As long as I can remember, I have always had an infatuation with fabric. Napped materials like raw silk, linen, unbleached muslin, burlap and hemp appealed to me because of their slightly rough texture, just as much as fleece, velour, and gauze did because of their softness. As a little girl, my fingers became my eyes into the world of textile goods, feeling my way around garment racks and my mothers linen closet. It was always about how it felt, before it was about how it looked, behaved, or cost. Still today, much of how I experience the world is based on how a specific experience makes me feel.
When I started playing around with different materials and constructing one of a kind fashions on a more professional level, I slowly began to realize that I was not the only one who opted to base the satisfaction of a particular garment on this same premise. I imagine it is because at the end of the day, our inner spirit knows what it likes and what harmonizes with our bodies better, or maybe our likes and dislikes are based on some subconscious yet very real genetic memory attached to a specific aspect of our fabric of choice despite what society tells our minds we should like. " Fashionistas shop only at designer boutiques like Gucci and DKNY".
" Successful men only wear Italian suits ". "If you are a wise and thrifty shopper you will purchase the cheaper 80 count cotton sheets from a substandard mill instead of the 600 count organic kona cotton ones." And the list of shoulds goes on and on.
After over 20 years in the fashion industry and a whole lot of observation of basic human nature, one thing I know is this; you have to feel comfortable in the clothes you are in first and foremost. The comfort and confidence alone will be the envy behind any possible judgement. I dont care what the latest trend is or what looks good on that airbrushed model in Vogue Magazine. And with so many great organic,fibers to covet your naturally beautiful vessel in a healing and harmonious way, their is no excuse for denying yourself of the pleasure.
So the next time you are at your local mall and find yourself perusing the racks of your favorite department store, close your eyes a moment and let your fingers be your decision maker. I have a feeling your body will thank you for it!
Labels: bamboo-fabric, burlap, gauze-material, kona-cotton, natural-fabric
In the world of go-green eco-friendly fabrics, bamboo, hemp, and organic cottons rank on top of the popular fibers that most people know list. But just like any exposed treasure, it is only a matter of time before the possible risk of overconsumption and resource depletion start to creep into reality. With this unfortunate pattern of abuse in mind, scientists and researchers are always looking for new fiber sources and improved methods of sustainable processing. The goal being to provide an all natural and preferrably organic fiberous material that can be used in the textile industry for the use in garments, interior decorating and upholstered goods.
One boutiful source of not only alternative nutritional supplements, but fiberous material as well, is the ocean. Still a vast resource full of marine life, plant life, and mystery, the ocean has given birth to several organic fibers used today in fabrics such as seacell and water hyacinth.
Raw water hyacinth stalk fibers are being researched for use in the manufacturing of clothing and home fabrics. The stalks have been tested through a series of chemical and mechanical treatments to achieve the crimp like property of wool for better processing, reduction in the plants gummy content, and softening of the fibers to make them fine and fit for knitting and weaving. Blends of 80/20 and 63/35 of polyester/water hyacinth fibers were ideal for home textiles such as curtains, upholstery, table cloths and bedding.
Water hyacinth fabric is not available on the market yet, but keep your eyes open for this innovative step in sustainable apparel technology. In the meantime, visit us online for selected organic fabrics just in time for the upcoming season.
organic bamboo fabric
organic kona cotton fabric
organic sea-cell fabric
Posts by J&O
Fabric StoreLabels: go-green, go-green-gina, natural-fabric, Organic, organic-fabric, water-hyacinth, water-hyacinth-material
When I was a child, one of my favorite field day games at my school was the sack race. I remember the thrill of pairing up with my best friend as we climbed into that woven beige colored bag that would soon become our mode of transpo in a race to the finish line. Though somewhat rough to the touch, the burlap material I knew back then is not too different from the one that I use today for my unique one of a kind handcrafted bags. The difference, a little less abrasive, a little more color selection.
Tough enough to be used as a building material and loose enough to place over the ground as a weed barrier, burlaps versatility and potential are as endless as the artists imagination. From flexible draping paper and decorative wall hangings, rug backings and decorative dollies, record of burlap use dates back from the biblical days, all the way up to modern times. Its durable yet flexible nature makes it a great fabric for a wide array of uses.
