While many local South Jersians are eagerly awaiting the November 4th ABC-TV airing of "Extreme Makeover-Home Edition", J & OFabrics will be taking a sneak peak into the home of the Marrero family from a distance; quietly critiquing the popular show's designers' use of the beautiful fabrics selected from our bolts to decorate & beautify the newly built home.
For those of you who haven't read our initial blog report, the Marrero family is one of Extreme Makeover's most recent recipients of a brand new home. For FREE! The Camden, NJ based family was selected after hundreds of nominations poured in following an interview by Diane Sawyer on 20/20 that aired on our local news back in January of this year highlighting children in poverty. After the decision was made, the phones started ringing. The shows producers were scouting out the area in search of not only the architects and engineers, but the fashionable high-end fabric outlet that would become the source of textile, window & wall coverings for their made-for-tv project. It was only a matter of time before word got out that J&O was the answer to their call.
Now, due to contractual agreements, we can't exactly mention what we supplied. But for those of you loyal J&O customers out there, the fabulous fabrics shouldn't be hard to spot on the tube once November comes around. And why should the Marrero family be the only ones to be the recipients of such a gift. With walls of decorator fabrics from designer manufacturers such as Alexander Henry, Robert Kauffman & Waverly; to high end prints from Charles & Ray Eames, you can find a wealth of fabric treasures to add a little zest to the nest. It's always interesting to see the many different ways a few yardages of material can transform a piece of furniture or a window frame. With a little bit of imagination and a desire to create, you too can treat yourself and your home to your own Extreme Makeover. At the end of a long & busy day out in the world, aren't you worth it!
The weatherman is calling for another hazy, hot & humid 98 degree summer day as you head out for an afternoon picnic in your beautiful white sundress. But you're not worried... Why? Because that lightweight & breathable fabric draping your body is none other than gauze. Created by a loose plain or open weave, gauze dries easily and holds any vibrant dye incredibly well wash after wash.
Originally made from silk, the name gauze is said to have derived from that of the Palestainian city of Gaza where the fabric is thought to have originated. Eptymologically its roots are said to trace back to the Persian word for silk via the spanish word "gasa". History also relfects its heavy use in Ancient Egypt. Here, the fabric was used not only for clothing, but more importantly, as a protective ceremonial wrapping for mummified bodies. Today, gauze is made from silk, cotton or modern synthetic fibers as well. Because of its loose weave, it is also very useful for bandaging wounds where other fabrics might stick to the burn or laceration. And with the many uses of gauze, it's no wonder it is considered a great fabric for summer.
So while you are lying out on your picnic blanket enjoying your delicious spread in your cool summer dress, take a moment to reflect on the other many uses of gauze. With two boys playing around nearby, you never know when you might have to whip out those bandages!
Often times I am stopped and asked about the 'hat of fabric' on my head. To the children, it is something of amusement....spawning giggles and curiosity. To the adults, it is often an interesting accessory....creating a fascination towards not only its symbolism, but to its technique as well.
This 'hat of fabric', as it is often referred to, actually has a name. It is called a gele. The word stems from the Yoruba people of West Africa and it is not actually a hat, but a coil of fabric wrapped on top of ones head in a designed fashion. In many African countries, this piece of attire is symbolic of several things. For starters, it is worn only by women . Secondly, it serves to identify anything from her family bloodline to her social, cultural and/or marital status.
The technique for wrapping the gele varies depending on the purpose. Often times if the woman is attending a specific affair or ceremonial event, the style, color & print will play an important part.
To wrap your own head only a few steps are needed.
Step 1 Select about 2 yards of fabric . Any color or print that appeals to you will do. I suggest you use a light-weight fabric that does not have a slippery feel to it. This will allow your hair to breathe, and the gele to stay comfortable and in place on your head. The piece should be rectangular and anything less than 2 yards might prove difficult to utilize, as this covering is formed by wrapping and requires length to do so. If you want to have more options in your style of wrap, use more fabric...but keep in mind that your gele may be heavier as well.
Step 2 Wrap your head starting from one end of the material, leaving the bulk of it in the hand that will carry it around. Hold it at the base of your neck and cross over it with the remaining fabric creating an overlay. This will hold the gele in place. Wrap the rest of the fabric around your head and tuck the end into the folds of the fabric to secure. Shape the formed layers as you wish. For a tight fit, once you complete your first rotation, continue to secure the fabric around your head as you go. For a looser style, be more carefree in your wrapping.
Step 3 Once your wrap is complete, trust yourself. You look beautiful!
If you are looking for a natural, versitile fabric available in an array of colors, wieghts, and blends...why not try Linen. Linen is a natural fabric made from the fibers of the Flax plant. Once milled, it can be used to create beautiful garments, drapery & upholserty for your home decor.
Below is a list of the linens I have used and some of the characteristics of each:
Raw Linens- If you are looking to create a garment with a textured look & feel to it, this rough & piled material is perfect. While it requires special cleaning to prevent shrinkage, you'll appreciate the uniqueness of its rough yet flexible weaves.
Linen Solids- For those of us who prefer a more refined fabric against our body, linen solids are a wonderful option. Historically worn by the wealthy because of its price & prestige, it is now available to the majority in not only dress, but casual wear as well. While some opt to dry-clean, many linen solids can be washed and air-dried to prevent shrinkage.
Linen-Blends- Out of all the Linens, this one is my prefered choice. It has the desired look & feel of a linen solid, without the hassle of wrinkles and shrinkage. With its breathable fibers and various wieghts, it is great for creating garments that can be worn year round. If you are planning a vacation or going on holiday, and are looking for pieces to pack in your little suitcase that are versitile and ready to wear, look for clothing made from this material. Available in combinations of rayon, polyester or cotton, linen blends are a great solution.
Poly-Lin- Holiday season is coming up and what better fabric to showcase your dinner spread than this blend of polyester and linen. With a look & feel of a medium weight linen, this fabric also provides you with a durability perfect for the wear & tear of hungry hands. Poly-Lin is wrinkle free to allow for convenient wash and lay on that busy day.
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!
Gele: The Art of Wrapping
