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 Dear Netfah,
I just recently came back from a trip to Africa and was amazed at some of the beautiful head dresses the women wore there. I am interested in duplicating the look and have seen some "How To" videos on Youtube that seem helpful in getting me started. From your online caricature pic, I figured you also wear some type of head covering and wanted your opinion on the type of fabric best suited for the style. I am looking to start off with probably a versatile color like black or white that I can wear with various outfits, and something that will not slip off too easily. I also need to know how much yardage I should consider buying to create the look I am going for. Not too high, yet not "bandanna" style either. Any assistance you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Signed,
Africa Adorned from Tennessee, USA
Dear Africa Adorned, Yes, the women of the over 47 countries that make up the beautiful continent of Africa definitely have mastered the art of head dressing! And while many of the styles are used to identify a particular social status, ceremonial occasion, or country of origin, others are reflective of the unique tastes and fashion sense of the individual woman herself.
My general response to your inquiry regarding the type of fabri best suited for a novice such as yourself looking for a more simple African inspired headdress in a versatile solid color is to start out with two-yards of a 45" wide cotton gauze material in an easy to coordinate black or white. Cotton gauze is not only made from nature made and breathable fibers, but it is also lightweight and carries a slight stretch to it that will allow for easy manipulation of the fabric as well as a comfortable fit throughout the day. The recommended 2 yards will offer you some versatility in the height or style of your headdress as you discover the ideal look to complete any formal or informal ensemble. The use of traditional African printed cotton fabric also carries much appeal, especially to those who like patterns and vibrant colors. Though slightly less pliable than gauze, African printed cottons can add just the right touch to any outfit. cotton gauze fabric african fabric novelty cotton fabric Posts by J&O Fabric StoreLabels: african-dress, african-fabric, african-headress, ask-netfah, gele, head-wrap, Headwrap, novelty-cotton-fabric
 Long before American grandmothers were creating beautiful patchwork quilts and Hippys of the 1970s were making the same fabric construction fashionable, the Baye Fall of Senegambia were donning visually intricate looking yet humbly crafted garments from various patch worked pieces of colorful African fabric as their daily attire. Born out of necessity, and distinguishable upon first glance, members of the Islamic based movement called Baye Fall dress in colorful yet ragged clothes, and wear their hair in a dreadlock fashion. Dedicated to doing manual work as a form of adoration to God, these men can be seen handling security during pilgrimages to Touba or even roaming the streets in search of financial donations for their religious teacher. Much like modern day quilts, the fabrics used in their patch worked tunics and bottoms each have their own distinct design and story to tell, making the finished product not only a discussion piece, but a truly unique creation all its own. Posts by J&O Fabric StoreLabels: african-fabric, baye faal, baye fall, cotton-novelty-fabric, patchwork-fabric, patchwork-quilt, quilting-fabric
 In June 2008, while watching a history making event on television, Dr Joan Gaither found herself reflecting on the man on her screen standing before millions as he pleaded to the nation to be the change we are all looking for. Inspired by his success, she began stitching a quilt that would one day take us along the long yet triumphant political journey of a young man starting from Honolulu Hawaii and culminating at the steps of the White House less than six months later as the 45th President of the United States. That man.....Barack Obama. That quilt.....Journey to the White House. On display at Banneker Douglas Museum in Maryland for an extended stay due to high demand until September 2009, the quilt affectionately titled and nicknamed JTWH2, is the creation of one woman and the inspiration of a whole community. " I decided this is one of those stories that needs to be told," stated Dr Gaither. " That will allow me to tell the total journey". And so she did. From the ancestral enslavement of thousands from Africa onto the shores of South Carolina, to a rise as a people into history books of America, Dr Gaithers quilt reflects not only one mans road to glory, but a journey of a people as well. Chronicling Baracks life story and filled with both symbolic and literal