Valdese Weavers:Art one thread at the time

A visit to North Carolina is always a treat, but visiting one of the largest domestic Jacquard loom weavers plant is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I had the opportunity to visit Valdese Weaver's and oh, what an amazing place! Considering that I grew up in the textile business, I have developed a very special relationship with fabric; color combination and patterns fascinate me. I had so much fun that I carried the images in my mind for days!


So, let me walk you through so you can see just a little bit of what was there and tell me what you think:

Learning about the history of the Italian family who started the plant was very special...

 This is the first crest of the company and how it evolved over the years

It was also interesting learning about textile design, the intricacy of fiber and pattern combination, how a design and a color pick starts and the process to become a fabric...

 

 Watching the beautiful color palettes...

 Walking through the designer's offices, made me wanting to apply for a job...

 

 Sampling new designs for the next market

                                Can you see this cameo one an oval back chair?

 

Here is a designer "cooking" some good stuff...

                    And then, I walked through the plant, where everything becomes "real"

                                                               The thread dye room

Watching the looms weaving these beautiful fabrics was amazing!

In the air jet weaving looms, a jet of air is used to propel the weft yarn through the shed at  speeds of up to 600 ppm. 

                                                             Oh, these beautiful colors!

                                       Excuse my poor photography, I was in awe!

                                                                  The showroom. 
                                          80,000 SKUs, not bad ha? Can I sleep here?

                                         And the Gallery: Textiles as pieces of Art!

Is this an unbelievable eye treat or it's just me? 

Cheers!