In the game of love, there are those who like the chase. Then, there are those who like to be chased. None a love affair was ever so revered and watched with curious amazement than that of our famous cat and mouse duo of Tom & Jerry.
After almost 65 years, they are still playing the game they made famous….the game of cat and mouse. And they are playing it just for you.
Hanna Barbera’s famous cartoon characters of Tom & Jerry are now available on 100% cotton fabric for our nostalgic viewing pleasure. Each print captures a scene of love vs. war that these two became known for, as we watched day in and day out for the cat to not only catch, but eat the mouse he so aggressively sought to destroy. But through all the mayhem and destruction, Tom never did. And what seemed even stranger, was that when the two finally did find themselves in the stranglehold embrace of one another, they almost seemed, well, ….friendly.
So why did Tom chase Jerry? Was it a false sense of duty instilled by his full-figured, overly stressed and frustratingly unidentifiable owner of earlier years? Was it the response to a normal feline/rodent enmity? Or were they merely being paid to act out these violent & theatrical gags that never produced blood despite their mutating affects, for the entertainment of curious and bored little boys and girls looking to live out their frustrations of life vicariously through the maniacal duo?
As children, we came to the simple conclusion that this is just what cat and mice did. They chased, to chase another day. Tom was clever, yet stupid and Jerry was an instigator who liked taunting Tom. And it was funny and it was make believe. And in the end, they were friends just doing their job…no harm, no love lost.
As adults we look back and laugh with a sigh of relief for all the deadly reenactments we didn’t choose to commit on siblings, and the nostalgic memories of a simpler day left behind.
The only question remaining: Who did you vote for, Tom or Jerry?
The carpet wasn’t the only one wearing red at this years’ Oscar’s. Notable film and television favorites came dressed to impress in what some say was just what the Oscar’s needed to jolt the dreary energy of a lingering winter, and the weighted residue from the pending writer’s strike. The lovely ladies of stage and screen came out to warm the blood of men and stimulate the senses of all in their one of a kind, custom made and right of the runway designer gowns from such fashion icons as Valentino, Galliano, Escada and Kevan Hall. From the legendary Ruby Dee , suited in a ruby red satin gown complete with rhinestone belt, to new comer Miley Cyrus, in a red chiffon bow backed number, it was clear that red was the undisputed color of choice, and these diva’s worked their fashionable garments as only they could.
Check out our collection of taffeta here! Check out our collection of sequined fabric here! Check out our selection of chiffon here!
Actress Helen Mirren donned a garnet satin dress, while Anne Hathaway adorned herself in a crimson red satin one shoulder by Marchesa complete with rosette embellishment. Kathy Heigl looked liked she walked right off the set of a Harlequin romance in a beautiful silk georgette column dress with a draped and pleated bodice. The red affair was completed with a haute couture red silk taffeta bustier gown by Galliano that was strutted in true runway style by none other than super model icon herself, Heidi Klum.
With prom season right around the corner, and J&O right at your fingertips, you can take a little bit of creative inspiration and glamour from the red carpet today!
Where would we be without Sesame Street? Probably in our graves.
My father once thanked the producers of Sesame Street for saving the lives of many children, including his own….literally. He was half serious, half joking. He spoke these words on behalf of parents nationwide who undoubtedly would have grown a few more gray hairs and raised their hands to fall upon a few more tender a rear end had it not been for the regularly scheduled, educational and highly interactive broadcasting of this wonderful children’s television program.
Weekday & Saturday mornings, children from every nationality and background across America could be found glued to the tube, singing along with their favorite Sesame Street characters in the customary call and response fashion that Grover, Oscar and now Elmo encouraged.
With the click of a button, crying infants found instant gratification in Maria’s soft ABC lullabies’. The Terrible Two’s toddlers put their home destroyer gadgets away and suddenly became the sweetest, most focused angels to roam the living room. Even moms & dads could be found learning spanish words for water, or joining their offspring in finding which of these things just didn’t belong here.
