With Jerry Jones, issues with the American Anthem, and Donald’s politics ‘Trumping’ much of the fan’s love for NFL football last year, the 2018-19 season has got to be a better one…or does it???
After several debates and confusing calls surrounding the new Helmet Rule, many fans and players would say otherwise. In fact, in addition to some of the other ongoing issues within the league, polls suggest the soap opera drama of the 2018-19 NFL season has just begun.
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.
mini apron / bag sets
It never ceases to amaze me, the amount of raw talent and creativity that exists in all of us. Yes, all of us. To one degree or another, whether nurtured 110% or simply left to play with now and again, the ever flowing creations that our imagination manifests into this reality reflect the power of the mind in truly amazing ways indeed.
Every now and again one of our crafty customers shoots us an email sharing a pic or two of projects they’ve completed with the help of our wide range of fabrics. One such lady is Pearl Hinz.
Mrs. Hinz sent us a Nebraska Corn Huskers themed quilt she created for her nephew using our collegiate cotton material featuring the popular team logo and mascot in a red, black and white color theme. Using several square cuts, she overlaid black framed Husky prints quilted in a similar fashion creating a beautiful heirloom for her sister’s son to have for many years to come. Workmanship like this is truly a labor of love.
So did it make you cringe to see the word ‘Winter’ in the headline? Fear not—these fabric winter wreath ideas will take a bit off the chill off and add some warmth to your home! This year, I am loving the ice blue– it is a bold and bright hue in an otherwise drab time of year! It is important to surround yourself with bright colors during the long grey months of winter, find your favorite color combinations in our online fabric store and get started on your winter wreath this instant! (After you make a mammoth mug of hot cocoa with marshmallows, that is!).
With spring unfolding after a barren yet pretty mild east coast winter, the desire for hibernating warm-blooded mammals (people included) to dig out their warm dens, open their entrance ways, and usher in sweet-smelling Spring is already underway. From recycling old fabric and fashions, to bringing new life to outdated designs by reupholstering home furnishings and great vintage finds, spring is a season of transformation and renewal…J&O Style! With this in mind, we thought we’d take a moment to showcase one of our crafty customers’ more recent revitalizing projects she actually did for a co-worker who was expecting her first child. Check out her reupholstered rocker project below, then check out our selection of upholstery fabrics and tapestries both great for adding a whole new look and attitude to your home decor.
As our Facebook Fan page keeps growing, more and more of our crafty customers are showing off their cool creations for our J&O family and community to view, share, and comment on. One such fan is fellow Facebook page holder, Victoria Fogle of Scraps and Straps .
A while back, Victoria posted a picture on our Facebook page of a laptop case she made with some fabric she purchased from us online. We asked her if she was willing to tell us a little more about her creations and this is what she had to say…
What a selection of creative costumes our facebook fans have had the pleasure of viewing and judging these last two weeks! Over a month ago we started with sixteen Halloween costume entries that made it into the 3rd Annual J&O Fabrics ‘ Most Creative Handcrafted Halloween Costume Contest ‘ voting bracket, and after all was send and done, we ended with four. Check them out below!
1st Place Winner: Dorthy Lafferty's Fox
No list of back to school necessities is complete without Crayola crayons; they are a staple in and out of the classroom. Now they are the norm in the sewing room as well!
The geniuses working at that colorful company have developed “Fabric Crayons.” All you have to do to use them is draw whatever you want to transfer to fabric onto paper, then iron it onto the fabric of your choosing. Go crazy with it! Personalize everything from T-shirts and scarves to backpacks.
It was BIG!
It was HUGE!
Two companies, one contest, and a ton of cool prizes from J&O fabrics and Retro Revival up for grabs!
Now that it’s over, we’re pleased to announce the winners of our giveaway!
Drum roll please…..
After a few weeks of contestants uploading pics of their inspirational retro looks on our facebook page, and then a few more spent bribing family, friends, and J&O facebook fans to ‘ like ‘ them, it came down to an innocent looking woman with a big beautiful smile, a man not afraid to do a little house work, a cute retro style apron, and a Halloween inspired ensemble that would make anybody scream…in excitement of course!
