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The GloveYou know you want one. It's actually pretty easy to make your very own Michael Jackson style glove.  First, find a glove, try a thrift store, costume shop or hardware/automotive shop. Lots of times white gloves are worn to protect things from our skins natural oils.   If you want to make a version with rhinestones. You can still find the original beadazzler on line, some craft stores still sell them and there are tools available that do the same thing. Rhinestones that glue on are available too. There are lots of options out there.   Follow the manufacturers suggestions to cover your white glove with the rhinestones. Rhinestones and backs are available in a wide range of colors and sizes in stores and online. You can also make a version using sequins. Figure out the yardage you'll need and hand stitch the sequins row by row around the glove. Yet another option is to purchase sequin fabric. Just make a pattern using your own hand. Sew it together and add some elastic around the wrist.  Sequin fabric
 Then go out and strut your stuff. So, why did the King of Pop use a glove? There are varying opinions as to why: it has been said that it was a symbol of non-conformity, while others are of the opinion that the glove was used to hide a skin condition. Regardless of the real reason behing the single, white sequined glove was just one more way in which Michael Jackson redefined pop culture. What's not debated is the how the glove became an iconic part of the singer's image starting with the video for the hit song Billie Jean from the 1983 album of the same name. After that, Michael Jackson became known as 'The Gloved One' and his fans began to imitate the trend. View our Dress FabricView our Designer FabricView our Novelty Fabric Posts by J&O Fabric StoreLabels: Fabric, fabrics, how-to, how-to-sew, michael-jackson
From ancient times the value of clothing has been an essential element in human culture. Over time textiles superseded animal skins as the primary means of clothing the body (notwithstanding certain dark corners of the Vegas Strip).
Early textile fibers commonly were flax – a fine linen – and felt, a textile produced by matting, pressing and condensing fibers. While most felt is currently manufactured out of synthetic materials such as acrylic, it initially made use of the wool produced by sheep.
Wool continued to be the dominant fiber from which European fabric was woven throughout the Greek and Roman ages. Both Greeks and Romans wore garments primarily made from the readily available source of wool. Additionally, linen and hemp were common fabric fibers. At the time silk and cotton were imported in available in small quantities to the elite that could afford them.
During the following medieval period European fabrics remained basic, with styles changing mildly with the arrival of new conquerors. Despite the distances and varying languages clothing across Europe remained generally uniform.
From late medieval times through the Renaissance
During the 13th century advances were made in the production of wool fabrics. More important changes were introduced by crusaders returning from the East with exotic fabrics. By the mid 14th century fashion was starting to take shape in Europe with the introduction of curved seams and the beginnings of tailoring. Advances in dyeing also were important factors in this regard.
Throughout Europe various fabric centers began to sprout. Broadcloth was a staple export of England, while the countries of the Mediterranean were a hub of silk production. Rich silk fabrics began in the fashions of the Italian upper classes and spread throughout the elite of Europe. Influences were apparent from farther afield as floral motifs common to China crept into European designs.
Once the Renaissance was underway further development took place as fashions began to distinguish themselves from country to country. The fashions of the German and Scandinavian states developed more or less independently from those of England and the Romance speaking countries. The ensuing centuries saw fabric designs and fashions becoming increasingly elaborate, although the means of production remained virtually unchanged.
Fabric and the Industrial Revolution
Great leaps in the manufacturing of fabric occurred during the Industrial Revolution. As the production of fabrics became more mechanized, new types of fabric – such as jacquards – became possible. Great Britain in particular was at the vanguard of textile machinery from the late 18th century. The Industrial Revolution for the first time made quality fabrics widely available at affordable prices.
Fabrics today More than simply being a craft or art, the production of fabrics involves science. During the 20th century many of the most commonly used fabrics were based on synthetic fibers. Polyester, spandex, nylon and acrylic are all widely used fibers in the production of textiles. The addition of these synthetic materials have given fabrics greater colofastness and durability. International influences Trading along the Silk Road facilitated an exchange of textile influences between the Far East and the Mediterranean. Since the 20th century textile designers and manufacturers have looked overseas for inspiration. From the Far East to Africa, many places have contributed to the diverse art of fabric. Kente fabrics and African designs in general have impacted textile design as have the batik fabrics of Indonesia. Toile designs commonly make use of Japanese or Chinese motifs. A Persian and Indian influence can be seen in the continued popularity of paisley designs.
Labels: Fabric, Fabric-History, fabrics, History-of-Fabric
NBC News Aired a Segment on How to Save Money with Fabric featuring J&O Fabrics Store.  A necessity from the past,
years in collecting dust,
is humming to life again these days.For people like Laura Ogden, it is a way to save big bucks. "I should be a millionaire because of all the money I've saved."Though times or not, Laura says she's always been an Arts and Crafts kind of person. "Whether it's painting, taking photographs, sewing"or taking on bigger projects like with this old chair, and giving it a makeover. "I had an upholsterer come in and give me a price which I think is a fair price, $300. to recover a chair." but Laura says she knew she could do it herself for a fraction of the cost. A little know how and fabric. "It will probably end up costing $100. at the most to finish recovering it"
"It's normally the craft people who know how resourceful a fabric store is."Ryan Safady owns J&O Fabrics in Pennsauken, NJ, and says business is booming.
"Instead of rushing to a store to buy something new, they're trying to freshen up what's old." Ryan's store offers every type of fabric you can imagine, which sells for as little as 99 cents to as much as 40 dollars per yard.  To give you a sense of the kind of money you could be saving by shopping here, some Designer home interior fabrics run upwards of 75 to 90 dollars a yard. Even with small projects, take this children's apron for example you could by it for 10 bucks, or make it for 99 cents. It's one remnant of fabric. "Whether little project or big, Laura says it's worth it, sewing one dollar at a time."Posts by J&O Fabrics Store Labels: Fabric, fabric-store, fabric-stores, fabrics, NBC-News, News
 Before George W. Bush left office, the former U.S. President proclaimed June 6th as National Childs Day. Similar to National Childrens Day proclaimed by ex-president Bill Clinton in 2000; this is a day set aside to honor the children of America and show our gratitude to those who work hard support them including, parents, teachers, community and spiritual leaders, surrogate moms and dads, and various youth organizational volunteers. This day serves as a reminder to all of us that our commitment to the children helps make our country and future a better place. There is an old saying that reminds us that all work and no play makes one boring and gray. In case this proves to be true for you, what better time to re-awaken the child inside and celebrate along with the little people not only on June 6th, but 365 days of the year. With a little more laughter, a little more play, and a little more imagination, we can tap into the fountain of youth and stay young at heart forever. Today and in all days, celebrate life. For what better gift to the world than a child! Labels: child-celebration, children-fabric, childrens-flannel-fabric, childrens-fleece-fabric, childrens-novelty-fabric, diva fabric, Fabric, fabrics, national-childrens-day, sport-fabric
The Pulitzer Prize is a prestigious yearly series of awards that covers journalistic, photographic, musical and literary work judged to be worthy of special recognition. The prize was established thanks to a bequeathment left by Joseph Pulitzer to Columbia University upon his death in 1911. The first prizes were awarded in 1917 and have been awarded annually ever since.
Many prominent American artists, historians and journalists have been recognized for their achievments by being awarded the Pulitzer Prize, announced in April of each year. There are 14 categories of Journalism in which awards are presented, along with 7 categories in Letters, Drama, and Music. The 2009 winners were announced April 20. The awards in Letters, Drama, and Music:
- Fiction: Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout (Random House)
- Drama: Ruined by Lynn Nottage
- History: The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family by Annette Gordon-Reed (W.W. Norton & Company)
- Biography or Autobiography: American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House by Jon Meacham (Random House)
- Poetry: The Shadow of Sirius by W.S. Merwin (Copper Canyon Press)
- General Nonfiction: Slavery by Another Name: The Re-Enslavement of Black Americans from the Civil War to World War II by Douglas A. Blackmon (Doubleday)
- Music: Double Sextet by Steve Reich (Boosey & Hawkes)
The awards in Journalism:
- Public Service: Las Vegas Sun, and notably the courageous reporting by Alexandra Berzon
- Breaking News Reporting: Staff of The New York Times
- Investigative Reporting: David Barstow of The New York Times
- Explanatory Reporting: Bettina Boxall and Julie Cart of Los Angeles Times
- Local Reporting: Detroit Free Press Staff, and notably Jim Schaefer and M.L. Elrick / Ryan Gabrielson and Paul Giblin of East Valley Tribune, Mesa, AZ
- National Reporting: Staff of St. Petersburg Times
- International Reporting: Staff of The New York Times
- Feature Writing: Lane DeGregory of St. Petersburg Times
- Commentary: Eugene Robinson of The Washington Post
- Criticism: Holland Cotter of The New York Times
- Editorial Writing: Mark Mahoney of The Post-Star, Glens Falls, NY
- Editorial Cartooning: Steve Breen of The San Diego Union-Tribune
- Breaking News Photography: Patrick Farrell of The Miami Herald
- Feature Photography: Damon Winter of The New York Times
Today, the Pulitzer Prizes continues to honor excellence in journalism, letters, arts and music, and in doing so helps the importance of these fields remain more appreciable to the public.
While in reality there is little intersection in between the worlds of textiles and those that the Pulitzer recognizes, textiles does celebrate some of the aspects highlighted by the Pulitzer Prize. It is in fact a reach, but textiles also celebrate the role music plays in our lives with myriad musically-inspired fabric designs. Some of the music fabrics carried at J&O include:
With the Pulitzer prizes in photography the visceral impact visual media have on our perceptions is given its due. Textiles don't purport to be a visual commentary on the world around us, what they do is use the impact of striking designs to captivate us. Similar to how a single great photograph can be evocative of a time or an entire place, a great fabric design can transport us to old memories or exotic locales. Some striking examples of the art of textiles designers are:
Mikado: Orange by Alexander Girard
Labels: fabrics, music, novelty, prize, prizes, Pulitzer
 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!Posts by J&O Fabrics StoreLabels: conservative, denim fabric, fabrics, frugal, novelty fabric, thrifty
Madness
Mad"ness\, n. [From Mad, a.]
