Archive for October, 2009

Sports and Holiday Dog Collars

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Alabama-collar-ad

Dallas-Cowboys-adFootball season is in full swing and it is time to let your pet reflect your favorite team spirit.  Since it is football season, that means that Fall has arrived.  Fall is a season filled with color as trees change from green to many shades of red and gold.  And then there is the hint of the upcoming Holiday and Winter season.  Handmade designer dog collars and leashes are also created for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

 

The first designer collar that your dog needs in this Fall season is the one that shows everyone where your football loyalties lie.  Whether it is college or NFL, there are custom-made collars and leashes available in many team designs.  From the No. 1 ranked Florida Gators to the No. 3 and 4 Alabama Crimson Tide and LSU Tigers, many of the favorite college teams are available to adorn your pet on game day or any other day.  NFL teams are also represented with collars and leashes available in Miami Dolphins, Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos and New York Jets, just to name a few.

ReindeersColorful-Snowflakes 

The Fall season collar collection, as mentioned before, is a colorful collection with many choices for Halloween.  Ghosts, goblins, bats, pumpkins, skeletons and spider webs are included in shades of orange and black.  General Fall color designs and Thanksgiving-themed collars round out this collection.

 

There is still plenty of time to order these collars and have them handmade and shipped in time for your football or fall needs.  The collars are custom-made after the order is placed and the collar or leash is shipped within 3 – 4 days of when payment is received.  The purchased item is usually shipped by mail.  However, arrangements can be made for overnight shipping for an extra charge.  Halloween collars would need to be ordered very soon to have them for your dog in time for Trick-or-Treating.

 

Handmade designer dog collars are just what the name implies – custom-made dog collars from cotton fabric in the most popular patterns covering a core of nylon webbing.  This makes them soft, flexible, durable, and very strong.  The fashionable appearance is actually a secondary concern – the major concern is safety for the pet.  With the fabric covering, the collars can be designed for holidays, special occasions, and favorite sports team or just for fun.

 

Nylon webbing is used because of it tensile strength of approximately 4200 pounds in a one-inch width.  In addition to strength, nylon webbing is abrasion resistance and has a resistance to mold.  It is also resistant to chewing.  The handmade designer dog collars are made using the best contoured plastic side release buckles and hardware from top-quality manufacturers to add to the safety of these collars and leashes.  We also have metal side release buckles and hardware for those extra large dogs that have a history of breaking collars.

The sewing method of our handmade designer dog collars and leashes is also intended for safety and durability.  We use heavy-weight bonded nylon thread and industrial sewing machines.  The fabric is sewn into a tube, then down both sides onto the core of nylon webbing, preventing twisting and shifting.  The handmade designer dog collars are then box stitched, not just triple-stitched, for extra strength.

 

All of these details combine to make a beautiful and unusual accessory for the pet that is a quality product that can be used for years to come.  There is still plenty of time to order a collar and leash combination.  Directions for measurements of size are easy to find as well as numbers to contact if there are further questions.  While you are looking for a designer collar for Fall or football, preview the collars that are available for Christmas and the Holiday season and get an early start on Christmas shopping.

Posted October 19th, 2009 in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Jacquard Ribbon

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When discussing ribbons and trims used to embellish projects, ribbon and trim can be divided into two main types – woven and non-woven. Ribbons that are woven are basically narrow with specially finished edges. Ribbons that are non-woven are usually made from textile yarns which are bonded with adhesive or made from plastics. Woven ribbons are used in home décor, clothing and crafting, while non-woven ribbons are given qualities that allow them to be curled, shredded or treated in other ways, making them useful for crafting or gift wrapping.

The topic of this discussion is the elegant Jacquard ribbon which is an example of woven ribbon and trim, and the most popular. It is tightly woven, intricate, very detailed and artistic. It is named after Joseph-Marie Jacquard, a Frenchman who invented the Jacquard loom. This specialized loom made it possible to weave the intricate patterns and designs that make Jacquard ribbon and trim elegant and distinctive. Due to the weave of this type of ribbon, the true Jacquard ribbon can be identified by its definite right and wrong side.

