Preparation is a key process in modern weaving. Developments in preparation machinery displayed at ITMA 1999 offered improved quality, productivity, automation, and rationalization. An overview of recent technological developments in preparation machinery highlights advances in yarn winding, warping, sizing, insertion/tying-in, and winding to weft bobbins. The automation of warping machines combined with the greater capacity of pattern warping machines augments the efficiency of warping medium, short, and patterned warps. Sizing with prewet yarn reduces consumption of sizing and auxiliary agents and energy. 5 refs.