J&O Fabrics Store Newsletter

J&O Fabrics "Coolest Handmade NFL Craft Contest" It Ain't Over Til It's Over!

2010-02-09T08:10:00.000-05:00

Well, now that our "Coolest Handmade NFL Craft" contest is officially over and 1st place winner Kristin Caporale (and her incredible array of NFL cotton hoodies and hats) earned over 100 votes to help gain her leverage over the competitors and walk away with $50 free cash, the J&O family would like to take the next few days to share our own list of top 10 personal favorites, individual category favorites, top 10 NFL inspired quilts, top 10 Saints crafts in honor of our Super Bowl 44 champs, and our top 10 Colts crafts. After all, with over 80 contestants from across the country entering everything from dog coats and baby binky holders to NFL sun catchers and laced g-strings, what better way to showcase the incredible array of creative energy and talent from our facebook fans, twitter followers and fabulous J&O Fabrics customers worldwide! Plus, there were so many awesome crafts that came across our desk that never got voted on in our online poll, that we just had to bring them to light.

So if you submitted a craft or two, stay tuned, your claim to fame may lie in between the lines of our upcoming blogs and blasts. If you submitted, but did not win, remember a true failure is one that never tries. At J&O Fabrics, everyone is a winner. And if you did not have an opportunity to enter your NFL creations at all, there is always next time. In the meantime, have fun checking out some who did. Be motivated and inspired!

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The New Orleans Saints are Winners of Super Bowl XLIV!

2010-02-08T07:10:00.023-05:00

When the Saints entered the league in 1967 The Who were on the charts with their album The Who Sell Out. Forty-two years later The Who performed at Super Bowl XLIV (44) featuring a match-up of the New Orleans Saints against the Indianapolis Colts. It was the Saints' first Super Bowl appearance, while for the Colts it would be their fourth.

Both the Saints and Colts had experienced resounding success throughout the season. The Colts went 14-2 in the regular season while the Saints compiled a record of 13-3. After advancing through two rounds of the playoffs, both teams met on the NFL's biggest stage.

The Colts were favored coming into the game, led by league MVP Peyton Manning and his cadre of receivers: wide receivers Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie, and tight end Dallas Clark. Defensively, the Colts counted with the services of defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, safety Melvin Bullitt and linebacker Gary Brackett. A poll of 41 ESPN.com writers and analysts showed 29 picking the Colts to win and only 12 picking the Saints.

On the other hand the Saints were led by quarterback Drew Brees and his talented group of receivers: wide receivers Marques Colston and Devery Henderson, running back Reggie Bush, and tight end Jeremy Shockey.

The first quarter of the game seemed to support the experts' picks as the Colts jumped to a 10-0 lead. Ten points is also the greatest deficit a team has ever overcome in the Super Bowl. The second quarter, however, belonged to the Saints as they dominated time of possession and chipped away at the Colts' lead with two field goals.

At halftime, The Who -a band older than the Saints' organization- performed the halftime show. The two surviving original members -singer Roger Daltrey and guitarist Pete Townshend- performed a medley of five of the band's biggest hits: "Baba O'Reilly", "Who Are You", "Pinball Wizard", "See Me", and "Won't Get Fooled Again".

After the halftime show, the Saints put on a show of their own scoring on a Pierre Thomas catch only a few minutes into the third quarter. The Colts answered to retake a 17-13 lead. The Saints stunned the Colts be recovering an onside kick and advancing to kick a field goal. The Colts now nursed a one point 17-16 lead.

The fourth quarter belonged to the Saints; the team scored one offensive and one defensive touchdown to put the game out of reach and cement a 31-17 victory. Drew Brees put on something of a quarterback clinic, completing 32 of 39 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns. For his performance he was named MVP of Super Bowl XLIV.

Join in the celebration of the New Orleans Saints' Super Bowl victory with a few yards of our New Orleans Saints fabrics:

New Orleans Saints NFL Fabric: Helmets Cotton

New Orleans Saints NFL Fabric: Logos Cotton

New Orleans Saints NFL Fleece: Allover

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Winner of J&O Fabric's "Coolest Handmade NFL Craft" Contest Is....

2010-02-07T19:40:00.000-05:00

Well, the votes have been tallied and the winner of J&O Fabrics "Coolest Handmade NFL Craft " contest went to none other than Kristen Caporale for her NFL Hats and Hoodies.

Kristen Caporale made an incredible array of NFL Cotton hoodies and hats. The sweatshirts she handmade are fantastic and she even lined the inside of the hood with a coordinating NFL pattern. Did I forgot to mention the NFL Fishing caps that any and every NFL fan would love to wear. Great job!!!

Congratulations to our first place winner, and recipient of our $50 American Express Gift Card prize to Kristen Caporale with 118 Votes from friends, family and fans of her craft who voted her into first place, and the contestants that gave her a run for their money on Super Bowl Sunday 2010. Your creativity is amazing!

From all of us at J&O Fabrics to Kristen Caporale and all of our crafty J&O Fabrics, Twitter, and Facebook fans, thank you for your submissions. We enjoyed viewing each and every one of them. Keep following us as we move into a new season with more contests and prizes to come. Congradulations!

ps. Stay tuned as we bring you J&O Fabrics top ten pics from our personal favorites NFL craft contest list. Blog soon to come!

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Last Day to Vote! J&O's "Coolest Handmade NFL Craft" Contest

2010-02-07T09:10:00.000-05:00

With today being the last day to submit your picks for your "Coolest Handmade NFL Craft" contest projects, the votes are still pouring in, and our contestants are not the only ones feeling the excitement of a possible win. As the polls keep rising, there is no telling who will take the lead by the noon cutoff on Super Bowl Sunday!

If you were hoping to be one of our over eighty entrees but missed the deadline, dont fret...it is not too late to become a voter instead. Or become a fan and then keep up with us on Facebook as we bring new contests and opportunities your way in the weeks and months to come.