So in ode of the good-ole-days, the lives of the little ones who have absolutely no idea just how intricate their entertaining TV show really was to their survival, and to the youth of today….J&O offers a great selection of cottons and flannels donning the faces of some of the most widely recongized and favored Sesame Street characters we’ve all come to love and trust.
From Elmo’s Lunchtime encouraging a healthy balance of fruits and vegetables in our children’s lunchboxes, to the Sesame Street Babies School Time series reminding our little ones of the importance of being able to read and write, the primary colors and themes that have remained consistent over the years, are available right here just for you.
Babywearing: the practice of wearing or carrying a baby or child in a sling or other form of carrier.
Babywearing is a traditional custom that has its roots in almost every culture. From the Ancient Eastern to the Modern Western, wearing babies has been an intricate part of the motherhood journey in women both young and old.
Starting in Egypt and dating back to the time of the Pharoahs, images of children being carried in slings can be found on the walls and pyramids. From Africa to America, reflections of this art form are still seen and practiced around the world.
In Mexico, traditional baby slings were constructed by colorful scarves called rebozos. Here, they are not only an expression of Mexican art, history, and culture, but they are used for carrying their babies as well.
In Peru, the traditional name for their baby slings is mantas. In Africa, it is called khangas, and in Indonesia, it is called a selendangs. All of these slings are constructed with rectangular pieces of cloth that are tied or wrapped in many different ways.
The Chinese mei tai is a square piece of cloth with parallel unpadded straps emerging from the sides of each corner. It is secured by bringing all the straps together in a twist with the ends tucked. This ancient technique for baby wearing has been incorporated by many Western cultures and is one of the most widely used forms of wrapping today.
The podaegi is a Korean carrier with a medium to large rectangle of fabric hanging from a very long strap. Traditionally the rectangle is quilted for warmth and wraps around the mother's torso, while the straps are wrapped snug under the baby's bottom and tied around to the front to support and secure the baby on the mother's back.
Traditional babywearing in Japan was done with a wrap carry, using an obi(sash). Similar to the hmong and mei tai carriers, the onbuhimo has long top straps and a rectangular body; but at the bottom of the rectangle, loops or rings allow the top straps to be threaded through and tightened, while the straps are tied at the waist. The body is much smaller than the bodies of most mei tais and other Asian-style carriers, and the onbuhimo is traditionally used on the back.
No matter which style you choose to use, certain fabric selections will yield certain characteristics for your baby sling. Stretchy wraps are generally made of knits such as jersey or interlock. These offer some give, making it easier to transfer your infant in and out, but can feel a little less secure than a fabric without give.
Polyseter fleece and wool jersey are sometimes used for carrying babies in cool weather. They provide wonderful warmth in a lightweight and quick drying fabric, and can be found in a vaiety of colors and prints.
Woven wraps can be made from a wide choice of colors, patterns and materials. Natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, linen, silk and wool can also be used. Carriers which are 100% cotton or other natural fibers will tend to have less stretch.
The most common baby slings are made with homespun or hand-woven fabrics that contain simple over-under weaves like twills and jacquards. These weaves provide some stretch diagonally to allow for give as well.
Baby slings are great for when you need to 'free up' your hands for other things aside from hugging your little one. Not only do slings and wraps allow for more freedom of movement, but they also help create and instill a level of security for your very dependent child. Your child can comfortably learn the world, while at the same time bonding with you.
Not only are baby slings practical and functional, but for some, they are a fashion statement as well. From silky satins to eco-friendly organics, selecting a fabric and print that expresses your energy, personal style or coordinating savvy can be a reflective and creative process.
