Archive for the ‘fabric information’ Category

What’s going on with novelty fabric prices? Is Walmart to Blame?


Much to the chagrin of quilters and other fabric enthusiasts prices for fabric are on the rise as never before. Furthermore, a number of well-respected mills have gone out of business reducing the selection of novelty fabrics. If you have felt the pinch you may very well have asked whyprices are on the rise now. In a previous blog we outlined how manufacturers blame their elevated prices on the cost of the “grey goods” they print on. This trickles down to customers who pay more for the fabrics from said mills. Nevertheless, there is more to the question than the cost of “grey goods”. The absence of Wal-Mart in the fabric industry has been a contributing factor in shutting down some mills and encouraging others to raise their prices. How so?

J&O Fabrics 2010 Emmy Worst Dressed Award Goes To…


Far be it from me to judge another on their sense of style and dress, but I have to say, out of all the interesting and creative design concepts that walked across the red carpet during Sunday nights 62nd Annual Emmy Awards, the very mod retro yet slightly DIY inspired dress and shoe set worn by the lovely Rita Wilson kind of rubbed me the wrong way. It wasn’t the crystal mesh gown from Prada that struck a cord with me as much as the coordinated crystal drop chandelier heels that really had me reminiscing about the art and craft classes from my youth. And though I was pleased to see Rita with a little less cleavage showing, I was a bit disappointed at the visual decadence none the less.

J&O Fabric Store “Top 7 Tips for Pattern Reuse.”


Ten of our Funniest Sewing Tip Responses


On our Facebook page we have a daily sewing tip. We fondly refer to it as our “Sewing Tip of the Day”.  We sit in a backroom, feverishly trying to come up with these tips. Occasionally, when we don’t feel inspired we scan the web aimlessly. Sometimes without much luck, while other times we are inspired and one thing leads to another. That’s the way it often happens once we place the tip of the day on Facebook. One thing leads to another, and another, and another. Here’s a sampling of those.

Double Gauze, The Ideal Summer Fabric!


 

A little over a year ago we posted a blog about the wonders of gauze fabric as a summer material. And while we still agree that there is no fabric as lightweight, breathable, absorbant or fashionable as this ancient textile good for the lazy hazy days of summer, we are truly loving the newer double gauze cotton for its added non-transparent feature. Invented by the Japanese with the intent of curing just that, while still allowing the same desirable qualities of the fabric to remain, double gauze is the answer to all our ‘staying-cool-and-cute-in-the-summer’ woes.

My First Sewing Machine Project


When I was 7 or 8 I spent many hours at my Mother’s sisters house. My Aunt had four boys and she was a very domestic women.  She loved to cook and sew unlike her sister who only liked having things done for her. She also liked having a little girl around to teach these things to.

We would spend hours talking about her teen years and what a brat my mother had been as a younger sister. All the while, without knowing it I was gaining wisdom. What I did know very clearly was that I was learning to sew. My first project was a patternless apron made for my Mom.

When Life Gives You Scraps, Make a Quilt!


Over the years, I have had the pleasure of not only being inspired by a myriad of crafty customers from around the world who have purchased fabrics from us to start, complete, and add-on to various quilts they are creating, but educated on the numerous methods of creating such masterpieces. From politically inspired designs that emerged after Barack Obama made history by becoming our nations first African-American president, to charitable quilts created by individuals and organizations whose hearts are as wide as the sea, the creativity abounds and continues to inspire. And though I never thought much about learning how to quilt in the more conventional sense, seeing just how unique and creative some of the projects turn out that have been shared with us via email, have certainly made me more excited about trying my hand at creating something close to one in my own way.
 
I especially love both the memory and rag quilts that utilize various prints, colors, patterns and even photographs to form the final work of art destined to become a memorable gift to be cherished and maybe even-handed down for generations to come. I can just see it now, for my dad, I can use fabric scraps saved from the numerous textile crafts I made for him in the past to create a quilt that brings back memories of family, nature, and fabric reflecting some of his favorite pastime activities like fishing and hunting. For my son who is a BIG extreme sports fan, I would combine camo, denim, an assortment of biker and skater themed novelty prints, and some solid blue and red broadcloths (his favorite colors…today) to make a quilt he throw on his bed.  As for myself, African prints and eclectic retro fabrics would suite me well.

So, in recognition of quilters everywhere, and for the road that will finally bring me to the starting point of my own quilting project, here are a few really cool quilts I came across that can offer inspiration and even some visual instruction for any novice along their journey. From crazy and rag quilts, to strip and tied quilts, there is a technique for everyone; even those of us who may not necessarily want to sew. Sew ENJOY!      

Wearable Absence and the Future of Fabric.


Gladys desperately missed her late husband of 45 years and would often still find herself sitting at the same park bench they shared to feed the birds and watch the landscape transform itself from season to season. As she would look out across the water, nostalgic memories of moments spent together, words left unsaid, and even their favorite love song would come to mind. Sometimes bringing a chuckle, sometimes issuing in a tear. Though peace would come for her one day, the journey between missing and remembering was often a rocky road of ups and downs, good days and bad.

Go Green Gina’s ‘Top 10 Eco-Friendly Fabric Terms’.


With all the talk of eco-friendly this, and go-green that, is it any wonder why being politically correct with our green living jargon is becoming seemingly more and more difficult? When it comes to the world of textile goods, this confusion doesn’t cease to exist, but hopefully with a little help from our Top 10 Eco-Friendly Textile Terms, it will make your next purchase of Earth friendly fabric just a little easier.

1. Biodegradable: fabric fibers that break down naturally with the assistance of microorganisms (ie cotton, linen, wool, silk)

Ask Netfah: Fireproofing Fabric for Fire Code Regulations


 

Dear Netfah,

As a manufacturer of  custom made banquet and commercial seating, I am required by law to upholster my chairs in material that meets fire code standards. Unfortunately more often than not, I run into the issue of trying to locate fabric that is already  fire proof. And while some are flame retardant, regulations require flame resistancy. I have heard that there is a fire proofing spray that works on almost any fabric and meets code requirements. Do you have any recommendations?

Rob, New England-MA

 

Dear Rob,