To vote, simply

*Become a fan of J&O Fabrics on Facebook

*Visit Fan Photos under our Photos section

*Visit our Poll section on Facebook to place your vote

*Only 1 vote per person will be counted and the most amount of votes wins

Voting for our contest began February 1st and ends at noon on February 7th ( Super Bowl Sunday). Once selected, the winner will be notified via email and Facebook. The finished project will be featured on Facebook as well as on our J&O Fabrics Blog Page for our customers worldwide to see. Remember, you are voting for the "coolest handmade NFL craft" fashioned by our contestants and only one will win the grand prize...a $50 American Express Gift Card. What better gift to give someone as they celebrate a Super Bowl win, than with a vote doing the same for them. You have the power!

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The Saints Are On Their Way to the Super Bowl

2010-02-05T12:20:00.000-05:00

Super Bowl XLIV (44) will be played Sunday, February 7th in the tropical climate of Miami. The game will pit two prolific offenses against each other, each one guided by a quarterback at the pinnacle of his powers. While each team's defense lives in the shadows of the offense, both have generated big plays in order to reach the Super Bowl.

Despite the many similarities between the Saints and the Colts, each team's history is as different as can be imagined. The New Orleans Saints were founded in 1967 as an expansion franchise of the NFL. Twelve years passed before the team had its first season without a losing record, but it would be another eight years before the Saints could sustain their success. With Jim mora as head coach the Saints made the playoffs for the first time in 1987. In 1991 New Orleans captured its first division title.

The next decade was characterized by some successes along with many embarassments. One of the highlights was the franchise's first postseason victory in 2000. The previous year head coach Mike Ditka traded away all of the team's draft picks for that year as well as the team's first- and third-round picks for the following season so as to draft running back Ricky Williams. Williams never lived up to expectations in the Big Easy and lasted only three seasons with the team.

The stage for the Saints' revival was set in the 2000s when the team hired Sean Payton as head coach, acquired quarterback Drew Brees and drafted running back Reggie Bush. They contributed to the dramatic turnaround the Saints experienced; after having gone 3-13 in 2005, the Saints in 2006 advanced all the way to the NFC Championship game where they lost to the Chicago Bears.

After a disappointing 2007 and 2008, the Saints were ready to go in 2009, winning their first 13 games of the season. In the playoffs the Saints first dispatched the Arizona Cardinals 45-14, then the Minnesota Vikings in a thrilling 31-28 NFC Championship game. Now the New Orleans Saints have gone from being the Aints to NFC Champions on their way to Super Bowl XLIV (44).

New Orleans Saints NFL Fabric: Logos Cotton

New Orleans Saints NFL Fabric: Helmets Cotton

Posts by J&O Fabric Store

The Indianapolis Colts are on Their Way to the Super Bowl!

2010-02-05T11:30:00.000-05:00

Super Bowl XIV in Miami represents a meeting of two seemingly similar teams: both have high-powered offenses, star quarterbacks, a limited running attack, excellent wide receivers and underrated defenses. Despite the similarities of the two teams meeting February 7, the organizations they each represent couldn't be more different. While on the one hand the fans of the New Orleans Saints have been a long suffering lot, the Indianapolis Colts' fans have had plenty to cheer about for a long time.

Tracing the history of the Colts is an undertaking through murky waters. The franchise now know as the Indianapolis Colts can be traced back to 1913 when the Dayton Triangles franchise was created. Through various permutations, mergers and moves the Dayton Triangles eventually became the Colts. The Colts franchise is officially credited as having been created in 1953 as the Baltimore Colts.

By 1958 the Colts were in their first NFL Championship game against the New York Giants. The Colts would win the sudden death overtime game 23-17. This game contributed to the growing popularity of the NFL. The Colts already ad by this time the core of their continued success: quarterback Johnny Unitas, receiver Raymond Berry and fullback Alan Ameche.

The two teams met the following season for the championship, which resulted in a decisive 31-16 victory for the Colts. The Colts next trip to the championship game was a 27-0 thrashing by the Cleveland Browns.

Between 1964 and 1968, Colts' quarterbacks won three MVP awards: Johnny Unitas in 1964 and 1967, and Earl Morrall in 1968.

Although Johnny Unitas's injured elbow kept him out most of the 1968 season, Earl Morrall filled in admirably while guiding the Colts to a 13-1 record. In Super Bowl III the Colts played against the underdog New York Jets and their brash young quarterback Joe Namath, who prior to the game had guaranteed a Jets' victory. Namath made good on his word and the Jets defeated the Colts 16-7.

The Colts returned to the Super Bowl in 1970. This time the Colts pulled out a hard fought win over the Dallas Cowboys 16-13 on a field goal with five seconds left. The Colts wouldn't make it back to the Super Bowl until 2006, this time as a team from Indianapolis.

The core of the Colts' success in 2006 was made up of head coach Tony Dungy, quarterback Peyton Manning, wide receivers Marvin Harrison and Brandon Stokely, defensive end Dwight Freeney, and safety Bob Sanders. In Super Bowl XLI, the Colts defeated the Chicago Bears 29-17 to win the team's first championship in Indianapolis.

The 2009 season saw the Colts rattle off fourteen consecutive victories before dropping their final two. After a first round bye, the Colts rolled to a 20-3 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. The following week the Colts beat the New York Jets 30-17. In doing so they advanced to the organizations' fourth Super Bowl overall.

Get yourself ready for Super Bowl XIV (44), now just a few days away! With a few yards of our Indianapolis Colts fabrics you'll be ready for every down come Sunday, February 7.

