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An essential part of the gear of every laptop is the carrying case. You can find some that are bulky and some that are sleek, but one thing they have in common is that they are drab. With this blog J&O offers an economical and stylish alternative to the usual laptop sleeves and cases with a fabric laptop sleeve. Using this idea you can make yourself a laptop sleeve with a velcro flap fit for a 15" laptop. Thanks to designspongeonline.com for the wonderful idea. First, gather your materials. These include a 3/4 yards each of two colors of felt, 3/4 yards double-sided fusbile interfacing, a package of round sticky Velcro dots, scissors, and iron.
Begin by laying one piece of felt flat and placing your laptop in the middle and cut out corners to creat a cross shape. Trim the flaps of felt so that they overlap each other about 2 inches. Use this piece as a template with which to repeat the process on the other piece of felt and the interfacing. Sandwich the interfacing between the two layers of felt and iron to fuse. After evening up the edegs with scissors you can adhere the Velcro dots where the edges overlap.
Laptop Sleeve Closed
Laptop Sleeve Open
Here are some of the great felt fabrics you can use to bring this project to success:
Labels: discount-fabric, fabric-ideas, felt, jandofabrics, laptop
 As one of the largest fabric stores in South Jersey, J&O Fabrics constantly strives to meet our customers’ fabric needs, textile inquiries and crafting solutions with the first hand knowledge and general concern that over 45 years of being in the fabric business provides. Even as we move deeper into the age of technology, and new material from all around the world is being placed at our fingertips with just the click of a button, we at J&O continually strive to maintain that personal rapport with our customers that our growing family owned operation was built upon. From the teen aged novice at our local high school purchasing a few yards of the latest designer dress fabrics for the fashionable masterpiece that will ensure her a chance at fame as the next top designer in ‘Project Runway’, to the experienced interior design group from Italy that orders no less than 50 yards at a time of our top shelf tapestry and upholstery to create dream rooms for their celebrity clientele; no request is too big or too small. To help assist us in serving our customers better, J&O has brought in some additional helping hands to offer suggestions, provide assistance, juggle the brain cells, and inform our customers on the latest changes and advancements in an ever changing industry. From Consumer Savvy Carol, who will guide us through the changing economic climate with great money saving tips and useful resources, to Go Green Gina who will help us to preserve this wonderful planet we live on while also offering an alternative to a synthetic way of life, J&O hopes to create a one-stop-shopping experience that will not only leave our customers with a cart full of wonderful fabrics, but a pocket full of FREE info and ideas to take with them along their journey. So look for us on the world wide web, listen for us on the lips of loyal J&O customers and visit us at our brick and mortar right outside the city of Brotherly Love. We’ll be waiting to serve you!
 Netfah: Ask me a question, I will tell you no lie. With so many trade terms and technological advances, it can get tricky figuring out what fabrics would work best for what projects, or even what materials you may require to complete a creative task. For the answers to these questions and so much more, simply send me an email. Each week we will select a request from our pool and post a response for our viewing audience to see. We can't guarantee we'll get to yours first, but we will do our best to get to each and every one. Just Ask Netfah....  Gina: With so much talk about going green, global warming and recycled vs reconstructed, people around the world and across America are looking to do their part in saving our planet so that she can save us. And while some fall under the misconception that we have to find a solution to world pollution on our own with just one invention, more people are realizing the answer lies in the little things we do. From recycling textiles and clothing from our shelves, to purchasing fabric made from hemp or bamboo, the power of one is very powerful indeed. Check out Go Green Gina once a week as she offers up options and suggestions for a healthier and more holistic way of living ...in the GREEN!  Carol: If you haven't been affected by the economic crisis currently plaguing the American people, then you are one of the few. But like most of us, to one degree or another, we are feeling the side affects of a dis-eased ridden empire built off the backs of many and the continual pilferage of a few.... more. To help assist us with making the most of what materials we have, or for that matter, what crafts we create, Consumer Savvy Carol is here to offer her frugal minded suggestions and creative penny pinching tips. Check her out each week and let her save you a little money.  Sewing Tip of the Week: This weekly blog is dedicated to not only our novices, but our group of expert seamstresses and upholsterers as well. With so many new fabrics and techniques popping up every day, there's always something new to learn. In this sections we will cover everything from alterations to zippers. We are not beneath the occasional short cut as well. Hand made pattern alternatives and no-sew supplies are researched and discussed. At J&O we believe our customers are some of the best crafters around. Feedback and suggestions are always welcomed!  Fabric Award of the Week: Every week J&O gets in new and fabulous fabrics that we in turn, place in our brick and mortar and on our online store for your shopping pleasure. From silky dress materials and beautiful decorative designs, to fashionable tapestries and fun novelty cotton prints, if you want it, most likely we got it. With over a thousand different fabrics to choose from, you can imagine the pressure to choose a number one pick to feature each week. But we like to keep it exciting around here, so if you are looking for what's new and hot, make sure to check out this series and always visit our New Fabric section on our website for the list of runner ups. You never know the treasures you will find! Check out our novelty cottons here!
