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 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
 If ever a man or woman doubted the sex appeal and beauty of a pregnant woman, fashion model and reality show host Heidi Klum dismantled all beliefs surrounding as she walked the red carpet with baby on board for the second time at this years Emmy Awards held this past Saturday in the land of Lost Angels. Adorned in a black body forming Marchesa gown by Georgina Chapman, Heidis buried treasure was secret to no one as she strolled seemingly effortlessly past paparazzi, fashion editors, fans and numerous interviewers enticed by the elegant German mother-to-be, Victorias Secret model, and Project Runway host. Wearing what we consider to be the ultimate black dress for two, Heidis custom made strapless fishtail gown dazzled right along with her under a sunlit autumn sky, as jeweled lace and forgiving stretched knit fabric formed loving hugs around her bubbling body, offering comfort and support in all the right places. With proud husband Seal by her side, Heidi was a glowing reflection of the power of love not only inside, but outside as well. If only every pregnant woman could feel as sexy and attractive as Heidi looked on Saturday, what beautiful and happy children we would bear.  2006 Emmy Awards Posts by J&O Fabric StoreLabels: dress-fabric, emmy-2009-award-fashions, emmy-awards-2009, heidi-klum, lycra-spandex-fabric, red-carpet-fashion, satin-fabric
 From the beginning of February well into the close of autumn, fans of soca, salsa, kompa and calypso music jump up, play mas, and lime out to the sometimes lyrically funny, sometimes politically incorrect, and almost always sex filled undertones that gets the foot stomping, the hips jivating, and the body releasing stress, stress and more stress well into the early morning hours. If you have never been to a world wide Caribbean Carnival, you have not lived! And though one can be found in any of the multitude of islands throughout the West Indies as well as on almost each and every continent, summer is the season for the traditional annual celebration based on folklore, culture, and island "livity". Whether attending the crowning of the new Calypso King, jamming to the sounds of the Panarama competition, or taking to the streets for Jouvert and walking the parade, participants young and old can be found transforming themselves from students, corporate ceos, firemen, and librarians, into stiltwalking tar painted medicine men, colorfully costumed masqueraders, and spirit filled dancers.  At J&O Fabrics, we stock hundreds of yards of assorted fabrics throughout the year that West Indian Carnival costume designers thrive for and have come to love. From sparkling sheers, shiny satins, form fitting Lycras and dazzling sequence in every color under the sun, design ideas become an endless swirl of creative imaginings in preparation for each festivals to come. From Trinidad to Canada and everywhere in between, there is a Carnival beckoning your arrival. Step out on the wild side, grab your whistle, open up your mind, and throw all inhibitions away.....its carnival season, and its here to stay!  Labels: caribbean-carnival, carnival-fabric, dress-fabric, satin-fabric, sequenced-fabric, summer-festivals, west-indian-carnival
 The name Cape Town, South Africa has long been affiliated with poverty, racial injustice and unrest. But with the end of government imposed appartheid, the exposure of biased media broadcasting, and a new wave of both corporate revolutionaries and name making fashionistas, Cape Town, South Africa has taken the fashion industry by storm. Each year since 2003, the metropolis tourist destinatin of Cape Town has been hosting their seasonal Fashion Weeks to the applause of industry heavyweights world wide. Africa's largest gathering of fashion talent has grown into one of the premiere 'new world' fashion weeks providing an international platform for designers from across the sub-Sahara and beyond. From emerging and established artists such as Black Coal, Gavin Rajah, Doreen Southwood, and Lovewaterlove, to Misfit, David Tlale, Tart and Sway, the runway paraded with shimmery, colorful skin klinging lycra spandex leggings, flirty sheer overlays, tailored charmeuse dresses, and heels a mile high. Adorned in an array of eye pleasing palates and accessorized to the bone with feathers, beads, and assorted trims, Cape Town Fashion Week 2009 offered up as much creative inspiration as it did excitement in preparation for the Spring 2010 season. Check out our selection of lycra spandex here.Check out our selection of charmeuse here.Check out our selection of dress fabrics here.Posts by J&O Fabric StoreLabels: african-fashion, african-fashion-week, cape-town, cape-town-fashion-week-2009, dress-fabric, fashion-week-2009, lyrcra-spandex-fabric
 This past weekend, the island of Jamaica was swarming with supermodels, shutterbugs, fashion designers, international style mavericks, the media and an impressive list of celebs all wanting to be a part of this years annual Caribbean Fashion Week.
