Q. How do I care for my Acrylic-coated tablecloth?
The following instructions apply only to tablecloths tagged La Cigale; any tablecloth with another tag or no tag, please contact the person you purchased it from and ask them about care instructions. Generally you need only to wipe the cloth with a soft sponge with mild dish washing soap and water. If you feel you need to launder your cloth, wash in the machine, gentle cycle, with mild detergent in cold water - No Bleach! - then air dry. The cloth may be ironed, under side up, using a cool iron with a damp cotton pressing cloth. Any questions call 717-964-2248 or e-mail info@lacigale-usa.com
Q.Can I leave my tablecloth outside?
We do not recommend that you leave anything outside for any extended time, as nothing is mold or mildew proof. Mildew and mold will form between the surface of the table and the underside of any cloth, especially in an environment with temperature changes, moisture, and shade. All cloth when wet should be exposed to air and sun and alloyed to dry. Never fold and store a wet or damp cloth. Q. Who makes your products?
All of our products, with the exception of some of our sacs (bags) and the embroidered towels, are made by a small family sewing shop near Avignon in Provençe, France. The sacs which are not made in France are hand made here using Provençal tissue. The embroidered towels are made in Turkey and embroidered by a small company in Vallauyis, France.
Q. Where does your tissue (fabric) come from?
Our tissue comes from weave mills and print shops in Europe. The Provençal print collections are the property of many small print shops. Many of these collections are very old and owned by the families who created them. There is a museum dedicated to Provençal Tissue in Tariscome, France.
Q. What is acrylic coating?
Acrylic coating is a process where a powdered acrylic is heat treated onto cotton tissue. This process makes the cotton tissue fade and stain resistance.
Q. What is Jacquard?
Jacquard, the weavers art, is a woven cloth where the design is part of the weave. This cloth is woven on a Jacquard loom. The Jacquard material we use is now treated with Dupont Teflon®.
Q. What is a Cadre?
Cadre is a base cloth with a hand cut and applied border, sometimes a center. The tissue used to create this tabelcloth is what ever the artist chooses.
Q. What is Polyester?
A cloth made out of plastic fibers.
Q. Why do you offer polyester at shows, but not on your web site catolg or at your shop?
We offer polyester 71in round tablecloths at some, but not all shows, because of the competition. We would very much like not to offer polyester at all. We do not like it, it is a cheap product bought in quality and cost, but the designs are very attractive. The polyester product arrived in the tourist market in France because of its low price. The Euro has driven the price of cotton, jacquard and acrylic tablecloths up to the point were the merchants were concerned that the tourist market would suffer and a less expensive product was needed - Enter Polyester. Polyester, as a fabric, does not have the fade or stain protection that the acrylic coated cloth has nor the feel and beauty of cotton or jacquard cloths.
Q. Do you have a shop we can visit?
Yes, in Mt. Gretna, Pa. We are a small sewing shop, which is open to the public. Our hours change with the seasons and are posted on the home page.
Q. How did you get involved in this business?
To answer this question, please go to the About Us page.
Q. Where is Mt. Gretna?
For this answer go to the Gretna page or the Contact Us page.
Q. Can you give me information about Provençe?
Yes; either click on the Provençe button at the top of the page, or e-mail us at info@lacigale-usa.com or phone us at 717-964-2248; we would love to share our Provençal adventures with you.
Q. What forms of payment do you accept?
We can accept Visa and Mastercard at this time.
Q. How do you ship your table linens?
We currently ship via UPS and FedEx. Other means of shipment may be arranged on an individual basis as requested.
