J&O Fabrics Store Newsletter

As long as I can remember, I have always had an infatuation with fabric. Napped materials like raw silk, linen, unbleached muslin, burlap and hemp appealed to me because of their slightly rough texture, just as much as fleece, velour, and gauze did because of their softness. As a little girl, my fingers became my eyes into the world of textile goods, feeling my way around garment racks and my mothers linen closet. It was always about how it felt, before it was about how it looked, behaved, or cost. Still today, much of how I experience the world is based on how a specific experience makes me feel.

When I started playing around with different materials and constructing one of a kind fashions on a more professional level, I slowly began to realize that I was not the only one who opted to base the satisfaction of a particular garment on this same premise. I imagine it is because at the end of the day, our inner spirit knows what it likes and what harmonizes with our bodies better, or maybe our likes and dislikes are based on some subconscious yet very real genetic memory attached to a specific aspect of our fabric of choice despite what society tells our minds we should like. " Fashionistas shop only at designer boutiques like Gucci and DKNY".

" Successful men only wear Italian suits ". "If you are a wise and thrifty shopper you will purchase the cheaper 80 count cotton sheets from a substandard mill instead of the 600 count organic kona cotton ones." And the list of shoulds goes on and on.

After over 20 years in the fashion industry and a whole lot of observation of basic human nature, one thing I know is this; you have to feel comfortable in the clothes you are in first and foremost. The comfort and confidence alone will be the envy behind any possible judgement. I dont care what the latest trend is or what looks good on that airbrushed model in Vogue Magazine. And with so many great organic,fibers to covet your naturally beautiful vessel in a healing and harmonious way, their is no excuse for denying yourself of the pleasure.

So the next time you are at your local mall and find yourself perusing the racks of your favorite department store, close your eyes a moment and let your fingers be your decision maker. I have a feeling your body will thank you for it!

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Posts by J&O Fabric Store

Labels: bamboo-fabric, burlap, gauze-material, kona-cotton, natural-fabric

When I was a child, one of my favorite field day games at my school was the sack race. I remember the thrill of pairing up with my best friend as we climbed into that woven beige colored bag that would soon become our mode of transpo in a race to the finish line. Though somewhat rough to the touch, the burlap material I knew back then is not too different from the one that I use today for my unique one of a kind handcrafted bags. The difference, a little less abrasive, a little more color selection.

Tough enough to be used as a building material and loose enough to place over the ground as a weed barrier, burlaps versatility and potential are as endless as the artists imagination. From flexible draping paper and decorative wall hangings, rug backings and decorative dollies, record of burlap use dates back from the biblical days, all the way up to modern times. Its durable yet flexible nature makes it a great fabric for a wide array of uses.

A natural fabric made from jute, hemp or flax fibers, burlap is grown all over Asia and Central America. It prevents soil erosion, promotes plant life, and acts as a natural soil enhancer. On the go-green sustainable planet scene, burlap is recyclable and may one day surpass cotton as the most used natural fiber. In the meantime, post consumer burlap composts create a constantly renewable product that increases soil fertility rather than depleting it.

Weave it, wet it, embroider it, shred it, braid it, mold it, stretch it, fold it.....With so many positive attributes and usage techniques, burlap offers some great crafting ideas for the decorator, seamstress, agriculturalist, and artist in all of us.

Top Ten Burlap Craft Ideas

1. Use loose weaved burlap as a carpet backing.

2. Embroider with fabric scraps, yarn and other odds and ends to create beautiful wall hangings.

3. Shred into paper pulp and add to paint for a textured look on any surface

4. Sew up ends for a rustic and natural window dressing.

5. Lay over lawn to encourage grass growth.

6. Wet into a paper mache like texture to make bowls, vases, and sculptures

7. Laminate on card stock to make beautiful cards and paper art.

8. Stretch fine weave burlap on a frame to make a textured canvas for art.

9. Braid or weave strands and add beads for creative jewelry.

10. Sew up to make cute satches for potpourri or jewelry.

11. Create a potato sack.

12. Line and paint to make unique back packs and hand bags.

13. Line to make fun hats.

14. Leave raw and create great recyclable shopping bags

15. Sew up sides for a good old fashion sack race.

Whatever you are inspired to do with burlap, have fun doing it!