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Fabrics for spring and summer 2008 are "quieter", are toned down in colour, and have less embellishment than in previous seasons. Unusual blends of fibres are being used to create fabrics with new and original looks and handles. Natural fibres are being mixed with synthetics to create so-called "techno-naturals"--fabrics which combine "naturalness" with high performance. More comfort is being built into fabrics by adding light stretch or "springiness" using mechanical methods of spinning or twisting the yarn--rather than by the addition of stretch yarns. In fabrics for outerwear a smooth glossiness or shine is becoming common. The effect is being obtained either by using finishing techniques such as calendering, or through the use of coatings. The main European textile fairs have been restructured through amalgamations during the past few seasons, and these amalgamations have been broadly welcomed by textile manufacturers and their customers. The number of buyers visiting the fairs is holding up well and better business is being done. Some buyers who had previously sourced in lower wage Asian countries are returning to European manufacturers, having been attracted by their shorter delivery times and smaller minimum orders. For their part, European manufacturers are seeking to compete with lower cost countries by developing innovative, high quality fashion fabrics which are light in weight and natural in feel, and which offer modern levels of performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a timeline of events in the global textiles industry. In the 1300s, the spinning wheel, which was developed in India, arrived in Europe near the end of the century. In the 1600s spinning and weaving emerge as cottage industries throughout Europe with women, spinsters, doing the spinning and men, the weaving. In the 1700s, inexpensive, quality textiles imported from India and Far East begin to replace European goods in international markets.

This section provides information on several fibers and yarns that will be featured at the trade fair Techtextil to be held in Frankfurt, Germany from June 7 to 9, 2005. The thermostable high-tenacity viscose yarns by Germany-based Cordenka GmbH, feature resistance to heat and stress, key properties for constant dimensional stability. Meanwhile, the Italian Fil.Va srl. produces a wide range of high quality monofilaments. Furthermore, polyethylene terephthalate VO halogen free, PBT VO with yellow card by UL Laboratories Inc., PA 12 and thermo-stabilized PA 66 are produced. Furthermore, the focus of Arnhem, Netherlands-based Diolen Industrial Fibers at Techtextil will be on yarn developments resulting from the recently implemented new one-step spinning technology.

The main European yarn fairs for the spring/summer 2006 season reflected the difficult state of the European spinning industry. The fairs were smaller and quieter events than in previous years. And exhibiting spinners from outside Europe are playing an increasingly important role. There has already been considerable rationalisation and reorganisation within the industry, although overcapacity remains a problem--particularly among Italian spinners. But reports from the fairs suggest that there is still good business available for mills which have invested wisely in innovation and in advanced design. Companies which have developed performance yarns for sportswear and health applications are benefiting from increased interest in these products. One particularly bright spot at the fairs for the spring/summer 2006 season is an increase in the number of visiting buyers from outside Europe, particularly from the USA. The positive conclusion is that these buyers were drawn by designs, use of colour, surface interest, fineness, comfort and ingenuity which still can not be matched outside Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trading conditions for the European spinning industry remain difficult. The problems are blamed on the high value of the euro against the US dollar, a slow-down in consumer spending on textiles and apparel and an improvement in the quality of yarns imported from China and other Asian sources. Spinners have responded by focusing on what they do best--working closely with fabric manufacturers to develop traditional high quality yarns for the top end of the market. At the same time, much innovative energy has been directed towards producing yarns that are finer and, because they use less raw material, cheaper. This gloomy picture has been brightened this season by the colours on display. Spring/summer 2005 is distinguished by the fresh and playful use of yarn colours, whether they be bright and slightly acid tones, cooler blues and greys or earthy terracottas and tobacco browns. While natural cotton--or blends made to look and feel like cotton--remains the main choice for summer, some spinners have devoted much effort towards bringing out the properties of lesser known fibres, such as hemp, ramie, soya and bamboo. One new departure is the blending of a product derived from the shells of crabs and other shellfish, which is said to have special therapeutic properties. The yarn fairs are adjusting to a gradual fall in numbers of exhibitors and visiting buyers. The timing of the Paris-based Expofil yarn fair has been moved back so that it is concurrent with the Première Vision fabric fair. The resulting proximity of spinners to fabric manufacturing customers appears to have been fruitful. Although each show will retain its separate identity, the fusion will continue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reprint of the article "Really Spinning Yarn," by Nancy M. Kendall, which appeared in the February 17, 2005 issue of "The Christian Science Monitor," is presented. The author presents a background of the expression "to spin a yarn." She cites the importance of rope as a commodity in Europe during the 19th century.

Presents a list of white cotton fabrics from various spinners and shirting mills in Europe.