How Products Are Made- Part I

Jamie Cohen and Bailey enjoying the benefits of a Draper Therapies Couch Blanket.

Have you ever wondered how the Draper Therapies products that end up on your body and your horse are actually made? How does that process even start? Well I’m glad you asked, because I’m here to walk you through the steps of turning raw materials into the finished goods that are  in your home or at your barn. Remember that as part of our Draper Dogma, we’re bringing high quality, US made and proven holistic products from our family to yours.

This first blog post will be an introduction of the general processes that occur from conception through delivery. The overall structure is as follows and though we’ll cover the basics here, be on the lookout for additional posts that will go into further detail.

How it’s Made at Draper Therapies:

• Ideas and Demand
• Research and Development
• Designing and Knitting the Fabric
• Sampling and Feedback
• Production
• Sale and Promotion

Ideas and Demand- It’s how the whole process is started and how products are ultimately conceptualized. Ideas come from experiences from traveling, going to shows, seeing new product showcases and ultimately being educated on all things relating to clothing for horses, dogs and humans. Ideas can also come from our esteemed Advisory Board who are currently using various products and wishing the special Celliant® properties could be added into what they’re using. Another basic rule is that if five customers ask for a product (demand), we investigate what the product could be for us and push it into research and development. Ultimately an idea is sparked in some way and we feel that we need to go forward with it.

Research and Development- Draper Knitting has taught me that it is invaluable to provide the highest quality products that stand the test of time. Draper Knitting is Draper Therapies’ parent company for those of you who don’t know and are the ones responsible for creating most of the fabric that goes into our line. They’ve been around since 1856 and have had to change with the times to stay in business. They have learned what it takes to be ahead of the curve and continue to strive for that goal. They excel at research and development, and we like to think we do too because of them.

Once a product is conceptualized, we break it down to find what we want that product to achieve. We look at similar products in the marketplace and evaluate them, weighing out pros and cons. We read reviews, tons of reviews. We’ll purchase and study samples of similar products on the market. This can lead us to what is still lacking in an existing product and try to improve upon it going forward.

We then take our ideas to our designers which we have in house, or to those at Saratoga Horseworks who design and produce all of our dog and horse garments. Once the design is on paper, everyone has a chance to voice their opinions. We weigh the pros and cons, and we eliminate any negative feedback where possible. Then we move on to a final fabric design, or skip straight through to sampling if its fabric we’re already making.

High Pile Sliver Knit made by Draper Knitting as used in Nap Blankets, Dog Beds, Quarter Sheets and more.

Designing and Knitting the Fabric- If we are designing a new fabric, we work to create something that meets, if not exceeds our expectations of what we want to achieve in the base of a product. We then work with the designers at Draper Knitting and talk out the characteristics the fabric needs to have. It can be anything from a soft touch to durability to wickability and more. We work with different fibers and yarns to create those characteristics, keeping in mind that we always have to have 50% Celliant in the mix, and trying to source those materials as close to home as possible. Design and performance of the end product will also dictate a fabric formation. Draper Knitting has three vastly different formations to choose from: High Pile Sliver Knit, Conventional Circular Knit and Stitchbonded Non-Woven. The fabric is then knit and sent through a variety of finishing processes that can include shearing, tumbling, drying and/or coating. Any new sample created using Celliant is then sent off to Hologenix to be tested for efficacy, we want to be sure it provides all of benefits we’re promoting.

Dressage Saddle Pad comparisons in the Draper Therapies sampling process.

Sampling and Feedback- Once the fabrics are designed and produced, we send it off to the designers. If they’re in house we take our ideas to the floor, or we send it off to Saratoga Horseworks to create a sample based on all of our product ideas. It usually takes a few weeks to create patterns for, and rework the product, but eventually it evolves. We’ll usually create a dozen or so samples that get trialed by ourselves and sent out to our Advisory Board to get adequate feedback. Those samples are then used in a variety of scenarios and climates, and after a month or so of them being out in the field, we compile as much feedback is possible. If all of it is positive, we move forward. If we have any negative feedback or criticism, we reevaluate all aspects of the product based on those problem areas. If the problems are major, the samples can be completely revoked and we evaluate whether or not to start over or dismiss the project. Any minor problems get tweaked before production.