Presented by Pulse, one of the regions largest, most recognized, and internationally respected fashion and entertainment companies, CFW (Caribbean Fashion Week) has evolved from a fledgling event in 2001, to its current status as the premier event representing the marriage of a diversity of cultural and fashion influences.
Running for almost a full week and culminating with an invite only wrap party this past Monday night, the city of Kingston, Jamaica entertained over 50 designers from 25 countries as they showcased their collections for 2010 with a mix of cool cotton sheers, itsy bitsy teeny weeny flavorful bikinis, and shimmery metalic fabrics as intoxicating as the island itself. An impressive synergy of fashion, business and entertainment coupled with a line up of designers such as Deola Sagoe from Africa, Sushma Patel from India, Meiling from Trinidad, Nana Boateng from Ghana, and Britisher by way of Jamaica Sandra Kennedy, made this a show not soon to forget. And who would want to! With urban, indie and sub-culture style setting the pace for mainstream American fashions, Pulses Caribbean Fashion Week is about the most far reaching and strategically important fashion event in the region.
To find your perfect island fabrics, look no further. With hundreds of different prints and materials to choose from , J&O Fabrics is the perfect place to shop for all the hotest looks each season.
Labels: caribbean-fashion-week, caribbean-fashion-week-2009, cfw, college cotton, dress-fabric, island-fabric, novelty-cotton), novelty-fabric, summer-fabric, summer-fashion
 As a self proclaimed yet still wet behind the ears J&O Fabrics veteran employee (2 years and going strong), I can still recall the words I heard from my now boss the day I was hired. From the door I was informed that J&O Fabrics was a family operated and oriented business that carried a proud reputation of providing all of their customers with quality top shelf fabrics for over 45 years and that while many of their current customers shop on their high volumed online store, many of their older customers still like the pleasure of coming inside. One look down the colorful textured isles of J&Os humble yet bountiful brick and martyr store and any one can see why. From a wide display of decorative, dress and outdoor fabrics, to an extensive array of upholstery, national sports teams, and novelty prints, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the selection. Luckily J&O's friendly and knowledgeable floor assistants and expert cutters are on hand to offer their professional insight and suggestions to help any novice through an otherwise intimidating experience. For our regular customers, a weekly visit to their favorite fabric store involves sharing updates on their latest projects with the staff as well as the anticipated discovery of our new fabric arrivals. For me, J&O Fabrics represents a reflection of American culture in textile and design from the last four decades and further, up until now. A heaven for many but a classroom for more, I have discovered I am not the only one who has found something new to learn everyday here. With so many changes in the fabric and textile industry and so many wonderfully ingenious and imaginative customers nurturing their respective crafts, to say J&O Fabrics is a source of creative inspiration is an understatement. It is no wonder my paychecks look so small; my hard earned money is continually being snatched up by organic Kona cottons, beautiful African prints and cool vintage looks. This being expressed, after eight hours of servicing our great online customers, invoicing shipments, updating site information, logging in new fabrics, cutting trim and handling a plethora of little odd jobs that help keep the J&O ship running smoothly, at the end of a long day I can still say I like my job. And these are the top ten reasons why.... 1. I get to use my BA in Home Economics to teach what I know. 2. I get to learn what I dont know. 3. I get to work with creative individuals from different walks of life who are nice too. 4. I work for a boss whose open and understanding. (as much as a boss can be) 5. I get to meet crafters and designers from all over the world. 6. I work in a family friendly and casual setting. 7. My craft is nurtured on a daily, and so is my passion for fabrics. 8. I get to see the latest fabrics before they hit the consumer market 9. J&Os dedication to satisfactory service. 10. Did I mention my passion for fabrics ?? To check out J&Os selection of hot new fabric click here! Posts by J&O Fabrics StoreLabels: best-fabric-store, dress-fabric, novelty-cotton-fabric, top-fabric-store
