What’s in a name?

We name our fabrics for several reasons.  First and foremost our customers enjoy it!  Secondly, it serves as a convenient communication tool around the warehouse.  If we said Judy, do we have anymore 70902?  We would get a blank stare.  But on the other hand if we said Judy, do we have any Hacienda left, she’d know the answer right away!  Last week I overheard Sue on the phone with a customer.  She said, I have no idea who comes up with these names sometimes!!  Well, I knew right away which names she was referring to in our Autumn I mailer.  And I know who came up with the ideas!

Since we name both buttons and fabric, we often feel creatively challenged to come up with new names.  In August, I was working on catalog copy at home and asked my husband for help. When we bought the business years ago, we used to name many of the fabrics together, but I hadn’t asked his help in awhile so his mind was fresh!!  the names ususally come about because the texture, color or combination of these attributes triggers a thought.  Then its to Google or some other source to refine and romance the concept. So here are a couple Don came up with and the explanations behind the names.

Cucurbits
“This reminds me of a field ready for fall harvest” ~Don

Cucurbit Any of various mostly climbing or trailing plants of the family Cucurbitaceae, which includes the squash, pumpkin, cucumber, gourd, watermelon, and cantaloupe.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition.

Black Drusy

“The texture on this piece is reminiscent of chrystallized minerals.” ~Don

This lead him to a search of black gems where he learned about drusy–a perfect description for this textural fabrication.

We’re always looking for new names for black solids…if you have suggestions, bring them on!