Check out our fleece here!
Check out our phillies fabric here!Posts by J&O Fabrics StoreLabels: ask netfah, college fleece fabric, consumer savvy carol, economics, frugal, go green gail, jandofabrics, money, phillies, recession, sewing tips, top fabric store
 When the Beatles arrived on American shores in 1963, their brand of Rock & Roll wasn't that far removed from the tracks laid down at Sun Studio in Memphis a few years before. By the time the Beatles were done as a group, they had taken Rock & Roll in previously unimagined directions, created a counter culture movement of revolutionary minded youths and taken America by storm! Within no time their songs became contagious hits that had men wearing long hair and protesting the American government, and crazed females from all age groups growing to unbelievable numbers. Not even the elders or the babes were immune from The Beatle virus infecting our music hungry nation. Their sound was upbeat and new, their energy was harmonious, and their look……well, let’s just say, fans far and wide had a hard time keeping their eyes off of them. From a 70 year old woman throwing her bloomers onto the stage at one of their live concerts, to a 22 year old man who wrote over 1000 love letters to each of the members in hopes to win their affections; countless stories have been told. Countless more still lay on the silent but smiling lips of our dearly departed, and in between the pages of our grandmother’s dusty diaries.
The Beatles have even made an impact on fabric too, as can be seen by the new ‘The Beatles’ series of novelty cotton fabrics found sitting right next to America’s famous Rock-n-Roll icon, Elvis Presley right here within the star filled isles of J&O Fabrics. If you are searching for an excuse to go mad and get down a bit, look no further. They’ve descended from their heavenly graves to sing for you once more with all the love they have to give. From memorable songs like ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand’, ‘Ticket to Ride’ and ‘Yesturday,’ to such hits as, ‘Hey Jude’, ‘Let It Be’ and ‘Help!’, John, Paul, Ringo & George left enough iconic tunes with us to last a lifetime, and enough love, peace and happiness for the world to eat off of.
There is nothing more nostalgic as the lyrics and rhythmic sounds of an old song, and nothing as pleasing to the soul as the good vibes or mental stimulation that come along with a Beatles tune. So what are you waiting for? Beatlemania is still very much alive, urging the revolutionary and love child in you to come out and play. At the end of a Hard Day’s Night, you owe it to yourself and the millions of fans still praising their names, to resurrect the wild teenager or school girl in you and wrap yourself up in a fabricated orgy of love one more time, for old times sake!
Check out The Beatles novelty prints here!
Check out our selection of fabulous novetly prints here!
Check out our Yellow Submarine novelty fabric here!
