Buyers' Product Review

Help Customers Wrap It Up ADOwrap sales literature from ADO, Spartanburg, SC, is designed as a hand-out or a statement stuffer. It focuses on the advantages of ADOwrap, and is one of the best ways to pass along to customers the idea of covering hard verticals for a softer, more luxurious look. Each piece includes a place on the back for your company's name and address. Fresh, Timeless, Casual Fashions Only the NeoClassic Collection from Graber®, Middleton, WI, combines the timeless look of ancient architecture and the soft touch of flowing fabric for a fresh, casual approach to window fashions. Available in Historic Gold and Whitewash finishes, this unique collection of finials, brackets and whitewashed wood poles can be interchanged with impressive results. Winner of one of the 1996 WCMA Best New Innovative Product Awards. Distinctive Wood Roman-fold Shades Window Modes, Ltd., New York, NY, introduces its jacqwood[TM] Island Collection of Roman-fold shades. These distinctive, handwoven window treatments are easy to install and maintain and are suitable for any window. Made to customer size specifications, these shades have an Oriental feel with durable wood pulp strands and the look and texture of natural grasses (raffia). Aluminum Blinds Offer Room-darkening Levolor®, High Point, NC, introduces UltraDark[TM], a new horizontal blind that offers consumers maximum privacy and a 99 percent room-darkening effect. Available in 110 colors and crafted of 100 percent American-made cold tempered aluminum alloy, UltraDark provides a fashionable choice that is highly functional. DustGuard® dust-resistant paint finish and a valance-free headrail design are other beneficial innovations available. Coordinate Wrought Iron Centerpieces The Designs Trends wrought iron collection from Kirsch, Sturgis, MI, now includes centerpieces in three styles and a total of five finishes to coordinate with the finials in the line. Shown are Vineyard in Roman Verde finish, Lace in Sand Pebble finish and Cottage in Satin Antique finish. Expanded Product Line Bishops, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA, has expanded its product line to include Bandex products as well as having expanded into a new, larger facility. Color brochures and a price list can be sent to anyone establishing an account. Bishops also stocks Kirsch and Conso products and drapery fabrics and linings. Subtle, Sophisticated Trimmings Tuscany Imports, New Orleans, LA, presents the new Chiaroscuro Collection of Italian fringes, tassels, tiebacks and cords. In painting, the play of shadow and light is called chiaroscuro. In trimmings, it's neutrals in lights and darks -- subtle, sophisticated and classy. Tracks and Rods in Bulk Blind tracks and tilt rods from Eastern Metal Supply, Inc., Charlotte, NC, are offered in bulk packages with a stock length program available for fabricators. Items are packaged for convenient delivery from warehouses in North Carolina and Florida. Economical Genuine Hardwood Blinds American Hardwood Co., Gardena, CA, introduces Truewood[TM] vertical blinds. Economical cost with the richness and beauty of genuine American hardwoods now are available for vertical blinds. Not a print, not plastic -- the real thing. Inserts available by the roll in red oak, white oak, cherry, maple and walnut. Matching cornices available. In stock for next day shipments. Shades Control Heat, Light Hella solar screens from VIMCO, Richmond, VA, are available with hand strap, crank or electric motor operation. These shades control up to 80 percent of incoming heat, glare and ultraviolet degradation to provide a more comfortable interior environment for any building or home. An insect screen model also is available. Custom-made Shades and More Eli Custom Window Treatment, Long Island City, NY, offers custom-made window shades manufactured and distributed nationwide. Also available are custom-made roller and Roman shades, solar vertical blinds and a full selection of sun controlling and decorative fabrics including Phifer SheerWeave®, translights, blackouts and mylar. It also introduces videotapes, sample books and displays. High Quality Wood Blinds Premiere two-inch wood blinds from Premiere Wood Blind Mfg., Inc., Tucker, GA, are economically priced and are loaded with features including crash-proof cord locks for safety and a magnetic valance. Returns are attached with Jet-Weld adhesive for a permanent and tight fit. High quality standards and a wide variety of colors also are featured. Hands-on Workroom School Cheryl