Indianapolis Colts NFL Fabric: Allover

Indianapolis Colts NFL Fabric: Tossed

Indianapolis Colts NFL Flannel: Camouflage

Indianapolis Colts NFL Fleece: Allover

Indianapolis Colts NFL Fleece: Panel

Indianapolis NFL Fleece: Squares

Indianapolis Colts NFL Fleece: Tie Dye

Indianapolis Colts NFL Vinyl: Field

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Day 4 of Voting for J&O's "Coolest Handmade NFL Craft" Contest

2010-02-04T07:50:00.000-05:00

Its only 4 days into the voting of our "Coolest Handmade NFL Craft" Contest and already we have over 300 votes! And while our contestants are competing for the winnings daily; they are not the only ones. Even our voters are feeling the excitement and anticipation as the polls are tallied and the numbers keep growing. Terry Keenes Chicago Bears quilt is leading the runnings with 37 votes, while Amber Giulianos Cardinals blanket lingers not far behind with over 20. The Top 5 rated projects are listed below but keep in mind, with another 2 days left to vote, there is no telling who will take the lead as Super Bowl Sunday draws near.

Creative folks from far and wide entered our NFL contest. Some to showcase their crafts for the gift card, some to show their love for their favorite NFL team, and some to simply show off. With the chance of winning free cash and a place in the spotlight during Sundays game up for grabs, they have everything to win and nothing to loose. The ultimate winner could be anyone. Maybe even you! From NFL inspired aprons, quilts, baby booties, chairs and even toilet seat covers, to childrens dresses, upholstered chairs, and g-strings, the entrees reveal an endless sea of creativity.

If you were hoping to be one of our over 100 entrees but missed the deadline, dont fret...become a voter instead, or become a fan and then keep up with us on Facebook as we bring new contests and opportunities your way in the weeks and months to come.

Top 5 votes as of 02/04/10

1. Bears quilt by Terry Keene (37 votes)

2. NFL pillow cases by Sue Lamberson (21 votes)

3. Cardinals blanket by Amber Giuliano (20 votes)

4. Ravens patchwork quilt by Corey Ann Raieta (14 votes)

5. NFL kids shoes by Shaunna Colt (13 votes)

To vote, simply

*Become a fan of J&O Fabrics on Facebook

*Visit Fan Photos under our Photos section

*Visit our Poll section on Facebook to place your vote

*Only 1 vote per person will be counted and the most amount of votes wins

Voting for our contest began February 1st and ends on Super Bowl Sunday (February 7th). Once selected, the winner will be notified via email and Facebook. The finished project will be featured on Facebook as well as on our J&O Fabrics Blog Page for our customers worldwide to see. Remember, you are voting for the "coolest handmade NFL craft" fashioned by our contestants and only one will win the grand prize...a $50 American Express Gift Card. What better gift to give someone as they celebrate a Super Bowl win, than with a vote doing the same for them. Let the voting begin!

Posts by J&O Fabrics Store

J&O Guide to Voting for "Coolest Handmade NFL Craft" Contest

2010-02-03T15:57:00.006-05:00

Trying to secure your spot in our "Coolest Handmade NFL Craft Contest" but having a hard time getting votes because Facebook is making hard for your friends and admirers to vote?

Trying to vote for your favorite NFL craft, but can not seem to get through to the voting polls on our Facebook site?

Have no fear, help is here!

After tireless attempts to maneuver throughout the links and pages, we figured out a quick and easy way to get your votes in counted for and our creative crafters one step closer to $50 free cash!

Step One:

Become a fan on our J&O facebook page . If you do not already have a Facebook account, you will need to sign up for one first in order to become a fan.

Step Two:

It would seem obvious to click on the "Coolest NFL Craft Contest" page, but dont! For whatever reason, that choice is going to lead you on a wild goose chase with only high blood pressure as your reward. Instead, to view the entrees, just go to our PHOTOS page and view all.

Step Three:

When you are ready to vote, simply go to our POLL page to view all our contestants and the name of there project. Click on your favorite craft and finalize by clicking on VOTE at the bottom of the list. Remember, only 1 vote per person, so make it count!

If you want to see where you or your friends rank against our other entrees, go back to the POLL page and click on RESULTS at the bottom of the contestants list. With votes pouring in all the way up until noon on Super Bowl Sunday, it aint over til the fat lady sings! Good luck all!

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Nadeea, Fabric Scraps, and The 2010 Grammy Awards!

2010-02-03T09:26:00.002-05:00

For any seamstress, designer or crafter wondering what to do with your fabulous fabric scraps....viola!

What is this, maybe one, one and a half yards of material total including the black satin bow flopping over her sloppily applied glittered right eye?

One look at her ensemble and I can not help but to wonder how much time, thought and energy Nadeea acutally put into throwing herself together for such an auspicious award night affair. A quick grab for a silver bed jacket from her lingerie drawer, a last minute black beaded and laced number from her closet of burlesque costumes, sew some eyelash fringe here, glue some sequined remnants there, and ta-da....

red carpet ready!

Dont get me wrong, I am really quite open minded when it comes to individuals sense of fashion and style, but really, this is almost insulting. Maybe for this Russian singer, this is her version of classy. Or hey, maybe she was totally clueless about the history of the Grammy Awards. But pop star or not, there are just some things we save for another occasion; like a private S&M show, an interview with Playboy, or a wild and crazy night with just you and your significant other, behind closed doors.

dress fabric

sequin fabric

eyelash fringe

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Nominees Walk In The Nude At The 2010 Grammy Awards!

2010-02-02T10:10:00.000-05:00

"Nude....nuetral....buff..., these are just some of the names we give to describe a color that is not quite tan, not quite white, and if you had a very fair complexion (skin tone), then it is a color used to describe the tone on tone appearance between the fabric palate and you.

In this case, we are referring to the color palate that adorned several of the music worlds most beautiful and vocally talented women who strutted their stuff as they walked down the red carpet at this years Grammy Awards.

And while some had the right hue, body, or overall look to make the gowns "pop" for the camera, others got lost in the kind of blended fusion between fabric and flesh that made their otherwise stunning ensembles, rather boring and drab.

