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 As 2009 rolls in, we are met with the opportunity to make yet another attempt to start and, yes, actually follow through, with our new year’s resolutions. Whether it is starting a new diet, beginning an exercise program, or embarking on a new career path, these commitments made to us, by us, are reflections of our desire to better ourselves and our lives in some small or big way. And what better time to do it than at the start of a new year? It’s almost as if by putting our goals and dreams into motion at the same time Mother Earth is moving into another celebrated year of existence, we are somehow given a boost of hope and encouragement to achieve what we set out to do.
Speaking of Mother Earth and New Year’s resolutions, for 2009 why not make a commitment to a goal that will benefit both you and her. With increasing pollution, decreasing natural habitats and global warming on the rise, both man and Earth are suffering and must work together to preserve life for ALL living creatures, including the ones not born yet.
With such worldwide issues at hand, one can feel overwhelmed at the thought of solving the problems, but have no fear; the power of one is truly powerful indeed, and it doesn’t take millions of dollars or some complete transformation in our lifestyles to make a change. All it takes is one step, one commitment, one change; and J&O Fabrics can help.
At J&O, we carry a selection of environmentally friendly organic fabrics created without the use of artificial dyes, synthetic materials or hazardous chemicals. From our seaweed and cotton based Sea-Tiva, to our naturally anti-bacterial and odor-free Bamboo and Kona Cottons, our eco-sensitive collection not only looks good, but is good for you. Instead of spending your hard earned money on fads created from synthetic materials like rayon, spandex or lycra that suffocate your body and are not biodegradable once thrown away, try replacing one or two pieces in your wardrobe or linen closet with breathable, natural fibered cottons, wools or even organic hemp. A shirt for you here, bedding linen for your children there, just one step can make all the difference. Plus, who knows what kind of trend you will set in your circle of family and friends for 09’. Just one step.
Worried about the cost? Relax, with a prices at our online store starting as low as $7.98/yd, isn’t it worth the investment towards your health and that of our future generation? Make that change for the New Year. Go Green! Do it now! It’s just one step. What are you waiting for?
Labels: bamboo, conservation, earth, eco-friendly, environmentally friendly, fashions, frugal, kona, Natural, new year, new year resolution, Organic, organic fabric, organic material, seacell
 While most of our shirts have been, and continue to be made from cotton, bamboo fiber shirts are slowly becoming the popular ‘go-green’ alternative. Both are natural plant fibers, absorb moisture well, and are strong and durable. The benefit of the bamboo fiber is that it is naturally anti-bacterial and is known for its breath-ability as well. Much like cotton, it is not only comfortable, but carries an extremely soft hand too. One more thing they have in common, China. Both cotton and bamboo are grown and harvested in abundance there not only to support their building needs, but their wildlife as well. As we move into a consciousness that has us ever more aware of our connection with Mother Nature and the effects that human action has on her, the more we are propelled to purchase and support organic and go-green products. Many natural forming goods that we have taken for granted over the centuries are slowly fading away and the need for sustainable resources is in even more demand now. Bamboo is known as one of the fasted growing and spreading plants on the Earth, making it not only naturally highly renewable, but also a great source in improving soil quality in eroded areas of land. This, in turn, makes the soil more fertile for other plants to grow. In less than 5 years it is ready for harvest and a new batch is ready to follow right behind. With minimal chemical additives required to convert the bamboo plant fiber into textile fiber, bamboo is soon to becoming the next blessing from nature to hit the fashion runways of our own clothing closets and home dwelling spaces. From shirts to sheets, go-green. Mother Earth thanks you! 
Check out our eco-friendly bamboo fabric here!
Check out our organic cotton here! Check out our selection of sea-Tiva cotton here!
Posts by J&O Fabrics StoreLabels: bamboo-fabric, cotton fabric, eco friendly fabric, go green gina, Natural, natural fabric, Organic, organic fabric
 Waffle weave fabric is a woven fabric with a recessed square pattern. The weave was given this name due to the raised edges around the recessed squares that give the fabric a breakfast waffle look. Waffle weave fabric is available in different weights from very fine to medium to coarse. The light weight waffle weave is often times used to make dish cloths, while the coarser waffle weave material makes plush towels and bathrobes. But for this article we are going to talk briefly about organic waffle weave cotton and the benefits of this fabric as it pertains to food preservation. Did you know that organic cotton waffle weave is a great all-natural material that can be used for keeping greens fresh and wilt-free? It’s true. Keep your salad greens crisper longer without wilting, browning or sliminess by wrapping your freshly bought produce in this highly absorbent yet soft fabric for perfect salads each time. The organic waffle weave fabric is made from 100% cotton fibers that are chemical and fragrance free. That means no pesticides, no dyes, and no artificial treatments or finishings. Make sure to wash the weave one or two times before the initial use to ensure that the fibers are softened enough so that they will have increased absorbency. Then just wash your greens thoroughly, wrap in your waffle weave fabric and place in the refrigerator. It’s just that easy. Your organic waffle weave fabric is also perfect for straining fruits, berries and beans too. Make sure to keep your organic waffle weave slightly damp so that it doesn’t suck all the moisture from your greens and clean your material every so often to keep it in good condition. Now that you have yet another use for your waffle weave cotton, share it with others. Fresh organic salads in the summer never tasted better! Posts by J&O Fabrics StoreLabels: green, Organic, organic cotton, organic fabric, organic waffle weave, salad, waffle weave cotton
 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
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