Joseph-Marie Jacquard knew that weaving is very repetitive and time-consuming but produces an intricate and delicate pattern. He believed it could be created using automation and invented a loom that relied on stiff, pasteboard cards with various patterns of punched holes. As the loom moves, the pattern of holes determines the programs for the design. The Jacquard loom allows flexibility and complexity in the woven patterns, which include graphic, abstract and floral designs.

Jacquard ribbon and trim are available in so many varieties including metallic, non-metallic, organza, beaded and sequined, braids, fringes, appliqués and gift wrap ribbon. These varieties allow for fashion and art as well as beauty. The designs of the ribbon and trim illustrate the elegance and creativity of the creator. Some of these types of ribbons have hand-beading to add to the intricate designs.

The uses of Jacquard ribbons and trims can be used in so many different projects that it is not possible to name them all. Some of the uses are dresses, scarves, jackets, belts, handbags and footwear. Some types of Jacquard ribbons are great when used on linens, bedspreads, pillow cases and towels. Ribbons can also decorate dog collars, leashes and other handcrafted projects.

In comparison are the other types of woven ribbon. One example of woven ribbons is Grosgrain ribbons, which are durable and flexible, but the characteristic crosswise ribs give the ribbon enough body for a crisp appearance. The most common use of Grosgrain ribbon is for cheerleading bows and craft bows. Other examples are chiffon, organdy and organza which are light-weight and sheer, and taffeta ribbons which are light-weight but may or may not be sheer.

Two examples of woven ribbon that rival Jacquard ribbon with elegance are velvet ribbon and Moire ribbon. Velvet ribbon is also tightly woven and has a low-cut pile surface giving this ribbon a plush side and a plain underside. Moire ribbon is woven to have a ripple appearance that is sometimes called a watermark.

These types of ribbon, especially Jacquard ribbon, can be added to many projects for embellishment and elegance, or to make a statement. Even when used on dog collars, this ribbon is able to transform a collar to a fashionable wardrobe addition.

Posted October 9th, 2009 in Jacquard Ribbon | No Comments »

Hardware for Dog Collars

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The benefit of ordering a custom-made designer dog collar is the ability to choose the type of hardware used on that collar – metal or plastic. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages. Plastic hardware was discussed recently in a blog, so now we will highlight metal hardware. Metal hardware is also used on many types of projects other than dog collars.

Metal hardware is an essential component of all webbing projects with the obvious advantage of strength and durability. Most metal hardware used in dog collars, leashes, climbing harnesses and other webbing projects is nickel-plated and welded to resist rust. But some of the metal hardware can be purchased in brass and other platings. There is also a variety of sizes that will correspond with all widths of webbings, whether it is nylon or polypro webbing.

The projects that benefit from the many types of metal hardware vary from climbing harnesses to boating rigging, from animal harnesses to backpacks, from purses to luggage and from dog collars to key rings. Clothing has also been designed using types of metal hardware. For example, belts are a common accessory and one professional wrestler has a costume made of leather strips and hundreds of dee rings. Designs using metal hardware are too numerous to mention.

Side release buckle, triglides and dee rings are the most common metal hardware used in dog collars. The metal side release buckles, because of the weight of metal, are usually used on large and extra large collars for the large and giant breeds of dogs, or for those dogs that can break a plastic side release buckle. A side release buckle is important for safety of a dog collar. Even with its ease of one-handed opening, it has a lesser chance of opening on accident.

Triglides are used on dog collars or any project that needs allowances for adjustments and is strong enough to hold weight safely. Dee rings are used on collars as a strong ring to attach a leash. Metal hardware also includes rings of different shapes to fit other types of webbing projects. These include o-rings, triangle-shaped rings and rectangle-shaped rings. The strongest of these are welded but are also available in non-welded. Another type of metal ring is the split rings which are commonly seen used as key holders.