From Katy Perrys body hugging Zac Posen design complete with larger than life sequined adorned throughout, to Beyonces tight and textured Stephane Rolland gown that added a little weight to her toned body, but also an artistic flair, going in the "nude" was the look for the night, no matter what the the hit or miss list said.

dress fabric

modern mid century fabric

satin fabric

Posts by J&O Fabric Store

Let the Voting Begin! J&O "Coolest Handcrafted NFL Contest!"

2010-02-01T09:45:00.000-05:00

Do you know what today is? Its February 1st, the day many of our Facebook Fans and J&O followers have been waiting for. Its the day you get to start logging in your votes online for your choice of the "coolest handmade NFL crafts" from the selection of unique and creative entrees posted on our Facebook page over the last few weeks.

To vote simply,

* Become a fan of J&O Fabrics on Facebook

www.facebook.com/jandofabrics

* Visit our fan photos under our photos section

* Visit our poll section on Facebook to place your vote

* Only 1 vote per person will be counted and the most number of votes wins!

Voting for our contest begins today and ends on Super Bowl Sunday (February 7th). Once selected, the winner will be notified via email and Facebook. The finished project will be featured on Facebook as well as on our J&O Fabrics Blog Page for our customers worldwide to see. Remember, you are voting for the "coolest handmade NFL craft" fashioned by our contestants and only one will win the grand prize...a $50 American Express Gift Card. What better gift to give someone as they celebrate a Super Bowl win, than with a vote doing the same for them. Let the voting begin!

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1 Day Left: J&O Fabrics 'Coolest NFL Craft' Contest!

2010-01-29T15:20:00.000-05:00

Thats right, only one more day left to get your carefully created NFL crafts submitted online for our "Coolest Handmade NFL Craft" contest! If you are making cool Giants garments and the inside seams are not finished, who will know? Take a pic and send it over. If you ran out of tacks to complete your one-of-a-kind upholstered Saints chair, no worries, we are sure you can disguise it somehow. And if the last row on your last NFL inspired quilt wont be finished before the clock strikes 12, drape it in full over the couch and see if it matters much. A picture is worth a thousand words, and the right one can make incomplete projects look just as good as the finished ones. The most important thing is to get them in before the deadline so they have a chance to be voted on and you have a chance of winning!

From creative Dallas Cowboys potholders and festive door reefs, to assorted team spirit chairs and stylish Raiders vests, our finalists are dusting it off and dishing it out in the coolest way to show their love and dedication to their #1 NFL teams. No entry is too simple, no idea is too crazy. In fact, showcasing your handmade crafts designed with your favorite team in mind has never been so much fun! And with a chance at winning $50 free cash, you have nothing to loose and everything to gain! Could that lucky person be you? There is only one way to guarantee a spot as a finalist. We are waiting for yours today. The clock is ticking!

To enter, simply

*Just go to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/jandofabrics

*Become a fan of J&O on Facebook

*Upload a picture or two of your handcrafted gift right under the wall

*Add a description of your project, and let the voting begin!

To vote, simply

*Become a fan of J&O Fabrics on Facebook

*Visit Fan Photos under our Photos section

*Visit our Poll section on Facebook to place your vote

*Only 1 vote per person will be counted and the most amount of votes wins

Remember, all entrees are due in no later than January 30th, 2010 and only one entree per person is admissible. Voting will begin on February 1st and end on February 7th (Super Bowl Sunday). Once selected, the winner will be notified via email and Facebook at some point during the game that day. Your finished project will then be featured on Facebook as well as our J&O Fabrics Blog Page for our customers worldwide to see. Dont forget, we are looking for the "coolest" NFL craft fashioned by you. So get your creative juices flowing and your fabric ordered. From cottons and vinyls to flannels and fleece, just the right fabric can make all the difference between first place and last. Dont wait until its too late. With less than 24 hours to go, the clock is ticking.

*Important Notice*
While we welcome your creative ideas and projects, all NFL patterns have been licensed by the National Football League, and are for individual consumption only. Any other use of this fabric is considered illegal and J&O Fabrics will not support or accept any contest entrees designed at the soliciting or selling of such. We thank you for your understanding.

NFL Cotton fabric

NFL Fleece fabric

NFL Flannel fabric

NFL Vinyl fabric

Posts by J&O Fabrics Store

Ask Netfah: What is Madras Fabric?

2010-01-29T09:57:00.000-05:00

Dear Netfah,

My question is simple. What is madras fabric?

Simple in Seattle

Seattle, WA

Dear Simple in Seattle,

It is funny you should ask that, as I just recently found out myself. Madras is a fabric often reflective of a colorful checked patterned material. It is typically worn as a summer fabric, as it is 100% cotton, making it both lightweight and absorbant. Gaining its name from its traditional place of origin in Mandras, India; the patchwork styled material is often used to make shorts, capris, dresses and tops. For a fashionable look and comfort during the summer seaons, madras remains an in-style fabric year after year.

Posts by J&O Fabrics Store

The BAMA, Bryant & Houndstooth Connection!

2010-01-26T14:01:00.000-05:00

As Alabama Crimson Tide players and fans alike celebrated their BCS Rose Bowl National College Championship victory at the start of the new year, crafters and quilters started swarming to their local fabric stores and onto their computers in search of not only the perfect Crimson Tide fabric to commemorate such a win with custom made quilts, home accent pieces, and garments the like, but also for some good old black and white houndstooth prints in honor of the late great Paul " The Bear" Bryant and his historic role in making the BAMA football team the legend they are today.

What is it about Mr. Bryant that earned him the record of most wins as head coach in collegiate football history? And how lucky was that trademark hat he wore like a talisman? One could guess and speculate for years to come but one thing is for sure, he did more for houndstooth and the University of Alabama than the Scotmen who invented the signiture textile pattern ever did.