1. The condition of being mad; insanity; lunacy.
2. Frenzy; ungovernable rage; extreme folly.
- Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
The arrival of March signals the long-awaited thawing of winter's ice and snow. Birds begin to chirp, buds sprout and gentle spring colors lighten the landscape. As the saying goes: "March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb".
In the midst of all this gentleness lurks a recurring madness that blows in with March and builds to a frenetic conclusion in the final weeks of the month. This seasonal insanity is aptly called "March Madness"; among its symptoms are the strong growing weak, the weak growing strong, and constant talk of Cinderella.
The treatments for "March Madness" involve bracket busting, pulse-pounding overtimes and a healthy dose of J&O Fabrics' college team cotton, fleece, vinyl and ribbon. Let's take a look around the country to see the winners of the past weekend's conference tournaments, otherwise known as the "Madness's" preliminary stages.
Big East
Lousiville Cardinals Vinyl: Plaid
Big Ten
Purdue Boilermakers: Squares
ACC
Duke Blue Devils Vinyl: Plaid
Duke Blue Devils Ribbon: Striped
SEC Mississippi State Bulldogs: Allover
Pac-10
USC Trojans Fleece: Squares
Big 12
Missouri Tigers: Squares
C-USA
Labels: basketball-fabric, basketball-fabrics, college-fabric, Fabric, fabrics, novelty-fabric
 For many of us, our cars are not only our modes of transportation, they are also our ‘babies’ our ‘tried & true’s’, and our ‘can’t do with outs’. So it’s no surprise when we get calls from customers interested in doing customed reupholstering on their Hummers, Beamers, Cady’s and even RV’s. From sunburst yellow vinyl’s to pretty in pink faux furs, the creative juices behind the showcased vehicles is something of an inspiration for interior designers and auto trim professionals alike. So in ode to the 70 year old Detroit Sugar Daddy rollin’ in his 69’ Cadillac Eldorado, and the 25 year old California surfer turned detailer who has a fancy for convertibles of every make and model, we listed a few vital steps to take to help our novice customers in the reupholstering process. Step One Figure out your budget. A job like this can add up and dent your pockets pretty deep if you are not clear on your limits. Factor in costs such as fabric yardage, labor, poly foam cushioning and notions for a completed job. Step Two Decide who is going to do the reupholstering . Research car dealers, auto trimmers, detailers, and upholstery shops to see who has the most knowledge on the subject and the best pricing. If you are crafty enough, think about doing it yourself. It can save you time and money if you know what you are doing. Step Three Figure out what kind of material you want to use, which is best to use for your reupholstering project and most especially…how much you will need. 12 yards of vinyl that may work well as a covering for your seats will not always be the best for your headliner or flooring. For headliners, we carry a colorful assortment of lightweight suede cloths that adds a nice classy touch to any interior. Once you decide on the color and material, confirm with your upholsterer then check J&O Fabrics store for that perfect match. Most fabric stores carry a selection of various prints, weights and textures to choose from. At J&O, we carry one of the largest in the world and can help you bring your dream car to life in the blink of an eye. If you are looking for glitz and glam, we have sparkling diamond jubilee vinyl. No Red Prada stiletto will go unnoticed when emerging from your metal framed w orld of silver ‘bling-bling’. If you are in the mood for something cool, we can supply you with enough material to create an ocean of blue within the four doors of your 2008 Chevy Impala to make it feel like you are cruising in a deep sea oasis….without the fish. Whatever your fancy or fantasy, let J&O help bring them into fruition, one car at a time. For some helpful do-it-yourself upholstery instructions, check out these informative sites: http://monkeyfighter.com/autoseats.html
http://www.automotive-links.com/par/uph/uph.htm
For our selection of vinyl fabric click here! For our assortment of upholstery fabric click here! For our suede cloth fabric click here! Posts by J&O Fabrics StoreLabels: auto detailing, auto reupholstery, auto trim, auto trimming, cars, Fabric, fabrics, suede cloth, upholstery fabric, vinyl, vinyl fabric
 Some know it as ‘The Main Street of America’. Others refer to it affectionately as ‘The Mother Road’ or the ‘Wil Rogers Highway’. But what is it about this infamous Route 66 that has people knocking down the doors of J&O, scrambling for whatever yardage they can find, and jumping for joy once their package of cherished fabric has been received? Tell me please.....what is it about this original federal U.S. route that inspired the 1946 song “Get your Kicks on Route 66”, which was written and composed by jazz performer Bobby Troup and later performed and made popular by a slue of musical artists such as Nat King Cole, Depeche Mode, Chuck Berry, Van Morrison and The Rolling Stones? Maybe it’s the scenic views that inspired the nostalgic 1960’s TV show by the same name or the highway’s own mystical and romanticized reputation that has people singing its tune in the form of a sad country song and in between the pages of a good love novel. Even Kmart has a clothing brand in ode to the road. Since the Dust Bowl of the 1930’s, Route 66 has served as a major transportation route for Americans traveling from the east to the west. Back then it was in the hopes of settling down, starting a trade and raising a family. In the 1950’s, it was the main highway for vacationers and tourists heading to LA. Today, it remains only partly intact as a symbol of the American-dreamer in all of us. Originally spanning from Chicago through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California before ending up in Los Angeles, Route 66 ran for a total of 2,448 miles and passed through numerous small towns and beautiful landmarks such as the Painted Desert and the Grand Canyon. With the growing traffic on the highway, this slab of black gravel helped create the rise of mom & pop businesses like restaurants, service stations, teepee shaped motels, Indian curio shops and craft shacks alike. If a road could talk, one could only imagine the stories it would tell. Although Route 66 was an easy number to remember, and pleasing to the ear as its originator had intended, it would become a treasured memory less than 30 years after the first bucket of tar had formed its borders. By 1956, with the signing of the Interstate Highway Act, President Dwight Eisenhower decommissioned the road and Interstate 40 took over the largest chunk. 
While the original Route 66 may be gone, it is surely not forgotten. It can be found right here between the evergreen forests and sunny beaches of J&O. All you need is a bit of creativity, and this little piece of Americana can be your big piece of heaven. Check out our route 66 fabric here! Check out our route 66 tapestry fabric here!
Check out our full selection of novelty fabric here!
Posts by J&O Fabrics StoreLabels: Fabric, fabrics, mother road, novelty cotton, novelty fabric, route 66, route 66 fabric, southwest fabric, travel, us route 66, wil rogers highway
 With the lazy, hazy dayz of summer slowly approaching, thoughts of laid back days along exotic umbrella covered beaches, long Sunday drives in your drop top convertible, and majestic sunsets that never seem to end come to mind. But the one symbol of summer that has withstood the test of time as one of the most nostalgic memories of the season is the infamous back yard BBQ.Whether you have been invited to one, hosted one or simply lived vicariously through someone else who has, visions of a quasi chef behind a veil of medium rare ribs and charcoal smoke, children dousing one another with mega water guns and infamous female clicks gossiping it up in their respective pockets around the yard are sure to transport you to Grandma Edna’s annual family gathering or Sammy Jr’s neighborhood block party and grill almost instantaneously. From the fabulous beach side estates of Southern California to the graffiti filled roof tops of East Brooklyn, a BBQ is a BBQ. And while contests for the perfect rib sauce recipe will undoubtedly strike up debates across this competitive ego thriving country of ours, one thing is for certain, the ingredients for an awesome outdoor celebration of food and friends can be found between the various fabric filled pages of http://www.jofabrics.com/. With just one yard, the designated cook for the day can step to the grill in style with a custom made apron carrying the perfect print with just enough pockets to hold their various cooking utensils. This first ingredient serves two purposes, as it not only looks good, but it protects the cook’s carefully selected BBQ attire from the inevitable grease and sauce stains that are sure to make their way to the closest fabric it can find. A vast selection of fun food prints and spirited novelty designs to fit an individuals unique taste are available right here at J&O.
Two yards of our cotton novelty print or vinyl fabric can be used to cover unsightly tabletops and wood rotted picnic tables while at the same time, providing a beautiful canvas for the splendid spread of food that will surely have partakers raving days later. From colorful floral designs and picturesque summer scenes to NFL and college team prints, nothing brings out the flavor of the season and creates a great conversation piece quite like a table dressing from J&O. Finally, with just a few yards of our fabulous outdoor fabric, the perfect look & coverage for your outdated 1970’s patio furniture can be achieved. No more bright florescent flowers or yellow and black bumble bee stripes for you. With outdoor designer prints from John Wolf and Chris Stone, you will not only be the talk of the town for your incredible feast, but the envy of your neighbors, as you chill out poolside in fashionable style and flair. Good food, good friends and good fabric, what more can one ask for . Make your summer BBQ a lasting memory for years to come with a little help from J&O! 
Check out J&O's great novelty fabric here! Check out our fabulous outdoor fabric here!