Another popular item of metal hardware is snap hooks. Almost any project that needs a connection that is strong, safe and easy to connect. Snap hooks are usually described as swivel snap hooks which are useful in keeping webbing from twisting. Climbing harnesses and animal leashes are just two examples. Other variations of snap hooks are the barrel snap hooks and trigger snap hooks. Many different types of snap hooks are available to work with any type of webbing projects.

Another type of swivel hook is the lanyard hook. This type of swivel hook attaches to a webbing or cord to perform many uses from holding identification cards around a person’s neck to holding keys. Lanyards are also used to fire cannons from a safe distance. Key fob hardware is used to clamp on the end of webbing to form an attachment to any equipment, but are usually used in making key chains.

Any project that depends on safety and strength would benefit from using plated, welded metal hardware. The types of hardware and projects that can be made are too numerous to detail in a limited space. Information on this subject is easily found on the internet.

Posted October 9th, 2009 in Metal Hardware, Plastic Hardware | No Comments »

Animal Rescue and Shelters

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A few articles ago, the topic was Martingale collars that had been specially-priced for animal shelters and rescues. We failed to mention the leashes and slip leads that are also available in packages put together for shelters and rescues. With animal shelters and rescues experiencing tightening budgets, these packages are ideal for these groups to purchase or for those individuals who would like to donate to these strapped organizations.

The kennel and grooming slip leads are made of polypro or nylon webbing. Nylon webbing is very strong and durable while polypro, although not as strong, is a quality material that it light-weight and economical. The slip leads are made from varying widths and lengths. These leads are useful for holding the dog in place during grooming, for short transfers between pens in a kennel and for shows and confirmation trials. The packages specifically for shelters and rescues come in a variety of colors and quantities and are made from the same material as all other products on our website.

Martingale collars, made of nylon webbing and top quality hardware, are a humane choke collar designed for those breeds of dogs whose head is smaller than the neck, making it easy for that animal to slip out of a regular dog collar. It is also used for those dogs which are more challenging to control when on a leash. The Martingale collar works like a half check collar which is made of webbing and chain. Since it is made of nylon webbing instead of chain, it will not damage a dog’s neck or trachea, and will not tangle in fur.

The packages of Martingale collars and slip leads that are offered especially for animal shelters and rescues are not a discount product made from sub-standard material. It is offered as a price break for those organizations that care for man’s best friend. Some of these organizations are the Humane Society . animalshelter.org., smalldogrescue.org., sosdogs.org., and smalldoghumane.org. If an individual wants to purchase a package of collars or leads for one of these organizations as a donation, it can easily be arranged.

The shelter and rescue packages consist of 10, 50, and 100 Martingale collars. The 10-collar package is priced at $37.95, the 50-collar package is $99.95, and the 100-collar package is $179.00. Colors vary depending on each package. As an added bonus, a free nylon leash will be given with every 10 collars ordered for shelters and rescues. That means, if 50 martingale collars are ordered then 5 free leashes will be included and 10 free leashes with the 100 collar package.

For more information about where you may be able to adopt one of the dogs being cared for at the many animal shelters and rescue organizations, we have included just a few of the many sites that can be found on the internet. There are directories for all rescue organizations at nextdaypets.com, pets4you.com and adoptapet.com. Of course, you can always visit your local animal shelters or humane society for great pets in desperate need of a good home.

Posted October 9th, 2009 in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Featured Items

