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 The other day I was visiting a friend of mine in Philadelphia, PA. I was staying over by Cottman Ave off of Roosevelt Blvd to be exact. Anyway, it must have been maybe 3:00 or 4:00 in the morning when I heard a loud "BUZZ" like the timer on an oven or alarm clock. The buzzing lasted for about a minute or two before the quiet air of the night resumed. Moments later, I would hear a rustling in the bedroom next to mine as if my friend was awakening for the day. It would not be long before I heard the front door close and his car starting up in the cold early morning hour. As I looked out the window, I could see him driving off down the road in the direction of what appeared to be a storefront with a blinking red light on its roof. As I looked a little longer, I could see that my friend was not the only one gravitating towards this light in the night. It wouldn't take long for me to realize that the buzzing that had awoken me from my slumber, was also coming from this same mysterious building. A dimly lit sign revealed to me that the object of attraction for the line of cars soon accumulating alongside its perimeter was none other than the infamous Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. Upon the return of my friend less than 10 minutes later, it would be revealed that the buzzing I heard was indeed that of an oven timer letting the surrounding community know that the first morning batch of delicious and seemingly addictive Original Glazed signature doughnut treats had just come off the line and were ready to be snatched up by all addicts eager for their "quick fix" that would welcome them into a new day.  I had the pleasure of indulging in one of the dozen or so my friend purchased for his fellow employees on the job that day, and I must say...Vernon Rudolph stumbled onto something really special when he bought the secret recipe and started his own doughnut shop down in North Carolina back in the 1930s. Over 70+ years and millions of doughnuts later, Krispy Kreme is still drawing crowds and giving new meaning to the "Red Light District".  In ode to Krispy Kreme, doughnut shops in general, and addicted Americans everywhere, J&O Fabrics would like to take a moment to salute the coconut sprinkled, jelly filled, chocolate dipped, cinnamon rolled, and yes....original-glazed-eat-with-your-hands-and-lick-your-sticky-fingers-clean doughnuts and their vital contribution towards the culture that makes us Americans! Labels: donut-fabric, donuts, doughnut-fabric, doughnuts, krispy-kreme, novelty-cotton-fabric, red-light-district
 Dear Netfah,
I just recently came back from a trip to Africa and was amazed at some of the beautiful head dresses the women wore there. I am interested in duplicating the look and have seen some "How To" videos on Youtube that seem helpful in getting me started. From your online caricature pic, I figured you also wear some type of head covering and wanted your opinion on the type of fabric best suited for the style. I am looking to start off with probably a versatile color like black or white that I can wear with various outfits, and something that will not slip off too easily. I also need to know how much yardage I should consider buying to create the look I am going for. Not too high, yet not "bandanna" style either. Any assistance you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Signed,
Africa Adorned from Tennessee, USA
Dear Africa Adorned, Yes, the women of the over 47 countries that make up the beautiful continent of Africa definitely have mastered the art of head dressing! And while many of the styles are used to identify a particular social status, ceremonial occasion, or country of origin, others are reflective of the unique tastes and fashion sense of the individual woman herself.
My general response to your inquiry regarding the type of fabri best suited for a novice such as yourself looking for a more simple African inspired headdress in a versatile solid color is to start out with two-yards of a 45" wide cotton gauze material in an easy to coordinate black or white. Cotton gauze is not only made from nature made and breathable fibers, but it is also lightweight and carries a slight stretch to it that will allow for easy manipulation of the fabric as well as a comfortable fit throughout the day. The recommended 2 yards will offer you some versatility in the height or style of your headdress as you discover the ideal look to complete any formal or informal ensemble. The use of traditional African printed cotton fabric also carries much appeal, especially to those who like patterns and vibrant colors. Though slightly less pliable than gauze, African printed cottons can add just the right touch to any outfit. cotton gauze fabric african fabric novelty cotton fabric Posts by J&O Fabric StoreLabels: african-dress, african-fabric, african-headress, ask-netfah, gele, head-wrap, Headwrap, novelty-cotton-fabric
 Studies show that infants and toddlers, though unable to verbally express their wants and needs yet, can communicate through the use of sign language with much success. Imagine wanting water and not being able to tell someone, or needing help putting on your shoes, but nobody can understand you. Sometimes crying is not enough. With sign language, not only is the distress on the caregiver and child alleviated, but the child is learning a second language that he or she can use the rest of their life. At J&O Fabrics, we carry a ton of fun and fanciful childrens prints, but none as uniquely cute and educational as this. Designed for both parents and children, this is a great fabric to learn and teach with. Check out J&O Fabrics full novelty fabric selection here!Check out J&O Fabrics selection of childrens novelty prints here!Check out J&O Fabrics selection of Dick & Jane fabric here!