Posts by J&O Fabrics StoreLabels: 4th of July fabric, bbq, Fabric, fabrics, food, forth of July fabric, picnic, summer-fabric, Tablecloth
 All Natural Baking SodaI remember as a child, my mother pouring that white powdered mineral into the palm of my hand and showing me how to scoop up a little onto my toothbrush to clean my teeth. Her reason, children don't need all that extra coloring and flavoring that commercial tooth pastes often had in them. It was grainy and abrasive, but it was all natural and boy did it leave me teeth and mouth feeling sparkling clean afterwards! When I would open the refrigerator later in the day for an afternoon snack, there it was again. My mother would say she used it to keep the foods free from odor causing bacteria. Funny how this little yellow box of baking soda did so much. There are literally hundreds of uses for baking soda (sodium bicarbonate ). In it's natural form it is called nahcolite. It is an inexpensive, non-toxic, fragrance-free, environmentally friendly, and safe substance to use not only for cleaning your teeth and keeping perishables fresh, but for laundering nearly all washable fabrics as well. It cleans, deodorizes, removes stains and softens fabrics. It is as gentle as it is effective because it leaves no harsh chemical residue behind, and will not irritate sensitive skin. Make a good stain removal solution by mixing it with water and allowing it to sit an hour or so before washing. To soften your laundry, add ¼ cup to the wash cycle. Keep clothes smelling clean by adding a quarter cup to your washer for additional freshness. Even strong odors such as pet urine can be eradicated with natural baking soda. Start by soaking up as much of the urine as possible with a rag, then sprinkle the area generously. Let it sit overnight and vacuum in the morning. Finish up by mixing two cups of white vinegar with a gallon of water and wash the area down. The vinegar will remove the urine smell. Natural Organic Vinegar
When taken internally, natural organic vinegar acts as an excellent antacid. Mixed in hot water with a little organic honey, it works wonders to relieve bronchitis and excess mucous in the chest. House and home become clean as a whistle when vinegar is applied to greasy countertops and toothpaste stained mirrors. And while its initial sharp odor brings unpleasant memories of natrual feminine care remedies to the minds of many men the rest of their lives, generations of women attest to the beneficial relief vinegar has brought to an overly acidic tract. Not only does natural organic vinegar act as a medicinal aid, it is also a very inexpensive, eco-friendly solution that cuts grease, removes stains and acts as an excellent fabric softener. Remove ketchup, blood, grass, fruit juice, and sweat stains by rubbing distilled white vinegar right onto the stain. Let it sit a few minutes before washing. For moldy towels, linens or garments, soak in distilled white vinegar diluted with water for 10-20 minutes. Machine wash in hot water and line dry. Add a tablespoon of vinegar to the rinse cycle to soften your laundry as well. Fermented from rice, fruit, apple cidar and or maize grain to name a few, this inexpensive and highly useful solution is also a great odor eliminator. Hydrogen PeroxideWhen I lost my voice or lost my tooth, my father handed me a cup of hydrogen peroxide and told me to gargle. When I would come in from a busy day of stunts at the playground, my mom would dab this bubbly solution on my war scars. And when I had a mild case of athletes foot one winter, my local herbal doctor prescribed it to kill the irritating fungus. Hydrogen peroxide is probably one of the least expensive, yet most valuable natural solutions one could have on their medicine or laundry shelf. It is not only a disinfectant, anti-bacterial and an anti-fungal agent, it is also a powerful bleaching agent. For cleaning stains, a watered down mixture of 50% peroxide / 50% h2o can be used. Pour the clear liquid solution over blood stains as you would a bloody wound and watch it do its thing. Rub it around, then rinse with cold water to pull the stain out. This will work on colored or white fabrics just the same. If you have an old stain on new fabric, or a new stain on old fabric, just soak the material or garment in the 50/50 solution for about 30 minutes for great results. For the inevitable grass stains, presoak the garment in hydrogen peroxide then wash as usual.  Organic LemonsIf an apple a day keeps the doctor away, then a lemon a day is sure to not only keep your internal acid/alkaline juices balanced, but it will also keep your house smelling fresh, your dishes looking clean, your skin carrying a healthy glow and your laundered fabrics bright and white. Natural organic lemon juice contains citric acid; its naturally bleaching action works especially well on white fabrics, making it a great eco-friendly and gentle bleach alternative. To brighten white linens, just add ¼ of lemon juice to the wash cycle and launder as usual in warm water. For best results, hang your laundered goods to dry naturally outside, as the beautiful warm sun will increase the whitening effect. Organic lemon juice cuts through grease and removes sweat stains as well. Make a paste of lemon juice and baking soda and leave it on the stain for ½ hour before washing. For mold and mildew, presoak your fabric or garment in a mixture of lemon juice and salt, then place out in the sun. Wash in your regular laundering cycle, separate from other garments. Use the same concoction for rust stains as well.  Natural Unrefined Sea Salt
There are over thirty verses which reference salt in the English translation of the King James Bible, from the story of Lot’s wife, who was turned into a pillar of salt when she disobediently looked back at the wicked cities of Sodom , to the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus referred to his followers as the ‘ salt of the earth’. From ancient times until now, salt has served as a symbolic reference, a preserver, a cleanser, and a healing agent. Our bodies make and require a certain percentage of naturally occuring salt called iodine required for normal metabolic funtioning. Salt is an essential dietary mineral necessary for the survival of all living creatures. As one of nature’s most valuable and purposeful resources, salt offers its services as a stain remedy as well. Natural Unrefined Sea-Salt is a great absorbent granule. If you have a liquid based stain like juice, wine, coffee, tomato-based sauces or soft drinks, then just blot the stain with cold water. Sprinkle with salt, then wipe clean with club soda and throw the fabric or garment I the wash cycle. If the stain is on carpeting, cover the areas of the carpet with a generous amount of the salt and leave it on for a couple of hours. The salt will draw the moisture out of the carpet. Afterwards, just vacuum up the residue. This remedy offers a safe and effective means of cleaining your fabric and home goods without use of harsh and hazardous chemical based cleaning agents. Unrefined sea salt works great on any kind of carpet stain. Natural Corn starchIt’s funny how many of our common food ingredients can also serve as simple cleaning tools for our fabrics too. The naturally occuring starch from the maize corn is one such example. Used primarily as a binding agent for many of our grandparents’ homemade puddings, cornstarch absorbs oil, soaks up grease and starches fabrics as well. Simply remove a stain by mixing the cornstarch with cold water into a pasty consistency. Cover the spot completely with the cornstarch paste and rub it gently into the fabric. Lay the material in the sun and let its warm rays dry it. Once dry, brush off the remaining residue. Repeat if necessary. No abrasive chemicals, no flammable sprays, no hazardous materials in the air to poison your family. Just nature friendly corn starch.  Raw BoraxWhen my family went out to our family cabin in the Poconos each summer, a can of Borax was the first thing on our packing list. Father’s hand built log cabin seemed to constantly be mistaken as a fallout shelter for all of nature’s bountiful insect life; and this natural insecticide seemed to be just the remedy to rid these creepy crawlies from our domain. It’s amazing how something that could destroy life so easily, can also bring it back again. Borax (sodium borate) occurs naturally in evaporite deposits produced by the repeated evaporation on seasonal lakes. It is also a natural mineral that kills mold and bacteria. Much like lemons, raw borax also acts as a bleach alternative. It deodorizes, removes stains and odors, and boosts the cleaning power of laundry soap, bringing life back to old, dingy fabrics and garments. Although a natural substance, borax can be highly toxic, so discretion in use is strongly recommended. Dish Detergent
Remember the commercials for Dawn liquid dish detergent? One drop in a sink full of greasy dishes seemed to miraculously make the oil smothered water just disappear. Well, it seems the advertisers of that blue solution weren’t lying. Dawn dish detergent is an excellent option for cleaning oil, grease, and ketchup stains from fabric and garments. Just rub on the dishwashing liquid and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before washing. Rinse off and clean in your regular wash cycle for a good as new look. While Dawn is not considered natural or organic, it is a much safer solution for cleaning your fabric goods than many commercial cleaners with harsh chemicals and harmful ingredients. Organic Herbs & Essential Oils
Why use artificially scented products and laboratory made fragrances to sweeten your fabric goods and upholstered furnishings when mother nature has provided an unlimited abundance of different aromas to please our senses....natrually? Beautifully scented organic herbs and healing essential oils are Earth's gift to our minds, bodies and souls. They are not only therapuetic, but are a great substitute for many of our commercial cleaning products as well. As disinfectants, they can diffuse those less than desirable odors; as fragrance enhancers, they can create a mood, and elevate your senses. A whiff of that particular scent can take us back to a specific time and place, bring clarity to a cluttered mind, and offer a calm to our inner storms. We burn sage incense in our family rooms to cleanse from the day, lavender diffusers in our childrens’ rooms to coax them into a restful sleep, and home-made apple pie scented candles in our kitchens to warm the hearts of our families on cold autumn nights. So why not sweeten our fabrics the same way.
To sweeten your laundry, add a few drops of selected essential oils like rosewood, peppermint or patchouli to the rinse cycle. To sweeten stored fabrics or bedding linens, make a homemade cheesecloth sachet filled with crushed and dried jasmine, cinnamon or ylang-ylang. Custom made quilts for friends and loved ones are just a little more special when hinted with a tranquil chamomile or custom selected scent of choice. The benefits of using organic herbs and healing essential oils over synthetic commercial fabric softeners are endless if you have sensitive skin and allergies as these natural options are less likely to cause unwanted reactions.
