion. Add to the
design realm CAD in home interiors, furnishings, textile
manufacturing, or free lance consulting. In a 1998 survey of
Source Cotton, Inc. October 1999, <http://www.cottoninc.com> CAD workers, starting salaries ranged from $18,000-
$37,000. The average length of stay in a CAD position was
1-3 years. Eighty-two percent of CAD workers were women.
Salaries for various positions in CAD included:
designer/stylist = $39,000; Senior designers = $58,811.
Salaries increased significantly after 10-15 years in a
position. CAD education is available through technical
colleges, 2 year colleges and 4 year institutions.

T i p s a n d T r e n d s
Who’s doing the laundry? Laundry Facts
ot surprisingly, households with children use onsumers wash over 660,000 wash loads every week, and
N more laundry detergent, and especially
heavy duty detergent. Singles, on the other hand,
C women do 88% of these loads. Generally speaking, the
life expectancy of washable apparel is 50 washings. The
buy less laundry detergent. Because they tend to actual life of these garments can be anywhere from less than a
be apartment dwellers, singles wash their clothes year to several years depending on the frequency of washing.
at laundromats and purchase ‘single-use’ detergent packages. Underwear and socks that get washed regularly, may last less
Fast growing businesses are laundry detergent dispensers and than a year. Garments worn only for special occasions or
wash/dry/fold/deliver services. seasonally may last for several years.

Source: American Demographics, July 1996, p 8. Colored items are the most frequent type of wash load (36%
of all loads). Whites and mixed color loads are next (18%
each). The consumer demand for all- or mostly cotton
Sorting Secrets garments is rising. Thus, the driver for increased wash loads
is colored, cotton apparel.
Source: Cleanliness Facts, The Soap and Detergent Association, July/August
irst, sort by color. Wash all whites separately; pastels and
F medium colors together; brights and darks by themselves.
Pay special attention to white and lightly colored synthetics,
1999.

as they readily pick up dark dyes from other fabrics during Laundry/asthma relationship
washing.
he Soap and Detergent Association recommends a wash
Sort out those heavily soiled items from lightly soiled once, T temperature of 140° F for 10 minutes to effectively kill
dust mites. This contradicts the usual washing temperature of
since lightly soiled items can pick up the extra soil from the
wash water. Whites will slowly get the average consumer (88° F in 1994). To counteract cooler
grayer or yellower; colors will washing habits, SDA now recommends washing bedding at
become duller and duller. least weekly in warm water. This will remove the allergens,
according to SDA. Drying bedding in the dryer will kill dust
Source: Cleanliness Facts, The Soap mites if the dryer is set at a normal temperature and the
and Detergent Association, July/August bedding is allowed to dry for 10 minutes. For more
1999. information go to <http://www.sda.org>.

Source: Cleanliness Facts, July/Aug. 1999, Tips and Trends from the Soap and
Detergent Association.

Textile Clothes Line, Fall 1999 5

Hispanic teen purchasers hair differently than the current young generation. They do
not have the same time context.
merican Demographics (May 1999) reports that fashion
A and beauty publications are targeting Hispanic teens.
Why? On average, Hispanic teens spend $375/month, 7.8%
Space can be what directly surrounds the viewer and as a
geographic location. An item of clothing on a rack in a store
is out of context, it has no meaning. However, when worn in
more than the average teen. “Girls spend 60% more on
a particular setting with other apparel, it takes on a different
makeup than other female teens, 50% more on acne products
meaning. A bandana can be a scarf, a rag, or a flag of
and more than twice as much on
identification. The type of apparel and how clothing is worn
hair products.” (p.37). What is
varies from one location in the country/world to another.
the Hispanic teen girl more
Gang identity in one city may not be the same identifier in
likely to buy? Items include
another location.
casual shoes, athletic wear,
designer jeans, pantyhose, hair
Experience is another form of context. The experiences that
gel, mousse, and hair spray.
the viewer brings to the observation of clothing is very
Three teen publications are
important. Because each of our living experiences are
now marketing to Hispanic
different, we do not necessarily make the same
teens: Latingirl, SuperOnda, and Latina. Over $140 billion
interpretations. And as exposure to unique appearances
dollars were spent by teens in the U.S. in 1998, with Hispanic
becomes more frequent, our individual reactions become less
teens contributing 14% of the total or $20 billion. That
strong.
percentage is estimated to increase to 17% by 2005.
Clothing is a strong communicator of roles and expectations
Source: “Los Ninos go shopping,” American Demographics, May,
1999, p. 37-39. associated with behavior. The more we learn about clothing
behavior, the less often incorrect stereotypical judgments will
be made. The context in which clothing is observed should be
considered along with the behaviors of the individuals before
Using clothing to identify behavior judgement is made.

lothing is thought to be one sign of gang membership.

C However, one of the pitfalls of using clothing as the
single source of identification of any group is stereotyping.
Source: <http://gangid.ucdavis.edu/>

Researchers at the University of California - Davis have been Sharing program

studying gang identification for over ten years. Our
appearance is one key way that we as human beings have of ideas –
making sense of the visual world. Clothing provides ‘cues’ to
those around us of what a person might be like, or might
behave. We often assume that a person dressed in a suit is a Creating interest in
professional or that a woman dressed very suggestively is textiles and clothing
setting herself up for rape. However, our judgements can be
wrong, resulting in barriers in communication between
observers and wearers. Youth have been known for years to
everal agents have called over the past few months
try out new looks and fashions with their desire to find an
identity. Gang membership, research shows, should be
S requesting ideas for programs on the benefits of learning
to sew. Here’s what was shared with them. Send Pam Brown
focused on behavior of individuals rather than strictly
an e-mail, < [email protected] >, if you have other ideas.
appearance.