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This week’s featured products are three of the most requested items. These three items that are highlighted are 1-inch black nylon webbing, 1-inch blue tubular webbing and large red Martingale collars. Each one of these items is a top-quality product that can be the perfect addition to any project. The Martingale collars are even packaged to be ideal for animal shelters or rescues.
One-inch black nylon webbing is one of the most popular webbings. Nylon webbing is strong and durable, making it ideal for projects that need to hold a lot of weight. It is resistant to abrasion, mildew and water. These qualities are important for many of the items using nylon webbing, such as rock climbing rigging, boat rigging, scuba equipment, horse harnesses, dog collars, etc. For more details of projects requiring nylon webbing, go to Do-It-Yourself Network, and Home and Garden TV . Black is the most popular color of nylon webbing but it is available in many other colors for those projects where appearance is important. It also comes in some neon colors that can be seen easily in low light. The most popular width is 1-inch but it is also offered in ½-inch to 2-inch widths. Matching metal or plastic hardware is also available.
A variation of nylon webbing is tubular nylon webbing which is a hollow, nylon tube. This makes it softer and more pliable. It is has a tensile strength of approximately 4,000 lbs. in the 1” width, 7,000 lbs. in the 2” width. One advantage of tubular nylon webbing is that it ties in knots easier and will hold the knot tighter without slipping. Then when ready to untie the knot, it unties easily – no matter how much pressure was put on the knot.
Tubular nylon webbing is abrasion and mildew resistant like flat nylon webbing. Its flexibility and strength make this webbing popular with climbers, skydivers, furniture makers and the military. Tubular nylon webbing is also used in rafting, kayaking and camping, as well as straps on backpacks, harnesses, collars and slings. Since it is a hollow, nylon tube, it can be used as a protective covering for cables, tubes, hoses and cords.
As with nylon webbing, tubular nylon webbing comes in many popular colors, but the most popular color seems to be blue. Varying widths and lengths of tubular nylon webbing are available as well as matching metal or plastic hardware.
The final featured item is the large, red Martingale collars. The Martingale collar is a humane choke collar with a two-loop design that tightens when the dog is trying to remove its head from the collar, but will loosen when the dog stops struggling. Martingale collars were specifically designed for those breeds of dogs whose neck are larger than its head and can easily slip out of a conventional dog collar, such as Greyhounds, Whippets, Italian Greyhounds, Bolzoi, Saluki, etc.
The unique, limited closure of the Martingale collar makes it the safest of the choke collars because it prevents the collar from becoming too tight so it can be left on the animal even when it is unsupervised. American Kennel Club owners and handlers prefer the Martingale collar over metal chain choke collars. This collar will not damage fur and is less likely to tangle in the long hair of some breeds. The Martingale collar will not tighten enough to injure or crush the trachea.
The Martingale collar is made from strong, durable nylon webbing and high quality welded metal hardware. It can be covered with attractive cotton fabric for a designer look. There are also packages specially priced for animal rescues and shelters, such as the Humane Society , and small dog rescues . These collars are also made from the same nylon webbing.
Questions are welcome and can be addressed to the email or telephone number at the top of this website. We welcome your comments.

Posted October 9th, 2009 in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Plastic Hardware

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Our business started small, basically a hobby, making dog collars for small dogs. We had discovered that when showing our Miniature Pinchers in confirmation and obedience trials, that attractive and strong collars for small dogs were difficult to find. (For more information on obedience and confirmation trials, see American Kennel Club ) The business grew again as requests for larger collars and designer collars started coming in. Then another expansion occurred as requests increased for the metal and plastic hardware.

Hardware and webbing were needed separate from the dog collars for other projects, such as harnesses for climbing and horses, boat rigging, kayaking, camping, backpacks and luggage. Plastic hardware must be strong and durable to meet the demand needed. This led us to two manufacturers of top-quality plastic hardware – Nexus and National Molding, which have facilities in the United States, Europe and Asia.

Nexus is the original inventor of side release buckles. Both corporations are global leaders in the manufacturing of reliable plastic hardware. The hardware manufactured by these companies is designed to exact standards to guarantee a universal fit and consistent performance. The items of plastic hardware available on our website include side release buckles, dee rings, triglides, tension locks, zipper pulls, keepers, shoulder pads, handles and cord locks. There is also an economy brand available for those who are looking for the most economical deal.

Side release buckles are the most requested item of plastic hardware and is the best choice of webbing buckles because of the easy one-handed release. However, side release buckles are important for safety because there is no accidental release. The smooth and light design of the plastic hardware disguises its strength and durability and will hold nylon or tubular webbing securely. Flat side release buckles are ideal for projects that are straight or flat and contoured buckles work best around curved surfaces.