Sewing operations at Saratoga Horseworks

Production- Our new fabric is put into full production and then shipped with the winning design to be cut and sewn. All the parts and pieces come together as a new product in a very efficient and timely manner. After packaging, we have a new item on our shelves! We also send out our sample designs to be photographed so that we can take preorders and be set to launch as soon as stock arrives.

Sale and Promotion- Every product is different in the ways in which we promote them- many are anticipated even before they arrive, but essentially it’s all about getting the word out there. We use our social media, blog and newsletter to announce the latest happenings. We also may send out a press release to the media to alert as many people as we can on. Talking to folks at shows also is one of my favorite methods. Ultimately it’s making sure as many people as possible are aware and excited about the launch and sale of our newest addition to Draper Therapies.

Lunching and Learning

Draper's Lunch and Learn Seminar in Wellington, FL featuring Sheri-lyn Traylor

We had a wonderful time lunching and learning with everyone who showed up to our very informal, Lunch and Learn Seminar held on January 26th. The Draper Lunch and Learn seminar featured Sheri-lyn Traylor, the editor and art director for BellaDog Magazine, and more importantly, a very good friend of ours.

Sheri spoke to a full house on the topic, “We All Make Mistakes: A Lecture on Using the Positive Instead of Negative Reinforcements When Working With Our Animals and Using Them to Reflect in Our Own Lives.” We thought audience had a great reaction to the seminar. Most horse people have dogs, and while Sheri talked a lot about positive reinforcement in our canine friends, in could easily be transferred to our equine friends too. It was a wonderful, eye-opening experience. After it was over, Sheri-lyn was tied up for a good while with people who were asking questions about training tips and techniques as well as more information on some of the subjects she touched on. We have a video posted on YouTube of a short snippett from the Lunch and Learn seminar:

 

In a raffle to all the participants, we gave away subscriptions to BellaDog Magazine and one lucky winner also took home a Draper Dog Bed. Nicole Hug, Nina Geissler, Michelle Hirschberg and Cathy Latsha all won subscriptions to BellaDog Magazine, and Cathy additionally won a Draper Canine Therapy^® Dog Bed.

We were so happy to be a part of the Lunch and Learn seminars being held at WEF for the second year in a row because we love supporting the equestrian community through education. Throughout the show circuit we are also have the opportunity to be hosting the Draper ‘Best Foot Forward’ Awards, rewarding positive attitudes and the ‘Draped In Draper’ raffle which awards $1,500 in Draper Therapies products. It’s a great time to be in Florida!

NEW Product: Draper Equine Therapy® Heavyweight Turnout Blanket

Here at Draper Equine Therapy^®, we’re proud to announce the release of our newest product for your horse, the Draper Equine Therapy Heavyweight Turnout Blanket. Designed to increase circulation and oxygenation in the body, while helping to relieve soreness, stiffness and discomfort in cooler temperatures, the Draper Equine Therapy Heavyweight Turnout Blanket does it all.

The Heavyweight Turnout Blanket features a seamless European pattern, 1000 denier texturized nylon shell, and 4 oz/yard of Primaloft® providing superior coverage and weather protection. Standard features include dual chest buckles, bias surcingles, leg strap D rings (leg straps not included), a tail flap with a Velcro® reinforced chest closure. Combined with Celliant®, a revolutionary “smart fiber”, the blanket encourages not only alleviation of pain and other negative symptoms, but an actual improvement of the body’s natural systems while providing protection from the elements.

The Draper Equine Therapy Heavyweight Turnout Blankets are machine washable and dryer safe, and are available in black with either burgundy or navy trim. Recommended temperature range is 10 degrees to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. The cost for the Blankets are $359.00 USD and can be purchased in the following sizes: 78″, 80″, 82″, 84″. The Heavyweight Turnout Blanket have the following content: Face: 100% Nylon | Fill: Primaloft®| Liner: 85% Celliant®/15% Recycled PET | Base Lining: 100% Nylon.

