My niece Karen Herter wrote this article for the Jun 2006 issue of Profitable Embroiderer, and I thought I would be of interest to you. You can also see his collection of color and pattern coordinated fabrics at http://www.christopherlowell.com/jas_fabrics.php

Jo-Ann Stores Partner With Christopher Lowell
by Karen Herter
Even if it were an inexpensive endeavor, most people wouldn't know where to begin when looking for upscale home décor fabrics and trim. Knowing which colors go together isn't an innate ability everyone is born with. High quality fabrics are expensive and hiring someone to figure out which fabric is good for draping, and which fabric is complementary to it and can be used to upholster a chair, will only add to the expense.

In an attempt to find a solution to this dilemma, Jo-Ann Stores Inc. has partnered with Christopher Lowell, Emmy™ Award-winning host, designer and author. Now, together they have launched a pre-coordinated home décor line that will be a precursor to Lowell's involvement with other departments of the store.

Barb Shears, director of fabric marketing at Jo-Ann Stores, explains, “Our customer looks to us for inspiration, she also looks to us to feel confident about what she's doing with her creativity, whatever she engages in.” She continues, “Whether it's fabric, whether it's decorating, whether it's sewing or crafting — they want to look to Jo-Ann as a resource for them, as a solution.”

If you've been looking for a solution to your designing dilemmas and are unsure how to proceed, Jo-Ann stores might have the answers you're looking for. The new collection, according to Lowell, will allow consumers “to have a professional look…with the colors, the palettes, the embellishments,” and they can “end up with something that's incredibly one of a kind.”

Lowell stresses that his brand doesn't offer anything that “doesn't answer a solution” and he feels that by offering a pre-coordinated line and limiting the amount of choices available, the consumer will have a much more palatable shopping experience.

You can read the rest of this article at http://www.stitches.com/stitches/profitableembroiderer/mag/apparel_joann_stores_partner/index-2.html