So for all you crafters, players, and proud fans of both BAMA and Bryant who have been scouring the state for a yard or more of the fabric that every Crimson man and woman has grown to love, J&O fabrics offers our top shelf houndstooth prints in a variety of fabrics and weights for your flaunting pleasure. From Classic and Court Jester patterns to decorative and fleece materials, where there is houndstooth to be found, their is a memory of Paul "The Bear" Bryant on it!

Alabama University cotton

Alabama University fleece

Houndstooth fabric

Posts by J&O Fabrics Store

J&O Fabrics Final Week Wrap Up "Coolest NFL Craft" Contest

2010-01-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

As we enter the last week of entree posting for our "Coolest Handmade NFL Craft" contest, novices and seasoned crafters alike are steadily submitting their hopeful wins with crossed fingers and hopes of winning the featured prize, a $50 American Express Gift Card good for use wherever and whenever.

The journey to the Superbowl is coming to an end, and so is our contest. Submit your hand crafted project in today and show our thousands of fans just how you represent your No# 1 NFL team. With a chance at winning free cash, you have nothing to loose and everything to gain by entering.

To enter, simply

*Just go to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/jandofabrics
*Become a fan of J&O on Facebook
*Upload a picture or two of your handcrafted gift right under the wall
*Add a description of your project, and let the voting begin!

To vote, simply

*Become a fan of J&O Fabrics on Facebook
*Visit Fan Photos under our Photos section
*Visit our Poll section on Facebook to place your vote
*Only 1 vote per person will be counted and the most amount of votes wins

Remember, all entrees are due in no later than January 30th, 2010 and only one entree per person is admissible. Voting will begin on February 1st and end on February 7th (Super Bowl Sunday). Once selected, the winner will be notified via email and Facebook at some point during the game that day. Your finished project will then be featured on Facebook as well as our J&O Fabrics Blog Page for our customers worldwide to see.

Dont forget, we are looking for the "coolest" NFL craft fashioned by you. So get your creative juices flowing and your fabric ordered. From cottons and vinyls to flannels and fleece, just the right fabric can make all the difference between first place and last. Dont wait until its too late. With only 5 days left to go, the entrees are pouring in.

*Important Notice*

While we welcome your creative ideas and projects, all NFL patterns have been licensed by the National Football League, and are for individual consumption only. Any other use of this fabric is considered illegal and J&O Fabrics will not support or accept any contest entrees designed at the soliciting or selling of such. We thank you for your understanding.

**Submissions:

1. New York Giants holiday door reef by Mick.

2. Oakland Raiders vest by Lisa

3. Dallas Cowboys potholders by Donna

4. Team spirit chairs by Deborah

Posts by J&O Fabric Store

Video Announcement: Coolest NFL Handmade Craft Contest Winner Receives $50.00 American Express Gift Card

2010-01-21T08:17:00.004-05:00

Watch the video below and you have a chance to win a $50.00 American Express Gift Card from J&O Fabric Store.

Good Luck!!!

Click here for more details on our NFL Craft Contest
To Upload Crafts and Vote go to: www.facebook.com/jandofabrics
Week 1 NFL Craft Contest
Week 2 NFL Craft Contest

Check out our NFL Fabrics:

NFL Fabric Remnants
NFL Cotton Fabric
NFL Fleece Fabric
NFL Flannel Fabric
NFL Vinyl Fabric

Posts by J&O Fabrics Store

J&O's Top 3 Picks For Golden Globe 2010 Fashions

2010-01-19T12:20:00.001-05:00

Between tending to my sons oncoming cold and my own achy body, I did not get a chance to watch our actresses turned designer fashion models take their annual strut down the red carpet for this years Golden Globe Awards. I did however, manage to stumble on a few captured images of our fem fatale the next day as they posed decked to impress in some of the finest threads and designer originals this side of the universe. As a designer of one-of-a-kind womens garments myself, it is seldom that I am impressed by what I see on the runways or mannequins, but every now and again I am stopped in my tracks. Especially when the right garment reaches the right individual, it is there I find my YES! moment.

Now, I have to admit, whoever styles Halle Berry, she definitely deserves an award. Even though the girl has a got a body designers from far and wide would jump to adorn, classy chic is the name of her game time and time again. In fact, I dont think I have ever seen her looking anything less than superb. Whether she is dressing up for a ceremony such as this, or laying back with her family in more humble attire, Halle is a hit.

Here she rocks a stunning onyx silk bias cut gown with lace inserts by Kaufman Franco alongside her short signature coiffure. Reminiscent of the ultra feminine and modern East Indian attire in its cut and design, Halle looks not only picturesque but comfortable in her own womanly skin.

Christina Aguilera is one of those petite ladies whose 5ft 2 1/2" frame has seen more metamorphosis over the span of her career than many women will see over the span of their lifetime. Constantly reinventing herself seems to be her m.o., and like her predecessor Madonna, she beckons fashion columnists to pull out their pens and write away.

Fitting perfectly in her Versace strapless peach colored chiffon gown with a metallic bodice and peach colored leather inserts, Christina looks part futuristic diva, part modern day woman in her designer gown.

Finally, we voted in Latin sensation Penelope Cruz in our Top 3 Golden Globe Designer Gown pics not only because she decided to strut such a combined array of elegant fabrics in selection of a gown, but because no matter how many times she wear black dresses to ceremonies such as these, she always does it with such style and taste.

Reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn with her petite frame yet larger than life charm and appeal, Penelope wore a Giorgio Armani Privé black lace gown that features a dramatic neckline beaded in a floral pattern, horizontal ribbon striping and fitted sleeves. And though it got mixed reviews from style columnists, we gave it a thumbs up for style and creativity.

Our Top 3 stars of the red carpet are not the only ones that can pull off looks like these. And you do not have to search far and wide for great fabrics like these. At J&O Fabrics we pride ourselves at having one of the largest selections of top shelf designer fabric online. From organza and satin to sequined and brocade, the right look for the right affair at the right price can be achieved effortlessly just by the click of a button.