reflections displayed through photographic images, assorted fabrics, meaningful color coding, and carefully selected adornments, JTWH2 is more than a themed quilt, it is a labor of love complete with the full range of emotions uniting us all with each and every stitch. Like many artists, crafters and quilters, Dr. Gaither expressed how her process is reflective and requires interaction with the selections of fiber types, textures, color, mixed medias, and objects of embellishment to be a true expression of the source of creation that resides in all of us. In celebration of Dr Gaithers profound and priceless quilt creation, as well as the unique creations of quilters everywhere, J&O offers a bountiful array of cotton novelty prints and patterns to match your personal tastes and individual needs. Whether you are telling someone elses story or simply sharing your own, we can all be inspired by Joans work and one another. ***For more information on Dr Joan Gaithers and her JTWH2 quilt click here.Labels: african-american-quilt, african-fabric, barack-obama, barack-obama-fabric, childrens novelty-fabric, dr joan gaithers, journey-to-the-white-house-quilt, jtwh2, quilting, quilting-fabric
 When we are born, we are swaddled in symbolic colored baby blankets marking the arrival of a brand new baby boy or girl. Our new parents set us up in custom designed rooms painted in pretty pastels and primary colors, an expression of love, and a welcome into what in some cases, is an unloving world. We are adored and adorned in the finest trims, prepared to spend our early years in pampered bliss and peaceful joy. This notion of being surrounding with the things that bring joy and pleasure, appreciation in the moment, and keeping a positive approach to life no matter come what may is not always the easiest stance to uphold as we grow older, and what brings joy for one, may not bring joy for another.But if it can make this precious time here a little more rewarding, why not go all the way. Statistics have shown that when individuals are informed of pending death due to possible terminal health issues like Cancer or AIDS, or if they have survived near death experiences, they have a new respect for time and the quality of life they are living. Some become less self sacrificing and more self appreciating, some conquer their wish lists with fervor, while others slow down and surround themselves with all the things that feel good to their soul. From weekly manicures and shopping sprees, to daily meditation and trips to faraway places, the little bit of happiness in an increasingly unhappy world, is essential to find and nurture.
Take death for instance. For some, the mind is limited by preconceived notion that when our bodies turn cold, we will be mourned into our cold coffins and placed 6 feet under in cold soil, until whenever. But why does it have to be that way? And why does our joyful environment have to end when our heart stops beating? Why not make our final resting place and every ritual leading up to it, as inspiring and reflective of our individual personalities as the lives we lead? Im talking about trading in that wooden or stark velvet lined black metal coffin for one lined in your favorite NFL team print, or designed with a pretty floral print symbolic of that garden you could always be found lovingly tending to every evening. Or what about a coffin that doesnt even look like a coffin at all, but maybe is crafted in the image of a horse and lined with an equestrian printed cotton because you grew up on a farm and always loved riding at the rodeo. Ingenious...no. Creative...yes. In fact hundreds of years ago in Ancient Egypt and various indigenous cultures they did the same thing. The deceased were sent away with not only spiritual articles to carry with them into the next world, but with personal possessions as well. The idea is no different. If we get morticians to make us beautiful, why not hire casket makers to do the same. All it takes is a selection of fabric that speaks to your being, and a skillful crafter to put it all together. We dont seem to have much choice on when or how we will die, we do seem to have a choice on how we live. Live life to its fullest, from the cradle to the grave!  natural organic fabric Labels: african-fabric, custom-made-casket, death, dress-fabric, fantasy-casket, frugal, life, novelty-cotton-fabric, unique-fabric-crafts
 In honor of all the African countries celebrating their annual independence days during the months of August and September, J&O Fabrics is offering a limited 10% discount coupon for use until the end of September towards any of our cotton African print fabrics. Take a step back to the age of antiquity with prints like Tut Tex Egyptian Fabric and Ghana Sun, to modern tribal renditions and lifestyle designs like Bese Saka II and Calabash. Get a taste of the rich history and striking beauty of the Mother Land as seen through various artisans of the textile and design trade not only from the continent, but various other countries as well. From intricate hand stroked lines to vibrant bold symbolic images, the art of Africa has its roots planted deeply in ancient customs and ways, yet is as transitional as time itself. Each country represented this month on the anniversary of their independence is abundant in their own traditions and cultural appeal, inviting you to discover Africas adorned and bring a taste of her over 50 countries home today.  Benin August 1, 1960 (Known for its culture and traditions)ChadAugust 11, 1960 (aka...the Dead Heart of Africa)CongoAugust 15, 1960 (aka..the river that swallows all rivers)GabonAugust 17, 1960 (Rich in folklore and mythology)LibyaSeptember 1, 1969 ( known for plateu landscape and rich petroleum fields) SwazilandSeptember 6, 1968 motto(We are a fortress, we are a mystery, we hide ourselves away)MaliSeptember 22, 1960 motto(One people, one goal, one faith)BotswanaSeptember 30, 1966 (known for their rich cultural traditions)To receive your 10% discount code good for any fabric order during the month of August, just email us at netfah@jandofabrics.com and provide us with the password listed below. password: Independence
Posts by J&O Fabrics StoreLabels: african-fabric, benin, chad, congo, gabon, independence days, novelty-african-fabric
 During the summer months, while many Americans are welcoming in the season and celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence declaring Americas independence from Great Britian in 1776 with fireworks, bbq, parades, trips to the shore and baseball games, African Americans across the United States are also celebrating the official 1865 abolition of slavery with speeches, parades, picnics and family reunions. June 19th, also known as Juneteenth or Emancipation Day, is an American holiday honoring African American heritage and commemorating the official day in 1865 that Union Genral Dordon Granger and 2,000 federal troops arrived in Galveston Texas to take possession of the state and enforce the emancipation of its slaves. Until that time, news of the Emmancipation Proclamation signed by Abraham Lincoln on September 22, 1862, had not made way down to Texas and therefore, slaves there were not informed of their freedom. According to those African-Americans who had been liberated from the bondage of slavery, until all slaves were emancipated, one could not be free. For many years only twelve states recognized Juneteenth as an official holiday but as of May 2009, 31 states have recognized Freedom Day as either a state holiday or state holiday observance including: Texas  Arkansas New York Massachusetts Connecticut Alaska California Colorado Delaware Florida  Idaho Illinois Iowa Kansas
Louisiana Michigan Missouri New Jersey  New Mexico North Carolina Oklahoma Oregon Tennessee Vermont Virginia Washington Wyoming Washington, DC In honor of Juneteenth, and the diversity of the American melting pot, J&O Fabrics offers an array of patriotic U.S.A. and African prints celebrating the liberation of a people and the fabric of a nation. Labels: 4th-of-July-fabric, african-american-holiday, african-fabric, emancipation-day, fourth-of-july-fabric, freedom-day, juneteenth, summer-fabric
GiRL TalK!Whether you refer to yourself as a girl, lady, women, gal, or chick we all have something in common. We are strong, vital, people, not the weaker sex by any means. Somethings however, are uniquely ours, and if you're like me, forever feminine - even if only a little, you may enjoy these finds. At J&O Fabrics we have tons of designs to help bring the roar out of the kitten. Here are a few that celebrate just us.  Radianceto me, this celebrates life, a women with her child raising her arms in the air at the joys of the sun above and the earth below. Simple pleasures! Matching mother daughter dresses or soft comfy shorts. This lifts my spirits just looking at it.  Vintage Fashion Women fabricI'm a big movie fan and this reminds me of the old movies I grew up with. The ones my daughter refers to as grey. Movie stars, TV mom's that wore pearls and dresses. Yikes! If I had my own personal bathroom I would use this for a shower curtain and matching drapes. However, I would love it as a lining in a jacket or handbag so I get a little grin on whenever I see it.  Cancan Dancers fabricThis is just downright gorgeous! A picture does not do it justice. At first it looks like flowers...surprise! I see myself in a long flared skirt out of this and a black top. A Duvet cover would be lovely too. And my personal favorite   How to keep your Husband fabric Words can't express how much I love this! It just cracks me up. I already bought some, and of course I have NO IDEA what I'm going to do with it. But then, I'm sure you understand! You'll find more under: Womens AccessoriesView broadcloth fabricsView dots novelty fabricView striped novelty fabricPosts by J&O Fabrics StoreLabels: african-fabric, beach, Fabric, retro-fabric, vintage-fabric, women
 Madagascar, a plush and awe inspiring island located off the south east coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, is home to not only the famous Lemur and Baobab Tree, but a uniquely diverse wild life as well. Home to over 250,000 species with 70% of them found only on the island, Madagascar. Referred to as the Red Island due to its large amount of red soil, and considered the forth largest island in the world, Madagascar celebrates its 49th year anniversary of colonial freedom from France on June 26th. In celebration of Madagascars Independence Day, J&O Fabrics offers a wonderfully colorful assortment of fabrics inspired by this beautiful land and many others of the south eastern region. Happy Independence Day Madagascar! Check out our selection of African prints here!Check out our selection of animal print novelty fabrics here!Check out our selection of floral novelty prints here!Posts by J&O Fabrics StoreLabels: african-fabric, free fabric, frugal, lemur, madagascar, madagascar-independence-day
 May 7, 2009 marked this years 58th Annual National Day of Prayer. The National Day of Prayer is a day designated by the United States Congress as a day when people are asked to come together and pray, especially for their country. It was created as a floating holiday in 1952 and fixed on the first Thursday in May by ex-president Ronald Reagan. Referred to by many as the land of the free, America has become a melting pot of various cultures and nationalities. It has also embraced and supported the right of each individual to practice his or her religion freely and without persecution. For those rooted in unconventional traditions and ideologies, the National Day of Prayer encourages and promotes reflective meditation and spiritual commune. At J&O Fabrics, we encourage the nurturing of mind, body and spirit, and offer a selection of religious fabrics from artists around the world. From the Lady of Guadalupe to the Nativity, our prints tell a story and even reflect a prayer or two. Create unique one of a kind garments, crafts or place of worship decorations with these cotton novelties. With the recession still alive, poverty on the rise and our loved ones serving our country still longing to come home, we could all stand a little prayer for the world. Labels: african-fabric, celestial-fabric, national-day-of-prayer, oriental-fabric, oriental-print, prayer, religious-fabric, southwestern-fabric, spirituality
As February rolls in, so does Black History month. Americans young and old will celebrate the many contributions African-Americans past and present have brought to this country. Reflections of their art, history and culture are reflected in almost every aspect of our society, from our infrastructures to our fashions. As, such, the J&O Family would like to take a moment to highlight some of the beautiful African fabric prints and textile designs, both modern and traditional, that are available for our fabulous customers right here at J&O
 Kente PrintAfrica has long been a fertile & creative source of fabric textile & design. One of the most widely known woven fabrics synonymous with the Ashanti people of Ghana, is kente. Kente cloth is a type of cotton fabric made of interwoven cloth strips. Authentic Kente was traditionally the cloth of kings, but over time, the use of this royal fabric became more widespread, becoming available across Ghana in its woven form, as well as in cotton print. Kente is characterized by its multicolored patterns of complex designs, bright colors an  d geometric shapes. The sacred weft designs , called adweneasa, that are woven into each section of plain weave , are meant to convey the history, philosophy, ethics and moral values of both Ghana and African culture in general. According to some tribes, weaving has many spiritual and mythical meanings behind it as well. One belief is that each stage of spinning and weaving thread is a symbolic analogy to human reproduction and resurrection. Therefore, the processes can only be done in daylight hours. To work at night would be to weave silence and darkness into the cloth. The color of the woven fabric can also have some spiritual meaning as well. In one tribe, a white fabric used by healing women, is thought to be linked to water spirits. Although there are many meanings to the designs on the cloth, very few are directly represented on the cloth itself. Check out our Kente prints here!
Check out our selection of African Fabrics here!
Mudcloth
Mudcloth is a hand-woven and hand-painted traditional textile craft originating in the Sahel region on West Africa. It is called "mudcloth" because of the use of natural pigments used in the painting process.
Traditional looms are used to weave thin strips of fabric that are then sewn together to create one large piece of cloth. The cloth is then ready to be dyed and painted. Various pigments are made from infusions of local leaves, roots, bark, and of course, mud. The plain cotton cloth is first soaked in an infusion of Acacia leaves to create the characteristic yellow background color. Then a variety of other natural dyes are used to paint on the cloth. The white tones are produced by using local soap to wash away the previous colors and expose the natural cotton underneath. Traditionally, mudcloth is decorated with many geometric designs, and rich earth-toned colors.  Within the last decade, we have seen the mix of modern influence on the traditional with the dying of the cloth in colors such as purple, pink, green and gold. This vibrant array offers a more diverse selection for our designers and artists, while maintaining the value and authenticity of the art of mudcloth itself. Past down from generations before, artisans of Western Africa have been producing this beautiful fabric for hundreds of years, and will continue to do so for years to come.
At J&O we carry an exotic-looking upholstery fabric reminiscent of this African mudcloth design. This is a wonderful upholstery that will lend an ethnic flavor to your home.
Check out our Mud Cloth print Upholstery here!
Check out our full selection of African Fabrics here!
Batik
Batik is a wax resist process that is thousands of years old. Practiced in parts of Africa and the South Pacific, this textile art consists of the application of layers of wax and thickened dye applied to white cloths to create a desired design.
There are two kinds of batiks, hand drawn batiks and stamped batiks. Hand drawn batik designs are drawn or painted in beeswax by hand. A tool called a canting is used to apply the wax. The canting consists of a small copper cup with a spout through which melted wax can flow out onto the cloth. The cup is mounted on a wooden or rattan handle. The size of the spout and the number of spouts may vary for different functions.  The design is drawn on the cotton fabric with a pencil. The cloth is tacked onto a wooden frame. Then taking the canting tool, the artist dips into the melted wax and begins applying it to the cloth. Once they have outlined the design, they pour on the first dye. Then the artist applies the second coat of wax, painting with wax the areas to be saved. They start with the lightest colors working toward the darkest colors waxing the front and back and the front again for each new dye color used. When they are finished with this process, they put the fabric in boiling water and melt the wax off.
In Ghana, the designs are created from hand cut stamps made from rubber, foam or wood. The utilization of traditional Adinkra symbols and popular prints that date back to the Akan culture create beautiful one of a kind patterns that are widely used and sought after still today. Various batik arts can be found on garments, home furnishings and accent pieces, as well as in bedding and wall tapestry. 
Today, batik arts are often seen on the streets of America. They can be found on unisex garments, home furnishings and accent pieces, as well as in bedding and wall tapestry. The old patterns are being replaced by imaginative designs of all sorts, and batik is now made into many different kinds of beautiful clothing and decorative household items.The trend today is to decorate the fabric in whatever way the artist wants. Some have even incorporated the art of tye & dye for an extra special affect.
Check out our Batiks here!
Check out our selecton of African Fabrics here!
Indigo Dyed Cloth Traditionally the main ingredient used in indigo dying is dried balls of crushed leaves from indigo bearing plants and ash. The cloth is dipped repeatedly in the blue fermented dye, exposed briefly to the air, and then reimmersed. The number of dippings and the streng th and freshness of the dye determines the intensity of the resulting color.
After the dyed cloth is dried, it is customary to beat the fabric repeatedly with wooden beaters. This process presses the fabric and creates a shiny glaze. Each print is as different and as creative as the last. Whether created on light weight cotton or heavy, napped cotton, the process is the same. The look …beautifully unique.
African Waxed Prints
 Wax printing has been a tradition in Ghana, West African for decades. To this day, these beautifully depicted and intricately designed fabrics are considered prestigious and hold a high social value in some circles. The most popular designs are often named after a particular event, significant animal or aspect of nature, or cultural symbol. An example would be Gyne Nyme, in which the design references the Adinkra symbol representing the Omnipotence of God. Wearing this cloth acts as a cloak of protection and respect for the Creator of man. 
