Proactive questions are like insurance for a successful textile project. Ask the right ones (even if you think you're asking too many), and you'll save yourself a serious amount of effort, headaches, and funds later on. What are some of the right questions to ask? Lori and Dan welcome back TVF Vice President of Business Development Robert Hinsch to detail projects that were loaded with lessons -- the good kind and the tough kind -- to help keep fabric decisions on-track. He discussed these proactive questions during a recent Advanced Textiles Association webinar.

In a world flooded with information, how do you zero in on quality industry-vetted fabric content and education? One solution is textile trade organizations, and more specifically, Advanced Textiles Association. On this episode of The Textile Nerd Podcast, Lori and Dan sit down with ATA Director of Content and Member Programs Jonathan Sweet, a former journalist, to examine initiatives designed to inform, enlighten, and boost the industry.

With international markets in a near constant state of flux, textile companies in the United States are investigating options like onshoring, nearshoring, and reshoring to keep their edge. Sounds great, but how feasible? Lori and Dan convene a panel of supply chain experts that includes TVF Supply Chain leaders Stephanie Shrader, Tabitha Green, and Jamie Sullivan, as well as well-traveled global textile executive and AATCC Chair Courtney Williams to sound off on the challenges and possibilities of a more American-made textile industry.

Meet Russ Hubbard, an Army veteran whose experiences during military training and in the sands of Middle East battlefields spotlighted a lifesaving fabric opportunity. On this edition of The Textile Nerd Podcast, Lori and Dan will explore the origin story of Polar Skin™, a rapid-cooling system that is made here in the U.S. – from fiber to finished product – and achieves stringent Berry compliance standards, while portably and accessibly cooling overheated soldiers, athletes, and more.

And the winner is… all of us nerds! On this special edition, Lori and Dan will present the first-ever "Nerdies" to the top guests, topics, and moments of the inaugural 50 episodes of The Textile Nerd Podcast. It's been a great ride of sharing knowledge and exploring textile curiosities so far. Here's to the next 50 episodes!

The global logistics, sourcing, and shipping environment might be the most talked about – and kvetched over – corner of the textile universe today. Lori and Dan convene a supply chain roundtable to discuss challenges that go beyond the "t-word" (tariffs) and impact companies large and small, domestic and international. TVF Supply Chain Director Stephanie Shrader, Senior Sourcing Manager Tabitha Green, and Sourcing Manager Jamie Sullivan weigh in.

Logistics is the lifeblood of textiles. As with so many corners of the industry we love, the journey leading professionals to choose logistics is not linear. Lori and Dan will introduce you to TVF Global Trade and Logistics Manager Laura Martin – who once worked on a season of The Real World – to talk about challenges and opportunities she and the textile universe face.

Which methods come to mind when joining fabric pieces? Sewing? Adhesives? How about fabric WELDING? Miller Weldmaster is a global fabric welding powerhouse based in rural Ohio that has been on the forefront of welding technology for decades. Lori and Dan will explore the depths and future of this process with Jason Damis, North American sales manager at Miller Weldmaster.