Dress Fabric

Satin Fabric

Organic Fabric

Posts by J&O Fabric Store

Ask Netfah: The Do's & Don'ts of Fire Retarding on Fabric

2010-01-19T08:30:00.000-05:00

Dear Netfah,

I am working on the production team for our schools annual spring show and because of certain fire code regulations, I need to use a material for the backdrop that is fire retardant. I am having trouble locating material that is already pre-treated and have been told to just purchase regular fabric and treat it with a spray retardant so it will pass regulation. My question is this, what is the best source of treatment? And once I wash the treated material, does the application wash off?

Fire & Water Just Dont Mix

Albequerque, NM

Dear Fire & Water Just Dont Mix,

There are several options for treatment on the market that are available in both liquid and spray. The latter would be best suited for your undertaking as it is the one used to treat most fabrics used in curtains and backdrops. Keep in mind that while most store bought fire retardants contain harmful (PBDEs) that have been linked to neurological damage, not all do. Check the ingredients and shop around for the one you are most comfortable with, then follow the directions on the label for safe and effective application.

If limiting the use of harsh chemicals and a desire to keep it more natural appeal to you, opt for a natural yet effective solution such as Borax which has fire retarding properties alongside its more popular uses as not only a laundry detergent and deodorizer, but as a bug repellent too. Just put warm water in a spray bottle and add a small amount of Borax to start fire proofing your backdrop material.

In regards to how to care for your fabric AFTER it has been treated, keep in mind that over time and washings, the application will deteriorate and have to be reapplied again. Depending on how many different solutions you use to clean your treated fabric, the application may come out sooner than later. When cleaning Borax treated fabric, a new application must be applied after each washing. Because some pretreated material can withstand the dry cleaning process, the alternative of a trip to your local dry cleaner might be right up your alley.

Below, is a helpful step by step guide for cleaning your fabric once it has been treated. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1:

Wash in warm water at a medium temperature. Temperatures above 140 degrees may damage the material and break down the fire retardant properties. High temperatures may also cause the fabric to shrink or wrinkle, ruining its appearance.

Step 2:

Use a mild laundry detergent. Most fabrics treated with a fire retardant do not fare well with soap, but laundry detergent is not soap and does not contain the fats in soap. The fat in soap deteriorates the flame retardant capabilities.

Step 3:

Avoid fabric softeners. These break down the chemicals used to create the fire retardant fabric.

Step 4:

Tumble dry with low heat or line dry to prolong the effectiveness of the material. Remove promptly and avoid over drying.

*** Send in your Ask Netfah questions to info@jandofabrics.com. ***
We'd love to hear from you!

broadcloth fabric

felt fabric

muslin fabric

Posts by J&O Fabrics Store

J&O Fabric Store NFL Coolest Craft Contest Week 2!

2010-01-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

Last week we posted a blog showcasing a few of our initial entrees for our "Coolest Handmade NFL Craft" contest, and what a response we got! Many who viewed it were indeed inspired to dust off their sewing machines, pull out their NFL fabric remnants, and get their creative wheels turning in the hopes at a winning a $50 American Express Gift Card to use whatever way you like. As we enter into week #2 of our contest, the submissions just keep pouring in. Especially our quilts and bedding crafts.

So, this week we are showcasing a few of our creative NFL crafts that are sure to heat up your creative juices and keep the chill off the backs of any football fan come game day! Literally. Whether its quilts, throws, hats or coats, showing love for your favorite team has never been so creative and fun.

The journey to the Superbowl is just starting, and so is our contest. Submit your hand crafted project in today and show our thousands of fans just how you represent your No# 1 NFL team. With a chance at winning free cash, you have nothing to loose and everything to gain by entering.

To enter, simply

*Just go to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/jandofabrics

*Become a fan of J&O on Facebook

*Upload a picture or two of your handcrafted gift right under the wall

*Add a description of your project, and let the voting begin!

To vote, simply

*Become a fan of J&O Fabrics on Facebook

*Visit Fan Photos under our Photos section

*Visit our Poll section on Facebook to place your vote

*Only 1 vote per person will be counted and the most amount of votes wins

Remember, all entrees are due in no later than January 30th, 2010 and only one entree per person is admissible. Voting will begin on February 1st and end on February 7th (Super Bowl Sunday). Once selected, the winner will be notified via email and Facebook at some point during the game that day. Your finished project will then be featured on Facebook as well as our J&O Fabrics Blog Page for our customers worldwide to see.

Dont forget, we are looking for the "coolest" NFL craft fashioned by you. So get your creative juices flowing and your fabric ordered. From cottons and vinyls to flannels and fleece, just the right fabric can make all the difference between first place and last. Dont wait until its too late. With only 3 weeks left to go, the entrees are pouring in.

*Important Notice*

While we welcome your creative ideas and projects, all NFL patterns have been licensed by the National Football League, and are for individual consumption only. Any other use of this fabric is considered illegal and J&O Fabrics will not support or accept any contest entrees designed at the soliciting or selling of such. We thank you for your understanding.

NFL Cotton

NFL Polar Fleece

NFL Tablecloth/Tailgate Vinyl

NFL Flannel

NFL Remnants

*Submissions:

pic #1-Handcrafted 32 Team NFL "Ragtime" quilt by Linda

pic #2-Doggie Fall Polar Fleece Coats by Karla

pic #3- Handmade UCLA "no-sew" blanket by Jackie

Posts by J&O Fabric Store

Joyous African Fabrics at J and O!

2010-01-13T09:00:00.000-05:00

Part of the rich cultural history of Africa is reflected in the traditional textiles of the continent. As in so many other parts of the world, the textiles of Africa abound with meanings and associations, as do the finished products made with them.

On a recent trip I made to the gorgeous South African city of Cape Town, I saw first hand the variety of colors and textures available in African fabrics. Certain traditional textiles have become virtually pan-African, as many of the fabrics sold in the famous Green Market off Long Street are in fact from Nigeria. The textiles -sold either on their own or as finished garments- evinced beautiful geometric patterns and vibrant colors.