Create Your Own Baby Sling Wrap
To get started on creating your own baby sling, the first step is to search our sight for just the right material. To be on the safe side, it is recommended to buy a minimum of 2-5 yards. Select from our section of novelty prints, dress prints, fleece or African fabrics. Then choose from the listed techniques below. Try them all to see which one is the right one for you and your baby. With your own creative imagination and a little help from J&O, you can make your own statement and share in the joy of babywearing with your little one today!
(The following wrap sling requires a sling ring to secure your little one once inside the wrap.)
Thread your sling as shown. Tip: If you unfold your sling before threading it, it will be easier to adjust.
Fig. 2
Hold the rings of your sling with your right hand. Be sure the tail is in front of the loop. Fig. 3 Put your left arm through the loop and bring your sling over your head.
Fig. 4
Rest the rings in front of your right shoulder. If you put the rings of your sling along on your shoulder or if you put your sling around your neck you will not be as comfortable as with the rings in front of your shoulder.
Fig. 5 Open the pouch of your sling and carefully set your baby inside. While you support your baby's weight and head, pull on the tail to tighten your sling. You can customize the fit of your sling by pulling on one side of the tail to tighten one side of the pouch and pulling on the other side of the tail to tighten the other side of the pouch. Fig. 6
As your baby gains weight you can minimize the strain on your back by wearing the rings lower and spreading the fabric across your shoulder.
If you have a newborn it is important to always support your baby's head until the sling has been tightened enough to provide support. Newborns usually should lie down in the sling until they have head control. You may place your baby in the sling with the head on either side. This position is also excellent for nursing. As you nurse you can completely cover yourself by placing the tail of your sling over your shoulder. Some newborns are happier in a vertical position (see Fig. 8). Your baby can be carried this way if you tighten the sling enough to support your baby's head.
Fig. 7
Newborn, Reclinging, Nursing Positions
Pull one side of your sling up against your chest to create a deep, secure pouch. Open the pouch with one hand and, while supporting your baby's head and weight, set your baby in with the head on either side. Continue to support your baby as you pull on one side of the tail to tighten the outer part of the pouch and the other to tighten the inner part. Please be sure to tighten the sling sufficiently so that your baby is secure. Very young babies may seem all bunched up inside the sling. Most babies are comfortable this way. If not, they will let you know. If you think your baby is lost down inside the sling you can put a receiving blanket or small pillow in the sling before setting your baby inside.
Fig. 8
Newborn Vertical Position
Carefully place your baby in your sling. The bottom of the fabric should cover your baby's bottom and the top of the fabric should cover your baby's head. Tighten the top of the fabric enough to support your baby's head. Tighten the bottom of the fabric to securely hold your baby in place.
Once your baby has head control she will probably want to sit in your sling so she can see her world. Your baby can sit in your sling in several positions.
Fig. 9
Kangaroo Carry
This position works best with younger babies who have head control. Put on your sling and open the pouch as if you were planning to put your baby in lying down. Cross your baby's legs and place your baby in sitting up. While supporting your baby's weight, pull on the tail to tighten the sling.
Fig. 10
Front Carry
As your baby grows, the Kangaroo Carry position may no longer be comfortable, but the front carry position will work well. Place your baby in the sling facing sideways. Be sure the bottom fabric comes out to your child's knees. For a restless child, the top fabric should also cover your child's shoulders. Tighten your sling until your child is secure.
Fig. 11
Hip Carry
This is an excellent position for heavy toddlers because your hip is used to support your child's weight. Put your child in your sling and rest your child on your hip with your child's legs straddling you. The bottom of the sling should extend out to your child's knees. The top of the sling should come up to your child's arms. If your child is restless, pull the top of the sling over your child's arms. Tighten the sling until your child is secure.
Fig. 12
Back Carry
The Back Carry position is recommended for children who are at least one year old. Put your sling on with the rings too high on your shoulder. You may want to start with them on or slightly behind your shoulder. Place your child in the sling in the hip carry position with your child's arms covered. Carefully slide your baby around to your back. It is recommended that until you are used to this position you have a friend check your child's security. The back carry position should only be used with a cooperative child.
