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Tuesday, October 27, 2009

J&O "1st Annual Handcrafted Halloween Costume Contest"...5 Days Left




Day 5:

Well, we've seen it all!


First a Royal family from Medieval times, then a mini dinosaur, and now a pooch on the moon. With less than 5 days left to go, what will our crazy and crafty customers come up with next?

It's not too late to submit your entries and take a chance


on winning a $50 American Express Gift Card.


What are you waiting for?


We dare you!




Contest Info: The 1st Annual Most Amazing Hand Crafter Costume Contest entry with the most votes on Facebook by Oct 31st will win a $50 American Express Gift Card.

To Become A Contestant, simply:
Become a Fan of J&O Fabrics on Facebook
Upload a picture of your costume to the Fan Photos under the Photos section
Add a description of your handcrafted costume
To vote, simply:
Become a Fan of J&O Fabrics on Facebook
Visit Fan Photos under our Photos section
Visit our Costume Contest section to place your vote!
Only 1 vote per person will be counted and the most amount of votes wins

Click here to go to: J&O Facebook Page









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Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Score A Touchdown this Football Season with NFL Pillows!

What is in growing demand from autumn to winter, is a must have on many wish lists, and costs under $8? Its not our new Health Care Reform, but it sure can bring your stress levels down and can maybe even keep you out of the doctors office a little bit longer.


Give up?


It is NFL print pillow crafts in fleece and cotton! From the Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals to the Baltimore Ravens and Chicago Bears, and every team in between, fans far and wide are all smiles when they pull apart the gift wrap and see their favorite team inside.

Whats really cool about the pillows is that you only need 1/2 yard of material to complete a 15 inch x 15 inch sized one. If you are using fleece, you can either sew it all around or go machine free with an easy no-sew styled pillow. If you are using cotton material, all it takes is four straight lined seams and a little bit of pillow filler to complete the perfect gift for your family member or loved one.
Start now, save a little money, and support your #1 NFL team, star player, or hometown league with quick and easy pillow crafts this football season. They make great head rests, foot rests, toosh rests, and surrogate punching bags when your team misses the winning field goal.
Whats hot this football season? A NFL print pillow of course. Made with love by you!









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Wednesday, July 29, 2009

J&O Celebrates Parent's Day !

Sunday July 26, 2009 marked this years 15th Annual Parents Day. Recognized since 1994 and celebrated throughout the United States with award ceremonies, dinners, conferences and communal gatherings, Parents Day was originally created to acknowledge, honor, uplift and support moms and dads in their often overlooked roles in the lives of their children.



Targeting, but not excluding the roles of the elders and surrogate parents that exist in many communities, Parents Day is an opportunity to acknowledge the investment, commitment and energy given to the children in the attempt to equip and prepare them for tomorrows world.

Often wearing many hats, parents not only take on the responsibility of acting as role models, but as doctors, mentors, nutritionists, educators, therapists, taxi drivers and stylists in the seemingly never ending journey into their childrens adulthood.

In honor of Parents Day and all those who play an active and positive role in the life of a child, J&O Fabrics offers a plethora of child themed fabrics and prints as well as a beautiful selection of men and women inspired designs for the provider in all of us. Hats off to our mamas and papas today and everyday!


Check out our novelty childrens fabric here.


Check out our novelty dad fabric here.


Check out our novelty mom fabric here


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Tuesday, July 28, 2009

J&O Fabric of the Week: Polyester Microfiber

Microfiber is a fiber with less than 1 denier per filament and is used to make non-woven and knitted textiles. Commonly used for apparel, upholstery, and in cleaning solutions, microfiber has become a very popular alternative to cotton activewear and undergarment apparel because the microfiber material wicks moisture away from the body instead of against it, thus keeping the wearer cool and dry.

Microfiber is also used to make tough yet soft materials for general clothing use and outerwear. It can even be made into an imitiation suede called ultra-suede which is less expensive, vegan, and easier to clean than the real suede. (ultra-suede was the first successful synthetic to hit the US market in the late 1970s).