(A view of Cape Town's Green Market)

(Another view of Cape Town's Green Market)

Another side of African textiles is the meaning of the patterns and colors. To some of the African peoples the process of weaving the fabric had a symbolic meaning beyond on of tribal identity. The Dogon people of Mali consider each stage of spinning and weaving thread to represent the cycle of reproduction and resurrection. Furthermore, the colors used in certain fabrics -kente in particular- also conveyed particular meanings.

The quality and colors of African textiles are still very much appreciated. They can be used either to make traditional African garments or exotically flavored Western-style couture.

Investigate the rich tradition of African textiles with our extensive collection of traditional African fabrics and African-style fabrics. Kente cloth is one of the traditional fabrics carried at our online fabric store. Kente is a tribal cloth common to the peoples of Ghana, Ivory Coast and Togo. Here are some examples.

Elegance: Green

Gye Nyame

With Purpose: Orange

We also carry African-themed fabrics from Western manufacturers:

Enkai's Children Panel

Radiance

Posts by J&O Fabric Store

J&O Salutes Legendary Fashion Fair Director Eunice Johnson!

2010-01-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

The Legendary Eunice Johnson

(April 4, 1916 - January 3, 2010)

At the ripe old age of 93, fashionista extraordinaire Eunice Johnson, the widow of Ebony magazine founder John Johnson and a fashion maven who ran thousands of traveling runway shows aimed at black audiences from 1961-2009, has died.

As not only the widow of the late publisher John H. Johnson who ran two of the longest running black oriented magazines in this country (Ebony and Jet), Eunice Johnson was a maven in her own right both creating and running the pioneering Ebony Fashion Fair Shows and Ebony Fashion Fair Cosmetics Line well into her later years.

Since 1961, Mrs Johnson made a tremendous impact on the fashion industry hitting over 200 cities each year with her high traveling charity fashion events that showcased not only black designers of the time, but the best in style on African-American models of different shapes, sizes, and skin tones as well. Being in the fashion industry for so many years and often dismayed by the lack of cosmetic lines that appealed to her primarily Black models and audience, Eunice created her own line of cosmetics in 1973 that catered to women with deeper skin tones and soon became a leader in cosmetics for women of color under the label Fashion Fair Cosmetics.

To her credit, Eunice was not only a powerful business woman and connoisseur of fashion, she was also an accomplished seamstress who made shirts for her father, a mother of one daughter who went on to become CEO of the legendary publishing company her husband started, and an advocate who sat on several boards geared toward the advancement of women and continually gave back to her community by lending her time, energy, and financial support to various organizations throughout her life.

J&O Fabrics would like to take this time to give tribute to the seeds planted by Mrs. Eunice Johnson, the doors made open, and the legacy she left behind. The fashion world would surely be lacking if not for the efforts of this remarkable woman. She will surely be missed.

novelty cotton fabric

women fabric

vintage pin-up girl fabric

70s retro fabric

Posts by J&O Fabrics Store

J&O NFL Contest Submissions Week 1

2010-01-11T11:00:00.000-05:00

Well, we are just about a week into our "1st Annual Most Coolest NFL Craft "contest and already we have received some really creative entrees that are great not only for the upcoming Superbowl Game, but for special occasions year-round. From NFL inspired fleece throws and bedding, to NFL cotton novelty gift items and accessories, check out what some of our contestants are doing and what our Facebook fans are going to be voting on starting February 1st, 2010. If what you see inspires you to showcase some of the unique projects that you do, dont hesitate.

The journey to the Superbowl is just starting, and so is our contest. Submit your hand crafted project in today and show our thousands of fans just how you represent your No# 1 NFL team. With a $50 American Express Gift Card redeemable almost anywhere and for anything that tickles your fancy, you have nothing to loose and everything to gain by entering.

To enter, simply

*Just go to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/jandofabrics
*Become a fan of J&O on Facebook
*Upload a picture or two of your handcrafted gift right under the wall
*Add a description of your project, and let the voting begin!

To vote, simply

*Become a fan of J&O Fabrics on Facebook
*Visit Fan Photos under our Photos section
*Visit our Poll section on Facebook to place your vote
*Only 1 vote per person will be counted and the most amount of votes wins

Remember, all entrees are due in no later than January 30th, 2010 and only one entree per person is admissible. Voting will begin on February 1st and end on February 7th (Super Bowl Sunday). Once selected, the winner will be notified via email and Facebook at some point during the game that day. Your finished project will then be featured on Facebook as well as our J&O Fabrics Blog Page for our customers worldwide to see.

Dont forget, we are looking for the "coolest" NFL craft fashioned by you. So get your creative juices flowing and your fabric ordered. From cottons and vinyls to flannels and fleece, just the right fabric can make all the difference between first place and last. Dont wait until its too late. With only 3 weeks left to go, the entrees are pouring in.

*Important Notice*

NFL Cotton

NFL Polar Fleece

NFL Tablecloth/Tailgate Vinyl

NFL Flannel

NFL Remnants

*Submissions:

1. Bears Fleece Hat by Ame

2. Broncos Purse by Lisa

3. Giants Duckcloth Tote by Tresa

4. Saints Eurpean Vida dress by Ceilia

Posts by J&O Fabric Store

Ask Netfah: Which Plastic Vinyl Gauge Is Best for My Project?

2010-01-08T08:11:00.001-05:00

Dear Netfah,

I am covering my sitting room sofas with a clear plastic vinyl and was not sure what gauge was best suited for the job. I have seen thicknesses ranging from 10-30 online, but am still not sure. Please advise.

Perplexed About Plastic, NE

Dear Perplexed About Plastic,

Your inquiry is a common one for crafters looking to cover or design anything from outdoor furniture and outerwear, to boat cushions and indoor furnishings. In your case, a good thickness or weight as some people call it, is 12-16 gauge. This size will offer you a durable enough material that is still pliable and easy to sew or heat bond. Remember, the higher the gauge number on clear plastic vinyl, the thicker it is.