Posts by J&O Fabrics StoreLabels: 70's music, jandofabrics, music icon, musical groups, pop, rock and roll, the beatles, yellow submarine
 With the lazy, hazy days of summer slowly coming to an end, and the colorful display of autumn only a few weeks away, it’s time to start thinking about school again. From shopping for school supplies, to shopping for the latest fall fashions, the back-to-school ritual can be found in kindergarten classrooms and college dorms across America as students young and old stock up on the trendiest folders and backpacks, and the hottest jeans and sneakers. And what is school without books. From American history to Great English literary works, if they are not used for digesting large amounts of spoon fed material, they certainly are good for the daily graphic art entry as you dreamingly pass time waiting for the final bell to ring. Yeah, these seemingly illegally heavy, extremely thick and often times extremely boring mandated books are the first and last thing to leave your possession once school begins, but they don’t have to be that dreaded; Especially when you have cool book marks to hold your place between studies. I don’t just mean any book mark either. I am talking about the wild and beautiful one-of-a-kind book marks hand crafted by you with the help of J&O Fabrics. Fabric book marks you say. How ingenious! Well, maybe the concept has been around for awhile, but never before have you created your very own unique book mark with fabric from J&O; and never have you crafted one that is so reflective of the many faces of you. Until today! Why buy standard manufactured one with little or no personality, when in just a few simple steps, you can have the perfect page saver. With just a inexpensive supplies and a little imagination, your wonderful Romeo & Juliet book marker will be adorned in retro prints, extreme sports or your favorite Hannah Barbara character in no time. While these cool page savers may not make your reading any more enjoyable, they certainly will add a little color and spark to an otherwise dull page of black and white.
Supplies Cardboard Fabric Elmer’s glue (or alternative fabric seam adhesive) Scissors Needle & thread (optional) Decorative trim (optional)
Instructions
Step One
Cut your piece of cardboard to measure about 7” x 2”.
Step Two
Cut your piece of fabric in a large enough rectangular piece so that your cardboard marker will be able to fit inside the enclosed fabric sleeve once sewn. 
Step Three Fold your fabric in half (right side in) and sew from the top opening of the long side around to the folded end of the bottom. When completed, turn inside out so that the right side of the fabric is now on the outside. If you would prefer not to sew, place the fabric right side out. Fold the open sides of the fabric and use an alternative seam adhesive to secure the sides of your sleeve. Remember to keep one short side open to slide your cardboard piece into.
Step Four Once cardboard is snuggly inside the fabric sleeve, secure the top by folding the edges in, and either sewing, gluing or using a fabric spray adhesive to finish it off. Add your own little decorative touch by applying fabric paint designs, attaching tassels or adhering cool mini beading and ribbon to your final design. 
Now, take a step back and pat yourself on the back for a job well done. If it’s your first, it will surely not be your last. Make great book marks for all your literary works both scholastic and recreational. Even give as gifts for family and friends. Encourage the love of reading in your children with fun Angelina Ballerina and Sesame Street print book marks too. From young to old, fabric book marks are a unique and great way to personalize your cherished, or not so cherished literary works. Posts by J&O Fabrics StoreLabels: back to school crafts, book mark, book markers, children's crafts, fabric book markers, fabric crafts, jandofabrics
 Pin-up girls are celebrities, fashion models, sex symbols or actresses who’s beauty, charm and sexual appeal capture the attention of society’s pop culture in such a way as to cause mouths to drool and eyes to pop at the mere sight of their perfectly posed bodies across laminated posters and magazine spreads. Gaining popularity in the 1930’s, each era has seen a handful of these iconic beauty’s come and go…and in some cases, mystically come back again in the forms of clones so identical in look and attitude that it’s almost scary. Like the 1950’s voluptuous sex siren movie star Marilyn Monroe and the 90’s troubled millionaire widow Anna Nicole Smith, who’s respective journey’s to stardom and fame were both filled with rumors of scandal, drugs, passion and pain. Even the petite dark haired 1950’s pin-up Bettie Page who carried her legacy on camera well into the 1990’s met with her younger reflection found in the doll like face of fellow newcomer Bernie Dexter. There are countless other legendary pin-up gals like 1930’s flapper Josephine Baker, 1940’s songstress Lena Horne, and 1950's Betty Page. Then there are those unforgettable modern day women like 1960’s vixen Raquel Welch, “10” star Bo Derek , 1980’s Sports Illustrated model Kim Alexis, 1990’s burlesque performer Dita Von Teese and ‘Baywatch’ beauty Pamela Anderson who’s curves and sensuality have landed them a place in the hearts of men young and old. Last but not least, the icon Betty Grable. She was one of the most popular early pin-up girls of all time. With a girl-next-door innocence and devilish smile, she called for your attention. And she got it. During World War II, her poster was ubiquitous in the lockers of homesick G.I.’s overseas. For them, she symbolized the American dream and became a heroin to their long and lonely nights. Mass produced photos of these vintage and modern day ‘cheesecakes’ can often be found in magazines, postcards, calendars and on novelty items. For these pretty ladies were definitely ...” better than cheesecake.” 
