It’s hard to ignore those cautionary labels (even the misspelled ones). Do we dare wash a delicate garment at home and risk ruining the texture or shrinking it beyond recognition?

Warnings are warnings, but there are exceptions to every wash ‘n wear rule.

With the help of our blog readers, writers and the experts, we have put together a list of myths we are happy to debunk to save you some precious bucks.

1. Washing sweaters will ruin the texture!

“Hogwash,” says EcoSalon’s Caitlin Fitzsimmons, whose mama passed on the tried and true method. …

Tags: air dry , conservation , cotton , detergents , DIY cleaning , dry , dry cleaning , energy , fabric , fabrics , fashion , fold , frugal , garments , hang dry , labels , recession , shrinkage , silk , sweaters , textiles , textures , warnings , wash , water , wool

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True, we are still living in a material world, but cotton grown with pesticides is no longer the fabric of our lives.

The green movement is making huge strides replacing toxins and waste in the marketplace with organic fibers like bamboo and hemp, as well as good old corn starch, throw-away cork and used paper.

The brave, new soldiers of eco industry believe enough is enough when it comes to creating more waste and adding to our grossly overflowing landfills and plastic islands. Bet you do, too!

Instead, the …

Tags: bamboo , cork , corn , furniture , greenest materials , guide , hemp , how to , howto , materials , organic , PET , plastic , reference , resource , textiles , upcycled

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After 15 years working in home furnishings, Donna Halloran left her corporate career behind. Taking valuable insight from her experiences, she created the ethically and environmentally sound plan for Fabricadabra, an up-and-coming line of decorative pillow covers and inserts.

“I have worked hard to be able to balance the four important criteria for the line: a non-toxic product, a fun product, an ethically sourced product and a relatively affordable product,” says Halloran.

She has succeeded admirably.

Fabricadabra’s products are 100% green. Their vibrant, ornamental covers are hand-woven from natural fibers and colored …

Tags: Donna Halloran , fabric , Fabricadabra , kapok , organic , pillow , textiles

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Teaching the nation’s future fabric designers not to use flame retardants and harsh dyes is one thing. Teaming up with a leading manufacturer who is going the green route is another.

These are the lessons being learned at the California School of Professional Fabric Design in Berkeley, California, founded 35 years ago by Zeida Rothman (above), who has designed printed fabrics for clients like Wamsutta Sheets, Fieldcrest Cannon, Burlington Industries and Schumacher.

Students study hybrid designing – mastering the art of hand-painting fabric with water-based paints along with …

Tags: chemical-free fabrics , Fabric design , fabric design schools , flame retardants , handpainting textiles , organic , textiles

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On Project Runway, overestimating fabric amounts can cost designers big time on those challenges requiring they apply every scrap. Who can forget those zany, over-padded handbags or useless belts eked out of the surplus? But in the world of interior design, we’re often left with bulk that is quite usable.

Why the extra? The usual motivation is that the pattern repeat is large and we need to match our cushions or chairs. Also, imperfections may exist in the weave that we have to cut around. I recently had …

Tags: aprons , fabric , fabric journals , fabric walls , pillows , reuse , sachets , textiles , window treatments

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My island dream house is clean and white, sprinkled with sea glass and hurricane lamps, and images like the frond, coral and urchin found in these new Wabisabi Eco-Art Coastal Pillows. They’re clean and modern to perfection yet the images are derived from an appreciation of imperfection found …

Tags: decor , eco-fiber , island , organic , pillows , recycled , sea , textiles

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Taking an active interest in protecting the environment and appreciating the aesthetic value of its sweeping beauty go hand in hand. So, it’s easy to see why so many of us green gals like to adorn our homes with spectacular scenes from nature. Here’s the catch: many of these patterns are way too busy (or dare I say tacky) for our elegant taste.

Amenity Home designers Nicole Chiala and Kristina de Corpo hit the mark with their …

Tags: Amenity , decor , dining , Kristina de Corpo , Nicole Chiala , organic , tabletop , textiles

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When top textile vendors branch out into the green, it plants a fertile seed for the entire industry. That’s why I’m applauding Brentano – one of the best sources for designers – for now offering a wide range of responsible fabrics (such as the stunning weaves above).

Among the new selections are 100% recycled polyester bark’s cloth, Eco Wool and faux leathers. The line, including soft woven …

Tags: bamboo , Brentano , decor , fabric , material , recycled , sustainable , textiles

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While engrossed in one of my interior design projects, I’ve been known to create a room around the character and colors of a single piece of furniture. A very special chair, for example, can set the stage for a spectacular space. Or it can add that essential je ne sais quoi to a room already in place.

If you’re still searching for a suitable seat, let me introduce you to Milly Rose. This U.K.-based company is in the business of finding used, broken or abandoned chairs and …

Tags: design , furniture , Milly Rose , reclaimed , textiles , vintage

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