The situation in which clothing is seen is referred to as “Sewing is creative”

context. Context can be defined in terms of time, space, or
experience. Why would context be important in determining According to a study commissioned by the Home Sewing
a youth’s membership in gangs? First, clothing worn in one Association (HSA), children who sewed simple projects
time period or another can take on different meanings. demonstrated elevated creativity, problem solving and
Currently, the term ‘retro’ refers to clothing worn in earlier perseverance afterwards as compared to kids who watched
generations. Individuals without any ‘time’ reference to TV or played a video game.
earlier fashions might not associate the same meaning with
clothing worn in an earlier time. Baby boomers may see long Sewing uses a multitude of creative choices: colors, fabrics,
designs, techniques, and proportions. When compared to

6 Textile Clothes Line, Fall 1999

more passive activities like watching TV, sewing activities No skill – recruit a volunteer to become a Master Clothing
can develop skills for a lifetime. Volunteer (MCV) to teach sewing skills or contact a nearby
chapter of the American Sewing Guild.
Sewing also helps kids:
No projects – go to the Home Sewing Association Web site
• develop problem solving skills. for sources of inexpensive and simple sewing projects,
• experience a sense of accomplishment when a < http://www.sewing.org/ >. Or refer to the 4-H clothing
project is completed. leader guide for project ideas. These offer age specific project
• understand concepts of color, textiles, construction, ideas and activities, lesson outlines, and specific information
fit. on a variety of apparel and textile topics – ALL appropriate
• learn to use and care for tools and equipment. for creating, making, and caring for family clothing.
• develop and improve fine motor skills such as
eye/hand coordination. Build a sewing business by developing or
• develop individual and team work skills. improving skills that can become a business or land
• develop expressiveness. a job. There is increasing demand for skilled labor in the
apparel industry. The jobs that have ‘gone overseas’ are
The optimum time for learning and creativity is by ages 10 primarily unskilled, lower paying jobs in the apparel industry.
or 12. Growing in demand are custom clothiers, individuals who
sew for the ‘non-sewing’ public. As the number of women in
Sewing also reduces STRESS. The activity has been shown to the workforce increases, the demand for custom sewing
promote relaxation and therefore reducing blood pressure, increases. This is partially due to the price of career apparel,
heart rate, and perspiration rate in comparison to other desire for uniqueness and good fit, as well as interest in home
leisurely activities like card playing, painting, reading, or interior furnishings.
playing a video game. Usually sewing is thought of as an
expression of creativity, yet even novice sewers experience Looking for a sewing professional?
relaxation. Every BODY can benefit from rest from the hectic
lifestyles people are living today. Sewing helps the individual Talk to a local fabric store or sewing machine dealer. Check
to focus on something productive and positive, rather than with friends and acquaintances to get their recommendations.
worries. Over 32% of respondents in an HSA survey indicated Ask for contacts at the local dry cleaners. Contact
that sewing is ‘relaxing.’ professional sewing organizations, such as the Professional
Association of Custom Clothiers. Check the yellow pages,
The top ten reasons people sew are: newspapers and store bulletin boards.

1. Sense of accomplishment. 7. Pure enjoyment. What to look for in a sewing professional?

2. It’s relaxing. 8. Can be shared.
3. Saves money. 9. Means of self- Trust – this person will know everything about you. You
4. It’s a creative outlet. expression. have to be totally at ease with the individual. Arrange a face-
5. Impress people. 10. Way to make friends. to-face meeting. Be certain she understands your ‘vision’ for
6. Satisfying to wear. the garment you want and is willing to accept criticism or
questions. Get detailed information on the quality of
People often use these excuses for not sewing: workmanship, get references, examine actual samples of
finished garments. Ask about their training, particularly
No time – what are they doing with their time? Is it a matter specialized training. Discuss fees, hours of business, know
of getting organized? your own budget, expect to pay a deposit of 50% of the final
cost and sign a contract. Remember, a sewing professional is
No money – sewing saves money, demonstrate the savings, a business person.
particularly with clothing repairs.
Source: American Home
No space – start a sewing cooperative in a church, Sewing Association,
community building, etc. < http://www.sewing.org/ >.

No fabric stores – sewing is experiencing a resurgence,

particularly sewing for the home. Fabric stores are located in
major discount stores, over the WWW, or through catalogs.
Check sewing magazines, i.e., Threads or Sew News for
sources.

Textile Clothes Line, Fall 1999 7

 Educational Resources, Web Sites and Upcoming Events
˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜

Master Clothing Volunteer Training Educational Packet

March 28 - 31, 2000
Clothes Do The Talking: Work And What To Wear
Registration will be $55.00 plus hotel and transportation. Topics to be addressed: understanding what clothing
Reservations can be made with the Sumner Suites in communicates to those around us in work, school and social
San Antonio (800-747-8483). Registration forms will be environments. A set of videos has been ordered from Buffalo
available by January 15, 2000. State University in New York that addresses interviewing and
work dress for the welfare to work audience. These will be
˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ available from the Resource Library to support this
educational packet and the BSSF Curriculum, Job Skills
Sources of fashion information section.

<http://www.griffindesigns.com> ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜
This site contains some great sources for information on
fashion industry designers, top apparel sources, and design The American Apparel Manufacturers Association is another
information for 4-Hers, leaders, and master clothing source for clothing care information.
volunteers interested in the 4-H design project. Go to
<http://www.griffindesigns.com> then click on “teaching < http://www.americanapparel.org/
workshops” to find the two sites: “Art, Design, and Visual AAMA_Consum_Info.html >
Thinking” and “The On-line Visual Literacy Project.”

˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜

Penalty For Private Use, $300

OFFICIAL BUSINESS

COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS 77843

THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICE