Tualatin, OR (September, 2005) — In keeping with its commitment to environmentally sustainable products, Hartmann & Forbes has introduced five new weaves to its Traditional Handwoven Collection. The handwoven materials include organic sea grasses, jutes and split river reeds — cultivated in an environmentally responsible fashion.
"We're excited to introduce these new weaves to our collection and provide the interior design community with green products in an ever-expanding array of patterns, materials and colors," said founder Michael S. Jones.
Each of the five new weaves feature organic materials harvested from well-managed eco-systems and designed with environmental sustainability in mind. Four of the weaves are natural grasses, organically cured to provide natural color ways. The remaining weave, No. 70 High Tea, is inspired by ancient woven tea baskets and features Jomon-style weft (a twisted cord effect) interwoven with pecan-colored split reeds. This delicate pattern results in an unmistakable candling effect against the window when fully lowered.
The five weaves are available as roman shade, Hartmann & Forbes' unique Panelscreen™ and the industry's only handwoven draperies. The window coverings are handwoven by craftsmen overseas and then custom finished by local artisans in the Pacific Northwest to each designer's specifications - allowing for shorter lead times and greater customization.
Liner fabrics can be hand-sewn to the back of each shade, drapery or Panelscreen™ to add privacy preserving a neutral appearance from the exterior. Blackout and translucent liners are available in soft white, linen and khaki. In addition, an expanded line of edge binding and trim is available to add a luxurious finish to the window coverings. Customer's own material can hand sewn to the window coverings as liner, or can be stripped and hand sewn as trim or edge binding.
New Weaves Part of Project-Green™
While all Hartmann & Forbes weaves are harvested from only well managed eco-systems, the five new weaves are part of the company's Project-Green™ as they go a step further and are specifically designed with environmental sustainability in mind. The weaves are made from rapidly renewable materials including grasses and river reeds. To obtain their unique and rich color ways, the organic fibers are either harvested after being naturally seasoned in the sun to specific colors, or are organically cured using ancient techniques. Like most of Hartmann & Forbes' weaves, the fibers are woven using hand looms and then handcrafted into custom window coverings in Hartmann & Forbes' Pacific Northwest finishing facility.
The mission of the company's Project-Green™ is to continually improve capabilities, technologies and policies to produce window coverings that are as environmentally friendly as they are beautiful under the guidance of an Eco-Advisory Council of leading environmental experts.
2005 Fall Update
No. 60 Morning Palm
The lush combination of sea grass, hemp and bamboo reeds provides a rich texture and a refined look. |
No. 70 High Tea
Inspired by ancient woven tea baskets, this new weave features Jomon style cording with split reeds to provide a unmistakable candling effect in the window. |
No. 80 Flat Grass
The stiff fibers of the jute grass are naturally sun bleached to a soft off white color, provide a feeling of true refinement. |
No. 85 Koyo Harvest
Named for the Autumn Leaves festival in Japan, the fiery undertones of Koyo Harvest provide a rich and sensual look in the window. |
No. 86 Koyo Harvest w/Reed
Adding a pecan colored half reed to the Koyo Harvest provides a rich texture and added depth to an already masterful fabric. |
No. 85 Koyo Harvest Drapery
Hartmann & Forbe's new weaves add an organic quality to a variety of window coverings. Shown is the Koyo Harvest crafted into the company's handwoven draperies -- the only design of its kind in the industry. |
Company Background
Hartmann & Forbes is an independent company dedicated to preserving ancient handcrafting traditions through modern and innovative designs. The company specializes in fine, handwoven roman shades, bamboo cornices, the industry's only handwoven draperies and its exclusive PanelScreen™. Founded in 1998 by company founder Michael Jones, Hartmann & Forbes prides itself on superior craftsmanship, design integrity and the preservation of natural resources. Hartmann & Forbes window coverings are available through an impressive network of high-end showrooms in most major U.S. cities and Canada. The company's website can be found at www.hfshades.com.
