Archive for the ‘How-To’ Category
August 25th
J&O Fabrics Tip: Four Basic Handsewing Stitches
Every once and awhile we come across a blog other than our own that speaks to the ideas and topics we as seamstresses and craftsmen(women) have interest in. Whether it’s a new technique, sewing gadget or application, or the latest trend in fabrics and textile goods, if it has to do with our livlihood, we want to know!
It would be just the other day that I would stumble across this blog as I was searching for ideas to expound on for our own Facebook sewing tip of the day. For both novices and experts alike, this simple breakdown of four basic stitches has its way of coming in handy long after our first needle has been thread many years ago.
August 9th
Ironing Bored? Not Any More!
A few days a go we posted our J&O Sewing Tip of the Day on Facebook. In it we mentioned the option of using your standard grey padded ironing boards in more creative ways than just to press your garments. By merely lowering the height of the board, it can also double as extra work space when needed. Place near your sewing station for quick and easy transfer of pattern pieces, fabric, or just your basice notions. The extra bonus…press your seems right there instead of traveling away from your ‘post’ and cutting into valuable sewing time. Seems from the response we got, we weren’t the only ones who saw the same potential in our trusty modern day original Sarah Boone boards. Many seamstresses have been maximizing the use of their ironing boards for years with much convenience and success.
July 14th
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!
July 7th
How to Make Fabric Dolls from Paper Dolls Fabric
A Great Idea for Rainy Day Fun!
At J&O Fabrics we have the cutest Paper Doll Novelty Fabric!
Here’s an easy way to create fabric dolls for your own little doll at home.
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Supplies needed:
1 yard of paper doll fabric
1 yard of iron-on interfacing
Iron
Scissors
How to:
Adhere the iron on interfacing as per the manufacturers suggestions.
Carefully cut out the doll and clothing.
Then play.
Don’t forget to think creatively! No reason to limit this idea to Paper Doll fabric.
May 19th
How to Make an NFL No Sew Fleece Blanket with Fringe
How to make an NFL NO Sew Fleece Blanket with Fringe
We have so many great NFL team fleeces in our store and so many wonderful ideas on what to do with them! Here’s one:
With just a few supplies you can make a No Sew Fleece Blanket with Fringe. This is an inexpensive way to get creative and at the same time show your team spirit. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Scissors or Rotary Cutter
- Straight Edge
- Minimum 1 yard of fleece fabric
May 12th
Railroaded, Repeated and Up-the-Roll: Fabric Repeats
A little over two years ago, we posted a blog on our website called “From Railroad To Repeat” where our focus was to address the question of direction and help our customers distinguish between ‘railroaded’, ‘up-the-roll’ and ‘repeat’ of printed fabrics. Since the direction of the print and the distance between an image and its duplicate on a bolt of fabric is imperative to know especially when placing yardage orders to complete an upholstery, window treatment, or custom project, knowing the industry language might make estimating just a little bit easier. With a few small updates and some new images too, here is a recap on railroaded fabrics and repeats for the crafter in you.
May 7th
How to Make a No Sew Fleece Blanket with Fringe
How to Make a No Sew Fleece Blanket with Fringe
We have so many adorable novelty fleeces in our store!
Here’s one idea on how to use them.
With just a few supplies you can make a No Sew Fleece Blanket with Fringe. This is an inexpensive way to get creative while making someone you care about feel special. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Scissors or Rotary Cutter
- Straight Edge
- Minimum one yard of fleece fabric.
April 26th
How to Make a No-Sew Polar Fleece Blanket
How to Make a No Sew Fleece Blanket
Next time you look through our selection of Polar Fleece, think about this.
With just a few supplies you can make your very own No Sew Fleece Blanket in a matter of minutes. Not only is it easy but it costs about half the price as something you would purchase in a store.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Scissors or Rotary Cutter
- Straight edge
- Minimum of one yard of fleece fabric
April 19th
¡Véanos en YouTube en inglés y español! See us on Youtube in English and Spanish!
Los gustos de los artesanos caseros son tan variados y diversos como el mundo en que vivimos. Y son esos artesanos caseros nuestros clientes principales. A fin de satisfacer las necesidades de nuestra creciente clientela multilingüe, J&O Fabrics ahora está haciendo disponible información tanto en inglés como en español en forma de videos y blogs. Ahora desde la comodidad de su hogar puede ver contestadas sus preguntas sobre telas y obras artesanales, junto con sugerencias para proyectos divertidos, fáciles y módicos. ¿Desea saber cómo hacer una manta o una almohada de vellón sin costura? ¿Le hace falta una idea para un regalo rápido? Con nuestros artículos, videos y blogs tiene al punto de sus dedos un caudal de información que contestará estas y otras preguntas. Agréguenos a sus sitios favoritos para ver la cantidad siempre creciente de ideas y telas que ofrecemos. ¡Con más de 150.000 yardas de tela y más de cuarenta años de experiencia, verá que todas sus necesidades en cuanto a tela pueden verse atendidas con J&O!
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