Posts by J&O Fabric StoreLabels: baby-fabric, dick-and-jane-fabric, educational-fabric, free fabric, frugal, novelty-cotton-fabric, sign-language, sign-language-fabric
 When we are born, we are swaddled in symbolic colored baby blankets marking the arrival of a brand new baby boy or girl. Our new parents set us up in custom designed rooms painted in pretty pastels and primary colors, an expression of love, and a welcome into what in some cases, is an unloving world. We are adored and adorned in the finest trims, prepared to spend our early years in pampered bliss and peaceful joy. This notion of being surrounding with the things that bring joy and pleasure, appreciation in the moment, and keeping a positive approach to life no matter come what may is not always the easiest stance to uphold as we grow older, and what brings joy for one, may not bring joy for another.But if it can make this precious time here a little more rewarding, why not go all the way. Statistics have shown that when individuals are informed of pending death due to possible terminal health issues like Cancer or AIDS, or if they have survived near death experiences, they have a new respect for time and the quality of life they are living. Some become less self sacrificing and more self appreciating, some conquer their wish lists with fervor, while others slow down and surround themselves with all the things that feel good to their soul. From weekly manicures and shopping sprees, to daily meditation and trips to faraway places, the little bit of happiness in an increasingly unhappy world, is essential to find and nurture.
Take death for instance. For some, the mind is limited by preconceived notion that when our bodies turn cold, we will be mourned into our cold coffins and placed 6 feet under in cold soil, until whenever. But why does it have to be that way? And why does our joyful environment have to end when our heart stops beating? Why not make our final resting place and every ritual leading up to it, as inspiring and reflective of our individual personalities as the lives we lead? Im talking about trading in that wooden or stark velvet lined black metal coffin for one lined in your favorite NFL team print, or designed with a pretty floral print symbolic of that garden you could always be found lovingly tending to every evening. Or what about a coffin that doesnt even look like a coffin at all, but maybe is crafted in the image of a horse and lined with an equestrian printed cotton because you grew up on a farm and always loved riding at the rodeo. Ingenious...no. Creative...yes. In fact hundreds of years ago in Ancient Egypt and various indigenous cultures they did the same thing. The deceased were sent away with not only spiritual articles to carry with them into the next world, but with personal possessions as well. The idea is no different. If we get morticians to make us beautiful, why not hire casket makers to do the same. All it takes is a selection of fabric that speaks to your being, and a skillful crafter to put it all together. We dont seem to have much choice on when or how we will die, we do seem to have a choice on how we live. Live life to its fullest, from the cradle to the grave!  natural organic fabric Labels: african-fabric, custom-made-casket, death, dress-fabric, fantasy-casket, frugal, life, novelty-cotton-fabric, unique-fabric-crafts
 "Ladies and Gentlemen, children of all ages, Welcome to the Greatest Show on Earth!" The circus has come to town and J&O is celebrating with Ringling Bros Barnum and Bailey inspired fabrics and prints in honor of all the magic and magnificence the Big Top has brought to children young and old in its over 135 years of existence. Though the official union between the Ringling Bros and Barnum and Bailey circuses didnt occur until 1919, the entertaining of town folks by men dressed up as clowns, ladies performing eye popping acrobatic feats, wondering freaks of nature, and trainers commanding dangerous animals from exotic places, has been going on since as far back as 1871 when Dan Castello and William Cameron Coup of Delavan, Wisconsin had their group entitled " P.T. Barnums Great Traveling Museum, Menagerie, Caravan and Hippodrome". From their debut in 1919 at Madison Square Garden in NY, to their final show in Pittsburg, PA on July 16, 1956, Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus has managed to keep the show going through the generations as ownership was exchanged and passed down creating new and fascinating changes. To date, Ringling Bros. Circus continues to travel across the United States by rail, stopping to perform at various cities along the way. Though modern forms of entertainment, animal rights activists and an ever demanding population of tech savvy teens have diminished the awe and excitement surrounding the circus, there will always remain a nostalgic memory of the big top for all those who have entered into the tent of daring trapeze flyers, flipping little people in clown costumes, whip snapping lion tamers, and rollerskating elephants; memories that are reawakened through our Ringling Bros themed fabrics and coordinating prints. They say life is a three ringed circus...so Enjoy!  Labels: cirucs-fabric, frugal, novelty-cotton-fabric, ringling-bros-barnun-and-bailey, ringling-bros-fabric, ringling-brothers-barnum-and-bailey, ringling-brothers-fabric
 Though the black and white checkered flag fabric is the most widely used print in racing to date, history surrounding its origins is challenging at best to find. Some researchers say the origin of the Checkered Flag came from early dirt track racing. The story goes that the wives used their black and white checked table cloths to signal to their spouses that food was being served (which leads me to wonder when and how the red and white checkered fabric so synonymous with picnics came into popularity). Others say that its usage can be traced back to the early 1900's through an old photo of a checkered flag being used to end a race during the inaugural Vanderbilt Cup Race in New York 1904.
