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Monday, January 28, 2008

Ultra Craft Ideas with Ultra Suede.

Lemon, lime, avocado, celery, olive, tangerine…..no, it’s not the list of ingredients for an exotic salad we are making, it’s just some of the fabulous colors we have to offer you from our new Ultra-suede fabric collection.


This beautiful collection has the look and feel of real suede without the animal byproduct. So for all of our vegan friends, search no more. Buffalo, buck, camel and doe may be on our palate list, but none were harmed in bringing these deeply rich and vibrant shades your way.

Made with 100% polyester facing and 50% poly / 50% cotton backing, our ultra suede makes the perfect fabric for stylish upholstering and footwear. The versatility of this soft & durable fabric doesn’t stop here. Create fashionable home accent pieces, garments and accessories from this fabulous modern designer material as well.


Here are some other great ideas people just like you are making with their ultra suede fabrics that are sure to get your own creative juices flowing! With a little imagination and personal touch, you can bring those beautiful one-of-a-kind-ultra-suede craft creations to life!


A new ultra suede window treatment for the library in your mothers old Victorian home…in Taupe.

It was right there by the antique stove that you earned your first burn scar, when you went running through the kitchen top speed and accidentally knocked over a pot of boiling water waiting for the fresh vegetables she picked and prepared for her tasty soup.


It was here, right on this very front porch swing, that you sat for hours waiting for her to arise from her attentively tended flower bed to take you to the park before the slow falling summer sun surrendered her rays to the night.
For all the memories of youth that are still alive in that old Victorian your mother still keeps. For all she has been and done for you during your carefree youthful days; why not return the love by giving the home she holds sacred, an interior upgrade with our beautiful taupe colored ultra suede.

There are many simple styles of curtains, shades, valances, and other window treatments that you can easily create to dress her tall library windows. The key is to keep things in balance, rather than overpower the space with too many contrasting fabrics.

If you are using several fabric treatments in the room, our ultra suede color palate offers soft natural hues as well as rich vibrant tones to mix and match for that perfect look. Coordinate a solid with a print, or combine two contrasting solids together. Our ultra suede offers a stylish and classy finish to an already sophisticated room without taking away from the old fashioned flair. Not only decorative and beautiful, they are easy to make as well.

Using two of the same fabrics already featured in the space, cut pieces from each one that are large enough to cover your windows. Always cut the fabric a bit larger to account for seam allowances. A half inch to one inch on each side is sufficient for window treatments.

Lay out one of the fabric pieces, "face" up, and the other, on top of it, "face" down. Make sure the faces of the fabrics are together. Sew along the top edges and both sides. Turn the shades right-side-out, and sew the bottom edges closed. These window treatments can be hung from ribbons sewn along the top. Add ribbons at the bottom as well, so when you want the shades open you can tie the bottom ribbons to the curtain rod. When the shades are open, both fabrics will be displayed.

If you can hang a curtain rod, you can create dramatic window treatments in five to ten minutes, by draping your luxuriant ultra suede fabric over the rods. This is a lovely no-sew window treatment that anyone can make.
A valance is another favorite among window treatments and usually used for purely decorative purposes. You will need a piece of ultra suede fabric approximately twice as wide as your window and about sixteen inches long.
Start by hemming the sides and bottom to create smooth edges.

Next, fold the top edge over about four inches, toward the backside of the fabric.

Sew a straight line at the two-inch mark, to create a ruffle, and then sew just above the four-inch mark, to attach the bottom edge. This will create a rod pocket.

Slide the valance onto the curtain rod, and scrunch and fluff as desired.

Even if you don't have a lot of decorating or sewing experience, you can make your own window treatments. They are simple and fun to make, and when your guests compliment the look, you have the added bonus of saying you made the treatments yourself.

Check out our Taupe ultra suede here!
Check out our full ultra suede color palate here!
Check out our selection of drapery fabrics here!


Check out our drapery lining here!