As an ever growing online fabric store we have found it beneficial to cater to the decorating needs of as many different types of customers as possible. Our most popular decorator fabrics tend to be those with retro or futuristic designs.
Nevertheless, not all of our customers are interested in such extroverted decorator fabrics. For those of you who enjoy more stately and elegant decor, we also have an extensive selection of designer fabrics that should appeal to your taste.
If you need to make draperies or other accoutrements to compliment a room, the following fabrics will be of interest:
The impact that an appropriate upholstery fabric can have on your decor cannot be underestimated. Therefore, the following designer upholstery fabrics have a dignified appearance that will enhance their surroundings:
Regardless of what type of fabric you need or the style you need it in, you are bound to find it at jandofabrics.com.*
* Do you have any pictures showing the great uses you’ve given our fabric? Then please e-mail them to us at jandofabrics@comcast.net. We’ll be happy to hear from you and might even use your pictures or future blogs or on our website. We reserve the right to utilize the pictures sent without prior otification and in the time and manner that J&O Online Fabric store deems appropriate.
A renowned poet and legendary author Khalil Gibran once quoted:
“Life without love is like a tree without blossom and fruit”.
At J&O we believe:
“Life without J&O is like a piece of cotton without print and design”.
Both quotes, most would say, hold valid truths.
For love is truly the fabric of life.
During the month of February, as our nation celebrates the highly commercialized and overly romanticized day of love, a.k.a St. Valentine’s Day, we at J&O will be sharing the many ways we can express our love for family, friends and loved ones through the use of fabric.
And what is love without expression?
Whether you are a believer in the traditional celebration this holiday brings, or a proud supporter of the Antivalentinism movement, the significance of loved ones expressing some form of love for one another still fulfills a basic need in humans worldwide. Love can have you reupholstering the sleeping quarters of your favorite fluffy pawed pal “Harrison”, making a fabric covered photo journal for your family matriarch and mother, or simply creating a quilt with scraps of fabric for a perfect stranger who needs it most.
Void of marketed influence, St. Valentine’s Day offers us the perfect opportunity to express love in its simplest and most purest form, reminding us that true love isn’t measured by the size of your pockets, and its expression certainly doesn’t have to cost a lot either. The celebration of love cannot be contained in a 24 hour period, nor should it be limited to just one day out of the year. Instead, everyday can be a day of love expression, especially with a little help from your J&O Family.
For great St. Valentine’s Day novelty prints, check no further than our site. We offer not only the traditional prints for the holiday, but the non-traditional as well. Who says red is the only color representing love? And who’s to say that the print you choose has to carry all the symbolic images of this amorous holiday anyway? Love is in the gifting, and J&O has plenty of fabric to create wonderful gifts for all those special crafts you have in mind.
Maybe little “Harrison” likes vibrant colors; Canine Clique(#dog000200) could be just the print that sends her into doggy conniptions. Or how about Mrs. Perfect(#wom000105) for the woman who has nursed more childhood scars, worked more jobs than most, and still looks good at 50!
Say “I love you” in more ways than one with these great novelty prints, and let your heart speak volumes through your creative imagination.
The New York Giant’s thrilling win over the New England Patriots this past Sunday went down in history as the most watched Super Bowl ever. With 97.5 million viewers watching sofa side, and thousands more cheering on from the University of Phoenix Stadium itself, you’d swear it was Super Tuesday instead. Some watched for the awesome plays, some watched for the sexy players, while others just wanted a laugh or two off the funny and creative commercials in between.
One thing everyone bore witness to was one of the biggest upsets in Super Bowl history. New York shattered New England’s unbeaten season 17-14 as Manning hit Plaxico Burress on a 13-yard fade with 35 seconds left. It was the Giant’s 11th straight victory on the road and the first time the Patriots tasted defeat in more than a year. And now the 1972 Miami Dolphins can pop another bottle of champaign in celebration of their undefeated run still intact, the only perfect season in the Super Bowl era.