Save time, money and the planet by making your home and the fabricated materials in it, a harmonious and eco-friendly sanctuary with the implementation of these natural care alternatives. Mother Earth will reap the benefits, your wallet will have less wear and tear, garments and bedding will nurture your body and soul better, and your fabric will thank you…over and over again. Labels: eco-friendly stain removals, Fabric, fabric care, fabric stains, fabrics, home remedys, Natural, stain removal
Yo Yos
 With the arrival of this year's spring, it is time to begin exciting new sewing projects so that we may delight in the unfoldment and blossoming of their creation. Many of you could very well be faced with the dilemma of how to make best use of the samplings from your J and O fabric scrap compost heap, rich in the nutrients of novelty design. Others could simply be thirsting for a new avenue of application for recently acquired prints. In any case, alleviate all of your anxieties surrounding this issue for you are now being presented with the time honored solution of the yo-yo. Yes, this circular disc shaped toy used since ancient times now has the additional modern use of being a fabric crafter's or sewer's design element. Rather than tying and wrapping a string around a hard circular material as done with traditional yo-yos, sewers worldwide are now using their fabric and and thread to make disc-shaped flat pouch-like creations. They can be applied in a variety of manners. Some of these include use and embellishment for sewing projects such as making quilts, interesting applique features on handbags, clothing, backpacks, etc. The powers of your imagination are really only the limit here. If you wish to acquire more information about the construction of these yo-yos, please refer to the short tutorial provided below, and also be sure not to forget to check out our new lines of novelty prints on our website which is updated daily. Have a refreshing as well as pleasant spring time and may the sewer's knowledge of the yo-yo be with with you! How to sew a basic Yo-Yo:Step 1: During this stage, you are going to be gathering up the materials needed in preparation for the yo-yo construction. You will need the following: *Fabric - old clothing, scraps around the house, anything you can think of but it must be of medium to light weight so that the yo-yo will gather and layout smoothly *A Circle Template - this template must be double the size of the your intended finished yo-yo, you can cut this out of cardboard, purchase a circle template at your local craft store, or use any circular object that can be found around the house such as jar or can lids, cups, bowls, etc *Marking Tools - quilting pencils, or tailoring chalk *Well Sharpened Scissors *Hand Sewing Needles *Quality Thread Step 2: Once you have all that you need, you will first begin by laying out your fabric. If you desire to cut multiple circles at once, it would be a good idea to layer your fabric. Next, place your circle template on top of the cloth, and then mark its perimeter with your pencil or chalk. At this point, if you intend upon cutting multiple circles, you might want to pin all of the layers together so that they remain anchored while you cut. Go ahead and cut out the circle(s). Step 3: It is now time to start sewing your yo-yo. Thread your sewing needle, and be sure to make a knot at the end. While working with the wrong side of the fabric toward you, begin to turn under the edge of the circle. This under turned edge should be approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inches. Insert your needle on the folded edge of the wrong side of the fabric so that the knotted end will be inside the yo-yo. Sew a running stitch around the edge of the circle, and turn it as sew stopping just short of where you began. Step 4: Hold the thread and needle in hand, and pull the string through to gather the circle. Gather the thread until you have an almost closed circle. Use this extra thread to knot the end stitch at the closing multiple times. Trim the thread close to the knots, and then hand press the yo-yo flat with resulting hole being in the center. Congratulations, you have just completed your first yo yo! At this point, you may now apply your yo yo to whatever, sewing project you wish, simply leave it as is, or continue to make more of them. For those of you interested in joining multiple yo-yos together, please continue along with the below.  How to Sew Yo-Yos Together:Step 1: The first important thing to do it to arrange the yo-yos in a sequence that you find to be most aesthetically pleasing. This sequence can be as simple as a row of them lined up side by side or as elaborate as a lot of them used to create a variety of shapes in a pattern based on color combinations. The choice is yours, play experiment, and remember to have fun! Step 2: Once you have the pattern in place, begin by gathering two of the yo-yos together. Then take multiple whipstitches along one side with backstitching at start and end of the seam to help anchor it in place. You can make a knot at the at this point if you wish. Step 3: To attach the rest of the yo-yos, repeat step 2 by successively adding on more yo-yos until you have completed your row or pattern. Happy Sewing! Fabric supply link: J & O Fabric Center - jandofabrics.com Posts by J&O Fabrics Store Labels: Fabric, fabric remanants, fabric remnant, fabrics, yo yo, yoyo, yoyos
 Color is ubiquitous. It is everywhere and in everything. Color is mood altering, energy balancing, absorbing, radiating, enhancing and subduing. And while different cultures place symbolic attributes and meanings on specific colors, scientific research in neurology, psychology & ophthalmology have preliminary evidence that the effects of color do not solely depend on cultural associations, but more importantly, are based on the fact that the human eye perceives color through sensors that are sensitive and responsive to light. This explains why both sighted and blind respond to the color blue, as well as why both adult and child with different nationalities are easier to lose their tempers when in a yellow colored room. Several findings indicate that color and light have even been used as a source of healing since the beginning of recorded time as well. When you absorb color energy, it travels through the nervous system to the part of the body that needs it. Each body has its own optimum state of well being and is constantly seeking ways to maintain or restore a balanced state. Utilizing color is one way to help our bodies maintain this harmonious state. In ancient Indian, Chinese & Egyptian cultures, health related treatments were based around the theory that health was not only contingent upon balancing our physical needs, but our emotional, mental and spiritual as well. And color application helped to do that. Feng Shui, chromo therapy and colorology are a few other healing arts based around aspects of the same theory. Color and light have the ability to balance the energy wherever a person’s body may be lacking. In the ancient Indian healing art of the Kundalini System, colors affect specific energy centers in our body temples that help our seven chakras open & flow freely. These energy centers govern specific organs in our body temples and vibrate to specific colors that can be reenergized through visualization and application.
Crown /Head chakra violet
Third Eye chakra – indigo
Throat chakra- blue
Heart chakra- green
Solar Plexus chakra-yellow
Sacred Plexus chakra-orange
Root/ Base chakra-red Color has the same ability when applied to the paint & décor of a room. Whether it’s the color of the walls, a piece of upholstered furniture, the window treatment, or a whole décor theme, color gives a room its look and feel and will therefore bring a positive or negative emotion to the person who enters it. In the ancient Asian concept of the Feng Shui Five-Element Theory, every color is represented. These five elements are fire, water, metal, wood, and earth. Reds, oranges, brilliant yellows, pinks, and purples represent the element of fire, aligning with passion, danger, and a high energy level. White, gray, silver, and gold colors relate to the metal element and should be used as an accent rather than a main color, as they represent clarity and balance. The colors blue and black are associated with the water element and call forth freshness and abundance. Black in used in moderation when decorating a child's room because of its absorbent properties. Green and brown colors relate to the wood element and provide qualities of health and prosperity. Pale yellows and beige colors are related to the earth element and provide a strong, steady, and stable atmosphere. While it is mindful to pay attention to the use of these strong colors when creating or diffusing energy in your home or office, pastel colors can be used more freely. Pastels are moderate colors that do not represent any energy inhibiting dangers.
Have you ever noticed how certain colors make you feel? How that certain dress or suit seems to make your face glow a little brighter? How brown wall paneling or red drapes affects your mood? Color truly does affect us more than we know. But the more we understand how we process and view color, the more we can manipulate its usage through our choice of fabrics. Below is a list of some of the more common colors found not only in nature and the man made world around us, but in the fabrics that we purchase for the purpose of creating the very look or feel we are speaking of. When you think of it, fabric can truly be used to convey a wealth of energy and information into a garment or home décor. From its color and texture, to its print and design, fabrics speak volumes without making a sound. Hopefully with this additional knowledge and deeper insight into the vibrations around each color, your next fabric selection will hold a deeper purpose and meaning. Red Red is an emotionally intense color, evoking energy and desire. It represents the life force contained in our physical bodies. Red attracts attention whether draped on a female form or coveting your plush sofa cushions. But be careful, red can make you appear heavier and raise your blood pressure as well. Exam: red cars, red shoes, red light district, red stop signs, seeing ‘red’, painting the town ‘red’, red devil Orange Orange is an anti-depressant and appetite stimulator. It vibrates with our emotional sides and is reflective of a warm hearted disposition. Many fast food industries effectively use this color in their marketing strategies for this very reason.
 Yellow Yellow is the most difficult color for the human eye to take in, yet it stimulates our minds and helps us to focus, boosts our memory, and enhances our concentration. Maybe this is why legal pads and post-its are marketed by the industry on yellow paper. While some say that yellow is an optimistic color (as in the yellow ribbon put out when soldiers are at war) adults and babies have been documented to lose their temperatures more in rooms coated in this color.
Green
Green carries a harmonizing and relaxing energy. It is the color of nature, fertility, creativity, wealth and good fortune. For women especially, it serves as a womb rejuvenator; stimulating the energy flow of the chi force. Because of greens calming effects, it is the color of choice for most doctor scrubs, hospital waiting rooms, and the green rooms that performers use prior to putting on a show. Blue
Like the many shades of green, blue also has a calming and tranquil affect on the mind and body. And while studies have found that people tend to be more productive in rooms painted blue, it is synonymous with a peaceful state. Fashion stylists recommend wearing shades of blue to job interviews because it symbolizes loyalty (as in the phrase, he is a ‘true blue’ friend). Many interior designers make use of the many shades of blue and green in their bathroom and spa decors.
Purple
Purple is a very powerful color. It is the color or royalty and the finer things in life. It reflects a high sense of self both mentally and spiritually, and nurtures creativity. Exam: purple heart of honor  Turquoise
Turquoise and silver metals are synonymous with the Native Americans who used their natural qualities of protection and dedication for symbolic purposes in many of their jewelry pieces and body adornments. Turquoise stirs the imagination and stimulates concentration as well.