Additional characteristics of not only polyester microfiber but synthetic textile fibers as well include high absorption, water repellency, high electrodynamics and durability. When high-quality microfiber is combined with the right knitting process, it creates an extremely effective cleaning material as well.

J&O Fabrics nominates polyester microfiber fabric as the No1 fabric of the week and welcomes you to experience the benefits of it for yourself. A great material for working out in, creating sensual yet modest womens undergarments, or even designing weather resistant outerwear, polyester microfiber is one of the hot new fabrics of the 21st Century.

See our complete selection of polyester microfiber fabric here!

See our full selection of ultra-suede fabric here!

See our selection of assorted dress fabric here!


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Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Top 10 Reasons to Learn How to Sew!

Whether you thought about it before, are in the process of doing it now, or wrote it off as something only women and homemakers did because it is still considered taboo in most cultures, learning to sew for yourself has more benefits than just mending a hole or putting a button back on a shirt.

With the American dollar loosing its value, our country still at war, and people from all walks of life feeling the effects of Mother Nature's attempts to survive global warming and mans made pollution, times are calling for us to be just a little more economically frugal, resourceful, ecofriendly and self sufficient. With this in mind, what better way to support all of the above by taking a class, or two, or three. The pros outweigh the cons, and in the end, you are adding yet another entry to your list of accomplishments.

If you still feel uninspired, maybe the list below might encourage you to try something new.

Top 10 Reasons for Learning How to Sew!

1. It will make you more independent and self sufficient.
Think about it. What better feeling than to be able to say that you can do it yourself!

2. It will save you money.
This really should be number one, but I am a big advocate for liberating folks, so second place
it is. Why pay more for clothing and home accent pieces than you have to. A pair of new
trousers at most retail stores will cost you an average of $25-75 bucks. A pair of your own
machine sewn trousers will cost you about $10-15. You do the math
.

3. You will never meet your reflection on the street.
This might be more of a concern for ladies then men, but most people cringe at the thought of
coming face to face with the same barbie pink dress on another passerbyer. Create the look
you want in the size you want, when you want it.


4. It can bring out the creative God/Goddess in you.
Whether you use a machine or hand stitch, there is something about crafting fabric into
something new that stirs your imaginative juices. Give it a try
.

5. It will bring out the alpha male in you.
You didnt think sewing was just for woman did you? The appeal of a man who can hem his
own pants then run out and save the world with his intellect and charm is just too delicious!


6. It will always come in handy.
Whether you find yourself needing to replace a button, repair a rip or attend an affair, all you
need is a good pair of scissors, a strong spool of thread and a trusty machine to become your
own hero.

7. If you can sew, you can create great gifts for holidays, birthdays, any day!
Unique one-of-a-kind gifts that might also be cost effective... way to go!

8. You dont have to be an expert in order to sew a straight line, you just have to be willing.
Whether you are a novice or a seasoned seamstress, basic garment construction is much
simpler than it seems. Learn the basics and the rest will follow.

9. Learning a new skill is cool!
The brain is a muscle that excersize strengthens. Excersize your brain by learning something
new.


10. You can become famous for your creations and for saving the planet at the same time!
From Betsy Ross to Linda Loudermilk, the weaving of a needle and thread into fabric has not only created historical figures and top fashion designers, it has also combated the over indulgence of Mother Earths resources into recycleable goods, making the idea of learning to sew not only appealing but essential too.


Sitting behind a machine and constructing usable items out of fabric may not be for everyone, but after reviewing the list above, maybe it might just be the newly aquired skill for you. It never hurts to try!

Good Luck!

View our Dress Fabric

View our Designer Fabric

View our Novelty Fabric

View our Drapery Fabric


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Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Ask Netfah: Nikki's Raincoat Material


Dear Netfah,

I was interested in making a rain coat for my four year old girl, but was not sure what kind of material I should be purchasing. I would like it to be kind of see through like the rain capes from my own childhood. I saw some vinyl online, but it looked too heavy. Any suggestions?