All Draper Equine Therapy® products are made in the USA, and help keep jobs amongst the American manufacturing sector. The Celliant fabric that makes up the therapeutic component of the Draper Equine Therapy Heavyweight Turnout Blanket is made by Draper Knitting Company, the parent company to Draper Therapies. Draper Knitting has been in operation since 1856 in the textile industry at their Canton, Massachusetts location. Once the Celliant/Recycled PET (think recycled soda/water bottles) fabric is made, it then gets shipped to Saratoga Horseworks in Amsterdam, NY, a three hour driving distance from Draper, where the fabric is placed into a shell of durable materials. The finished blankets then get sent back to Draper Therapies where they face a final inspection and are packaged to be sent out to customers worldwide.

Turnout Blanket Binding Colors, will come with White Piping

Florida Sun Brings Smiles and the Best Foot, Forward

Denise Monopoli winning the Draper Best Foot Forward Award during the 2011 Winter Equestrian Festival.

Riders with a positive attitude and a smile on their face make the show world a far better place, and we here at Draper Equine Therapy®, we  are looking to reward those riders by proclaiming they are putting their “best foot forward.” We will be sponsoring the Draper “Best Foot Forward” Award each week during the 2012 Winter Equestrian Festival and at the inaugural year of the Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, FL.

Draper Therapies is dedicated to giving back to those who possess a positive attitude both in the show ring and out. It’s an attitude that grooms, riders, owners and trainers choose to project that enables a ripple effect of ‘good vibes’ to be passed on. At Draper, our goal is to ‘create and embrace change,’ which includes having a positive attitude, and we look forward to finding it in riders and then rewarding them for it.

Winners of the Draper “Best Foot Forward” award will win prize packages worth up to $300. We will be on the lookout for those inspiring a positive attitude throughout each show. A smile is contagious and when we’re all in an environment working long hours, nothing greets you better than a smile on someone’s face.

We look forward to seeing everyone in Florida and be sure to pack those smiles!

 

Draped in Draper

Kyla Makhloghi, right, won the “Draped In Draper” contest at the Winter Equestrian Festival in 2011. Kat Wojtylak, second from right, is encouraging everyone to enter this year’s Draped In Draper contest for a chance to win $1,500 in Draper products. Visit the Draper website at www.drapertherapies.com to learn about the contest. (Photos courtesy of Sportfot)

One lucky grand prize winner will find themselves decked out from head to toe in therapeutic products from us in 2012, thanks to the “Draped In Draper” raffle. The raffle will take place during the Winter Equestrian Festival and Global Dressage Festival, where owners, trainers, grooms and horse enthusiasts attending the shows can all enter to win $1,500 in Draper Therapies products.

The grand prize winner will take home $1,100 in Draper Therapy products and two runner-ups will each receive $200 worth of products. The winners will be able to choose anything from the full line of products offered in our canine, equine or human lines. Last year Kyla Makhloghi, a trainer from New England, won the ‘Draped In Draper’ contest during the Winter Equestrian Festival and she couldn’t have been more thrilled. It was exciting to be able to provide that opportunity to her.

The “Draped in Draper” contest is designed to further Draper’s connection with the equestrian community in Wellington and find people and horses that will benefit from products made by Draper. To enter the contest, each entrant needs to submit an essay detailing why they could really use products for themselves or their horses. We are really looking forward to reading the essays because I know we are going to read some great and creative stories detailing how our therapeutic products can help change things in a positive way. The submissions collected will not only be counted toward the ‘Draped In Draper’ contest, but will be used to help further research and development of the Draper products.

To enter the “Draped In Draper” contest, submit an essay of at least 250 words, including your mailing address and phone number, by March 18^th, 2012. Entries will be accepted by email at info@drapertherapies.com or through direct mail to Draper Therapies, Draped in Draper Contest, 28 Draper Lane, Canton, MA 02021. The winner will be selected during the week of March 21^st  and winners will be chosen based on submissions, at the discretion of Draper Therapies.