Artistically symbolic and uniquely designed on 100% cotton, waxed print cloths play an important role in daily life and have significant communicative value; indicating status or wealth and conveying messages as a means of non-verbal expression.
Traditional African textiles and dress have always carried symbolisms, and as a result, have become powerful vehicles for mass communication, ceremonial events, political stances, and social purposes as well. An example is a cloth featuring the proverb " Weni behu naaso w'ano enntumin nnka" ("Your eyes can see, but your mouth can not say"), which means that not all issues are suitable for public discussion.
They are worn by men, women and children alike. As the fabric has made its way into the mainstream market, it has become more common to see them used in lifestyle pieces, making them a cultural, yet fashionably stylish fabric as well.
Vibrant in color with a soft suttle shine, waxed African prints are ideal for all manner of creative textile projects. They can be seen in crafts, house decor, bedding and home accent pieces and accessories. Some are printed with a metallic accent for a more elegant look and feel.
Celebrate Black History Month all year long by bringing a little bit of African-American culture home for your next craft project today. With our African print fabrics you can go from Mt. Kilimanjaro to the Great Pyramids of Egypt in the comfort of your own home!  Find out more about the Golden Fawohodies African print here! Find out more about the Dweni Ni MMen African print here!
Check out our full selection of African Wax & Metallic Fabrics here! Check out our selection of Brocades here! Labels: africa, african print, african-fabric
 When we think about fabrics, most of the time our minds don’t reach past the aesthetical aspect of the material. We think about the way a fabric looks and feels. We see its color and texture and how it falls on our bodies. We see how we can mold and shape this collection of fibers into a fabulous garment, or recreate the décor of a home into a magical oasis. But how much thought do we give to its beginnings and the many qualities that make these fabrics the wonderfully warm, lightweight, form fitting, washable, durable and absorbent materials that they have portrayed themselves to be? Well, I took a little time to do just that. And I came up with a few inventions in the fabric world that stood out as some of the coolest thus far. Here is my list of the Top 10 Coolest Fabric Inventions and a brief explanation why. Maybe you have your own list of fabulous fabrics to share with our viewers too. If so, we’d love to hear from you.  1. Linen Blends I love linen. I love the look & feel of this natural fabric, as well as its durability and breathability. But like most of us, I could do without all the wrinkles and dry cleaning bills it creates. It seems it can’t always be machine washed & dried without shrinking. But with the blends, the linen is strengthened, it’s washable, more wrinkle resistant, and carries a nicer drape. All without sacrificing the very aesthetics that attracted it to me in the first place. With the linen blends I don't have to worry about how my outfit will look at the end of the day, or if I am packing for a trip, I can throw one or two versitile pieces in my suitcase and just do a light touch up with the iron before I step out for the night.
2. Cotton Gauze
There is no better fabric for staying cute and cool in the hot summer sun than cotton gauze. This natural & breathable fabric offers a lightweight look, feel and coverage. Because it is essentially cotton, it dries quickly, holds dyes with ease and makes great garments, drapery and lounge wear. These characteristics are appealing when designing carefree garments for a lifestyle that embraces daily living in warm climates.
Poly fleece goes by many different names: polar fleece & winter fleece to name two. Basically it is a man-made, 100% polyester fiber material. It’s been around for some time and it is one of the great inventions for warm winter coverage. Fleece is soft & comfortable, retains heat well, and has an excellent weight-to-insulation ratio, making it light enough for carrying, yet warm enough for cold conditions. The polyester material of fleece helps to pull moisture away and keep you dry at the same time. It also dries quickly and still insulates when wet.
We usually find this material in our coats, slippers, winter hats & gloves. The fabric makes great throws and if it is a top shelf fleece, it can easily be thrown in the wash for good-as-new use time after time. I love that I can snuggle myself up in this wonderful fabric for a warm and restful sleep on those cold winter nights.