Seems somewhere between then and now, fabric of various colors and prints have been transformed into auto racing and motor sport flags, and used to indicate anything from track conditions, to important messages for drivers, to the signaling of the start or end of a race. Most of all it has become synonymous with winning. Although popular Nascar driver and racing prints have been out of print for some time, the black and white checked fabric can still be found ready and waiting for its new found owner to craft it into the next winning hand.
Labels: car-fabric, checkered-fabric, flag-fabric, nascar fabric, novelty-car-fabric, novelty-cotton-fabric
Whenever it rains really hard, my auntie says its 'raining cats and dogs'. I grew up hearing this saying from not only my family, but the elders in my community as well. I never really understood where it came from or why it was used to describe a heavy rain to I did my research and this is what I found. The metaphor or idiom (whichever you prefer) had several suggested sources ranging from a greek aphorism meaning an 'unlikely occurance', a mythological symbolism for rain (cats) and wind (dogs), to an expression of sensory overload as in the case where the loud sound of the rain caused the ears to hurt, like the loud sound of cats meowing and dogs howling. But the meaning that seemed to have the deepest roots and strongest following was the one that connects the metaphor to a period in time when the streets of 17th & 19th century Britian were so dirty and poorly constructed that many cats and dogs would drown whenever there was a storm. People seeing the corpses floating by would think the animals had falled from the sky. Further reading gives reference to a poem by Jonathan Swift dating back to 1710 called "A Description of a City Shower " where the author describes a similar scene to that of the rainstorms in England.  "Sweeping from butchers stalls, dung, gut, and blood; Drowned puppies, sinking sprats, all drenched in mud, Dead cats, and turnip-tops, come tumbling down the flood." If nothing less, my findings certainly gave new meaning to an otherwise beautiful rainy day.
Labels: cat-fabric, conservative, dog-fabric, free-fabric, frugal, novelty-cotton-fabric, raining-cats-and-dogs
 As a self proclaimed yet still wet behind the ears J&O Fabrics veteran employee (2 years and going strong), I can still recall the words I heard from my now boss the day I was hired. From the door I was informed that J&O Fabrics was a family operated and oriented business that carried a proud reputation of providing all of their customers with quality top shelf fabrics for over 45 years and that while many of their current customers shop on their high volumed online store, many of their older customers still like the pleasure of coming inside. One look down the colorful textured isles of J&Os humble yet bountiful brick and martyr store and any one can see why. From a wide display of decorative, dress and outdoor fabrics, to an extensive array of upholstery, national sports teams, and novelty prints, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the selection. Luckily J&O's friendly and knowledgeable floor assistants and expert cutters are on hand to offer their professional insight and suggestions to help any novice through an otherwise intimidating experience. For our regular customers, a weekly visit to their favorite fabric store involves sharing updates on their latest projects with the staff as well as the anticipated discovery of our new fabric arrivals. For me, J&O Fabrics represents a reflection of American culture in textile and design from the last four decades and further, up until now. A heaven for many but a classroom for more, I have discovered I am not the only one who has found something new to learn everyday here. With so many changes in the fabric and textile industry and so many wonderfully ingenious and imaginative customers nurturing their respective crafts, to say J&O Fabrics is a source of creative inspiration is an understatement. It is no wonder my paychecks look so small; my hard earned money is continually being snatched up by organic Kona cottons, beautiful African prints and cool vintage looks. This being expressed, after eight hours of servicing our great online customers, invoicing shipments, updating site information, logging in new fabrics, cutting trim and handling a plethora of little odd jobs that help keep the J&O ship running smoothly, at the end of a long day I can still say I like my job. And these are the top ten reasons why.... 1. I get to use my BA in Home Economics to teach what I know. 2. I get to learn what I dont know. 3. I get to work with creative individuals from different walks of life who are nice too. 4. I work for a boss whose open and understanding. (as much as a boss can be) 5. I get to meet crafters and designers from all over the world. 6. I work in a family friendly and casual setting. 7. My craft is nurtured on a daily, and so is my passion for fabrics. 8. I get to see the latest fabrics before they hit the consumer market 9. J&Os dedication to satisfactory service. 10. Did I mention my passion for fabrics ?? To check out J&Os selection of hot new fabric click here! Posts by J&O Fabrics StoreLabels: best-fabric-store, dress-fabric, novelty-cotton-fabric, top-fabric-store