-Rain Rain Go Away, Ellicott City MD





Dear Rain Rain in Maryland,

I used to have one with ducks on it when I was a little girl. I even had an umbrella to match. Now that I am an adult, I wish they made them for my size because they protected so well.

The kind of material that is best suited for the style of rainwear you are looking to create is a lightweight clear plastic vinyl. It is the material most often seen and affiliated with table coverings and tote bags. Well, it is a great water protectant and wipes clean for easy care.

Clear vinyl comes in varying thicknesses called gauges that range from 10-30. A 10 gauge vinyl is the thinnest and therefor lightest of the weights. Suitable for a range of uses, 10 gauge vinyl is good for cosmetic purses, storm windows, and some garments. The thicker 30 gauge vinyl is harder to sew through and is used primarily for seat covers and greenhouses.

As always, it is best to get samples before ordering any yardage if you want to be sure the material you are purchasing is suited for the project at hand.




Check out the selection of clear plastic vinyl at J&O Fabrics here!


Check out the selection of solid vinyl at J&O Fabrics here!


Check out the complete selection of vinyl fabric at J&O Fabrics here!








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


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Friday, June 26, 2009

It's Raining Cats and Dogs at J&O Fabrics!

Whenever it rains really hard, my auntie says its 'raining cats and dogs'. I grew up hearing this saying from not only my family, but the elders in my community as well. I never really understood where it came from or why it was used to describe a heavy rain to I did my research and this is what I found.

The metaphor or idiom (whichever you prefer) had several suggested sources ranging from a greek aphorism meaning an 'unlikely occurance', a mythological symbolism for rain (cats) and wind (dogs), to an expression of sensory overload as in the case where the loud sound of the rain caused the ears to hurt, like the loud sound of cats meowing and dogs howling. But the meaning that seemed to have the deepest roots and strongest following was the one that connects the metaphor to a period in time when the streets of 17th & 19th century Britian were so dirty and poorly constructed that many cats and dogs would drown whenever there was a storm. People seeing the corpses floating by would think the animals had falled from the sky.

Further reading gives reference to a poem by Jonathan Swift dating back to 1710 called "A Description of a City Shower " where the author describes a similar scene to that of the rainstorms in England.


"Sweeping from butchers stalls, dung, gut, and blood;


Drowned puppies, sinking sprats, all drenched in mud,


Dead cats, and turnip-tops, come tumbling down the flood."


If nothing less, my findings certainly gave new meaning to an otherwise beautiful rainy day.



Check out our fun feline novelty fabric here!



Check out our fun dog novelty fabric here!



Check out our full selection of novelty fabric here!



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Monday, June 15, 2009

Sewing Tip of the Week #1: Thrift Store Patterns


Sewing Tip of the Week #1


I have been in love with clothing since I was a little girl. How colors looked on a model, how the fabric draped, and most especially, how their full ensemble looked once all the pieces were in place all appealed to my visual and creative senses. I would spend hours a day designing new looks and rumminging through JC Penny, Sears and Speigal catalogs imagining the day I would make manifest the ideas on the sketch pad in front of me

When I was in highschool I took my hobby to the next level by designing prom dresses for my friends and classmates. Too impatient with all the seemingly unnecessary applications to utilize the McCall, Butterick and Vogue patterns available to me, I relied on a family friend to actually sew the designs into the beautiful eye catchers they were intended to be.

As I entered college and adult hood, the money I could stand to make by creating garments on campus became a way of paying my bills and putting food in my dorm fridge. But I still struggled with patterns and soon found myself feeling like a little girl in shoes to big, trying to make sense of it all.

Eventually, I did away with patterns alltogether and found salvation at off campus thrift stores and yard sales. If I saw a design in a fashion magazine or created on in my head, I would rummage through the racks until I found similar styles that I could DE-construct and then RE-construct into the desired garment. Problem solved! A cap sleeved top here, combined with a the hoodie of another jersey there, these pieces became my new patterns with a little creativity and determination. Once I found the look and proper size for myself or my excited clients, all I had to do was purchase the fabric and voila! Not only did construction now make sense, but it saved me money too. Sure, it took more time to find what I needed, but what artsy woman with an obsession for fashion doesn't enjoy a good treasure hunt now and then?