Flat and contoured side release buckles are available in many sizes to fit most widths of webbing. When choosing a width of any plastic hardware, be sure to get the same width as your webbing. For example, if the webbing is 1.5- inches in width, the 1.5-inch plastic hardware is needed. The dimensions of any hardware are measured from the inside of the hardware. This information is usually included with the description of each item.
Some of the brand names and types of side release buckles include

Wiernerlock, Duraflex Stealth, and Mojave. Other popular plastic hardware items are dee rings and triglides. Triglides, which are available in wide-mouth and heavy duty, are used on projects that need to allow for adjustment. Tension lock triglides are also available which add safety to keep the webbing from slipping. Dee rings are used on belts, collars, harnesses, backpacks and many more uses.

Other items of plastic hardware are cord locks, keepers and zipper pulls. Cord locks are available in a rounded and barrel shape, in black and white colors, and have a spring-action closing. Cord locks have different sizes to be used with tubular webbing and nylon cords. Plastic keepers are offered in a variety of sizes for a variety of uses. Plastic zipper pulls are used for jackets, backpack, purses and luggage to make any zipper easier to pull.

Finally, our plastic hardware section concludes with handles and shoulder pads. The soft rubber handles can be sewn on any webbing or strap that needs a handle to make griping that item easier and more comfortable. Soft rubber shoulder pads have a non-slip grip to use on any shoulder strap for more comfort. As always, if there are any questions, email us or contact the telephone number at the top of the webpage.

Posted October 9th, 2009 in Plastic Hardware | No Comments »

Special Offer for Animal Rescues and Shelters

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We have highlighted dog collars a lot lately and we are going to continue this week because of the great response. We want to draw attention again to our selection of Martingale collars. These specialty collars are a humane choke collar. It has a two-loop design that works by tightening on the dogs neck when it is trying to remove its head from the collar, but will loosen again when the dog stops struggling against it. The Martingale collar is especially designed for those breeds of dogs whose neck is larger than its head and can easily slip out of a conventional dog collar. The unique, limited closure of the Martingale collar prevents it from becoming too tight. Unlike metal choke chains, this type choke collar can be worn at all times..

Country Brook Design is offering the nylon Martingale collars at a special price specifically for animal shelters and rescues and, for a limited time, we will give a free leash with every 10 martingale collars purchased by shelters or rescues. These nylon Martingale collars are not a discount collar made from sub-standard material. These collars are made from the same heavy-duty nylon webbing and welded metal hardware as our regularly priced Martingale collars. Since we were breeders of Miniature Pinchers and love all dogs, this is a way that we can help some of the organizations who rescue and shelter man’s best friend. Some of these organizations are the Humane Society , animalshelter.org , smalldogrescue.org, sosdogs.org, smalldoghumane.org .

Especially for animal shelters and rescue organizations, we have packages of medium and large Martingale collars. The medium collars are 1-inch width, adjusting for 13 to 18 inch necks. The large collars are 1-inch width, adjusting from 18 to 30 inches. There are packages of 10, 50, and 100 Martingale collars. The 10-collar package is priced at $37.95, the 50-collar package is $99.95, and the 100-collar package is $179.00. Colors vary depending on each package. As mentioned before, we are giving a free nylon leash with every 10 collars ordered by shelters and rescues. That means, if 50 martingale collars are ordered then 5 free leashes will be included and 10 free leashes with the 100 collar package. To find our packages for shelters and rescues, look on the left side of the web page for the title DESIGNER COLLARS AND PET SUPPLIES, then under the category for Martingale Collars. When this opens to show the items we offer, look for the packages that have shelters and rescue in the item name.

For more information about where you may be able to adopt one of the dogs being cared for at the many animal shelters and rescue organizations, we have included just a few of the many that can be found on the internet. There are directories for all rescue organizations at nextdaypets.com, pets4you.com and adoptapet.com. Of course, you can always visit your local animal shelters for great pets just waiting for a good home.

