Commercial pattern printing?

Hi,

I'm a longtime sewer and have recently decided to investigate the possibility of starting a small business designing and selling specialty patterns. I'm starting from the beginning, taking fashion illustration classes to begin with.

I have a couple of questions about making patterns.

1. What is the paper that Vogue, Butterick etc use for pattern pieces called? Can you buy it either in bulk on the Internet or in a craft store?

1. How are patterns printed, and what companies will do this? I read somewhere that printing is done on a plotter, can any printing place with a plotter do it, or are there specialist pattern manufacturers?

2. Are there any good books or websites for commercial pattern printing? Any articles on Folkwear etc?

Thanks for any insights. I have been borrowing a ton of books on illustration, design, small businesses, textile manufacturing standards etc. I am attempting to find The Entrepreneur's Guide to Sewn Product Manufacturing, will buy if I can't borrow it from somewhere.