Strickland's Professional Drapery Workroom School, Swannanoa, NC, offers step-by-step fabrication methods for creating a variety of window treatments or slipcovers. Each four-day session features intensive hands-on instruction and is limited to six participants. All materials and supplies are provided. Cut, Punch and Lift Slats The Sani 3200 compact, automatic slat cutting and punching machine from Cooper Fabricator Components, Sturgis, MI, actually punches and lifts slats at the same station. This is the next generation of aluminum blind slat machines available today. Vertical Components Agetro Blinds International, Opa Locka, FL, offers a full line of vertical blind components and tools at the most competitive prices available. Agetro's own machine shop designs, produces and maintains its dies and molds ensuring components are received in a timely manner with the highest quality. Custom Quilting with Ease Gammill Quilting Machine, West Plains, MO, offers custom quilting machines featuring electronic two-station needle positioner, style M double capacity bobbin and a built-on automatic bobbin winder. Its new Cam-Guide makes perfectly straight diagonal seams with ease. Components, Machines B & D Precision Tools, Inc., Hialeah, FL, offers vertical blind components and machinery for two-inch wood and vinyl blinds. Embossed, Laminated Louvers Quality conventional-style louvers from Quadra Plast Inc., Sainte Therese, Quebec, Canada, are offered in high-end designs and embossed or laminated. New colors include shades of blue, hunter green and bronze. Other distinctive and innovative products also are offered throughout North America. Double-sided Display The new CALWING[TM] Fabric Sample Display from Emerling & Co./CALHOOK[TM], Sunnyvale, CA, is a way to multiply useable wall space. Because it's a double-sided system, the CALWING adds more useable space for sample books or hanging samples. It is quick to install and can mount three ways: direct to wall, on slatwall paneling or on the company's SlatTRACK[TM]. The unique center hinge allows the grid wings to pivot against the wall or at any angle for good viewing. Smooth Operating Shades Tentina Window Fashions, Lindenhurst, NY, has available the new Hunter Douglas line of window shades with the smooth operating clutch system. The shades are available in a variety of fabrics, hem styles and trims. Accentuate the shades with the optional wood or PVC valance. Traversing Wood Rods Offered P.J. Hamilton Co., South Orleans, MA, offers wood traverse rods in custom lengths. Sections can be spliced up to 24 feet. Hard, clear wood pulley or baton drawn options are available. Finials, brackets and tracks come assembled for 1 3/8- or two-inch rods. Updated Colors, Patterns Turnils USA, Duluth, GA, offers an updated color selection for its Nordic Light pleated shades, now available in 56 colors in six patterns and color-matched components. Nordic Light honeycomb shades are offered in 21 colors and are compatible with the pleated shade hardware. Also, its one-inch blind line now is available in 114 colors. Ready-to-go Wood Blinds Jet Blinds, Santa Ana, CA, introduces custom two-inch wood blinds at made-to-measure prices. North American hardwoods finished with up-to-the-minute fresh colors are crafted into quality two-inch wood blinds. Delivered at jet speed, the blinds feature matching wooden valance and bottomrail, steel headrail, crash-proof cordlocks, metal drums and a smooth wand/cord tilter. Elegant Crushed Satin Fabrics Metro Mills Inc., Paterson, NJ, offers The Silken Collection featuring crushed satins with matching crushed voile sheers. Retro-fit Motor System, Control Add-A-Motor, Inc., Annandale, VA, offers a DC motor that operates on a time schedule and remote control. The device measures 2 1/2 by four by three inches and fits in the end-loop of any cord or ball chain. It can traverse 60 pounds and has adjustable stops and child safety features. The UL® adapter plugs into common switches. Custom Draperies by the Book Resource Book #5 from Draperies, Etc., Birmingham, AL, features step-by-step instructions from measuring to installing, detailed illustrations and time-saving techniques. Quality Blinds at Factory Prices Blind Buster Inc., Dallas, TX, manufactures name brand quality custom blinds at low factory-direct prices with fast turnaround and responsive customer service. Product information and free sample kits are available. Vertical Carrier Systems Two eight-prong carrier systems, the mini (A-604) and scissors (A-804), now are in production from A.C.S. Inc., Irwindale, CA. Also available are three-prong scissors and four-prong self-ALIGNing systems and end controls. Swag Holders Add Style The Gould-Mersereau Co., Inc., Long Island City, NY, announces the availability 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. Vane Clips Lend Helping Hand Vertical blinds have a helping hand with NovaClip, a multi-purpose vertical blind restraint clip from Novickas & Taylor Co., Chicago, IL. Especially useful around open windows or patio doors, the clip restrains blinds from blowing in breezes or traffic areas. It's made of sturdy Lexan® plastic. 