Pin-ups also include drawings, paintings, and other illustrations done in emulation of these photos. Artists such as the late Alberto Vargus and the great Earl Macpherson have not only created flirtateous images of beauties of the past, but left us with a legacy of work that is still hailed today as the precedent to which modern day pin up art work is set against. Even modern day photographer Bunny Yeager who has been in the business of capturing our desirable dandies on film for over a decade or more, rises to receive her accolades for work well done. Just check the archives displayed along the walls of old American military aircrafts, the foot lockers of testosterone filled high school boys and young GI’s overseas, or your current Sports Illustrated magazines and monthly calendar spreads, and you will have a clearer understanding of just why the golden era of classic pin-up art never really disappeared…it only faded. By the 1960’s the classic ‘painted’ pin up started drowning in the sea of the adult film and publication industry that promoted sex, sex and more sex. Paintings of attractive women became more realistic and explicit. Photos of fem fatals in cute yellow polka dotted bikinis were replaced by artificially enhanced g-string wearing women leaving little to the imagination. The concept of ‘sexy’ became more of a ‘flesh’ thing than an attitude, and slowly this wonderful American art form faded away. But everything comes full circle. The classic pin-up girls and pin-up art are being rediscovered and introduced to new generations of people around the world. With the help of our fresh pin up faces and such notable fabric mills as Timeless Treasure and Alexander Henry, we are seeing a revamp of the glamour girl and classic re-prints on cottons that take us back to the days of “Happy Birthday Mr. President”, drive in movies and ‘flappers’.  With a nostalgic selection of holiday, Harley and Hawaii Aloha pin-up girl fabric to choose from, this wonderful American art form is again receiving the attention and popularity reminiscent of its 1930-1950 heyday. Here at J&O we welcome you to come take your time and find your own sweet lady that’s ....better than cheesecake!
Check out our vintage pin-up girl fabric here!Check out our pin-up guy fabric here!Check out our full selection of novelty print fabric here!
Posts by J&O Fabrics StoreLabels: Alexander Henry, cotton fabric, jandofabrics, novelty coton, novelty prints, pin-up girls, pin-up guys, pinup girls, pinup guys, Timeless Treasures, women fabric
 When was the last time your local fabric store donated any fabric to you? After practiced begging and pleading in front of your bathroom mirror for that perfect line and doe eyed look, most outlets would soon put a price tag on a seemingly useless ¼ yard scrap than give them away to a striving designer or seamstress for free. But low and behold, miracles do happen. At least for some of us. Recently, one of South Jersey’s oldest and most recognized fabric stores, became the answered prayer for a local woman with an ailing son. This spring, Cindy Kerr received over $1000 worth of assorted novelty cotton fabrics from J&O Fabrics of Pennsauken in an effort to help make her son Ryan more comfortable during his chemotherapy treatments. Cindy has a non-profit company called ConKerr Cancer and with the beautiful selection of materials, she was able to continue creating fun and colorful pillowcases for not only her son, but for other young patients at various local hospitals battling Cancer as well. With the help of J&O and various community groups, over 18,000 pillow cases have been made and donated to these children in an effort to bring some smiles to an otherwise cloudy day. From Sponge Bob to Scooby Doo, from race cars to kitty cat prints, there is a pillow case to tickle every child’s fancy both young and old. Even teens have their selection of pin up girls, retro designs and popular skull prints to choose from to make their stay a little more pleasant. Every once and awhile the generosity of people will surprise us. And every now and again, it shows up in bags of heaven sent material, sprinkled with love , forming the fabric of life. To see some of the wonderful fabric Cindy crafted for the local hospitals, watch cable channel CN8 Wednesday at 7:30pm EST.
To find out more about ConKerr Cancer click here! To find out more about J&O Fabrics click here! To see our selection of novelty cotton click here! Posts by J&O Fabrics StoreLabels: conkerr cancer, jandofabrics, novelty cotton, novelty fabric
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