I grouped this category together because I love the idea of using naturally occuring, raw materials given to us by mother nature and utilizing it for garmenting our bodies and homes.
The fact that nature-made fibers are more harmonious with our bodies appeals to me on many different levels. Think about it. Wouldn't you want a fabric draped on you or your children to be breathable like your skin, void of synthetics and chemicals. And have that same fabric allow for a fashionable look and feel as well. Is there any question why this would be on my Top 10 List? Cool.
5. Spandex Spandex was invented in 1959 by Du Pont, and when it hit the fashion market in the 80’s, it hit with a storm. An elastic type fiber that could be stretched many times its length and then spring back to its original length without losing its shape. A material that could hold you in in all the right places, and is more resistant to washing, perspiration and heat than latex. This was the miracle material for full figured women & athletes abound. And it’s still used and sought after today. It is one of the main materials used in foundation garments and hosiery as well. 6. WoolWool is a natural material, which is always appealing to me, and can vary from a thick and nappy texture to a soft and lightweight one. Wool will not only return to its original position after being stretched or creased, it will absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp. Its unique properties allow shaping and tailoring, making wool the most popular fabric for tailoring fine garments. It is also dirt resistant, flame resistant, and in many weaves, resists wear and tearing. I love the idea of being able to use what mother nature gave us, to create garments and goods to garnish our bodies and homes. View our wool fabrics.  7. African Prints Where can you find a fabric that tells a story or holds such symbolism as with African printed fabrics. Whether it be on mudcloth, ashoke, kente, kuba cloth or cotton, the uniqueness and creativity is the same. Often times the fabrics were woven & designed by hand, using natural materials. Through ancient tradition, the color, technique and art surrounding the creation and inspiration of the fabrics had a purpose and meaning. Naturally occuring fibers & dyes are often used, offering a harmonious union between flesh and fabric. History continues into the present, and culture continues to be expressed this way. Colorful and lively patterns and prints are not only found in traditional attire, but also on high fashion runways, specialty boutiques and garnishing home interiors furnishings as well.
8. DorlastanDorlastan is the spandex fiber produced by Bayer Inc. It is lightweight and soft, but str  onger and more durable than rubber. Dorlastan can be stretched over 500% repeatedly without breaking, and still recover its original length. It provides lightweight freedom of movement in mens, womens and childrens apparel. It’s used in athletic apparel, bathing suits, foundation garments, tights, surgical hose and slacks. This is a fairly new but widely used material. It’s really cool because it can stretch to such a degree and just bounce back to its original size while still offering a comfortable fit and feel. As a designer and seamstress, this characteristic is appealing when selecting fabric to make one-size fits-all garments and accessories. 9. Suede clothSuede cloth is a synthetic made from 100% polyester. It is very resilient, quick drying, resistant to biological damage such as mold and mildew, easy to wash, and able to hold forms well. Suede cloth is a great imitation fabric. It’s also a fun fabric to play with when designing because it allows you to create garments and accessories that have the look and feel of suede, without the animal bi-products. 10. Textured VinylLike suede cloth, textured vinyl fabric is also a synthetic material. It is pliable, durable and easy to maintain. It is a great imitation fabric that has the look and feel of leather without the animal bi-product. This is another fun fabric to play with when designing garments and accessories for those who are looking for a modern or traditional leathered look. I listed this as one of my top 10 coolest fabrics simply because of the ingenuity of the designer to create a material that mimics actual leather asthetically so well. So there you have it. My Top 10 Coolest Fabric Inventions. I am sure once you take a look at all we have to offer here at J&O, you'll have a list of your own that is twice as long. With new textiles created everyday, J&O will be your one stop fabric shop for all the latest materials into the next century. Labels: african-fabric, cotton-gauze, dorlastan, Fabric, fabric-inventions, fabrics, Linen, organic fabric, polyester-fleece, spandex, suede-cloth-fabric, vinyl, wool
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