If you’re anything like me, these days I’m sure you find yourself cringing in the supermarkets isles. Sometimes I think I’d be better off taking advantage of the dollar menu at the nearest fast food restaurant. Times are tough right now for the average family and as a Mom, I know I feel responsible for making every dollar stretch as far as possible. Sometimes it’s challenging not to take the easy way out. But there are lots of creative choices we can make to stretch our dollars. Maybe all it takes is a shift in our perceptions of a more simplified reality. I am sure I’m not the only one holding onto colorful pieces of cotton, denim and bark cloth. Not to mention trims and other various embellishments. Next time you’re not so little one puts on those jeans and they just aren’t long enough anymore, try adding some length with a 2” scrap of fabric, or a few fabric strips sewn together. While you’re at it you can make it into a fun project. Cut pieces of the design (even team logos) attach a little heat bond and iron on the design to the garment. Bonding these cut designs works great on a tee that has become stained or worn from too much wear.
Speaking of fabric scraps. Since we are one of the largest fabric stores in the Tri-State area, we carry totes and totes of these colorful, funky and fancy ¼ yard pieces that literally collect over the years. They sit here taking up space and not paying towards the rent. They want to be put to use, but have been made to feel like they are only good for one thing…..nostalgic memories of craft projects done long ago or worse yet…..unfinished projects!!
With the holidays just around the corner, now is the perfect time to rethink your gift giving ideas. When my daughter was born she received many beautiful gifts, but which one does she still wrap her baby dolls in? The crib quilt that her Aunt Sue handmade for her, and me, I still have the “Jingle Bell Jack” my mom made me from scraps. More commonly referred to now as YO-YO dolls, gifts made from the heart last a lifetime.
Whatever you do with your time, energy, and resources is up to you. But if you want to make memories and keep a little extra cash in your pocket, consider the creative power of the imagination…enjoy and encourage the artist in you to flourish!
To check out some of our really cool novelty cotton fabrics click here!
To check out our selection of holiday fabrics click here!
To see the latest childrens' fabric click here!
Until next time, this is Consumer Savvy Carol signing off!
Posts by J&O
Fabrics StoreLabels: 1960's fabric, back to school crafts, conservative, cotton fabric, cotton prints, crafts, fleece gifts, frugal, holiday crafts, holiday prints, novelty cotton, thrifty, yo yo crafts
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