Pink
While red is the color of desire, pink is the color of love void of this desire. It is romance and affection and symbolic of universal love. Pink is flirtatious, yet carries a calming effect on our overall disposition. A case study done in a state prison years ago found that when the bright orange colored uniforms the prisoners wore, were replaced with pink ones, the number of fights and overall level of aggression was reduced. In western culture, pink is symbolic of girls mainly because of the sweetness little girls were conditioned to possess. Black
Though not truly considered a color, black is still considered very symbolic in many cultures. Most notably symbolic of things dark and mysterious in western cultures, black is often worn by funeral attendants and those in morning. Black is also the color most associated with power and authority. In the fashion industry, black is considered a stylish and timeless color that has not only a thinning affect on the body, but is great for subduing undesirable physical attributes. Because it absorbs energy and light strongly, one must be mindful when furnishing or garmenting too heavy in black. Exam: black tie event, black magic White
In many cultures, white is the color of innocence and purity. On the color spectrum, it is considered a neutral color and reflects light as well as energy. In many eastern cultures, it is worn to funerals and other spiritual ceremonies. White is a very revealing color, and as such, requires an attentive eye when used to upholster, garment and window dress.  BrownBrown is an earthy color representing the natural qualities of Mother Nature. It is considered to be a conservative color and a favorite of many men. GreyGrey is the symbolic color of compromise. It denotes renunciation and suppression; this may explain why older depictions of monks and nuns show them with grey colored robes on. If you are looking to liberate yourself from a certain way of thinking, doing or experiencing, grey is the last color you want to surround yourself with.  Lavender
Lavender symbolizes vanity and ultra-femininity. A perfect match for the female essence in all little girls and seasoned women. What do the primary colors you choose to garment your body and home with say about you? Labels: color, color theory, colorology, Fabric, fabric color, fabrics, healing colors, healing fabrics
 The latest consensus in the Presidential Campaign between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama seems to come down to a power struggle between black & white……..clothing that is. In the matter of color, there is something to be said about the energy that colors carry and omit. Colors have symbolic meanings depending on various theorists and cultures. In the world of fashion and interior design, colors play an intricle part in enhancing or subduing our assets and flaws. It can shape the mood of the wearer, as well as the environment it covets. Most importantly, specific colors have been conditioned in our minds to be viewed as a source of power and influence, molding the perceptions of both the individual and the onlooker. Such is the case with black & white. Let’s take black for instance. Black is the ultimate dark. It is considered to be a conservative and conventional color. It can be serious and sophisticated, yet sexy and mysterious. On the streets, black is the sign of the rebel. In the corporate world, it connotes a sense of a very important person. For most, black is undeniably the power color of choice. And in the western battle of good vs. evil….black is always depicted as the bad guy. When we see Hillary or Barack in black, we tend to see them as serious contenders in the fight for the win. We experience through our senses, their strong, confident and protective armor of black at work. Depending on the media portrayal of the debate at hand, black can have a positive or negative effect on the nation’s image of the candidate. And they know it too. On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have the color white. As Americans, we have been conditioned to believe that white is the color of everything innocent, honest and pure. Doctors, healers and sages wear white, as well as first time brides. White is considered brilliant and angelic and for some, a power color that invokes confidence and assurity on all levels. In the western battles of good vs. evil…..white denotes the good guy, and good guys always win. Hillary and Barack know this as well and wear it strategically when necessary. Color is everywhere, and image is everything. As we watch the debates, view highlights leading up to the elections, and Google Hillary and Barack in our attempts to catch up with the latest news in this history making moment of time, take a second to check out the number of occasions, and location of events, that they choose to wear their black or white. I am sure they are as consciously aware of their choices, as we are subconsciously aware of the affects those color choices have on our perceptions of each of our potential Presidents, as well as the in the world around us.   What is your power color? ** For more on colors and their symbolic meanings, qualities and energies stayed tuned...... Labels: campaign, color, election, Fabric, fabrics
 Just as Santa Clause represents Christmas, a hopping life-size bunny with a basket full of colorful eggs is the quintessential image of Easter. But how did the Easter bunny and egg hunts become synonymous with Easter anyway? And how are these various images connected to the Christian version of the holiday? Aside from the historical findings that the hare, eggs and the Prophet Yahshua’s resurrection from the dead are all symbols of ‘fertility and life’, I cram to see any other relation. In fact, my earliest memories surrounding Easter period, remind me of a haute couture fashion show on the runways of the House of God. The biggest question was not whether or not today would be the day you asked for forgiveness for the time you cheated on your math test, but whether or not today would be the day you wore your new royal crepe back satin dress with the coordinating clasp styled hand bag. Between the spirited cat walks up the isles from the young ladies in their embroidered brocades, silky chiffons and elegant furs, to the young men in their raw linens, suiting fabrics and stylish suedes. The after service gossip overshadowed the sermon this Easter Sunday. Even more important was whether or not Sister Victoria’s Easter bonnet would outdo Sister Evelyn’s for the second year in a row. It never ceased to amaze me how she was able to keep that two-foot wide lilac gingham check printed hat with floral trim positioned so neatly while catching the Holy Spirit at the same time. I wouldn’t be surprised if TV celebrity Tyra Banks began her modeling career and got the inspiration for her current hit show ‘America’s Next Top Model’, while sitting in the pews of this very church as a child.  Whether this holiest of Christian Holidays finds you decorating baskets for your yearly Easter egg hunt, decorating your dinner table for the traditional family Easter dinner, or finding just the right sparkle organza to match that brand new pink lame fabric you bought for your special Easter Sunday dress, let J&O be your #1 source for the perfect Easter holiday fabric.
Labels: easter, easter fabric, Fabric, fabrics, holiday-fabric
In the 1939 American musical fantasy film The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy is accompan  ied by a heartless scarecrow, a brainless tin man and a cowardly lion on her way to the Emerald City in search of the magical remedy that would fill the self perceived voids within her and her new friends, and transport her back home where a loving and protective family awaited her. Each character believed that what they desired to obtain most for themselves, could onl  y be granted and given to them by another. When in truth, each individual was whole and complete within themselves….if only they believed. The Wizard of Oz became one of the most beloved films of all times, with the movies’ theme song, Over the Rainbow, becoming a memorable song of inspiration and hope for the dreams and aspirations of Americans around the country  . And now this wonderfully symbolic and culturally significant work of art can be yours to fashion and recreate with the same imagination that spirited this wonderful movie, as only you can. The Wizard of Oz has history and tells a story, encouraging a strong mind, a giving heart and a  courageous nature respectively.
What story does the fabric you have on hand tell about you?
And how does it symbolically reflect various aspects of your spirit and personality?
Stay tuned .......
To find out where this path leads, just follow the yellow brick road.
What your favorite selections say about you may be deeper than you know.
In the meantime, you don’t have to wait on a fairy princess and ruby reds to make your fabric wish come true, with the click of a button you can check out all the magical fabric we have to offer right here at J&O.
 Labels: cotton fabric, cotton fabrics, Fabric, fabrics, licensed fabric, novelty fabric, quilt fabric, quilting fabrics, wizard of oz, Wizard of oz fabric
 In the game of love, there are those who like the chase. Then, there are those who like to be chased. None a love affair was ever so revered and watched with curious amazement than that of our famous cat and mouse duo of Tom & Jerry. After almost 65 years, they are still playing the game they made famous….the game of cat and mouse. And they are playing it just for you. Hanna Barbera’s famous cartoon characters of Tom & Jerry are now available on 100% cotton fabric for our nostalgic viewing pleasure. Each print captures a scene of love vs. war that these two became known for, as we watched day in and day out for the cat to not only catch, but eat the mouse he so aggressively sought to destroy. But through all the mayhem and destruction, Tom never did. And what seemed even stranger, was that when the two finally did find themselves in the stranglehold embrace of one another, they almost seemed, well, ….friendly. So why did Tom chase Jerry? Was it a false sense of duty instilled by his full-figured, overly stressed and frustratingly unidentifiable owner of earlier years? Was it the response to a normal feline/rodent enmity? Or were they merely being paid to act out these violent & theatrical gags that never produced blood despite their mutating affects, for the entertainment of curious and bored little boys and girls looking to live out their frustrations of life vicariously through the maniacal duo? As children, we came to the simple conclusion that this is just what cat and mice did. They chased, to chase another day. Tom was clever, yet stupid and Jerry was an instigator who liked taunting Tom. And it was funny and it was make believe. And in the end, they were friends just doing their job…no harm, no love lost. As adults we look back and laugh with a sigh of relief for all the deadly reenactments we didn’t choose to commit on siblings, and the nostalgic memories of a simpler day left behind. The only question remaining: Who did you vote for, Tom or Jerry?   Labels: children fabric, Fabric, fabrics, NFL Licensed Fabric, novelty fabric, novelty fabrics, tom and jerry fabric
 Babywearing: the practice of wearing or carrying a baby or child in a sling or other form of carrier. Babywearing is a traditional custom that has its roots in almost every culture. From the Ancient Eastern to the Modern Western, wearing babies has been an intricate part of the motherhood journey in women both young and old. Starting in Egypt and dating back to the time of the Pharoahs, images of children being carried in slings can be found on the walls and pyramids. From Africa to America, reflections of this art form are still seen and practiced around the world. In Mexico, traditional baby slings were constructed by colorful scarves called rebozos. Here, they are not only an expression of Mexican art, history, and culture, but they are used for carrying their babies as well. In Peru, the traditional name for their baby slings is mantas. In Africa, it is called khangas, and in Indonesia, it is called a selendangs. All of these slings are constructed with rectangular pieces of cloth that are tied or wrapped in many different ways.  The Chinese mei tai is a square piece of cloth with parallel unpadded straps emerging from the sides of each corner. It is secured by bringing all the straps together in a twist with the ends tucked. This ancient technique for baby wearing has been incorporated by many Western cultures and is one of the most widely used forms of wrapping today. The podaegi is a Korean carrier with a medium to large rectangle of fabric hanging from a very long strap. Traditionally the rectangle is quilted for warmth and wraps around the mother's torso, while the straps are wrapped snug under the baby's bottom and tied around to the front to support and secure the baby on the mother's back. Traditional babywearing in Japan was done with a wrap carry, using an obi(sash). Similar to the hmong and mei tai carriers, the onbuhimo has long top straps and a rectangular body; but at the bottom of the rectangle, loops or rings allow the top straps to be threaded through and tightened, while the straps are tied at the waist. The body is much smaller than the bodies of most mei tais and other Asian-style carriers, and the onbuhimo is traditionally used on the back. No matter which style you choose to use, certain fabric selections will yield certain characteristics for your baby sling. Stretchy wraps are generally made of knits such as jersey or interlock. These offer some give, making it easier to transfer your infant in and out, but can feel a little less secure than a fabric without give. Polyseter fleece and wool jersey are sometimes used for carrying babies in cool weather. They provide wonderful warmth in a lightweight and quick drying fabric, and can be found in a vaiety of colors and prints. Woven wraps can be made from a wide choice of colors, patterns and materials. Natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, linen, silk and wool can also be used. Carriers which are 100% cotton or other natural fibers will tend to have less stretch. The most common baby slings are made with homespun or hand-woven fabrics that contain simple over-under weaves like twills and jacquards. These weaves provide some stretch diagonally to allow for give as well. Baby slings are great for when you need to 'free up' your hands for other things aside from hugging your little one. Not only do slings and wraps allow for more freedom of movement, but they also help create and instill a level of security for your very dependent child. Your child can comfortably learn the world, while at the same time bonding with you. Not only are baby slings practical and functional, but for some, they are a fashion statement as well. From silky satins to eco-friendly organics, selecting a fabric and print that expresses your energy, personal style or coordinating savvy can be a reflective and creative process. Create Your Own Baby Sling Wrap To get started on creating your own baby sling, the first step is to search our sight for just the right material. To be on the safe side, it is recommended to buy a minimum of 2-5 yards. Select from our section of novelty prints, dress prints, fleece or African fabrics. Then choose from the listed techniques below. Try them all to see which one is the right one for you and your baby. With your own creative imagination and a little help from J&O, you can make your own statement and share in the joy of babywearing with your little one today! Fig. 1 (The following wrap sling requires a sling ring to secure your little one once inside the wrap.) Thread your sling as shown. Tip: If you unfold your sling before threading it, it will be easier to adjust.  Fig. 2
Hold the rings of your sling with your right hand. Be sure the tail is in front of the loop.  Fig. 3Put your left arm through the loop and bring your sling over your head.  Fig. 4Rest the rings in front of your right shoulder. If you put the rings of your sling along on your shoulder or if you put your sling around your neck you will not be as comfortable as with the rings in front of your shoulder.  Fig. 5
Open the pouch of your sling and carefully set your baby inside. While you support your baby's weight and head, pull on the tail to tighten your sling. You can customize the fit of your sling by pulling on one side of the tail to tighten one side of the pouch and pulling on the other side of the tail to tighten the other side of the pouch.  Fig. 6As your baby gains weight you can minimize the strain on your back by wearing the rings lower and spreading the fabric across your shoulder. If you have a newborn it is important to always support your baby's head until the sling has been tightened enough to provide support. Newborns usually should lie down in the sling until they have head control. You may place your baby in the sling with the head on either side. This position is also excellent for nursing. As you nurse you can completely cover yourself by placing the tail of your sling over your shoulder. Some newborns are happier in a vertical position (see Fig. 8). Your baby can be carried this way if you tighten the sling enough to support your baby's head.