For more information on Draper Therapies, and for a complete set of rules on the “Draped In Draper” contest, visit our website at www.drapertherapies.com.

New Year, New Resolutions

Every year we get wrapped into the idea of starting the year off fresh and accomplishing at least one thing we set our minds to. But how often do we actually meet our New Year’s Resolutions?

After reading about people already starting to make their lists for the New Year, I did some research to find out what most people are putting forward as a resolution. In no particular order here are the top ones I found: spend more time with family and friends, fit in fitness, tame the bulge, quit smoking, enjoy life more, quit drinking, get out of debt, learn something new, manage stress, take a trip,  help others and get organized. So pretty much every resolution fits into one of these categories and is your own personal variation on them, right?

Well, when you write out your list, what is it you’re after? What has inspired you to do something? I know recently I watched the movie The Bucket List and in doing so I got inspired. It’s a much bigger list of New Year’s resolutions that I wish to do before I “kick the bucket”. On a smaller scale however, I decided to accomplish one of those items off my list each year which turned into my New Years Resolutions. I broke it down to not stress myself out over too big a picture. Well what will really and truly get me there though? The video below is a great way to actually start applying your grand idea into something tangible that anyone can achieve.

One of my friend’s from my childhood decided to tour the world. This is something a lot of us say we’ll do eventually. Well guess what? She’s out there living her dream and experiencing new things she is completely and utterly scared of. She broke it down by country, starting with a road trip of the United States. What she is learning along the way is not only more about herself and her relationship with her partner, but all that the world has to offer. Lindsey planned and saved, and used the relationships she had with her friends to fill in the gaps and make her dream possible. She did everything she could, failed some along the way, but continued to pick herself up and never let that dream die. In the New Year, she’ll embark to another country and use everything she gained about the past year to enhance her adventures. She made it happen.  To learn more about Lindsey and Josh’s journey, read the Covey Krol World Tour.

We have a few weeks left before the New Year, so what is it that we’ll plan to accomplish in 2012 and have it become a reality instead of a fleeting thought?

Gifts That Keep On Giving

Thanksgiving is over and that means it’s the crazy, heartwarming, fun-filled month of holiday everything. We all celebrate the holidays a bit differently, church services, visiting with family, dinner parties, decorating, baking cookies and/or shopping; but regardless, it’s about coming together and being with the ones we love and going above and beyond.

As many of you know, or will come to know after this post, community aka our family of customers and vendors, is everything to us as a company. We truly pride ourselves on creating long lasting relationships with everyone we come in contact. Because of this, we find we have tons of friends everywhere we go and great conversations to be had. Yes, we create products that help people and animals live a healthier lifestyle, but it’s about much more than that.

I had the opportunity to go with my Aunt and Uncle this Thanksgiving to the Response to Love Center in my hometown of Buffalo, NY to volunteer and provide warm, healthy meals to the homeless. It was a humbling feeling to think that as I’m trying to conjure up shopping lists, a basic meal is hard to come by in some cases. It really was amazing to me how much I learned in those few hours about how anyone can create an opportunity for others, all they have to do is commit to helping.

One of our little “babies” we started a few years ago is the Draper Philanthropy Project and it’s just a way as a company that we try and give back, to provide more to those who may not have it. In this specific case it isn’t a warm meal, it’s about the battle one may face if diagnosed with adrenal cancer. We keep this dedicated blog to talk about everything going on in the field of adrenal cancer, but it’s a way of talking about life itself and cherishing all that is given to us, even in the smallest of packages.

So when you find yourself out and about this holiday season, just remember that you can do things to help which may be built into your holiday plan. Buy a tree, which you’re probably going to do anyways from a farm who will donate proceeds to a charity (such as Dutchman Tree Farms). Buy products whose proceeds will go to a charity you believe in or buy American made products to help keep jobs here in the US. Make a tax deductible donation, which will also help come tax time in another few weeks. Or just lend a helping hand. Each and everything will have a ripple effect of goodness.

With that said, all of us here are wishing you all the most magical holiday season with your family! We can’t wait to see all the wonderful things this season brings.

From our family to yours,

The Draper Therapies Team