 If it was curiosity that killed the cat, then it was definitely satisfaction that brought it back. While gossip columnists, tabloid reporters and inquiring minds were eager to discover whether or not another bundle of joy was patiently waiting to be revealed from behind the free flowing vintage gown Angelina’s wore, we at J&O were waiting to find out the name of that beautiful fabric that she chose to garment herself in for the annual red carpet affair. Our curiosity was satisfied when it was revealed that her designer piece was a mahogany and slate colored, tie-dyed, paneled chiffon. And it looked great! True to the nature of chiffon, the material created a fluid, free flowing look to the full length gown. Its fibers offered the perfect canvas for the warm earth toned dyes, and added a slight overlay of shimmer and texture atop a muted opaque foundation . Traditionally used for such formal occasions, chiffon carries a fabulous drape and offers a sexy yet modest look for its wearer.   It seems Angelina wasn’t the only celebrity who opted for this beautiful and versatile fabric. Lisa Rinna was a woman dressed to prowl the red carpet in her wispy black and white leopard print chiffon gown. Her low, halter cut neckline and open back dress created a sensual touch to a modestly draped hemline. Volumes of fabric flowed wild and free as she strutted and posed for the cameras that night.   Finally, we saw Kate Hudson in her full length avian inspired gown. Her strapless dress was designed with a soft plumaged breast line and volumous layers of a sheer pink and lavender printed chiffon that cascaded into a train as she seemed to float across the stage. Once again, this elegant material created a glamorous look for an affair that is nothing less.
The handsomely tailored men who accompanied each of these actresses on the carpet or on stage, seemed to create the perfect backdrop for bringing out the sensuous and feminine qualities that the lovely ladies and their chiffons brought to the event. And you don't have to travel to Hollywood or NY to find this great material. The lovely chiffon fabrics premiering on the red carpet can be found right here at J&O. Available in silk, polyester, cotton, rayon or nylon, our selection of naturals and synthetics offer you an array of looks and feels. Dye them, decorate them, mold and shape them to create just the design you are going for. Make your own red carpet fashion today! Labels: chiffon, chiffon-fabric, Designer-fabric, dress-fabric, fabrics, organza, organza-fabric
Some of us set the date well in advance, some of us stumbled on it accidently, while the remainder of us missed it all together and played catch up this morning as newscasters, gossip columns and fashionistas far and wide commented and critiqued the yards of designer fabrics that strutted their stuff on the red carpet hoping to capture the attention of designers and seamstresses alike. Molded, shaped and married into fashionable creations with both artistic precision and stylish flair, wonderful pieces of material hung elegantly on hanger like bodies, clung embracingly around hour glass figures and draped sensuously on glamorous forms that struck a pose every two minutes for millions of Americans to note and admire.   The Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, aka SAG Awards, may be embraced as one of the most prestigious award ceremonies in the entertainment industry, an opportunity for actors and actresses alike to be honored and acknowledged by their own peers on their respective crafts. For people like us who love creating and working with fabric, it is more importantly, an opportunity for us to do the same. Watching the garments parade down the royal red carpet allows us to view and RE-view the wonderful end results of other beautifully imaginative artists and crafters.   Blue seemed to be a popular color this year, gracing such notable actresses as Kyra Sedgwick and newcomer Niki Blonsky. Kyra adorned cobalt colored silk crepe with chantilly lace, while Niki embraced her more fluid side in royal blue taffeta. A hot shade of pink silk organza graced January Jones from top to bottom, as the darker side of green poured lavishly into layers of elegant silk and satin material that shined vibrantly on Diane Lane.   It never ceases to amaze me the way we bring life to this amazing palate of beautiful color and fabric…or is it the other way around? With so many textures, shades, patterns and prints to choose from, the sky is the limit to your creative imagination. If you had to honor one fabric with your own award for best performance, which one would it be? The nominees are all right here on our website. Place your vote today! Labels: actors, awardshow, designer dress, designer-dresses, Designer-fabric, dress-fabric, hollywood
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