 Fig. 7Newborn, Reclinging, Nursing Positions Pull one side of your sling up against your chest to create a deep, secure pouch. Open the pouch with one hand and, while supporting your baby's head and weight, set your baby in with the head on either side. Continue to support your baby as you pull on one side of the tail to tighten the outer part of the pouch and the other to tighten the inner part. Please be sure to tighten the sling sufficiently so that your baby is secure. Very young babies may seem all bunched up inside the sling. Most babies are comfortable this way. If not, they will let you know. If you think your baby is lost down inside the sling you can put a receiving blanket or small pillow in the sling before setting your baby inside.  Fig. 8Newborn Vertical Position Carefully place your baby in your sling. The bottom of the fabric should cover your baby's bottom and the top of the fabric should cover your baby's head. Tighten the top of the fabric enough to support your baby's head. Tighten the bottom of the fabric to securely hold your baby in place. Once your baby has head control she will probably want to sit in your sling so she can see her world. Your baby can sit in your sling in several positions.  Fig. 9
Kangaroo Carry This position works best with younger babies who have head control. Put on your sling and open the pouch as if you were planning to put your baby in lying down. Cross your baby's legs and place your baby in sitting up. While supporting your baby's weight, pull on the tail to tighten the sling.  Fig. 10 Front Carry As your baby grows, the Kangaroo Carry position may no longer be comfortable, but the front carry position will work well. Place your baby in the sling facing sideways. Be sure the bottom fabric comes out to your child's knees. For a restless child, the top fabric should also cover your child's shoulders. Tighten your sling until your child is secure.  Fig. 11
Hip Carry This is an excellent position for heavy toddlers because your hip is used to support your child's weight. Put your child in your sling and rest your child on your hip with your child's legs straddling you. The bottom of the sling should extend out to your child's knees. The top of the sling should come up to your child's arms. If your child is restless, pull the top of the sling over your child's arms. Tighten the sling until your child is secure.  Fig. 12
Back Carry The Back Carry position is recommended for children who are at least one year old. Put your sling on with the rings too high on your shoulder. You may want to start with them on or slightly behind your shoulder. Place your child in the sling in the hip carry position with your child's arms covered. Carefully slide your baby around to your back. It is recommended that until you are used to this position you have a friend check your child's security. The back carry position should only be used with a cooperative child.  *Sling instructions adopted by Maya Wrap.
 Labels: baby sling, cotton fabric, Fabric, fabrics, novelty cotton, twill
As an ever growing online fabric store we have found it beneficial to cater to the decorating needs of as many different types of customers as possible. Our most popular decorator fabrics tend to be those with retro or futuristic designs. Nevertheless, not all of our customers are interested in such extroverted decorator fabrics. For those of you who enjoy more stately and elegant decor, we also have an extensive selection of designer fabrics that should appeal to your taste. If you need to make draperies or other accoutrements to compliment a room, the following fabrics will be of interest:  Melrose Antique Stripe (str00018)
 Brandy Jacquard Decorative Stripe (str00076)
 Stuttgart Baroque Paisley (bca00019)
 Balinese (ton00005)
 Rustic Dance Toile: Black (toi00029)
The impact that an appropriate upholstery fabric can have on your decor cannot be underestimated. Therefore, the following designer upholstery fabrics have a dignified appearance that will enhance their surroundings:  Imperial Chenille Upholstery (che00003)
 Countess Upholstery (fhu00001)
 Medallion Burgundy Chenille (che00008)
 French Lisere: Burgundy (uph0007)
 Delhi Floral: Sand (uph00036)
 Pastoral Bouquet Upholstery (fhu00013)
 Carolina Coast Upholstery (uph000103)
 Mariposa Upholstery (nup00007)
Regardless of what type of fabric you need or the style you need it in, you are bound to find it at jandofabrics.com.* * Do you have any pictures showing the great uses you’ve given our fabric? Then please e-mail them to us at jandofabrics@comcast.net. We’ll be happy to hear from you and might even use your pictures or future blogs or on our website. We reserve the right to utilize the pictures sent without prior otification and in the time and manner that J&O Online Fabric store deems appropriate.
Posts by J&O Fabrics Store
Labels: decorative-fabric, Designer-fabric, Fabric, fabrics, waverly-fabric
 The New York Giant’s thrilling win over the New England Patriots this past Sunday went down in history as the most watched Super Bowl ever. With 97.5 million viewers watching sofa side, and thousands more cheering on from the University of Phoenix Stadium itself, you’d swear it was Super Tuesday instead. Some watched for the awesome plays, some watched for the sexy players, while others just wanted a laugh or two off the funny and creative commercials in between.  One thing everyone bore witness to was one of the biggest upsets in Super Bowl history. New York shattered New England’s unbeaten season 17-14 as Manning hit Plaxico Burress on a 13-yard fade with 35 seconds left. It was the Giant’s 11th straight victory on the road and the first time the Patriots tasted defeat in more than a year. And now the 1972 Miami Dolphins can pop another bottle of champaign in celebration of their undefeated run still intact, the only perfect season in the Super Bowl era.  Whether you were partying in the comfort of your own home or taking it all in with friends and strangers under the sunny sidelines, one thing is for sure….everywhere you looked, you saw the red, white and blue colors of both the Patriots and Giants .
Fans young and old sported cotton headwear, shirts, pants, flags and a host of other creative crafts for their #1 team. Home party spreads laid on top NFL table dressings and up in the hometowns of both the reigning champs and their opponents, fleece throws and outwear were rep’d from borough to borough.
 Now I didn’t do any extensive research, but judging on the number of calls and orders we received before and after the big game, something tells me that the majority of those die hard fans got their sought after licensed NFL fabrics right here from J&O. After all, we are the #1 source for all your NFL, NBA and College Team material. But don’t take our word for it, if you haven’t checked out our inventory yet, it’s time to jump on the bandwagon. And if you weren’t a Giants fan before, what are you waiting for?
Labels: cotton fabric, cotton fabrics, Fabric, fabrics, Football fabric, New York Giants Fabric, NFL Licensed Fabric, NFL-Fabric, NFL-Fabrics, superbowl, Superbowl fabric
 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
 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
 We’ve gotten some great feedback from our Extreme Makeover: Marrero Family Finally and thought we’d take a moment to do some highlights on the rooms you loved the best. The first room we will be focusing on is the walk through living and dining area. As you were able to see in our last write up, yards of our Camel Cotton fabric dressed the front and side windows of this fabulous area of the house. From the time you walk in thru the front door, you are met with an open and airy look and feel. The house itself suddenly seems longer because there are no dividers or walls separating the living, dining or kitchen areas. No obstacles block your walkway, and the same soft flowing material garnishing the windows along the way, create a reserved yet inviting stream of sunlight into an already brightly lit area.  Our White Suede fabric wrapped around the cushioned base and backs of the dining room chairs offer an additional luxury to the dining experience. Don’t let the light color and fabulous look fool you. The fact that it is created with a polyester also makes it very resilient, quick drying, and easy to wash. The feeling is harmonious and unifying. And with such a big family, the décor of these rooms together is just the right combination for making a house feel like a home. This is a great area not only for living, but entertaining as well. Holidays, football season and big family breakfasts will never be the same when gathering in this welcoming space. Even the Marrero family’s Fen Sui artist friends will find its free flowing layout quietly appealing. Labels: canvas-fabric, cotton-twill, Designer fabric, donation, donations, duck-cloth, Extreme Makeover Home addition, Extreme-Makeover-Home-Edition, Fabric, fabrics, suede-cloth-fabric, upholstery-fabric
   Military blankets are a great gift for your loved ones at home & abroad this season. And hand-crafted blankets carrying the stars, stripes and emblems of the military branch they represent are especially nice not only during the holidays, but year round. You don't need to have any sewing skills to create one either. With J&O's wide selection of 100% poly-winterfleece and a pair of scissors, you can make a warm & lightweight blanket for that special someone, or even yourself. Just follow the easy step instructions below and watch your fabric turn into an armor of pride that they can keep warm under when they need it most.  Step One:  Come to J&O Fabrics and pick from a selection of Military fleece fabrics representing the teams you or your loved ones follow. Have a store employee cut the fabric into a 2-4yard length depending on the size of the individual who will be wrapped inside (or 1 yard for a little one). Step Two:
Wash the fabric with cold water on gentle cycle, or hand wash. Any detergent will do. Lay fabric flat to dry.
Step Three:
Lay fabric out on a large flat surface. Turn one of the shorter ends towards you and smooth out any wrinkles.
Step Four:
Cut a fringe along one short side by making 3-inch deep straight cuts about a 1/2-1 inch apart.