Posted October 9th, 2009 in Dog Collars, Nylon Leashes | No Comments »

Love that Red, White and Blue

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With the 4th of July holiday a little over a month away, it is time to order those patriotic designer collars for your pet so that you will have them in time for July 4th. Country Brook Design has many great 4th of July fabric themes so that your dog will be the most stylish in the neighborhood with one of our Holiday Handmade Designer Dog Collars.

We have described in great detail how we make our collars in a previous blog but, to summarize, we custom-make our designer collars from cotton fabric in many popular patterns, with a nylon webbing core. Nylon webbing is stronger than polypro or cotton webbing so our collars are strong, durable as well as soft. We also use top-quality hardware and heavy-duty thread to make sure you get a great product that is great for all breeds of dogs. (Go to breedsofdogs.org to find the perfect breed for you and your family.)

We have a large variety of styles and sizes available. When on our web page, look to the left side, click on Holiday Handmade Designer Dog Collars, then click on 4th of July. This will expand to sizes ranging from mini to extra large and when you click on the size, you will see all collars available for the 4th of July. We have great fabric patterns such as Patriotic Stars and Stripes, Lady Liberty, American Flag, Patchwork Stars and Stripes, blue USA and red USA, American Heritage, Patriotic Patches, and Quilted Stars – to name a few. These patterns will bring out the spirit of the red, white and blue.
Please keep in mind that we photographed our 1-inch wide collars for the pictures we use of each product. If you need a mini or a small-sized collar, we must use ¾-inch, 5/8-inch or ½-inch webbing and it will not show as much of the pattern of the fabric. Since we have small dogs, we have as much experience making the mini and small collars as we do the larger sizes.
For every dog collar offered for the 4th of July, we can make a matching leash to ensure that your dog will be decked out for the holiday. When you select your collar, there are options for matching leashes in varying lengths and widths, metal hardware upgrades and 2-way couplers. We can even personalize the collar or leash by embroidering the name on it. So if you are entering your dog in 4th of July dog shows or obedience trials, it can only add to your dog’s appearance to have a matching collar and leash for the holiday. (For more on dog shows and obedience trials, go to AKC.org.)
All of our Holiday Handmade Designer Dog Collars are custom-made after the sale. We must receive your dogs collar size and payment before we can make the collar, which will then be constructed and shipped within 4 days. We suggest that you measure your dogs neck in the following way: Take a piece of yarn or string, put it around your dogs neck, then measure the piece of string or yarn. This is the most reliable way to get a good measurement.
So browse through our 4th of July collars and place your order and your dog will proudly display the red, white and blue. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us at the numbers listed above.

Posted October 9th, 2009 in Dog Collars | No Comments »

Polypro Webbing

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The blog about our Velcro-style hook and loop has generated a lot of interest this week, but now we are going to return to discussing our webbing inventory.. We have highlighted our nylon and tubular webbing due to its strength and durability but we also carry a large selection of polypro webbing and some items of cotton webbing. Even though polypro and cotton webbing is not as strong as nylon webbing, it does have many benefits.

Polypro webbing is strong – it has a tensile strength of 200 to 2000 pounds depending on the width and the manufacturer. Recommendations state that you should use no more than 75% or less of the tensile strength of any webbing, which is the point of breakage under factory conditions. It is light-weight but not as abrasion resistant and durable just as nylon webbing. Polypro webbing can be used for the same projects as nylon webbing, such as harnesses, boat rigging (see boating.org), dog collars and leashes (see hsus.org), to name a few, but is best for belts, luggage straps and harnesses for lighter objects. Like nylon webbing, polypro is UV resistant, waterproof and mildew resistant. Polypro and nylon webbing have the same melting point of 330 degrees.
Polypro has some advantages over nylon webbing. It is stretch resistant, even in water, and will float on water. It is more acid and alkaline resistant than nylon webbing. It is also more economical.
We have polypro in widths ranging from 1/2-inch to 3 inches in regular and heavy weight. There are a variety of colors in all widths including some in multi-color. Just look to the left of the web page and click on the width desired and the choices of color will expand.