 June is Black Music Month and what better way to celebrate then with some cool novelty music fabrics in honor of the greats of the past and present who took the sonic world by storm in all the top musical genres like rhythm & blues, reggae, jazz, soul, r&b, neo-soul, classical, funk, doo wop, opera, hip hop, gospel, and rock-n-roll. From such historic greats like Nat King Cole, Billy Holiday, BB King, Leontine Price, the Supremes, Bob Marley, Chubby Checker, Fela Kuti, Mariam Makeeba, Nancy Wilson, and Jimi Hendrix, to popular entertainers of today like Seal, Beyonce, Jay Z, Keb Mo, Morgan Heritage, George Benson, Maxi Priest, Erykah Badu, Bad Brains, and Chris Brown, black music has always been and will always be influential in American culture and the world over. In honor of the power and unifying ability that music is able to create, we at J&O Fabrics proudly support and recognize the musical contributions of a people rich in tradition, culture and creativity not only during the month of June, but 365 days of the year. Our large selection of music inspired prints are offered in an array of looks and feels that are as affordable as they are appealing. Stop by http://www.jofabrics.com/ to find your perfect print just in time for the month long celebrations today!    Check out our full line of fabricsLabels: 70's-music, beyonce, black, black-music, black-music-month, chris-brown, george-benson, jay-z, june, music-fabric, novelty-cotton-fabric, novelty-music-fabric
 The month of June has over thirty different nationally recognized holidays and presidential proclaimed 'special days' in it. When broken down, that equates to a holiday each day. There's Fathers Day, Juneteenth, National Gay & Lesbian Pride Month, and National Childs Day just to name a few. But today, we at J&O Fabrics take personal pride in celebrating Caribbean-American Heritage Month.  During the month of June, we pay tribute to the Caribbean Americans at home and abroad who have helped weave the fabric of our Nation into the bountiful country it is today, and to celebrate the great contributions of a diversity of people from various islands in the Atlantic and Pacific who continue to enhance the culture and bonds of friendship that unite the United States and Caribbean countries.  With over 300 million citizens of various colors, shades and creeds, America is affectionately known as the 'Melting Pot'. From our Puerto Rican neighbors, to our Haitian, St Lucian, Trinidadian, and Jamaican brothers and sisters, it is truly a country of immigrants from every walk of life whose ultimate desire is to make a better life for themselves, their families, and the world as a whole.  For centuries, Caribbean Americans have enriched the soil of America in all areas of the arts, sports and government. From track and field Olympic gold medalist Marion Jones (Belize) and first Caribbean American candidate for president of the U.S. Shirley Chisholm (Barbados), to first Caribbean American Academy Award winner for best actor, Sidney Poitier (Barbados) and internationally known fashion designer Oscar De La Renta (Dominican Republic), the list of accomplishments and contributions goes on and on.  Over five million Americans proudly share their Caribbean heritage during the month of June and throughout the year, as we do among us here in our little piece of America called J&O Fabrics. In celebration of our unity and diversity, we offer a selection of island inspired fabrics and prints reminiscent of our tropical homes over seas. From the wild life to the beach life and everything in between, J&O is takes pride in being a part of the fabric that weaves our nation together. Happy National Caribbean American Heritage Month!
Labels: caribbean, national-caribbean-heritage-month, novelty-cotton-fabric, oscar-de-la-renta, pacific islands, sidney-poitier, tropical-novelty-print-fabric, tropical-outdoor-fabric
 Each week we receive tons of letters and emails from customers who have made beautiful crafts, reupholstered old furnishings, and designed unique garments all from the fabric they have purchases from our online store. From hot pink vinyl and black suede cloth to children's novelty cotton and route 66 tapestry, it never ceases to amaze us how creative our customers really are. Take for instance Ms. Yvonne Perry. Yvonne is a freelance writer, editor, author and owner of 'Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services' by day, but by night she is an artist with a unique sense of color and taste who makes wonderful home crafts for friends, family and a few more folks ready to support this Jackie-of-all-trades. Yvonne sent us an email thanking us for providing her with the perfect sock monkey fabric for her infant bumper pads and crib quilts featured on her flickr photostream below: http://www.flickr.com/photos/randyvonne/page2/ By nurturing her creative imagination and applying the proper training, Yvonne was not only able to turn a fun hobby into a fruitful venture, but save a lot of money at the same time. Why pay for the markup costs of a store bought bumper pad or quilt when you can cut out the middle man and turn those extra dollars into investment dollars for more creative ideas to come. Yvonne, on behalf of J&O fabrics , we'd like to say 'Thank You' for sharing your project with us and all our blog viewers on the world wide web. Keep on nurturing your gifts and encourages others to do so too. We look forward to seeing more!
To see all of J&O Fabric's fabulous textile goods, check us out at http://www.jofabrics.com. To check out J&O's selection of sock monkey fabric click here! To check out J&O's selection of other fun novelty fabric click here! Posts by J&O Fabrics Store Labels: breast-cancer-fabric-crafts, childrens-novelty-fabric, craft-ideas, novelty-cotton, novelty-cotton-fabric, novelty-fabric, novelty-fabric-craft, sock-monkey, sock-monkey-craft, sock-monkey-fabric
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