Step Five:
Tie a single knot at the base of each cut strip to complete the fringe along one side of the blanket.
Step Six:
Turn the fleece to the other short side and smooth out the wrinkles. Make the same size cuts a 1/2-inch apart and then tie knots to match the other side.
Step Seven:
Step back and pat yourself on the back. Your completed military no-sew fleece blanket is done! Give as a gift or keep for yourself.  Labels: air force, army, coast guard, Fabric, fabrics, fleece, fleece-fabric, great-gift, great-gift-ideas, marines, military, navy, polar fleece, quilts, throws, winter fleece
So you’ve been on our site and looked at 1, 10 or maybe even 100 prints from our vast array of assorted fabrics. You’ve seen some you liked, some you loved and some you could do without. And more than likely, somewhere in between our novelties and decorative fabrics, you caught yourself picturing what a print from the wells of your creative imagination would look like.
Maybe you have a little girl who is turning five, and for her birthday she tells you that she wants to be an astronaut when she grows up. You go  out and buy the glow-in -the-dark stars and a mystical space sounds tape to make her night life more adventurous. You collect globes, spaceships and Star Trek figurines in hopes to nurture her passion (until a new one comes along a six), but what she really wants is an image of a little girl that looks like her, steering that infamous space shuttle into the unknown galaxy of ‘Little Hannah’. So you search for the perfect fabric to make the curtains and bedding that would send your girl to the moon with excitement, only to find your search is in vain. In disappointment you shut down your computer, put away the phone book and call off the search; wishing that a magic Genie would come along with the exact print image, in the exact favorite colors and the exact weight that you want so desperately. And while the he is at it, maybe he can create a printed fabric bearing all the characteristics and personality traits of a 1942 Pisces as well. I mean, that was the year you were born, and everyone knows Pisces are the best Zodiac sign of them all.  Well, your wish is our command! If you could wish for 3 unique-one-of-a-kind-nobody-has-a-more-creative-imagination-than-you prints, what would they be? Hot Latina Pin-up Girls, TV shows from the 70’s, Tabby Cats and Hound Dogs playing cards? You can see some patterns like this in our Retro Fabric section. We’d like to hear from you, so email us back or reply to this post with your crazy and not so crazy print ideas…you never know what wishes the J&O Genie may grant you!
Labels: Designer-fabric, Fabric, fabrics, make-your-own-fabric, novelty-fabric
Create your own
FANTASY FOOTBALL
We've got the teams, you make the picks!
Will they go head to head
again? Decorate your house with NFL fabric for your next football party "The fabric of a man is measured, not in winning, but in HOW he plays."
Posts by J&O Discount Fabric StoreLabels: cotton fabric, Fabric, fabrics, NFL Fabric, NFL-Fabrics, novelty-fabric
By now you should be gently versed in not only the art of wrapping your hair (see our article on geles), but also with the many names used to describe the ancient and modern form of wrapping your body as well (see our article on sarongs). Now we are going to give you a crash course in the how to of creating that perfect sarong for dress or leisure. These quick and easy instructions will have you crafting your own personal style from your closet of fabric treasures in no time. Remember, it is our differences that make us unique. So let yourself be creative. At J&O, we strive to deliver an array of designs & prints to match your individual tastes. Many in 45-60" length . Let's get started.  Step One: Step in front of your sarong. Step Two:Pull the ends evenly forward and let the fabric sit on your waist. If you have a fringed sarong, let the unfringed end be the one you pull around your waist. Step Three : Tie ends around your waist and secure a knot on your hip. Viola, your done! Not too bad right? Now let's try another look. This one is a fashionable substitute for the beach bunny in you. From the sea, to dinner by the sea, this versitile look is just what the on-the-go woman needs.   Step One:Pull the ends of the sarong forward so that the material lies flat across your upper back. Keep ends even in length. Step Two:Gather ends and tie once across your bust. Pull gently to secure. If you are going for more of a wrapped look, then continue around until you are close to the end of one side of the fabric. Keep enough free to either tie or tuck .
Step Three:Bring ends up and over your shoulders or simply secure around your chest as noted in the diagram. The second option mirrors the steps taken in securing your waist sarong.
Step Four:Tie behind your neck & knot once if desired or tie around your chest in the front or on the side to obtain the desired look. Once your dress sarong is complete, accessorize as you seem fit. Dress it up with heels and jewlery for a night on the town, or dress it down with flip flops and a sun-hat for fun in the sun. And the versitility doesn't stop here. Use that same fabric to wrap your hair, create a babies sling to wear across your body, use it as a shawl, a tablecloth, an accent for your couch, even tie up your belongings in it and use it as a carry bag ....bohemian style! Throw it in the wash at the end of your journey for a brand new start the next day. Check out our selection of colorful African Prints here. Check out our selection of assorted Novelty Cotton Prints here. Posts by J&O Fabrics StoreLabels: african print, Fabric, fabrics, lapa, novelty cotton, sarong, wrap skirt
 Blankets are a great gift for your college or pro football fanatic this season. And hand-crafted blankets carrying the name and mascot of thier favorite team are especially cool. You don't need to have any sewing skills to create one either. With J & O's wide selection of 100% poly-winterfleece and a pair of scissors, you can make a warm & lightweight blanket for your friends, family, team-mates, or even yourself. Just follow the easy step instructions below and watch your fabric turn into an armor of pride to keep warm under during those windy season games. Step One: Come to J&O Fabrics and pick from a selection of College & NFL fleece fabrics representing the teams you or your loved ones follow. Have a store employee cut the fabric into a 2-4yard length depending on the size of the individual who will be wrapped inside.  Step Two: Wash the fabric with cold water on gentle cycle, or hand wash. Any detergent will do. Lay fabric flat to dry.  Step Three: Lay fabric out on a large flat surface. Turn one of the shorter ends towards you and smooth out any wrinkles. Step Four: Cut a fringe along one short side by making 3-inch deep straight cuts about a 1/2-1 inch apart.  Step Five: Tie a single knot at the base of each cut strip to complete the fringe along one side of the blanket. Step Six: Turn the fleece to the other short side and smooth out the wrinkles. Make the same size cuts a 1/2-inch apart and then tie knots to match the other side.  Step Seven: Step back and pat yourself on the back. Your completed college / pro football no-sew fleece blanket is done! Give as a gift or keep for yourself. Now wasn't that easy.  Click here to see our: College Team Fleece Fabrics Click here to see our: NFL Team Fleece FabricsClick here to see our: Major League Baseball Fleece FabricIf you love to window shop and would like to see all of the Polar fleece fabrics we have available click here: Polar Fleece FabricPosts by J&O Fabrics StoreLabels: blanket, blankets, Fabric, fabrics, fleece blankets, fleece gifts, football fan gifts, handmade sports gifts, handmade winter gifts., no sew blankets, polarfleece
The Benefits of Natural Fabrics: Clothing made from natural fabrics are not only good for our environment, but the body as well. The fibers have a natural give that lets the cloth drape in a way that synthetics just cant do. Plus, natural fabrics just feel good when you wear them. Natural fabrics, created from organically grown cotton and flax, hemp and ramie, or harvested from sheep, silkworms and other animals, are renewable, sustainable resourcesas well. Unlike synthetics, which are largely produced from petroleum and mineral sources, cotton and wool and silk do not deplete the earth of its natural resources either. Every natural fabric has its own unique advantages and qualities. Wool, for instance, is a natural insulator. It's naturally water resistant and fire resistant. It also absorbs up to 30% of its own weight in moisture before it even begins to feel damp. There are dozens of varieties of wool, from lightweight challis to thick warm tweed. Natural cotton breathes with your body. Their fibers are responsible for wicking away perspiration and drying quickly. It's the single most used fabric in today's world both for clothing and for furnishings and accessories. Cotton takes dyes very well, and is very easy to care for. It is also an excellent material for plus sized clothes, with the natural fiber creating a smooth outline and the organic texture helping the skin to breath. Silk is one of the oldest fabric fibers known to man, and throughout its history, it has been synonymous with luxury. Silk is naturally absorbent, which makes it warm in winter and cool in summer. It has stronger fibers than steel, but its smooth, soft drape makes it a most sensual fabric to wear. Linen, like silk, has been used for thousands of years. Dating back to Ancient Egypt, it is made from the fibers of the flax plant. Linen is strong and durable, yet lightweight and breathable depending on the weight. Linen goods can last generations, becoming softer and more lustrous as use after use. Hemp and ramie are made from the stalks of plants, much like linen is. They are strong and durable, and have the same natural sheen as linen. Both fabrics absorb heat and release moisture, making them cool and comfortable to wear. Please checkout website as we will be carrying a whole line of Organic and Natural Fabrics!!! GO GREEN!!! Posts by J&O Fabrics StoreLabels: cotton, Fabric, fabrics, Hemp, Linen, Natural, Organic, silk
"sew many possibilities"For Fabric Lovers
Fabric. . . it's just delicious. It's soft, comfy and warm. It can be bright and pretty and draw you to touch it. Stretchy or stiff, snug and homely, here at J&O we just love fabric. At our store in New Jersey, it's literally all over the place. We have huge rolls of decoratives stacked on top of each other, a wall filled with tapestries of all kinds, and additional rolls on the floor display. Not to mention our aisles and aisles of novelty cottons from every manufacturer imaginable.
There's something about seeing rolls of beautiful fabric that signifies potential; a raw material with "sew" many possibilities. Could be a summer dress, a pair of slacks, a quilt, drapes, the possibilities go on and on. Meditating on all the possibilities could make a fabric lover go crazy.
Just think, we spend our whole lives wrapped in some kind of cloth. From the moment we arrive in this world to when our fragile shells deteriorate and become apart of the Earth, fabric is apart of our lives. Cotton, linen, cashmere, wool, silk and including polyester and rayon, fabric can be used for everything from apparel, to sails on a sailboat, to becoming a base for a lamp. Every group of people on this planet use fabric, so it can almost be put on the same level as food and shelter (or maybe not, lol).