A simple wrap skirt for the workplace in sky blue.






Contrary to belief, ultra suede material is not just for drapes and upholstery. This soft and durable fabric can be used for a plethora of craft ideas, including clothing.

From coats and shoes, to skirts and dresses, ultra suede offers a clean and stylish look that never goes out of style. Mix and match with complimentary fabrics to create your own unique flair for work or play. Spice up your 9-5 wardrobe with one or two basic pieces straight from the marriage of your creative mind and your sewing machine. Even a simple solid colored wrap skirt can go a long way when cut to the right length. For example, a carefree mid-length a-lined skirt in sky blue can create a versatility that will allow you to throw on heels, flats or boots, with ease. Be the envy of your coworkers by pairing it up with a printed satin top for a truly professional yet fashionable look.



Create coordinated accessories like bags or hats to compliment your newly made skirt for a complete ensemble. A light lining will offer a line of protection and added comfort between you and the slightly weighted backing. Coffee spills and donut icing marks can be quickly and easily removed with a little spot cleaning with soap and warm water. Dry clean for best results.

Check out our sky blue ultra suede here!
Check out our full ultra suede color palate here!
Check out our satin fabrics here!

A Dressy Tote Bag in Pink Poppy to Match Those Fabulous Shoes.



Clutches, satchels, totes or hip purses….“I never saw a bag I didn’t like.“ And with the fabulous color palate available in our ultra suede’s, why should I?




Pink Poppy is my favorite, especially when it matches so perfectly with the pink suede shoes I found on sale last week. But what if I wanted another to match the Ruby reds I purchased for my birthday last month? Solution, make a bag to coordinate!



Soft yet durable, a tote made from an ultra suede material is supple enough to reflect a womans’more feminine side, yet strong enough to handle the many possessions of life she stuffs inside of it. And with the extra space you may discover between the half eaten chocolate brownie and your favorite romance novel, you can put all the money you saved from making it on your own. Pair up with your little girl for a fun & simple ‘ ladies day ’ craft project.



Materials Needed
Fabric Thread
Webbing (optional)



Directions
All Directions are for ½" seams.


Cut fabric 14" by 39" or 2 pieces 14" by 20"



Assembly
For fabric cut 14" by 39" - fold fabric in half right sides together to measure 14" by 19½" - seam the 19½" edges. Use a seam finish or double stitch for added strength.



For fabric cut 14" by 20" - Place two pieces of fabric with right sides together - seam the two 20" edges and one 14" edge. Use a seam finish or double stitch each seam for added strength.



At top 14" open edge press under ½", matching wrong sides of the fabric. Press under 1", enclosing ½" raw edge. Top stitch hem in to place. Mark in 2 ½" from the seams on both sides of the bag from both seam edges, on the outside of the bag.



For Straps
Webbing Straps - cut two straps 10" long. Seal ends of straps either with heat or a seam finish such as zig zag.
Self Cloth Straps - Cut 2 pieces of fabric 2 ½" by 11". Fold under by ½" on each 2 ½" edge. Fold under ½" on both 11" edges. Fold strip in half Matching 11" edges. Press and top stitch all sides of the strap ¼" from the edge. Repeat for second strap.
To attach the straps - Line up the hemmed edge of the bag with the edge of the straps,on the outside of the bag and with the marks that are 2 ½" from the seam. Stitch. Turn bag right sides out and press.



Tips
Double stitch the seams, on the seam allowances by stitching ¼" from the original seam.




Check out our Pink Poppy ultra suede fabric here!




Check out our selection of linings here!

A Reupholstered chair in Persimmon Orange, just because you can.



The spring is not only a time of renewal and change, it is also a time for us as humans to engage in the conditioned and socialized pattern of house cleaning. Thought it seems we are not the only ones who participate in this sometimes rewarding, sometimes saddening practice. Squirrels, birds and even bears partake in a similar attempt to revise and renew.

