Carhartt Canvas Fabric: Born and Worn In the USA

 

If you know anything about  Carhartt Canvas, you know there is no fabric more cut out to handle the wear and tear it often withstands in upholstery, work gear, outerwear and footing applications. Born from a mill whose name stamp has become synonymous with durability and soft handed flexibility, this gorgeous, high-quality material is the stuff that strong reputations are built off of.

With the rights to boast over 128 years of consistent manufacturing in the USA, Carhartt proudly has no intentions of producing their products anywhere else . Why? Because for them and their over 2,000 employees, crafting American-made products is an important part of Carhartt’s DNA and important to the hardworking American towns where they built their business.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade…A Countdown to Project Completion.

 

This November 22nd will mark the 94th anniversary of the Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. A tradition started back in 1924, this highly publicized ensemble of larger than life balloons featuring popular movie characters, magnificent floats, and entertaining performers from around the nation draws over 22 million television viewers and a sea of brave onlookers straddling the often cold parade route thru the streets of Manhattan with child-like anticipation of the final hallmarked Snoopy balloon at the processions end. An unofficial segue into the Christmas holiday season, not only is it a festive occasion and a parade of fabulous fabrics, but a reminder to quilters, artisans and craftsmen that the countdown to completion (or maybe the start) of their projects has now begun.

Ethical Fashions, Peace Silk & Tosheka Designs

 

Every once and awhile as we conduct research online for  information, new innovations and stories within the textile industry to develop and share with you, we stumble on unique individuals and companies doing interesting and often times fascinating things with fabric around the world. One such company is Tosheka Designs.

10 Reasons Why We LOVE Elephants

 

Whether you have an affinity for elephants because of the mythologies surrounding them, or simply find fascination with the many cultural symbolism’s that have garnered affiliation, one thing is for certain… no other land mammal is as famous for its gentleness and intelligence than this mighty land mammal. In ode to this magnificent creature of sacred idolization by some and good luck wishes by others, J&O fabrics offers a mix of old and new prints in cotton and tapestry to inspire elephant themed crafts and home textile creations throughout the seasons.  From our vintage Elephants of India and Grant Elephants Tapestry to our recently ordered Novelty Cotton Suzani Elephant Caravan ,  we are sure they will offer a bit of inspiration of your own with your next DIY home accent piece or themed fabric craft creation.

J&O Celebrates Cinco De Mayo

cinco_de_mayo

 

Originally observed in commemoration of the Mexican army’s triumphant victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in Mexico on May 5, 1862, generations later,  Cinco de Mayo has come to be known not only as a liberating feat for Mexico, but for the sustaining richness of its culture and celebration of artisan craftsmanship as well.  From their popular clay pottery, vibrant designs, and embroidered cotton garments to their wool shawls, colorful baskets and rugs, their hand-crafted items are just a few of the cultural creations associated with Mexican art. In celebration of the elaborate designs and artistry of Mexico,  J&O offers an array of dress fabrics, southwestern prints, and colorful trim to make your Cinco de Mayo festivities a memorable one.

Ruth Carter’s Wakanda Wonderland

When I went to see Marvel’s Black Panther  movie, I went with a mission…. to see and be inspired by Ruth Carter’s creative manifestation of  Marvel Studio’s  artistic concepts in all its masterful glory.  I was not disappointed. From the alluring grandiosity of Zulu-inspired headpieces worn by Wakanda’s queen mother Ramonda (Angela Bassett) and the eye-poppingly ornate armor adorned with chevron print worn by the all-female based warriors, to Nakia’s (Lupita Nyongo) sumptuously textured, kente cloth-inspired green gown that seemed to mold to her form, the creative collaboration of both visionaries left theater goers in awe and aspiring designers wanting more from Ruth.

RV Road Tripping In Style With Summerdale Fabrics

 

 

With the camping and ‘road tripping’ season coming up soon, many RV owners around the country are upgrading their beloved houses on wheels, making destination plans, and mapping their scenic travel routes. From converted buses, pop-up campers and teardrop trailers, to hybrids, totter homes and 5th wheels, RV lovers are making their way to resort style campsites, rustic KOA’s and secluded destination locations across the USA in classic style.

Celebrating Black History Month Through African Fabric

As we celebrate Black History Month and the invaluable contributions of both African and African-Americans in areas of technology, entertainment, science, mathematics and the arts, we are reminded of their traditional roots in African textiles as well. From their colorful kente cloth from Ghana, bògòlanfini (mudcloth), and richly colored adire (indigo fabrics) from Mali, to their African lace of Nigeria, East African Kitenge and Egyptian cotton, African fabrics were hand-woven, painted, and dyed in tradition and meaning that sustains itself today. As well, we celebrate the symbolic Adinkra symbols of West Africa, storytelling wovens of Ghana, and abstract geometric shapes of the continent itself that can be found on printed cottons in many fabric stores and infused into the latest fashions.

Bow Ties…What’s In a Name?

J&O fabrics

Where did the infamous ‘bow tie’ get its start and what purpose did it serve? It wasn’t to keep a man’s neck warm and it surely wasn’t to make him feel more comfortable. Maybe it was designed to simply keep his collar closed or strategically draw attention to the length of his beard (which in some cultures is a measure of wisdom). Whatever the reason it first made its debut, we found its presence in history and fashion important enough to do a little research and share our findings.

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice

Sugar and Spice and Everything Niceimage by Tobyotter

What are little girls made of? Sugar and spice and everything nice. That’s what little girls are made of! Ask any mother of a little girl and she will agree with this poem whole heartily! There is just something fun about sewing for girls. All the lace and sparkles, netting and organza still makes me get excited. I suppose I’ve never outgrown dressing in pink and enjoying girl-y prints. Thankfully J&O has just the selection of fabric I need to fulfill all little girl’s fairytale fantasies.