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. Wood Shades Galore Silverado Services Co., Calistoga, CA, offers a wide array of wood-style shades. Choose from woven wood and bamboo matchstick styles in many colors to complement any decor. Bead Chains for Windows Bead Chain Mfg. Co., Bridgeport, CT, presents its Decrobead[TM] window coverings. Three finishes of polished aluminum are offered. Decrobeads soften the impact of light, noise and drafts and are suitable for glass exteriors and contemporary interiors. Seasonal Sample Books S & S Fabrics, Miami, FL, presents 12 print books this season featuring jacquard prints as well as traditional and contemporary sateen prints. Jacquard cotton solids also will be featured. Sample books are available. Embossed Verticals Logodrape PVC-coated fabric for verticals from Laurel Mfg. Co., Inc., Maspeth, NY, can be used as a sunscreen or embossed with a client's logo. The perforated flame-retardent, fade resistant fabric is washable and available in white, light gray and beige. Logodrape comes complete with track or just the vanes. Take-along Steam Iron System The Little Pollyanna steam iron system from Kwik-affix Products, Jacksonville, FL, is a high temperature dry steam system for faster ironing without spitting. The system features a potective lid cover, a stainless steel boiler for use with tap water and a non-corrosive housing. The steam system also is portable for use in the workroom or at the installation site. Programmable Geometric Sewing Camatron Sewing Machine, Inc., New York, NY, has customized the popular CAM-driven, programmable machine. Now, any geometric shape can be sewn for pinch pleats, vertical blinds and pillows. Special clamps and gauges help position materials. Two machines can even be arranged to tack two patterns simultaneously. Also featuring a specially designed retractable needle bar to facilitate difficult jobs. User-friendly Wood Sampling Experience the Fine Furniture for Windows Collection from Nanik, Wausau, WI. Each manual is a complete library of all Nanik products including actual samples of wood paints and stains, Beaded Edge, Naturals rustic wood, Corner Cut, tapes, decorative trims, Optix and more. It features a user-friendly format with full-color photography and has a carrying handle and snap closure design. Premium Custom Hardwood Blinds Delta Woods blinds from CACO, Inc., Johnson City, TN, are manufactured of premium American hardwoods and are available as a quality, valued custom program. Choose from an array of whites and colors. Balloon Shade Ensemble Kay & L Draperies, Waverly IA, offers a balloon shade with matching draperies and swag to create a variety of soft window treatments. Comprehensive order and price reference book also is available. Workroom Services The complete workroom services from Merrill Y. Landis, Ltd., Telford, PA, provide unique home fashions and designs that vary from ornate to simple. Complete custom manufacturing services for most types of draperies, bedspreads, top treatments and accessories are available as well as specialty shapes and sizes. Custom Shutters Offer Variety Custom hardwood shutters from San Benito Shutter Co., Inc., Hollister, CA, offer the widest variety of frames and hardware options to choose from with extensive custom color matching. Specialty shapes and fabric frames also are offered. The pre-framed shutters are easy to install. Component Brochure Les Outillage Ricci Inc., Montreal, Quebec, Canada, offers vertical blind components featured in its Vertisystem[TM] component brochure. The blind components are self-lubricating to reduce track system friction and permit uniform ALIGNment. Sun Shades Clearly Versatile Transparent shade materials from Solar-Screen Corp., Corona, NY, feature optical clarity, durability and easy maintenance and operation. SheerWeave® woven shade materials, stoplight shades, two-volt motors, specialty hardware and roller systems are available.