A natural fabric made from jute, hemp or flax fibers, burlap is grown all over Asia and Central America. It prevents soil erosion, promotes plant life, and acts as a natural soil enhancer. On the go-green sustainable planet scene, burlap is recyclable and may one day surpass cotton as the most used natural fiber. In the meantime, post consumer burlap composts create a constantly renewable product that increases soil fertility rather than depleting it.
Weave it, wet it, embroider it, shred it, braid it, mold it, stretch it, fold it.....With so many positive attributes and usage techniques, burlap offers some great crafting ideas for the decorator, seamstress, agriculturalist, and artist in all of us.
Top Ten Burlap Craft Ideas1. Use loose weaved burlap as a carpet backing.
2. Embroider with fabric scraps, yarn and other odds and ends to create beautiful wall hangings.
3. Shred into paper pulp and add to paint for a textured look on any surface
4. Sew up ends for a rustic and natural window dressing.
5. Lay over lawn to encourage grass growth.
6. Wet into a paper mache like texture to make bowls, vases, and sculptures
7. Laminate on card stock to make beautiful cards and paper art.
8. Stretch fine weave burlap on a frame to make a textured canvas for art.
9. Braid or weave strands and add beads for creative jewelry.
10. Sew up to make cute satches for potpourri or jewelry.
11. Create a potato sack.
12. Line and paint to make unique back packs and hand bags.
13. Line to make fun hats.
14. Leave raw and create great recyclable shopping bags
15. Sew up sides for a good old fashion sack race.
Whatever you are inspired to do with burlap, have fun doing it!
See all of our Burlap Fabric
View our Drapery FabricView our Upholstery Fabric View our Burlap Fabric
Posts by J&O
Fabrics StoreLabels: burlap, burlap-craft-ideas, burlap-crafts, eco-friendly-fabric, go-green, natural-fabric, sack-races
Imagine a garment that breathes when you breath, moves as you move, and is fashioned from the same natural ingredients as you are…...
BEAUTIFULLY. Now imagine the feeling of this same material against your skin, gently draped or wrapped around you as you sleep at night. Comforting right?
Well,
J&O is excited to bring you our
greenSTYLE fabric collection. Our latest selection offers the comfort and peace our minds and bodies have been waiting for, with the style and durability that we look for in our fabric purchases. No synthetic matter, pesticides, or harsh and abrasive chemicals. Nothing to make your sensitive skin flare up or your baby to cry.
What better way to give back to Mother Earth and yourself than with our selection of natural and organic cottons, bamboo, hemp and sea-cell fabrics. Available in an affordable array of colors and textures, not only will your wallet thank you, but your body will to.
Each of our natural fabrics has its own unique advantages and qualities, is environmentally friendly and will add a fresh look to your home and wardrobe.
Our
Kona Cottons are made of 100% organic cotton and breathes with your body. Their fibers are responsible for wicking away perspiration and drying quickly. The 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.
Kona Cotton is an ideal fashion fabric for shirts, blouses, pants, skirts, Hawaiian shorts, pet clothing, quilts, crafts and many other items.
Panda Washed Poplin is a blend of organic cotton and bamboo. The bamboo is naturally anti-bacterial and odor resistant. Bamboo is also breathable and cool, even in the hottest weather. Furthermore, Panda Washed Poplin is durable and strong.
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. Create a casual 3pc ensemble or soft bedding set with this wonderful material.
100% Bamboo is naturally anti-bacterial and odor resistant. Bamboo is also breathable and cool, even in the hottest weather. Furthermore, Panda Washed Poplin: White is durable and strong.
Sea-cell facilitates the exchange of the nutrients naturally found in seaweed. Calcium, magnesium, amino acids and vitamins are released by body moisture when the fabric is worn. It is also light, breathable and soft.
All are eco-friendly, recyclable and biodegradable. And all are available right here at J&O.
So take a moment to explore what we have in store.
Labels: bamboo-fabric, natural-fabric, Organic, organic-fabric, organic-fabrics, seaweed-fabric