We clean out closets, give away old clothes and upgrade outdated furnishings and appliances. Carelessly, we sometimes throw out perfectly good sofas and chairs that seemed to have gotten caught in a time capsule and ended up in our living space, not realizing its true potential. What was fashionably stylish in the 70’s can often times be again, with a simple change in the fabric.
Re-upholstering our favorite chairs and sofas can bring new life and energy to a room. Re-upholstering with a rich and vibrant color like Persimmon Orange can add spice to that new life and an energy that speaks to your youthful soul like no other color.




When deciding on how much of that ultra suede to buy, keep in mind that the type of cushion you are covering will impact the amount of yardage used, the layout, and if a pattern is required. (Check a yardage chart for amount required here). If you are a novice, then having an experienced upholsterer check out your furniture to give you an accurate estimate of how much material you may require is best. They can also address any unforeseen work that may arise.
Top off your new sofa or chair with some coordinating accent pillows, and viola! , reincarnation from the dead!



Check out our Persimmon orange ultra suede here!
Check out our full ultra suede color palate here!
Check out our selection of home accent fabrics here!

Soft and Comfy bean bag cover in Lipstick Red to spice up that room.




Sure, it’s fun enough to plop down with a good book in a regular old bean bag, but how much better it would be once it is wrapped in a soft and comfy ultra suede…..in lipstick red!



Bean bags have been around for years, but yours doesn’t have to look like it. Give your wonderful seating friend a makeover by covering that traditional cotton or vinyl material with a little red. Add some pizzazz to your plain and simple recreational room, or enhance an already funky retro colored bedroom just by changing the fabric.



Our ultra suede is not only soft, but it offers the kind of durability needed for all the ‘plops’ and ‘flops’ it will take at the end of a hard day. Get really creative by adding trim onto your suede for a truly one-of-a-kind design.



The grit and grind of life may wear off on you, but not your ultra-suede. This fabric is stain resistant and with a little help from a good suede cleaning product, spot washing offers a good-as-new look for long lasting use.








Note: All of our ultra suede fabrics are stain resistant. For spot cleaning, use a little upholstery soap and warm water. Dry clean only.





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Friday, January 18, 2008

Top 10 Coolest Fabric Inventions


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.


4. Hemp/Bamboo & Other Organic Fabrics


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. Wool

Wool 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. Dorlastan

Dorlastan is the spandex fiber produced by Bayer Inc. It is lightweight and soft, but stronger 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 cloth

Suede 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 Vinyl

Like 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.

Check out some of our new fabrics here.



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Saturday, December 29, 2007

Extreme Home Makeover Highlight Pt I: Marrero Family

We’ve gotten some great feedback from our Extreme Makeover: Marrero Family Finally and thought we’d take a moment to do some highlights on the rooms you loved the best.
The first room we will be focusing on is the walk through living and dining area. As you were able to see in our last write up, yards of our Camel Cotton fabric dressed the front and side windows of this fabulous area of the house. From the time you walk in thru the front door, you are met with an open and airy look and feel. The house itself suddenly seems longer because there are no dividers or walls separating the living, dining or kitchen areas. No obstacles block your walkway, and the same soft flowing material garnishing the windows along the way, create a reserved yet inviting stream of sunlight into an already brightly lit area.


Our White Suede fabric wrapped around the cushioned base and backs of the dining room chairs offer an additional luxury to the dining experience. Don’t let the light color and fabulous look fool you. The fact that it is created with a polyester also makes it very resilient, quick drying, and easy to wash.


The feeling is harmonious and unifying. And with such a big family, the décor of these rooms together is just the right combination for making a house feel like a home. This is a great area not only for living, but entertaining as well. Holidays, football season and big family breakfasts will never be the same when gathering in this welcoming space. Even the Marrero family’s Fen Sui artist friends will find its free flowing layout quietly appealing.


Stay tuned for our second room of choice highlight coming soon!


View our cotton twill, canvas and duck cloth fabrics.

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