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Garrett Leather recently earned ISO 9001 Certification for our Quality Management System. ISO refers to the International Standards Organization, which is an independent, non-government international group. It was established in 1946 to coordinate and unify industrial standards. ISO 9001 Certification sets the criteria for a customer-focused quality management system.

ISO 9001 Certification Plaque

Why ISO 9001 Certification?

Garrett Leather has always maintained high quality standards for both products and services. In addition, we have continuously looked for ways to improve over the years. ISO 9001 certification confirms our commitment to providing the highest quality of products and efficient, accurate service. We pursued this internationally recognized certification for numerous reasons. It keeps our quality standards at the forefront, holds us accountable for our actions, and propels our continuous improvement efforts.

What is required to earn ISO 9001 certification?

The process

Tracy Weaver of Recovery Room Hot Rod Interiors in Nebraska is a master of automotive upholstery.  As a leader in the field, his innovation and creativity are inspirational. Tracy continues to put his stamp on the industry and shows no signs of letting up or slowing down. Just when you think he has done the most incredible interior job you have ever seen, he continues to raise the bar.

As a loyal Garrett Leather customer for over 20 years, Tracy spoke to us about his craft.

How did you get your start in automotive upholstery? What drew you to the car business?

I got my start working at another shop that did everything from repairs to commercial work.  Whenever anything came in that needed some creative work or when a custom car came in, I was the one who would do it. I found that my love of art and love for cars had paid off. I had a knack for design and could use the sewing machine pretty well. When the owner of that shop wanted to open another type of business, I started doing automotive

Pull-up leather is very popular, especially for residential, hospitality, and corporate settings. In order to fully appreciate this type of leather, it is important to understand its unique characteristics. While pull-up leather is similar to distressed leather, they are not exactly the same.

What is Pull-Up Leather?

Pull-up leather is aniline dyed in the drum to create deep, vibrant colors. It is finished with a combination of transparent waxes and oils, which gives the leather a very soft hand, or feel. When this leather is stretched or pulled, the color migrates and becomes lighter in the pulled areas. Hence, the name “pull-up” refers to this change in color. Drastic variations in light and dark areas increase as the leather is handled and stretched against the grain. The “pull-up” becomes more evident as the leather is stretched tightly around furniture frames and other materials. As a pure aniline leather, marks, scratches, and signs of wear will show and a rich patina, or shine,

It's easy to get overwhelmed when choosing leather suppliers. To help, here are 10 reasons to re-evaluate your leather supplier and work with Garrett Leather.

10. Missing Deadlines

Time is valuable. While you are often faced with tight time constraints, looming deadlines, and production schedules, your leather supplier should help ease the pressure, not add to it. If you are stressed about long lead times and potentially missing deadlines, then it's time to change leather suppliers. Most of us don't have the luxury of waiting 6 to 12 weeks for leather, so find a leather supplier that you can rely on to ship your leather to you when you need it.

Leather suppliers should be able to work with your schedule, not just theirs.

9. Difficulty Finding Exactly What You Need

Sometimes it is not always possible to find the precise color you need. Therefore, find a leather supplier that can make it for you. Of course, when customization is required, disregard reason number 10. High quality

Leather cleaning is a popular subject. We are often asked, what is the best way to clean stains on leather? The answers vary, depending on the type of leather in question and what caused the stain. Regardless of the leather or the stain, quick attention is always essential.

Semi-Aniline

Semi-aniline leathers receive a protective finish on the surface, so these types of leathers are the easiest to clean and maintain. The best course of action depends on what caused the stain. It is always recommended that liquid spills are blotted up immediately with a clean, dry cloth, with minimal rubbing. The spill should be allowed to air dry and dissipate without the use of heat dryers. For spills that may leave a stain, such as red wine, a mild cleanser may be used to remove the excess residue and remove the spill completely. Cleanser should not be applied to oil or grease stains. Ink stains and lipstick may also be removed from semi-aniline leather with the proper tools, such as Ink Remover. Again,

Most furniture will puddle in the seats with use, but it's what's in the core that will dictate how much puddle you get. Regular (low density) foam rubber and down will puddle the most. To prevent puddling, high density foam is better, though the best cushion core options are called a spring loft or spring fiber. These cushions not only have foam, but they also have springs in the seat core itself. These work very much like a mattress would. Once you get up, they will spring back to retain the original shape, not allowing a puddle to be created.

Some folks call puddling comfort wrinkles and yes, they will develop over time if you buy a softer seat core or cushion and a really soft leather. A good informed upholsterer or manufacturer can help you with the right seat cushion for you if you mention your concern. You can always expect this to happen when the seat core is too soft or when down is used. Not all leather furniture will show puddling. It’s all in the seat cushion core and the leather

PBDEs is an abbreviation for polybrominated diphenyl ethers, which are man-made chemicals that are widely used as flame retardants in a number of applications, including plastics, electronics, foams, and textiles. In recent years, studies have shown the negative effects and potential health risks associated with PBDE exposure and steps are being taken to ban the use of these chemicals.

Common sources of PBDEs

How does exposure to PBDEs occur?

PBDEs were commonly used as flame retardants during the 1970s in electronics, mattresses, and foam used in furniture. The chemicals are mixed and added to products rather than bounded to them, so as the product degrades, the chemicals can eventually leave the products that contain them and enter into the environment. PBDEs enter air, water, and soil during manufacturing and use in consumer products. You may be exposed by eating foods or breathing air contaminated with PBDEs.

Why the concern?

Laboratory studies on mice have shown PBDEs to be neurotoxic

The low cost of bi cast leather and bonded leather may sound appealing. Many people are drawn to leather for its long-standing reputation of providing superior comfort and durability. It is important to know the differences in types of leather in order to receive the maximum value for your investment. There are many different types of leather from which to choose, but not all leather is created equal. Some upholstery fabrics have leather components, such as bi cast leather and bonded leather, but they simply do not compare to 100% genuine leather hides.

Prior to leather production, hides are split into different layers. The most valuable and durable layer of the hide is the uppermost, top layer. This premium top layer is used to make genuine leather.  The natural collagen fibers are intertwined the most tightly on the surface of the hide and become more loose further down. Therefore, the value and durability of each layer decreases. Low, inferior layers of the hide are useless by themselves

Over 75 leather colors and woven patterns are being offered at special discounted prices. These Limited Editions are all in stock and available for immediate shipment. Please contact us to check inventory prior to placing your order. Members can log in to view inventory and place orders online. If you’re not a member, apply today.

Hurry! These special savings are available for a limited time only.