I went back and reread information on 100% polyester and still found information that makes me feel I shouldn't order it. Here is one such old post. Anyone else have information before I make my decision? Thank you. Posted by dcollie (My Page) on Fri, Jun 15, 07 at 15:13 100% polyester always "pills". Not recommended. Look for poly blends which will be more resistant to that effect.

I too am so discouraged. Yesterday I went fabric shopping for velvets. I looked through tons of books, from Kravet to Fabricut to Stout and beyond. Most of the velvets are 100% poly. I don't want a poly velvet. I found one, Mitchell, that is cotton. Poly's may have come a long way, but they are still an oleophyllic fiber. I want a tightly woven cellulose. I'd be happy with rayon/cotton blend, or all cotton. Annie, the original microfibers in upholstery were nylons. I think they're making a microfiber poly now too, but the ones we think of as wearing like iron are nylon - which is pretty indestructible. And nylons don't absorb oils like poly does. Have you ever gotten an oil stain on a polyester blouse? It will never ever come out. I can't imagine telling my hubby "no eating chips or popcorn on the sofa because we'll end up with little oil dot stains all over". And regardless what they say, IMO poly velvet is going to be hot to sit on in the summer and clammy in the winter. Rant over. I've found some cotton and cotton/rayon blend velvets on the internet, so now it looks like I'm going to be ordering swatches. Good luck lefleur1. It's a tough search out there. Between keeping price points down and the fact that the US has virtually ceased all cotton production, we're screwed. This post was edited by mlweaving_Marji on Wed, Nov 6, 13 at 8:54

My husband has been installing carpet for 38 years. For as long as I can remember his advice has always been "100% nylon and stay away from polyester even if the salespeople tell you it's 'better' than it used to be". He installs a good amt of wool carpeting also, in the higher end homes, but it's a very expensive investment. Wears like iron :) Pad depends on the type of carpet but thicker isn't always better.

I would rather read reviews for the three companies to see how their furniture has held up. Of the three, Smith Brothers would be my choice based on what I have read about them over the years. Reviews for Decor-Rest See this chart for 'lower middle quality' Leather Italia Also this Furniture Forum post for Leather Italia Here is an older post on Smith Brothers from Garden Web - HERE. And a Furniture Forum post re: Smith Brothers - HERE.