From another perspective, if you sew, you're appreciation for fabrics may be on a more conscious level than everyone else. Someone who sews is constantly working, touching, manipulating and shaping fabric. So it's normal for a sewer to absolutely LOVE fabrics. Some sewers walk into our store in New Jersey and become overwhelmed at the amount of fabric we have. Who doesn't adore gorgeous fabric, that not only has an awesome surface but is pleasant to the touch? It's perfectly all right to buy fabric just because you think its gorgeous, without any immediate use in mind.
If you're an avid sewer, building up your very own "fabric stash." is an excellent way to stimulate your creativity. There's just something about looking at neatly folded stacks of beautiful fabric that will provoke a sense of calm and serenity. On a side note, we'll let you in on a little secret. . . the fabric industry is in many ways like the ever-changing fashion industry; styles come and go, prints come and go; items go in and out of style. So, if there's a print you just absolutely love, get it before it's gone and discontinued. Even the most popular prints have a cut off point.
J&O Fabrics is dedicated to doing all we can to keep your sewing possibilities fresh. If you LOVE fabric, celebrate it! Teach someone how to sew, make someone a quilt, or sew your own drapes. Allow yourself to reconnect with something that's very closely woven into our lives.
J&O Fabrics. . . sew many possibilities
_______________________________________
If you're in the area, visit our store in Pennsauken, New Jersey, right outside of Philadelphia. The size of a supermarket, we have the largest selection of fabrics in New Jersey! Everything we carry is not on our website, so if you're in the area, check us out and browse our fabric aisles.
J&O Fabric Center
9401 Route 130 South
Where Rt.73 and 130 meet
Pennsauken, New Jersey 08110
info@jandofabrics.com
Posts by J&O Fabrics StoreLabels: cotton, discount-fabric, Fabric, fabric-industry, fabric-store, fabric-stores, fabrics, Linen, quilt fabric, retail, sewing, textile-industry
"Ya Gotta Co-ooordinate"
Not to rip off John Witherspoon's famous saying from the movie Boomerang but, it's true. In order to take something from mediocre to excellent, ya gotta know how to coordinate. Mixing and matching your own fabrics is a fabulous way to express your creativity and personal style. If you struggle with coordinating the right fabrics, we've included a few tips to help you along the way.
Coordinating fabrics in any of your sewing projects is just as important as the actual construction. From our previous blog on Coordinating Fabrics, you'll be happy to know that J&O Fabrics is now working on adding matching coordinates to just about every fabric we carry.
Anyhow, most home decor textile manufacturers come out with new lines each season jam-packed with coordinate collections complete with decorative florals, stripes, supersoft chenille upholstery and more. In any given catalogue, a whole living room will be decked out with a complete set of fabrics to upholster the couch, ottoman, chaise lounge and even make drapes and decorative pillows. All this is excellent! However, not everyone wants a cookie cutter living room, sometimes you may want to mix and match fabrics on your own to suit your own tastes. So. . . you'll need to have some idea on just how to do it.
Firstly, feel free to express yourself and not be shackled by trends. Trends will come and go. Just because everyone matches florals with stripes doesn't mean that you have to. If you follow the reasoning behind why florals match well with stripes, you should be okay matching on your own.
While coordinating, one idea is to create balance with contrast. A straight line will contrast with a circle. Dark will contrast light. A tight structure will contrast with chaos and something large will contrast with something very small.
Here are a few examples of how these ideas manifest themselves on fabric combinations.
Linear to Circular
  
Busy to Textural (Plain)
 
Large to Small   
Going along with the idea of creating balance by contrast, another way to blend fabrics is to combine HOT with COOL colors. Hot colors include, reds, oranges, yellows etc. And COOL colors include, greens and blues. In a project full of hot warm colors, a cool colored accent may be just the key to creating a perfect balance. Take a look at these examples.
     
You may also want to consider combining Contrasting Colors. The Contrasting Colors include
Blue/Yellow
Green/Red
Purple/Orange
Overall, texture, color, print, and scale all play a part in how well two fabrics will match. These principles can be explained further in an upcoming blog.
If you follow the above guidelines and focus on creating balance
through contrast your coordinating adventures should prove to be both
rewarding and a lot of fun!
J&O Fabrics. . . sew many possibilities
If you're in the area, visit our store in Pennsauken, New Jersey, right
outside of Philadelphia. The size of a supermarket, we have the largest
selection of fabrics in New Jersey! Everything we carry is not on our website, so if you're in the area, check us out and browse our
fabric aisles.
J&O Fabric Center
9401 Route 130 South
Where Rt.73 and 130 meet
Pennsauken, New Jersey 08110
856-663-2121
info@jandofabrics.comPosts by J&O Fabrics StoreLabels: coordinating fabrics, craft-ideas, decorator, discount-fabric, fabrics, quilting-fabric, upholstery-fabric
Today, almost all of the Fabric store chains are disappearing. We her at J & O Fabrics would like to know how to keep the textile industy alive. Today we are reaching out to fabric customers across the world. Customers are the best people to help the fabric industry understand what changes need to be put in place. At J & O Fabrics we base most of our business on what the customer needs. Example, if a few customers ask for a certain fabric that we do not carry we take it upon ourselves to find a manufacture to supply us with that type of textile. J & O Fabrics would like to be a store that represents the sewing industry. What do we need to do in order to help you as a customer want to continue to shop at our store or on our website? We also want your insight on what you like about other fabric store website along with fabric stores that you visit. You can use this blog to either vent your frustration or add comments to help us change to suit your needs. Happy Sewing, J & O Fabrics Posts by J&O Fabrics StoreLabels: Fabric Blog, fabric-store, fabric-stores, fabrics, textile-industry
Fabulous FabricsInterior design may be a mostly visual art,
but designers agree that texture
with its promise of tactile pleasure
is an essential element in every room.By SALLY FRIEDMANAh touch. It's a powerful sense, one that even infants experience and respond to. The tactile can change a feeling, establish a mood or alter it. In our homes, its our fabrics that create a veritable feast for the fingertips.
The velvet-covered chair beckons the deep pile chenille makes you want to run your fingers through the sassy, nubby plaid textured cotton on a stuffed armchair invites you to burrow in.
Fabric that cannot be ignored and should not be.
Philadelphia Herb Tapper has been a designer for nearly four decades. And for that long, he has been, in his own words, in love with fabric. Its the focal point of a room, the thing your eye goes to automatically, says Tapper, who works with clients in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Florida. For me, fabric comes first. It sets the tone, the mood, the look. You feel it before you even realize it. Best of all, maintains Tapper, fabric can make a room playful and interesting without breaking the bank. Case in point: pillows.
Every sofa deserves the punch of pillows, and there is a place for them in almost every style. The right throw pillows in the right fabrics can make you forget that a sofa that may have seen better days, says Tapper.
This designer loves to mix fabrics and with surprising results. He may blend fur with silk but also with something unexpectedly nubby and textured. He may choose an informal fabric in a formal setting just to create interest. And Tapper generally prefers subtle fabrics with pile over leather in living rooms and family rooms. He feels its warmer and more inviting.
This seasons hot fabric: Sensuede
At Calico Corners in Abington, consumers sometimes arrive like lost souls. Selecting fabric can feel overwhelming, concedes sales associate Stephanie Costia who understands that the sheer volume of choices can be bewildering. But Costia also knows how to tame the tiger of choice.
One of the key factors in choosing upholstery fabric for example, is weight. That narrows down the field considerably, said this expert, who also notes that when it comes to upholstery fabric, what you don't see, the backing can also be as important as what you do see the fabric itself. Any upholstery fabric needs a backing to make sure it doesn't pucker or bag, which detracts from the look of any furniture piece. Retro looks and very strong colors are in.
When Dottie and Frank Giordano of Moorestown were furnishing their vintage 1901 Georgian colonial, they wanted to keep the living room elegant and formal, but also warm and inviting. Its a delicate balance. They did it successfully through the choice of fabric. We fell in love with the gray and soft apricot floral print of dogwood flowers and branches, said Dottie Giordano, a tireless volunteer and fabled hostess.
that fabric was then reinforced, by pure serendipity, in several paintings the couple discovered in a Philadelphia gallery. It's coloration was identically to the upholstery fabric and its motif: dogwoods. We just got lucky, said Giordano. I could live with this fabric around us forever.
Daisy Dreams
This Wild Psychedelic Flower print
from J&O Fabrics is back in style
and will look hip anywhere!The hottest fabric for this new season? Its called sensuede, and its man-made and a trumpet blast, washable with a mile dish detergent. its also pricey at about $114. a yard. The palette of fall fabrics is full of rich, warm tones, note Costia of Calico Corners. We are seeing a new interest in deep chocolate brown, especially in a weave or in a tone-on-tone look. And there's more interest in surprising colors like pure, bright pink and lime green as people get bolder with their upholstery color choices.
 Feelin Groovy: Orchid
 Mingle Jungle fabric
Flower Power and other retro themes
from the 70s and 80s are popular this year.
At the opposite end of the spectrum is the fabric we can expect to find in the home of todays thirty somethings. There is a huge move to retro looks and very strong colors and themes, said Stan Safady, president of J&O Fabrics in Pennsauken, NJ, one of the largest fabric stores in the region . Younger people seem to love to look back at the 1970s and 1980s, and it shows in the fabrics they are choosing. Remember those wild geometrics? And flower power? And abstract, almost surreal prints? They are all back. So are the iconic themes like Hawaiian looks and hot colors like pink, yellow and lime sometimes all in one print. Consumers can even drape themselves or their windows in that familiar smiley face theme. Or go for sailboats on their bedspreads, curtains or pillows. Or opt for pop art. We have been in business here for 43 years, said Safady, I can not remember a time when fabric was exploding like this. It is like a youth revolution, and while there are plenty of choices like traditional tapestries and jacquards, the fun fabrics are definitely, absolutely on the scene. Viva la fun! Sally Friedman, a longtime lifestyle writer, lives in Moorestown, NJ. Her articles have appeared in The Ladies home Journal, Home Magazine and Brides/Your New Home. View 70s Mod Retro Novelty FabricView Dots Novelty Fabric
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