Today I have developed enough skill to make my own patterns or even go free style with none at all; just my good eye and steady hand. I can still be found between the isles of a Goodwill or Salvation Army, but now it is for a cause. Recycling clothing is a cool way to cut back on the overconsumption of natural resources and help save Mother Earth.

My sewing tip of the week? If conventional store bought patterns do not quite work for you, find what does. But whatever you do, never give up on yourself. A little ingenuity goes a long way and natural gifts are shameful to waste. Find your unique flo and fly!

Oh yeah, if you are looking for some cool fabrics, look no further.....J&O Fabrics has it all.


For fun novelty cotton fabric, click here!


For all your collegic cotton fabric, click here!


For hot designer dress fabric, click here!


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Thursday, May 28, 2009

J&O Celebrates National Bicycle Month with Discounted Fabrics

May is National Bicycle Month and J&O is celebrating by offering 10% off selected novelty cotton and tapestry bicycle themed fabrics. From choppers and dirt bikes to professional race bikes and biker symbols, J&O has them and wants to share them with all of our riders througout the month of May.

Whether you are darting through Center City traffic on your blue BMX or peddling into work on your Tonino Lamborghini Leggenda 3-speed, bicycling is not only a great way to help save the planet through the reduction of air pollution caused by excess car emission fumes, but is an enjoyable, stimulating, and healthy mode of transpo for all ages

Select from one, five, or more yards of the bicycle themed prints offered in this J&O 10% off special, and join others in this month long celebration encouraging both physical fitness and the love of bicycles that are as unique and individualized as you.


Special Offer Fabric items. Ends 10/10/09

spo000188

tap00066

Coupon Code : iluvbikes



To check out some of our other cool transportation novelty prints click here!


To check out our full selection of novelty fabric click here!


To check out our section of go green organic fabric click here!



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Tuesday, May 19, 2009

The Flowering Banana Berry Herb Bush Fabric

My son read an artical to me this morning regarding bananas that I found quite interesting. In the artical, the author spoke about how the banana 'fruit' was scientifically classified as a herbaceous plant (bush) of the Musacea family. In laments terms, this commonly called fruit that we eat is actually a flowering herb and a member of the lily family. Banana's do NOT grow on trees in the true sense, since the banana plants have no wood fiber and not only that, scientists actually classify the banana as a berry based on the fact that berries are identified as being 'many seeded' with a 'fleshy inner layer'; just like bananas.


As one of my favorite 'fruits', I knew about the nutritional properties and various culinary uses of the banana, but this little tid bit of info really surprised me to the point that I felt compelled to share my new found knowledge with anyone willing to read it; even if they did already know.


Since I am also a seamstress and a big fan of fabric textiles, I thought I'd ad a little pictorial tribute to highlight our sweet starch of substance, the Yellow Orchid Herb. After all, a banana a day keeps low potassium away.



artistic expression.... orchid family......



i love them...... they love them.....

my favorite color..... tropical home......





For your favorite food fabrics, check out J&O Fabric Store

You are sure to find what you are looking for and a whole lot more!


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Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Consumer Savvy Carol: Nurture Your Creativity With J&O.

In these economically uncertain times, our survival skills kick in and our natural response is to cut back, cut out and hold our breath while the nightly news reports on yet another mass lay off of jobs. We join the ever growing population of stressed out worker bees and me-myself-and-I clones in the competitive rat race called 'life', who find truth in the encouraged notion that it is survival of the fittest, with no rest for the weary. It is a delusional and vicious spiral of continuous fear based responses that chip away at the 'reality' of what it means to be alive.



And while this method works for some, it is not the remedy of choice for everyone. There is another group of people who are ready, willing and able to look at the economic challenge and see an opportunity to create and REcreate their life, and help others along the way as well. They are able to turn their stumbling blocks of lost jobs and income into stepping stones, and their obstacles of financial exhaustion, into opportunities. It is amazing how creative we can be when our backs are against the wall.


