image courtesy abc7_ny
Adorning one’s head with a hat of flowers, fabric, and fantastical additions in celebration of Easter has been the culture and pride of many New Yorkers as far back as I can remember. And now after a 2-year pandemic hiatus, the tradition of showcasing the artistry and creativity of the Easter bonnet has made its come back
J&O DIY Cocktail Canopy: Floral Deco
For the J&O/ Summerdale Mills family, summer just isn’t summer without backyard BBQ’s, picnics, taking in seemingly endless sunsets in an outdoor living space of our very own, or simply sitting pretty by the seashore. But beyond the idea and aesthetics of it all, there is the nitty-gritty of uninvited guests to contend with that certainly can have a way of spoiling the fun. You know those party-crashers I’m speaking of. The eight-legged, winged and just plain annoying creepy crawlies seduced by the sights, sounds and scents of it all. We can’t blame them for wanting to get a taste of the good life I know, but we can make our presence in their domain more comfortable.
During the month of February, as our nation celebrates the highly commercialized day of love also known as St. Valentine’s Day, we at J&O Fabrics will be sharing the many ways we can express love to our family, friends and loved ones through the use of fabric .
With my skill set primarily in drapery, one of the more intimidating projects I have yet to undertake is the making of knickers. Not the kind that can be mistaken for mens’ underwear because of their boxy, boyish cut, but truly form-fitting, feminine lingerie that make a woman look and FEEL sexy! I’m not sure which of my concerns surrounding such a seemingly simple feat is stronger…getting the cut just right or properly manipulating the stretchy knits required in the way needed to keep them from sagging. But with several ultra-feminine silk and floral poly rems to play with, this DiY video courtesy of Delia and Erika at Flo-Jo Boutique in Bristol, was just the inspiration I needed to boost my courage up a notch and at least try my hand at a pair or two.
With her cotton/polyester blend of fibers and water-repellent finish, Aruba Getaway II Stripes Outdoor is a versatile and colorful fabric that loves the great outdoors, being the center of attention, and showing off her many talents. Looking to add some spice to your life?
The perfect parent for this vibrant fabric has creative vision and plenty of patio cushions to cover. When you adopt-a-fabric like Aruba Getaway II Stripes Outdoor, it’s a win-win situation for both, for a little bit of love and a home of her own is all this happy fabric needs.
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.
Garland in white organza Derby bonnet with pink and violet rosettes
Although bonnets started out as a practical form of head wear they became more and more elaborate as the 19th Century progressed. Worn initially to keep the hair tidy when indoors and the dust and sun off of it when outdoors, women would wear a heavier bonnet for winter and a lighter one, possibly made from straw for spring. By the early twentieth century, Americans became more and more invested in the Easter outfit—the hat, in particular. Because Easter coincides with seasonal fecundity, women garnered fresh flowers to wear in their hair and in their bonnets. Lilies, daffodils, azaleas with their red, pink or even crème colored blooms, and Hyacinths in purple and white were, and still are considered traditional Easter flowers. Fabrics such as organza, tulle, netting, satin and seersucker are just a few popular materials that helped to create a crown of Easter glory fit for the occasion.
With the exciting 2018 Winter Olympics coming to a close today, we can all breath a hopeful sigh of relief that the worst of the wardrobe malfunctions is now over. After figure skaters Gabriella Papadakis and Yura Min both braved their worst possible performance nightmares come true with grace and focus (second to a fall) when each of their costumes came undone exposing some or all of their womanly parts to the millions of viewers watching live worldwide, the only question that remained on the minds of seamstresses and costume designers who viewed this fashion faux pas is ….
Although largely a British custom, the old English rhyme “something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue” connected to weddings is said to attest to the human tendency to value continuity and new beginnings, unity and separation. Something old represents continuity; something new offers optimism for the future; something borrowed symbolizes borrowed happiness; something blue stands for purity, love, and fidelity; and a sixpence in your shoe is a wish for good fortune and prosperity. While various renditions of this tradition have been adopted into wedding ceremonies crossing both cultural and ethnic divides, it’s symbolic meaning has remained intact offering traditionalists and new-agers alike the opportunity to incorporate and make their special day as unique as the love the two of them share.
With June still reining as one of the most popular months for marriage ceremonies despite February’s National Wedding Month ownership, color and fabric trends for 2014 are the main question inquiring minds want to know as the month unfolds. According to Pantone and several leading wedding planners around the country, the top 5 colors for 2014 are mint, dark blue, pink, black, and emerald with mint taking center stage. From bold shades to lighter hues, the summer bridal palate offers its own statement against the traditional white of the bride and black tux of the groom.
