Ever since Walmart decided not to carry fabrics in over 2500 of their stores, the fabric industry has been in a frenzy. With Walmart sprawling across the county, they have managed to push out over 80% of local fabric shops. Today, as local Walmarts are closing down their fabric departments, what are the fabric suppliers going to do?
The buzz in the textile industry right now is as to who is going to be the first fabric manufacturer to close their doors. This "honor" goes to a great company, Shamash and Sons Fabrics. Shamash has been around for over 50 years and has provided millions of yards of fabric to customers all over the globe. Everything from cotton velvet, batiks, novelty fabrics, designer fabrics and dress goods was produced by Shamash, though they are most known for manufacturing the Betty Boop Fabric line.
The impact Walmart's decision has had is attributable in large part to manufacturers' structuring their fabric lines around Walmart. Walmart would order thosands of yards from different companies. Their orders would provide revenue. The revenue would provide the manufacturers more money to spend on developing new designs and products. These novel designs would be shown at quilt markets and then sold in quilting stores. Sans the presence of Walmart, manufacturers such as Shamash lost their main source of revenue. Therefore, since some of the manufacturers neglected their previous buyers - which had since gone out of business - there was no place to turn to to replace what they had lost in Walmart. Sadly, once proud companies like Shamash are now withering away.
As Shamash closes its doors, what change - if any - does this indicate for the fabric industry? How will this closure affect fabric shoppers? Will Shamash be merely the first of many fabric manufacturers to close their doors?
Most people enjoy Walmart and the amenities that they offer. Walmart is a one-stop shop to get everything needed. What most people do not realize is that as Walmart sprawls across the US and the rest of the world they are putting small business and companies out of business. So when Walmart decides not to carry a certain section or product this decision hurts many businesses, jobs and industries.
Although it seems like a prosaic concern, Walmart's decision to drastically reduce its retail fabric business has already had an important impact on the fabric industry. The effect it will have on millions of quilters and sewing enthusiasts shouldn't be underestimated. It will take more time to better understand the full impact of Walmart's decision, but J&O will keep you posted with further developments.
Last week, I had to sew a button back onto my husband's work shirt at the last minute. Once again, my little sewing kit saved the day. If you find yourself in a similar bind, this is what I suggest.
Here are the steps: 1. First use a small needle and matching thread. 2. Start by threading your needle and knotting the thread at the end. 3. To make sure that the button is aligned and straight with the others, place the shirt flat and button it from top to bottom. 4. Place the button that needs to be sewn on next to the corresponding hole. Starting from the inside of the shirt, sew the button in a criss cross pattern - making sure not to miss a hole . 5. Repeat this pattern several times before looping the last stitch on the inside of the of the shirt to make sure that it is strong and won't fall off again.
My husband went happily off to work and I put my sewing kit away until next time. With the above suggestions, I'm sure both you and those you sew for will be just as happy.
I used to complain when my mother or grandmother tried to teach me things such as sewing by hand. I thought that I would never need to know that skill. But, since we did not have a sewing machine and there were 6 kids in the house, there were always a lot of rips and tears to fix.
I recently put my hand sewing skills to good use and I'm glad I paid attention. I had purchased a pair of gorgeous black dress pants on sale that I fell in love with. When I got home I quickly found out the pants were too long for me, but I loved the style so much that I wanted to keep them. So I pulled out the good old sewing kit that my mother gave to me, and that you should never be without. The sewing kit I use has all the basic tools that you need in such emergencies.
How did I fix the problem, and what can you do in such a case? This is what I recommend. First prepare the pants by folding the hem until both pant legs are even to the height you need. J & O Fabric store Fact: In order to insure that you make the right cut iron the hems so that you have a straight line . Cut two inches below the line that you made. Next step, grab a medium size needle with black thread from your kit.
First start by threading your needle and knotting your thread at one end.
Now you are ready to start sewing. You should make your first stitch at the thickest part of the pant leg which is where the two ends meet. Proceed to sew the hem with an in and out motion, being careful that your stitches are all about one quarter inch apart and straight all around. Loop the last stitch to make sure that the hem does not fall out while you are walking. With gentle ironing you should be all set.
Now let everyone see what you learned from mom and take your husband or wife out to dinner in your hand sewn pants.
J & O Fabrics wants your next project to be spectacular, whether it's redecorating your home or working on a craft project. In our attempts to help you we like to pass on as much information as we can to help make your decision easier.
Trims can add so much more too any room’s décor and design and they are very versatile. What was traditionally applied to curtains, upholstery and other soft furnishings doesn’t necessarily apply to today’s rules. Now you can use trims to embellish craft projects, picture frames or even use on a wall. But what can be difficult is to know what each type of trim is. We hope the information supplied below offers some insight to that area.
Brush Fringe: A brush fringe is a cut fringe that has a flat skirt made of thin yarns. The heading of a brush fringe can vary from plain to a most elaborate gimp.
Bullion Fringe: A bullion fringe is a fringe made of plain or crepe cords rather than yarns. The heading can be plain or decorative. Bullion fringe is a heavy fringing traditionally used for sofa skirts, but the more delicate bullion fringes can be applied to curtains, throws and cushions and come in a wide variety of lengths.
Cord: A cord is plied yarn that has been twisted together. It is often used as an edging on pelmets and leading edges of curtains. Cording can also be attached to swag tassels to embellish curtain treatments.
Flanged Cord: Also known as lipped cording is plied yarn that has been twisted together with a tape (fabric edge) and is designed to be set into seams of sofa cushions and soft furnishings.
Gimp or Gimp Braid: A gimp is a flat, narrow, woven textile made in many styles. One or both edges of a gimp can be plain or cut, or have scalloped loops. Traditionally used on upholstery usually antique or reproduction, but can also be used on soft furnishings or as a wall braid. They add interest to curtains and blinds when sewn onto the edges, hems and valances.
Fringe or Tassel Fringe: Fridge is an edging with hanging tassels or threads used as decorations. A tassel trim is a plain or decorative gimp with attached tassels. They add finishing touches to curtains and throws and come in various lengths and widths of tassels.
Tiebacks: Tiebacks are cords or tassels which hold back curtains for a finished look. There are various types to choose from such as single and double tiebacks along with tiebacks that are beaded.
Key Tassels: are tassels that come individually and have a small loop at their top for attaching. They are often used in various ways on corners of cushions, valances, pelmets or to simply attach to a key on a door or piece of furniture.
Chair Ties: A chair tie is a cord with a tassel attached to each end. Chair ties are designed to be attached to a chair to make a decorative statement. They can also be sewn to two corners of a chair pad and then attached to the chair’s back support. So check out all our Trims, Tassles and Cords at jofabrics.com.
Unfortunately I can't give you all the details, just yet, but the show Extreme Makeover has recently been in our store for a project that they are doing in Pennsauken, New Jersey. This project has created a lot of local elation as well as excitment in our store.
We look forward to providing you with more information as soon as it is possible. Extreme Makover Home addition is doing a good deed in our neighboorhood and J & O Fabric store is happy to help out. The families home, who will be getting the make over, is a wonderful story. Also, the redesign of the home will provide great ways to get ideas for many uses of our fabrics. Stay tuned and we will update you as soon as we can. Meanwhile, watch Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Sundays 8/7c on ABC and always check out our site at jofabrics.com
J & O Fabrics is a leader in online fabric stores with hundreds of discount fabrics including: upholstery, quilt, quilting, drapery fabric, fleece, decorator, felt, retro, upholstery fabrics and more!