What better time than now, to nurture all those gifts we carry but have discarded as silly little hobbies from our younger years. What better way to REcreate our circumstances, than to pull out those carpentry books we tucked neatly away for a rainy day read, take a free class in photography at the community college, or unfold those wisely preserved and still stylish designer fabrics and never used Singer machine that you promised yourself one day you would create magnificent fashions with. What better time than now to put down our worries and fears of what tomorrow may bring, and challenge ourselves to creating the future we want for ourselves.


It really is a matter of perspective, and at J&O Fabrics, we strive to make it our business to tempt you with enough eye catching fleece, upholstery, decorative, novelty and organic fabrics to bring out the successful survivor in all of us. Because even if your passion isn't crafting, your creative juices will start to flow in one direction or another. The time is now.




Check out our selection of great dress fabric here!


Check out our selection of discount designer decorative fabric here!


Check out our fun selection of novelty fabric here!




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Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Consumer Savvy Carol: The Hand-Me-Down Solution

I remember when I gave birth to my first son over ten years ago. I was a first time mom and unexptected single parent earning a modest living as a designer with no real nest egg set up for myself or my little one. I worried whether or not I would have enough money to buy formula, pay the bills to keep the roof over our heads, or keep him clothed properly when it seemed every day he grew a little more.

Without much experience to guide me along, I found myself stumbling on a journey into motherhood with a series of trials and errors that would one day become my Bible. I found financial assistance from various agencies set up for women like myself, continued to nurture my gift of creativity to increase my business profits, and realized the benefits of community....and hand-me-downs!

As my little infant grew into a crawling baby and then a walking toddler, I found the benefits of the 'old school' clothing and fabric exchange our parents used to use, to be quite a remedy. After my first initial gifting of brand new baby clothes during my baby shower, I hardly saw 'brand new' again except at special occasions like holidays or my baby's birthday. Surprisingly enough, I never missed it. I made my own children's sets out of the fabric I was given or dressed my son in the outfits I was blessed with. Plus babies grow out of clothing so fast that they really don't have much time to wear and tear. And when you have a community of parents with babies older and younger than your own, it becomes a rhythm of give and take just like the seasons. Before long, my son was reaching into his school years with little to no need for brand new. In fact, aside from underwear and shoes, I can't remember needing for any clothes during his formative years.

My point? In these frugal times when priority spending is the name of the game and the security of tomorrow's paycheck is not so certain anymore, there is one thing that is. Community has always been the foundation and salvation of a people, especially during times of struggle, and it still is today. Even if it is just hand-me-down clothing and fabric.


Check out our $1.98 or less fabric here!

Check out our durable and long lasting denim fabric here!

Check out our frugal & fun novelty fabric here!


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Monday, March 30, 2009

J&O Fabrics 10% Off Coupon Frenzy!


You asked and we listened!

You wanted to know how much shipping would cost without the time consuming process of having to provide all of your shipping information.....Did it!

You desperately needed to know when we would be getting your favorite out of stock fabrics back in without having to call every two weeks to check with our reps....Got it!

You couldn't wait to know how much stock of a particular upholstery material we had available....Done!

J&O Fabrics has updated our already user friendly website and is now live all because of you, our valued customers!!!

To show our continued appreciation for your patronage, J&O Fabrics is rewarding all visitors to our new website with a 10% off discount coupon for your online shopping pleasure. Just key in the code below to receive your discount and use over and over again until it expires. Now that's reason alone to put us on your favorites list and keep checking your laptop or PC periodically for all the hot new designer print arrivals and thousands of yards of the fabric you already know and love.



So take a moment or two out of your hectic day to do something that will make you smile with excitement, glow with delight, and crazy with joy. From nostalgic novelty prints and funky childrens' designs, to stunning dress fabrics and gorgeous upholstery material, there's something for everyone at J&O. You have nothing to loose and only free money and fabulous fabrics to gain when you shop online at http://www.janofabrics.com/. What are you waiting for? Start shopping today! Coupon code: blog1






Check out our current selection of fun novelty fabric here!
Check out our wide selection of fleece fabric here!
Get a peek at our new spring prints for 2009 here!



