Buyers' Product Review

Adjustable Slat Cutters The adjustable blind slat cutter available from R.H. Rowley Co., Gastonia, NC, is ideal for use on two-inch horizontal blinds. The cutter enables the user to cut extra length off either end of the slat even if the slat has been installed already. Mini- and micro-blind slat cutters also are available. Cordless Shade Fabrication Cordless shade packages from döfix No*Sew Inc., Sanford, MI, feature a new turn knob along with aluminum slats and a specialy designed side track to allow workrooms to fabricate cordless shades with any decorative fabric. The shade can be closed from the bottom up or from the top down and can be locked into any position in the window. Because the shades are constructed using döfix hook and iron-on loop fasteners, they are as easy for the workroom to fabricate and install as they are for the consumer to take down for cleaning. The packages are available for single- or double-sided shades and come in three sizes that can be customized to fit specific needs. Lightweight, but Tough Hardware P.J. Hamilton, South Orleans, MA, offers lightweight wrought iron hardware including adjustble rods, brackets, finials and hold backs. Items are available in a powder baked finish for resisting scratches, corrosion and chipping. Updated Cellular Shade Line Carousel® cellular pleated shades from LouverDrape, Hight Point, NC, have been updated with a soft new knit fabric, Faberge, bringing the number of fabrics in the collection to five. Faberge features a palette of cool pastels and warm earthtones. Six bold new colors have been added to the Satinesse collection including Radicchio, Loganberry and Terre Green. Custom Sizes, Infinite Colors Chromagraphic Processing Co., Williamsport, PA, uses technologically advanced equipment to supply its clients with custom sizes and colors. INTERMIX, a computerized coloring system, assists in matching or creating infinite colors and stores custom color formulas for future use. A full line of mini-, micro- and vertical slat material also is stocked in standard colors. Wood Blinds Loaded with Features No matter the room setting, Premiere Wood Blind Mfg., Inc., Tucker, GA, has the windows covered. Premiere two-inch wood blinds are economically priced, yet loaded with quality features including crash-proof cord locks for safety, magnetic valance and returns attached with Jet-Weld adhesive for a permanent and well-fitting return. These features combined with high quality standards and a wide variety of colors make Premiere blinds an excellent value. New Features Update Shade Line The expanded Crescendo[TM] line of Roman-style shades from Verosol USA Inc., Pittsburgh, PA, feature 96-inch wide fabrics in new jacquard collections and a new linen style. High quality construction and value prices have won rave reviews from both retailers and consumers. Additional specialty options include a moveable arch and motorization. New Color Options for Shadings Hunter Douglas Window Fashions, Upper Saddle River, NJ, has redefined the Roman shade with new Vignette[TM] window shadings. Featuring layers of gently contoured fabric folds, Vignette rolls up into a sleek color-coordinated headrail with the action of a single cord loop. Originally available in 15 neutral and soft-toned colors, the shading now comes with an additional palette of 15 mid- and deep-tone colors. Portable Dry Cleaning Machine On-Site Drapery Cleaning, Hayden Lake, ID, introduces its patented and portable dry cleaning machine that safely cleans fabric verticals and all drapery fabrics without removing them from the window. A guarantee against shrinkage or damage is offered. Factory-direct Wood Blinds Custom wood blinds from Blind Busters Inc., Dallas, TX, are available in eight popular decorator colors and combine brand quality with unbeatable prices. Factory-direct source for top quality generic hard window coverings including wood and aluminum blinds, plus honeycomb cellular shades. Roller Shade Signs Solar Screen Co. Inc., Corona, NY, offers a new bright and bold way of saying "Closed" on a window roller shade. The bold graphics are bonded to white, stop-light shade cloth and provide the individual look that businesses want at a competitive price. Down, Polyester Pillow Forms Soft-Tex Mfg. Co., Cohoes, NY, introduces Popinjay's top quality down and feather pillow forms along with its new Stuffy pillow form. Standard polyester fill pillow forms, pillow inserts, bed pillows, down comforters and bulk fibers also are available. Ready-to-go Swag Holders The Gould-Mersereau Co., Inc., Long Island City, NY, announces the availablity of two swag holders, Swag-It and C-Swag, to its family of drapery products. With Swag-It and C-Swag a variety of unique and exciting window treatments can be created that will add warmth and style to an otherwise simple window. Complete assembly instructions and directions for measuring and constructing a swag treatment are included on the front and back of each carded pair. Fire-safe Vinyl Shutters Bombay Shutters, Inc., Winter Garden, FL, provides an alternative to wood shutters. The Vinylbilt shutter system features durable and maintenance-free Polyresin3®, which is waterproof, environmentally friendly and provides self-extinguishing fire safety characteristics. The simple-to-install shutters come in permanent finishes and with a patented tilt bar locking mechanism. Detailed Overlays End Sketching Window treatment overlays from MASTERVISIONS for Windows[TM] by Visionary Concepts Inc., Branford, CT, feature 204 detailed illustrations for limitless design combinations. Many designs emphasize the creative uses of trim and decorative hardware. The overlays help clients visualize their custom window treatments and save time by eliminating sketching. The newest supplement offers 43 additional designs with coordinated patterns available. Custom Drapery Care Info The Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA), Lake Forest, IL, offers drapery care brochures that can be presented to customers to explain the care and maintenance of custom draperies. The brochures help customers get the best value from their new custom draperies and provide retailers a reminder of their services to increase referrals. The brochures are available folded in packets of 100, or non-folded in larger quantitites.