Whether you were partying in the comfort of your own home or taking it all in with friends and strangers under the sunny sidelines, one thing is for sure….everywhere you looked, you saw the red, white and blue colors of both the Patriots and Giants .
Fans young and old sported cotton headwear, shirts, pants, flags and a host of other creative crafts for their #1 team. Home party spreads laid on top NFL table dressings and up in the hometowns of both the reigning champs and their opponents, fleece throws and outwear were rep’d from borough to borough.
Now I didn’t do any extensive research, but judging on the number of calls and orders we received before and after the big game, something tells me that the majority of those die hard fans got their sought after licensed NFL fabrics right here from J&O. After all, we are the #1 source for all your NFL,NBA and College Teammaterial. But don’t take our word for it, if you haven’t checked out our inventory yet, it’s time to jump on the bandwagon.
And if you weren’t a Giants fan before, what are you waiting for?
If it was curiosity that killed the cat, then it was definitely satisfaction that brought it back.
While gossip columnists, tabloid reporters and inquiring minds were eager to discover whether or not another bundle of joy was patiently waiting to be revealed from behind the free flowing vintage gown Angelina’s wore, we at J&O were waiting to find out the name of that beautiful fabric that she chose to garment herself in for the annual red carpet affair.
Our curiosity was satisfied when it was revealed that her designer piece was a mahogany and slate colored, tie-dyed, paneled chiffon. And it looked great!
True to the nature of chiffon, the material created a fluid, free flowing look to the full length gown. Its fibers offered the perfect canvas for the warm earth toned dyes, and added a slight overlay of shimmer and texture atop a muted opaque foundation . Traditionally used for such formal occasions, chiffon carries a fabulous drape and offers a sexy yet modest look for its wearer.
It seems Angelina wasn’t the only celebrity who opted for this beautiful and versatile fabric. Lisa Rinna was a woman dressed to prowl the red carpet in her wispy black and white leopard print chiffon gown. Her low, halter cut neckline and open back dress created a sensual touch to a modestly draped hemline. Volumes of fabric flowed wild and free as she strutted and posed for the cameras that night.
Finally, we saw Kate Hudson in her full length avian inspired gown. Her strapless dress was designed with a soft plumaged breast line and volumous layers of a sheer pink and lavender printed chiffon that cascaded into a train as she seemed to float across the stage.
Once again, this elegant material created a glamorous look for an affair that is nothing less.
The handsomely tailored men who accompanied each of these actresses on the carpet or on stage, seemed to create the perfect backdrop for bringing out the sensuous and feminine qualities that the lovely ladies and their chiffons brought to the event.
And you don't have to travel to Hollywood or NY to find this great material. The lovely chiffon fabrics premiering on the red carpet can be found right here at J&O. Available in silk, polyester, cotton, rayon or nylon, our selection of naturals and synthetics offer you an array of looks and feels. Dye them, decorate them, mold and shape them to create just the design you are going for. Make your own red carpet fashion today!
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!
With the click of a button, crying infants found instant gratification in Maria’s soft ABC lullabies’. The Terrible Two’s toddlers put their home destroyer gadgets away and suddenly became the sweetest, most focused angels to roam the living room. Even moms & dads could be found learning spanish words for water, or joining their offspring in finding which of these things just didn’t belong here.
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One thing everyone bore witness to was one of the biggest upsets in Super Bowl history. New York shattered New England’s unbeaten season 17-14 as Manning hit Plaxico Burress on a 13-yard fade with 35 seconds left. It was the Giant’s 11th straight victory on the road and the first time the Patriots tasted defeat in more than a year. And now the 1972 Miami Dolphins can pop another bottle of champaign in celebration of their undefeated run still intact, the only perfect season in the Super Bowl era. 