Coupon Code: blog1

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Tuesday, March 24, 2009

White Patent Leather Vinyl is Back at J&O Fabrics!


Eager J&O customers can finally breathe a sigh of release and elation as the highly demanded, white patent leather vinyl has returned to its rightful place on our website after a long awaited comeback that seemed like eternity for many. The 54" 100% white vinyl has won popularity from fans young and old for not only its leather look, but its use in upholstering indoor and outdoor furniture, car interiors and even customized bikes. Its durability, pliability, and weather resistance make it great for all these projects and so much more. Come rain or shine, sticky fingers from little hands, or spilled wine, this high gloss, easy to clean material is not only timelessly stylish, but practical as well. With Uncle Sam's returns right around the corner, what better time to revitalize your home or vehicles than today!


Check out our fabulous white patent leather vinyl here!

Check out our great selection of patent leather vinyl here!

Check out our assorted selection of upholstery fabric here!



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Monday, March 16, 2009

J&O Trivia: Win Money, Free Fabric!

In celebration of the emergence of our new website, J&O Fabrics is running a month long trivia contest. By answering the questions correctly on our quiz, contestants have the opportunity to win a $10.00 gift certificate to use on their next online purchase. Just email your responses to us via the 'comments' section following the quiz and if all your answers are right, you walk away with a little extra cash in your pocket just in time for spring shopping.

Whether you're a novice in the fabric and textiles industry, or have a bit of experience under your belt, our trivia will stimulate your mind and test what you know. Stuck on the answers? No need to search too far. All the solutions are found right within the pages of our online web store at https://www.jandofabrics.com/index.htm So sit back, relax, and let the left side of your brain do the rest. Our winning gift certificates are limited to the first ten winners, so hurry up and get your responses in. There's a great piece of fabric waiting just for you here at J&O Fabrics. Good Luck!


1. From what animal do we get mohair?
a. Nigora goat
b. Angora goat
c. Pygora goat

2. Is broadcloth a knit or a woven fabric?
a. knit
b. woven

3. This fabric is the most popular material used on pool tables?
a. felt
b. velvet
c. cotton

4. This is a fabric in which dyed yarns and white yarns form a checkered pattern on the fabric.
a. plaid
b. hounds tooth
c. gingham

5. This fabric consists of a broken twill weave producing a zig-zag pattern resembling the varying diagonals of a fish's backbone.
a. hounds tooth
b. brocade
c. jacquard

6. A dying technique tht is applied to fabric and is most associated with the Indonesian culture is called
a. tie dye
b. batik
c. sky dying

7. Name 3 benefits of black out fabric.

8. This material is used between the outer fabric of a garment and its lining to reinforce and stiffen the outer fabric.
a. interfacing
b. hemming tape
c. piping

9. Name 3 benefits of organic fabrics over non-organic.

10. This fabric is a classic eveningwear fabric that is distinquished by the metallic yarns with which it is woven. It is made of 60% nylon and 40% polyester.
a. lame
b. metallic African cotton
c. organza

11. True or false, the larger the gauge number on clear vinyl, the thicker the .
material.

12. Name 3 major fabric companies.


Email your responses to info@jandofabrics.com. After you've completed our trivia and sent in your responses, take a moment to go back and take a look at some of the great fabric we have to offer at your No. #1 fabric source, J&O.


To check out our selection of fun novelty cotton click here!
To check out our selection of beautiful dress fabric click here!

To check out what's new fabric for spring check here!