And here are a few extra tips when working with plastic vinyl:

Uses for Clear Plastic

Clear plastic vinyl serves as a protectant layer against wear, tear, and the unexpected.

Covering your expensive upholstery material with plastic will allow it to last longer and retain its beauty longer too. Clear plastic is an excellent choice for beach bags, shower curtains, indoor, outdoor, and automobile cushion coverings, and so much more.

Caring for Clear Plastic

Clear plastics are easy to maintain. They can easily be cleaned with soap and water. For tougher stains a mild detergent with water should do. Please be aware that some household cleaners and solvents remove plasticizers, making them brittle. Abrasive cleaners scratch the smooth surface.

Storing Clear Plastic

If you use our clear plastic fabrics for outdoor upholstering, it is recommendable to store them during the winter months to better preserve them.

If you are storing clear plastic fabrics on their own we recommend rolling them on a tube to prevent the creasing that comes with folding.

Furthermore, avoid storing your plastic in attics, basements and other places that tend to be vulnerable to mold, mildew, insects and other threats. The best storage location is a cool, dry room. If using a closet, make sure there is sufficient air circulation to prevent mold growth. Always store your clear plastic out of direct sunlight.

clear plastic vinyl

vinyl fabric

upholstery fabric

*Send in your Ask Netfah questions to info@jandofabrics.com. We'd love to hear from you!*

Posts by J&O Fabric Store

J&O Fabric of the Week Award: Kwanzaa Patchwork

2010-01-07T06:18:00.003-05:00

With the turn of a New Year marking Imani (faith) and the last day of Kwanzaa, what better design to honor with the 'Fabric of the Week' award than our very own festive Kwanzaa Patchwork print!

Founded by Maulana Karenga in 1965, this cultural holiday was created to reinforce traditional African American values like community, spirituality and kinship. Stemming from the Swahili phrase ‘mantunda yo kwanza’, the name means simply ‘first fruits’ or the ‘fruits of the harvest’. Kwanzaa is a non-political, non-religious holiday uniting those with African roots in America.

Celebrated from December 26th until January 1st, Kwanzaa festivities revolve around seven principles (nguzo saba) that are the foundation of a strong community. These include:

Umoja (unity)

Kujichagulia (self-determination)

Ujima (collective work and responsibility)

Ujamaa (cooperative economics)

Nia (purpose)

Kuumba (creativity)

Imani.(faith)

Printed on an extra wide 60” cotton, our Kwanzaa Patchwork is a great fabric to use for table dressings, curtains, fabric gift wraps, book covers and more. The images include: a Kwanzaa mat (mkeka) symbol of history and tradition, corn ears (vibunzi) symbolic of the number of children in each celebrating household, seven candles (misumaa saba) represent the Nguzo Saba in the African Liberation Flag colors of red, black and green, and the Unity cup (kikomba cha umoja) used to pour homage to those that have passed on.

African fabric

Holiday fabric

Cotton Novelty fabric

Posts by J&O Fabric Store

New Alabama Crimson Tide Tailgate Fleece in at J&O Fabrics!

2010-01-06T10:40:00.000-05:00

January 1, 2010 has brought in not only a new year, but new fabric too, and J&O Fabrics is excited to list this latest addition of tailgate fleece to our Alabama Crimson Tide Collegiate collection.

The team originally rose to prominence following their 1922 victory win over Penn and the building of a dynasty after then coach Wallace Wade led the University of Alabama football team to the Rose Bowl win over Washington. The teams newfound popularity had students, football players, and fans alike from the Northeast enrolling at Alabama at such a rate that by 1930, over one-thir of the student body was from out-of-state.

Today, "Bama" as it is affectionately called, competes in NCAA Football Subdivision as a member of the Southeastern Conference and is one of the most storied and decorated programs in NCAA history. Since beginning play in 1892, the program has claimed 12 national championships, and its seven consensus national championships rank second only to Notre Dame's eight. Despite multiple national and conference championships, it was not until 2009 that an Alabama player received a Heisman Trophy, when running back Mark Ingram became the university's first winner.

Alabama has won 26 conference championships and has made an NCAA-record 57 postseason bowl appearances. Other NCAA records include eight perfect, undefeated and untied, seasons, 22 10-game win streaks, and 17 seasons with a 10-0 start. The program is second only to the Oklahoma Sooners with 30 10–win seasons, and second only to the USC Trojans with 31 bowl victories. The Crimson Tide leads the SEC West Division with seven division titles and seven appearances in the SEC Championship Game. They also hold a winning record against every current and former SEC school to date.

Alabama currently plays their home games at Bryant-Denny Stadium and if you are looking for where all the tailgating action is prior to our even during and after the game, one of the primary party locations is on “The Quad,” which is located a couple of blocks east of the stadium.

CRIMSON TIDE TAILGATING CHECKLIST

1. Tickets

2. Coolers and plenty of beer

3.Grilling food and snacks

4. Condiments: salt and pepper

5. Portable chairs, tables, etc.

6. Napkins, Paper Towels, and wet wipes

7. Cooking utensils, plastic silverware and plates

8. Ice Radio and TV Karioke Machine

9. Binoculars and camera

10.Bottle Opener/Corkscrew

11. Plastic garbage bags

12. Plastic Containers and/or Ziploc bags

13. Matches, lighter fluid, charcoal or propane

14. Aluminum Foil

15. Long Extention Cord

16. Pop-up Tent Football

17. Discoball Headphones for game

18. Gallon of water

19. Buns/Bread

20. Grill Duct tape

21. Victory cigar

And last but not least, your J&O purchased Alabama Crimson Tide Cotton, Flannel, Fleece or Vinyl.

Posts by J&O Fabric Store