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 My Top 10+ Things to do with Leftover Fabric PiecesI have been sewing since my Aunt Harriet taught me how to make an apron at the age of seven. She let me choose what I wanted from her special stash of fabric and I was off and running. She taught me how to purchase and read patterns, and how to cut corners. I was taught to purchase my fabric at the same time I purchased my .75 cent pattern. At least that's what Aunt Harriet would tell me to do! When I found a pattern that I liked and that fit well, I would reuse it. Once I made a pattern and knew the yardage required I could buy something I liked on impulse. When I spotted a bargain or some calico that would make a great peasant blouse I would buy it. But what if I changed my mind and wanted to make a dress or a matching bag? I'd always add just a bit more yardage while watching the salesperson at the cutting table, of course the rest is history. I tried to keep up with my stash, but it would just keep growing. Once in awhile someone would be downsizing or organizing their fabric, of course the plastic bags or pillow cases of material would end up in my car. Granted, I've seen stashes worse than mine and I will not WIN by dying with the most fabric, but I am a fabric junkie. The only down side for me is: what I once loved and could not live without sometimes no longer inspires me. Unfortunately a large fabric stash is not my only guilty pleasure. I save scraps of all kinds, threads, buttons that come with new garments in those plastic bags, teeny tiny fabric scraps from cut patterns, and the leftover hems that have been cut off from pants, dresses and skirts. My scraps are in one of those set of plastic drawers separated by color. I'm talking about those big drawers that are the size of unpainted furniture highboys. What to do with it all?One of our Tweets asked what to do with scraps rather than quilts... Here are a few ideas: Below I refer to remnants as under one yard, scraps are odd shaped or small pieces. FOR REMNANTS: Handbags of all shapes and sizes or Linings for bags and vests  Scarves are also a nice way to use remnant add a trim or sew odd pieces together.  Whether for school books or journals add a personal touch to your books More ideas:Bean Bags, Ice Bags Flags and streamers for party decorations Wrap cans and waxed cartons to create vases Cover lamp shades FOR SCRAPS: Small bags of all kinds, change purse, makeup bag, ipod holder...  Greeting cards  Pin Cushions  Ornaments  Covered buttons  Liven up an old pair of sandals More ideas:Applique designs on solid fabrics or t-shirts, design a scene or new fabric! Extend the life of pant legs the kids have grown too tall for or give cropped pants an extra flair. Make your own bias tape Headbands See all Christmas FabricSee all Beatles FabricSee all Novelty FabricSee all Dot FabricSee all Gingham FabricSee all Striped Fabric
Posts by J&O Fabric StoreLabels: cotton fabrics, craft ideas, eco-friendly, economical, fabric remnant, novelty fabric
 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
Posts by J&O Fabrics Store Labels: conservative, eco-friendly, frugal, sewing, sewing-classes
 Have you ever been to a clothing swap? If you haven't you are really missing out on not only some great fun, but some great finds. I was invited to my first one from a girlfriend of mine who shops at a private design boutique called Simply Netfah. It is a specialty boutique that carries beautiful wholistic clothing and accessories for women and every spring they hold a gathering at their place where invited clients gather among good food and good company, to exchange old and unwanted articles of clothing from their closets for new ones. It is the boutique owner's way of giving back to Mother Earth through the encouragement of clothing recycling and sustaining her community through barter exchange. It was a Sunday afternoon, and when my girlfriend and I got there, it was packed! Women from around the city had come to not only discover hidden treasures on the racks of wore-only-once and what-was-i-thinking fashions, but to unload their haute couture filled closets to make room for more. It was a smorgasbord of 'oooh's' and 'aaahs' as we both hung our once trendy give aways up for interested viewers. By the end of the afternoon, I had found a beautiful white Ashro convertible Goddess Dress, a pair of Steve Madden beaded leather flip flops and three Simply Netfah designer's cut originals, all for the price of, well, you guessed it... FREE! One woman's trash really IS another woman's treasure. By recycling old clothing I saved time from having to shop all over town which reduced the cost of gas fare on my pocket and fuel pollution in the air, I reduced the need for manufacturers to use up more natural resources to make new garments, and I saved a whole lot of money too. Who would have thought helping to save the planet would be so much fun! So, gather your friends and family and hold your own clothing exchange, or hop on the world wide web to see how you can play your part in making the place we call home a healthier and more sustainable place for all Earth's creatures. I guarantee it will be worth it. Check out our selection of organic Bermuda bamboo fabric here!Check out our selection of soft kona cotton here!Check out our selection of new sea-tiva fabric here!Posts by J&O Fabrics StoreLabels: eco-friendly, eco-friendly-fabric, economical, frugal, kona-cotton, organic-cotton, organic-fabric, organic-materials, recycled goods, seacell, seacell-fabric, unconventional
 As 2009 rolls in, we are met with the opportunity to make yet another attempt to start and, yes, actually follow through, with our new year’s resolutions. Whether it is starting a new diet, beginning an exercise program, or embarking on a new career path, these commitments made to us, by us, are reflections of our desire to better ourselves and our lives in some small or big way. And what better time to do it than at the start of a new year? It’s almost as if by putting our goals and dreams into motion at the same time Mother Earth is moving into another celebrated year of existence, we are somehow given a boost of hope and encouragement to achieve what we set out to do.
Speaking of Mother Earth and New Year’s resolutions, for 2009 why not make a commitment to a goal that will benefit both you and her. With increasing pollution, decreasing natural habitats and global warming on the rise, both man and Earth are suffering and must work together to preserve life for ALL living creatures, including the ones not born yet.
With such worldwide issues at hand, one can feel overwhelmed at the thought of solving the problems, but have no fear; the power of one is truly powerful indeed, and it doesn’t take millions of dollars or some complete transformation in our lifestyles to make a change. All it takes is one step, one commitment, one change; and J&O Fabrics can help.
At J&O, we carry a selection of environmentally friendly organic fabrics created without the use of artificial dyes, synthetic materials or hazardous chemicals. From our seaweed and cotton based Sea-Tiva, to our naturally anti-bacterial and odor-free Bamboo and Kona Cottons, our eco-sensitive collection not only looks good, but is good for you. Instead of spending your hard earned money on fads created from synthetic materials like rayon, spandex or lycra that suffocate your body and are not biodegradable once thrown away, try replacing one or two pieces in your wardrobe or linen closet with breathable, natural fibered cottons, wools or even organic hemp. A shirt for you here, bedding linen for your children there, just one step can make all the difference. Plus, who knows what kind of trend you will set in your circle of family and friends for 09’. Just one step.
Worried about the cost? Relax, with a prices at our online store starting as low as $7.98/yd, isn’t it worth the investment towards your health and that of our future generation? Make that change for the New Year. Go Green! Do it now! It’s just one step. What are you waiting for?
Labels: bamboo, conservation, earth, eco-friendly, environmentally friendly, fashions, frugal, kona, Natural, new year, new year resolution, Organic, organic fabric, organic material, seacell
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