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Saturday, February 21, 2009

J&O Fabric Craft: Nydia's Aprons

Here at J&O Fabrics, I am surrounded by an intimate group of abundantly talented women from diverse social and economic backgrounds, who not only possess the required skills and experience to help run one of the top fabric stores on the world wide web, but who pack under their belts the kind of crafty talent and creative mindset that motivates and stirs the artistic juices in all of us on a daily basis. Ranging in age from 20 well into their 50's, these humble servants of the Great Imagination are always finding new ways to revamp and revitalize even the most outdated chairs, window dressings, and garments; and the talent doesn't stop there. Every week our suppliers send us new fabric and material for our wonderful customers that even the most graceful of ladies find hard to resist, as the mere sound of the UPS guy sends us running to see what's come in. Designing new fashions and manifesting unique ideas into fruition is just part of the territory here at J&O Fabrics. It's almost impossible not to be inspired to try our hand at something new amongst the multitude of assorted bolts that make up the colorful walls of this mom & pop brick and martyr.

Take for instance, Nydiadada. A lively and jovial mother of three, this seasoned woman with a youthful heart recently made all of us custom apron and dish towel sets for the holidays. As we each pulled our gift wrapped sets out with gleaming smiles on our faces and gracious thanks on our lips, we were delighted to discover that each apron looked even better than the next and at the end of it all, a beautiful array of colorful personalized kitchen attire emerged. From Judy's 'Chocolate Treats' apron to Netfah's 'Enkai's Children' set, Nydiadada created reflections of each of us on these cute terry cloth and novelty cotton crafts that would hold a place in our hearts for years to come.

You too may be one of the many with a special gift for fashioning fabric and creating crafts that you and others enjoy. Such ideas like Nydiadada's aprons probably cross your mind from time to time as well. When it does, find a way to nurture it. Even if it's been done before by a hundred other people in a hundred other ways, no one can do it quite like you. They say many people are born originals but die as copies. What better way to release the creative power inside us all than through the expression of those original ideas into the world. Create as only you can and see God made manifest.


Check out our fun selection of cotton novelty fabric here!
Check out our colorful selection of basic broadcloth here!
Check out our wide selection of notions and sewing supplies here!




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Tuesday, December 09, 2008

Consumer Savvy Carol : Tip 101 "YoYo Mom!"

If you’re anything like me, these days I’m sure you find yourself cringing in the supermarkets isles. Sometimes I think I’d be better off taking advantage of the dollar menu at the nearest fast food restaurant. Times are tough right now for the average family and as a Mom, I know I feel responsible for making every dollar stretch as far as possible. Sometimes it’s challenging not to take the easy way out. But there are lots of creative choices we can make to stretch our dollars. Maybe all it takes is a shift in our perceptions of a more simplified reality.

I am sure I’m not the only one holding onto colorful pieces of cotton, denim and bark cloth. Not to mention trims and other various embellishments. Next time you’re not so little one puts on those jeans and they just aren’t long enough anymore, try adding some length with a 2” scrap of fabric, or a few fabric strips sewn together. While you’re at it you can make it into a fun project. Cut pieces of the design (even team logos) attach a little heat bond and iron on the design to the garment. Bonding these cut designs works great on a tee that has become stained or worn from too much wear.

Speaking of fabric scraps. Since we are one of the largest fabric stores in the Tri-State area, we carry totes and totes of these colorful, funky and fancy ¼ yard pieces that literally collect over the years. They sit here taking up space and not paying towards the rent. They want to be put to use, but have been made to feel like they are only good for one thing…..nostalgic memories of craft projects done long ago or worse yet…..unfinished projects!!

With the holidays just around the corner, now is the perfect time to rethink your gift giving ideas. When my daughter was born she received many beautiful gifts, but which one does she still wrap her baby dolls in? The crib quilt that her Aunt Sue handmade for her, and me, I still have the “Jingle Bell Jack” my mom made me from scraps. More commonly referred to now as YO-YO dolls, gifts made from the heart last a lifetime.

Whatever you do with your time, energy, and resources is up to you. But if you want to make memories and keep a little extra cash in your pocket, consider the creative power of the imagination…enjoy and encourage the artist in you to flourish!

To check out some of our really cool novelty cotton fabrics click here!

To check out our selection of holiday fabrics click here!

To see the latest childrens' fabric click here!


Until next time, this is Consumer Savvy Carol signing off!



Posts by J&O

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