Cotton webbing is softer and easier to sew on. It can also be used in belts, luggage straps and purses. Cotton webbing has military and space applications just like nylon and polypro webbing. It is used when the elimination of static electricity is needed, as well as in belts, canteen straps and name labels. Cotton webbing, as well as nylon and polypro, can be used in upholstery projects, such as weaving seats and repairing support straps under chairs and antique beds. We carry 2-inch heavy cotton webbing in a pastel color
We have a large selection of lengths of polypro and nylon webbing as well as widths. Please remember that when ordering a roll of webbing that some rolls contain factory splices. However, if you need a continuous roll, please contact us and we will do our best to accommodate you.
There is one thing that we have been forgetting to include in this blog and that is our shipping policy. All custom-made items will be shipped within four days after payment is received. Any items that are not custom-made will be shipped same day (Monday – Friday) if payment is received by 1 p.m. CST. When ordering more than one item, we will combine shipping. Please order all items before completing your purchase. If for any reason you are not satisfied with your purchase please let us know within 7 days and we will refund your purchase price, minus shipping.
We want to do everything we can to make sure you are happy with your purchase and will visit our store again.

Posted October 9th, 2009 in Polypro Webbing | No Comments »

That Wonderful Sticky Stuff

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We are continuing the theme from the last blog entry because we have another product that is great for summer projects, as well as year round. Country Brook Design carries the Paiho brand sew-on hook and loop Velcro style which is like nylon webbing but with Velcro-like capability. And that means there are numerous uses for our product, from recreational to military.

Our product has an interesting history. According to information from About.com, it was invented in 1948 by Swiss mountaineer and inventor, George de Mestral. One day, he took a walk with his dog and upon returning, discovered that he and his dog were covered with burrs. After looking at a burr under a microscope, he noticed that the burr was covered with tiny hooks which caused the burr to cling to fabric and hair. Mr. Mestral expected his idea to replace zippers and buttons, but it was considered a joke until 1955 when his idea was patented as Velcro.. How it works is that the “hook” side is fabric covered with tiny hooks and the “loop” side is fabric covered with small or hairy loops. When the two sides are pressed together, the hooks and loops catch and hold the pieces together. When separated, the strips make the characteristic ripping sound.

As mentioned before, the uses of Velcro style sew-on hook and loop are varied and numerous. It can be used on clothing, as originally designed, to replace zippers and buttons for elderly people or people with physical disabilities that make it difficult to use zippers of button. Hook and loop is great for holding tools and equipment to walls. Many ideas of how to use hook and loop can be found at the “Cool Tools” website. NASA has been one of the biggest users of Velcro. It is used on space suits, on almost every surface of the Shuttle and Space Station, including holding astronauts to the floor of the space vehicle in weightlessness. Another big user of hook and loop is the military which uses it in uniforms, equipment and vehicles. However, the characteristic ripping sound was not practical when a lot of military operations need to be silent. So a special type of hook and loop was designed to be silent. For all the scientific details of this version, visit the magazine Popular Science .

We have Velcro style hook and loop in 1-inch, 1.5-inch and 2-inch in colors of white, black and beige except beige is not available in 1.5-inch. When you purchase 5 yards of hook and loop, the customer receives one 5 yard roll of hook and one 5 yard roll of loop. They are not priced separately. When on the web page, look to the left side of the page and click on “Velcro, Hook and Loop”. Click on the width desired and the colors available will expand. Click on the color and then choose the length desired. Our shipping policies are easy to find and some of the items have free shipping.

Well, we have plenty of items available now to get started on those summer projects. As always, we would love to hear comments and questions from our customers. Our contact information is at the top of each page of our website.

Posted October 9th, 2009 in Velcro, Hook and Loop | No Comments »

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